Principal Engineering Manager in Chester

Working here isn’t just a job. You can advance your career at Avove, and we’ll reward you with a range of benefits that recognise great work. We provide full training and continuous development to help you reach your potential. We strive to create an inclusive working environment where everyone can be themselves. Join us and take the next step towards a fulfilling career.

About the role

Due to continued growth, Avove is seeking to appoint a Principal Engineering Manager to work on our United Utilities framework. The role will lead the development and management of a water and wastewater non‑infrastructure design team, with responsibility for people leadership and project financial performance. The Principal Engineering Manager will foster a strong project delivery culture, underpinned by technical excellence, efficient design, and balanced client, staff, and commercial expectations.

Location: Warrington (Avove offers flexible hybrid working, with a combination of office and remote working)

Key Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with construction and commissioning teams to ensure seamless project delivery
• Define and agree the scope of design deliverables, including design fees, assumptions, exclusions, and risks/opportunities, and incorporate these into a priced programme of work
• Ensure delivery of all design requirements across the full project lifecycle, meeting time, cost, quality, and carbon targets
• Provide technical advice on regulatory compliance and other specialist subjects
• Lead technical discussions with clients and key stakeholders
• Act as the single point of contact for coordinating internal and external approvals, consents, and permits
• Manage and coordinate external sub‑consultants as required
• Provide guidance on best practice design methods to meet technical and project requirements
• Maintain awareness of industry best practice and share knowledge across the team
• Scope, plan, and manage investigations (e.g. SI/GI) to support design development
• Advise on technical and procedural aspects of projects
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, CDM, and all relevant regulations
• Brief and train teams on design and technical matters
• Maintain strong working relationships with clients and stakeholders, providing technical reports and responses as required
• Contribute to business development activities, including producing technical input for tenders
• Manage project administration, including design programmes, resources, and budgets
• Lead, motivate, and inspire team members to deliver high‑quality project outcomes

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in leading project design delivery
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams
• Ability to work largely unsupervised, while appropriately seeking guidance when required
• Previous people or line management experience
• Strong management, coordination, and organisational skills
• Well‑developed problem‑solving and technical delivery capabilities
• Proven ability to produce clear, concise, and well‑structured written documentation
• Broad experience of water and wastewater non‑infrastructure design delivery
• Sound technical and commercial awareness, including statutory processes and technical standards
• Client‑focused approach to service and project delivery
• Self‑motivated with a commitment to continuous improvement
• Strong focus on health, safety, and regulatory compliance
• Computer literate, with experience working in a multidisciplinary design environment
• Proven track record of successful project delivery, supported by clear evidence

Please note that candidates with qualifications that do not fully match the above criteria but have relevant equivalent experience are invited to apply.

What’s in it for you…

• We offer a rewarding salary that is tailored to your skills and experience.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company car or allowance
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Family friendly policies
• A selection of lifestyle benefit options
• Financial wellbeing programme
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing and onsite mental health first aiders to support our colleagues
• Volunteering days in your community and charity matched giving

About us:

We design, build and maintain the UK’s utilities infrastructure to help transform local communities for the better. We provide cutting-edge and sustainable engineering solutions and play a critical role in helping to keep the water running, the lights on and people connected. We are an expert, responsible and agile partner, providing vital services to water and power sectors.

We are an equal opportunities employer: We welcome applications from candidates of all races, genders, disabilities, religions, ages and sexual orientations. We know that having a diverse workforce encourages new perspectives, inspires creativity and creates an engaging workplace and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all colleagues can thrive.

What next: We encourage you to apply for this role as soon as you can. We recognise talent waits for no one, so we progress candidates individually through all stages of recruitment process. If you have any questions, please reach out for an informal discussion.