Associate Director – Design Manger

Associate Director – Design Manger

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ayesa Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic design team to create innovative water infrastructure solutions.
  • Company: Join Ayesa Engineering, a top global firm with a commitment to sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and extensive training opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on vital projects while championing innovation and collaboration.
  • Qualifications: 15+ years in civil or water engineering with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

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.

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.

Requirements:

  • 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.

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.

Associate Director – Design Manger employer: Ayesa Group

Ayesa Engineering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the engineering sector. With a commitment to employee growth through comprehensive training programmes and flexible working arrangements, team members enjoy a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and well-being. Located in London, employees benefit from competitive salaries, enhanced leave entitlements, and a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Ayesa Group

Contact Details:

Ayesa Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Design Manger

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to show that you’re genuinely interested in Ayesa Engineering and its mission. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your responses. We can’t stress enough how important it is to be confident and articulate during those crucial moments.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We want to remind you that showing appreciation can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Design Manger

Design Management
Project Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Collaboration
Risk Management
Budget Management
BIM Workflows

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Associate Director – Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in water engineering and design management, and show us how your skills align with our needs.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your ability to lead and mentor teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and delivered projects on time and within budget.

Emphasise Innovation and Sustainability:Since we’re all about cutting-edge solutions, don’t forget to mention any innovative approaches or sustainable practices you’ve implemented in your previous roles. We love seeing fresh ideas!

Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ayesa Group

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of water engineering and the specific design standards relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with UK regulations, WIMES, and health & safety legislation. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an Associate Director, you'll be expected to lead and mentor teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your experience in design management and project leadership to illustrate your capability in guiding others.

Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex projects. Be ready to explain how you would maintain client relationships and ensure stakeholder engagement throughout the design process.

Embrace Innovation and Sustainability

Ayesa Engineering values innovative solutions and sustainability. Think about how you've incorporated new technologies or sustainable practices in your previous projects. Be prepared to discuss your ideas on reducing carbon footprints and increasing biodiversity in design.