Associate Director - Design Manager

Ayesa Engineering is a leading multidisciplinary engineering and project management firm with more than 60 years of experience shaping the future of the built environment. With more than 3,200 professionals in over 16 countries across the globe, the company offers innovative design, construction supervision, and consulting services in key sectors, including transportation, water, buildings and cities, and energy. A Top 50 Global Engineering firm, Ayesa Engineering is recognised for its technical excellence and its ability to manage complex infrastructure projects for public and private clients, combining deep sector expertise with a commitment to sustainability and cutting‑edge solutions.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and develop the design team to develop industry leading engineering design and solutions in the delivery of water, wastewater, sewage treatment, drainage, and utilities infrastructure from concept through detailed design and construction.
• Oversee Design Management—coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, manage design reviews, approvals, QA compliance, and project documentation.
• Work collaboratively with the Water Director, Project Leads, Commercial, HR & People Lead and all key stakeholders to deliver best value solutions.
• Deliver first class stakeholder management and engagement by providing clear, transparent and timely updates whilst championing collaboration and knowledge sharing/transfer.
• Develop new ways of working, to reduce carbon, increase biodiversity, address climate change, and embrace innovations and new digital technologies.
• Manage the delivery of design in accordance with the design management plan, design brief, including client requirements, cost, programme, best practice, design standards, design responsibilities, BIM strategy and contract agreement.
• Lead buildability, risk, opportunity and value engineering reviews.
• Oversee the Technical deliverables ensuring they are produced within the required timescales, costs are properly managed and technical change is tightly controlled.
• Deliver leading edge collaborative design by ensuring teams are synchronised and aligned in their processes and approaches to deliver the highest standards safely and consistently.
• Build and Maintain Client Relationships through clear communication, trust, and technical leadership.
• Deliver Projects to Time, Cost, and Quality standards, including oversight of commercial and contractual performance.
• Mentor and Develop Engineering Teams to strengthen capability and promote design excellence.
• Contribute to Business Development—prepare proposals, design methodologies, and tender submissions.
• Champion Innovation and Sustainability in design solutions across all sectors.
• Collaborate Across Business Units with structural, geotechnical, and environmental teams to deliver fully integrated design solutions.
• Monitor and report on design progress on a weekly and monthly basis, including taking action to maintain design delivery to time, cost, quality and safety requirements.

What You Bring Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Civil, Process, Mechanical or Electrical, or Water Engineering (or related discipline).
• Chartered or near-Chartered status (ICE, CIWEM, MEng, BEng or equivalent).
• 15+ years’ experience in water, utilities, or civil infrastructure design and management.
• Proven experience in design management and project leadership within multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong commercial understanding, including experience with NEC/FIDIC/PWC contracts.

Skills & Strengths

• Deep knowledge of design standards, UK regulations, WIMES and health & safety legislation.
• Expertise in design coordination and risk management for complex infrastructure projects.
• Strong client‑facing and communication skills at senior levels.
• Track record of successful team leadership, mentoring, and staff development.
• Ability to manage budgets, resource plans, and P&L targets.
• Proficiency in digital design tools and BIM workflows.

What’s In It for You

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive salary package to attract and retain top talent in the industry.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy flexible working hours and hybrid working, allowing you to achieve a better work‑life balance.
• Employer Pension Match Scheme: We offer a pension match scheme to help you secure your financial future.
• Income Protection: Receive support in safeguarding your income in the event of illness or injury.
• Life Assurance: Gain peace of mind with life assurance coverage.
• Training and Development Programme: Access a range of training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Family & Well‑Being Support: Benefit from our Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Benefits and our confidential support services to address personal or professional challenges, included in our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Sports and Social: Engage in our vibrant sports and social activities to foster a sense of community and well‑being among our team members.
• Increased Annual Leave: 25 days’ annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, enjoy increased annual leave entitlements based on years of service.
• Recognition Awards: Receive recognition for your contributions through our awards program, celebrating achievements and excellence.

We’re Inclusive by Design

Ayesa engineering is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio‑economic background or neurodiversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and stronger outcomes. We are committed to inclusive hiring practices, providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees with disabilities, and ensuring equal access to opportunities for learning, development, and progression across our organisation.