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- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects for sustainable water treatment solutions.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty, a leader in environmental infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water quality and sustainability in your community.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and proven leadership in the water sector.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Hybrid working based in Peterborough — spending 3 days every two weeks at our Peterborough hub, with travel to Water Treatment Works across the region (Grimsby to Colchester).
Balfour Beatty play a key role as part of the Anglian Water's @one Alliance. The Alliance is a ground-breaking collaboration between Anglian Water and eight industry-leading partners: Balfour Beatty, Barhale, Binnies, MMB, MWH Treatment, Skanska and SWECO. Together, we deliver around 40% of Anglian Water’s capital investment programme.
Entering AMP 8, we’re taking on nature-based, sustainable solutions like wetlands and urban drainage schemes. We’re setting global benchmarks in environmental infrastructure and empowering our people with exceptional career growth opportunities.
We are recruiting a Design Manager to lead the engineering design delivery for a major programme of PFAS removal projects within the Water Business Unit. You will head up a 15–20-person multi-disciplinary engineering team to deliver right‑first‑time solutions across five Water Treatment Works, using two-stage Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment systems.
Main Responsibilities
- Own end‑to‑end design delivery for the PFAS portfolio
- Develop and manage Engineering Project Plans (scope, programme, cost, risk, resources)
- Set process design direction with Senior Discipline Engineers; assign competent resource
- Implement design quality procedures to achieve a right‑first‑time outcome
- Lead supplier/subcontractor design input and integration
- Partner across functions to hit milestones and drive efficiencies
- Identify affordability opportunities and deliver value without compromising outcomes
- Produce designs that enhance sustainability and reduce whole‑life impact
- Undertake delegated duties of the Principal Designer (CDM)
- Manage team/project CDM competency assessments
- Oversee design risk assessments and SHEQ documentation
- Provide visible leadership to your portfolio design team
- Lead performance management, development and resource allocation
- Support recruitment and capability growth in line with AMP8 needs
- Champion innovation, experimentation and continuous improvement
- Embed digital design approaches and reduce carbon & natural capital within solutions
What We Are Looking For
- Degree in an engineering discipline; Chartered (or working towards) preferred
- Proven design leadership in the UK water sector—ideally potable water treatment (non‑infrastructure)
- Strong knowledge of CDM, H&S and environmental standards
- Excellent people leadership, stakeholder influence and commercial awareness
- Quality‑focused with robust understanding of QA and Risk & Opportunity management
Why join Balfour Beatty within the @one Alliance?
- Contribute to industry‑defining water quality and environmental solutions
- Be part of a collaborative, award‑winning Alliance with clear progression pathways
- Work on a nationally significant PFAS treatment programme at the forefront of innovation
- Thrive in a culture that champions safety, sustainability, digital excellence and continuous improvement
Benefits
- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…
Diversity and inclusion
At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background.
Design Manager in Colchester employer: Balfour Beatty plc
Contact Detail:
Balfour Beatty plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Balfour Beatty or within the @one Alliance. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around sustainability and innovation in water treatment. We love candidates who are genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Balfour Beatty.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in engineering design delivery, especially in the water sector, and showcase how your skills align with our mission at Balfour Beatty.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your people leadership abilities shine through! Share examples of how you've led teams, managed projects, and driven efficiencies in previous roles. This is key for us as we look for someone to head up a multi-disciplinary team.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to Sustainability: Since we're all about innovative, sustainable solutions, make sure to mention any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in that focus on environmental impact. We love seeing candidates who share our values!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at Balfour Beatty.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour Beatty plc
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering principles, especially those related to water treatment and PFAS removal. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable solutions and how they apply to the role. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but also passionate about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be leading a multi-disciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your approach to performance management and development. Highlight any experience you have with stakeholder influence and collaboration across functions.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Balfour Beatty values safety, sustainability, and innovation. Research their recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to the @one Alliance. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering innovative infrastructure.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team dynamics, and the company's future projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to digital design and how they integrate sustainability into their projects.
