At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design teams to deliver innovative water and wastewater infrastructure solutions.
- Company: Join a leading firm in the water infrastructure sector with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a major AMP8 programme with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical water projects that benefit communities.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or relevant experience; team collaboration skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Southern Water Region
Contract Type: Contract
Sector: Water Infrastructure / AMP8
CMDP+ has secured a new AMP8 Capital Programme Strategic Delivery Partner Framework Agreement with Southern Water for Water and Wastewater delivery. This award continues the successful joint venture partnership between Costain and MWH Treatment. The framework has been awarded for an initial seven-year term, with the option to extend for up to a further five years. Between 2025–2030, CMDP+ will deliver critical investment across Water and Wastewater infrastructure throughout the region, including upgrades to Treatment Works, Pumping Stations, and Reservoirs.
We are currently seeking an experienced Design Manager to join the team and support the successful delivery of this major programme.
The Role
Design Managers are project-based and work as part of integrated project teams to deliver the design and engineering aspects of major infrastructure schemes. This may also include supporting major bids and framework opportunities. As a Design Manager, you will be accountable for all design activities relating to a scheme or section of a major project. You will manage multidisciplinary designers, ensuring all design outputs are delivered safely, sustainably, on programme, within budget, and in accordance with technical and governance requirements. You will work within a wider team of Design Managers and report directly to a Principal or Senior Design Manager.
At Costain, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and believe you can add value to our team, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t meet every requirement listed.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver engineering solutions from initial definition of need through optioneering, solution development, detailed design, and construction support
- Lead multidisciplinary design teams in the development of wastewater technical solutions
- Ensure design solutions are affordable, buildable, sustainable, and compliant with project and regulatory requirements
- Manage design quality control processes and ensure compliance with CDM Regulations
- Develop collaborative working relationships with clients, construction teams, and supply chain partners
- Agree and manage design budgets, monitoring performance and forecasting costs to completion
- Record, monitor, and control design changes to maximise cost efficiency
- Establish and maintain design programmes and delivery milestones
- Prepare and manage Design Management Plans and Project Execution Plans
- Deliver all design stage outputs within agreed timescales and budgets
- Provide regular progress reporting, including metrics and narrative updates
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
- Academically qualified MEICA Design Engineer
- Ideally Chartered or working towards Chartership
- Experience managing design quality control processes
- Strong multidisciplinary team collaboration skills
- Ability to deliver designs and tenders to programme, budget, and quality requirements
- Proactive mindset with the ability to adapt to changing project requirements
- Understanding of CDM responsibilities and requirements
Desirable
- Experience managing significant design change
- Knowledge of Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) and design workflows
- Basic legal, contractual, and construction knowledge
- Ability to influence stakeholders and drive collaborative solutions
- Experience drafting contractual correspondence
- Negotiation and team-working skills
Qualifications
Essential
- Bachelor’s Degree or Engineering/Management Apprenticeship with relevant industry experience
Desirable
- Chartered Membership of a recognised professional institution (e.g. MICE, IMechE, MCIOB)
- Project Management or Risk Management training/certification
This is an opportunity to be part of one of the UK’s most significant AMP8 infrastructure programmes, delivering long-term improvements to critical water and wastewater assets across the Southern Water region. Join a collaborative environment where innovation, sustainability, and professional development are actively encouraged.
Design Manager in Hampshire employer: Carmichael UK
At Costain, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and sustainability. As a Design Manager in the Southern Water Region, you will have the opportunity to contribute to significant infrastructure projects while benefiting from professional development and growth opportunities within a supportive team environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact on critical water and wastewater assets, all while enjoying the advantages of working with a leading company in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experience make you the perfect fit for the Design Manager role. Keep it concise, engaging, and relevant to the water and wastewater sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Design Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing design teams and delivering engineering solutions, as this will show us you’re a great fit for the job.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your multidisciplinary collaboration skills and any experience with design quality control processes. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and help deliver successful projects.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carmichael UK
✨Know Your Design Fundamentals
Brush up on your MEICA design principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects. Highlight specific examples where you led multidisciplinary teams to deliver successful design solutions, especially in water and wastewater infrastructure.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience with managing design quality control processes and how you've ensured compliance with CDM regulations. Share instances where you effectively monitored budgets and timelines, demonstrating your proactive mindset.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with clients and construction teams, think of examples that showcase your ability to build collaborative relationships. Discuss how you've influenced stakeholders and driven solutions in a team environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to design management plans and project execution plans. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the AMP8 programme and be ready to discuss how you would approach delivering design outputs within agreed timescales and budgets.
