Senior Design Manager

Senior Design Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Ceto Talent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design management for major water and wastewater projects while mentoring teams.
  • Company: Leading engineering business with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work on nationally significant projects and develop future design leaders.
  • Why this job: Shape design standards and influence the future of engineering in a strategic role.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in design management, ideally in water or wastewater sectors.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Ceto Talent is partnering with a leading engineering business to recruit a Senior Design Manager to drive excellence across its UK design function. This is a strategic leadership role offering the opportunity to shape design management standards, mentor high-performing teams and lead the successful delivery of major water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You'll combine business-wide influence with hands-on project leadership, helping to establish best practice while delivering complex multidisciplinary engineering solutions.

What you'll be doing:

  • Driving consistency in design management practices, reporting and governance across the UK.
  • Developing and implementing design performance frameworks, including KPIs, Earned Value Analysis (EVA), design change management and resource planning.
  • Mentoring and supporting Design Managers across the business, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Acting as Design Manager on key projects, leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through the full project lifecycle.
  • Ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
  • Embedding CDM compliance and health & safety principles throughout the design process.
  • Collaborating with senior stakeholders to align design delivery with business objectives and client expectations.
  • Supporting recruitment, resource planning and the ongoing development of the design function.
  • Championing innovation, knowledge sharing and professional development across the business.

We're looking for someone with:

  • 10+ years' experience in design management, ideally within the UK water or wastewater sector.
  • A proven track record leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing complex infrastructure projects.
  • Experience implementing design governance, performance frameworks and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of CDM Regulations and the integration of health and safety into design.
  • Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • A degree in Engineering, Design Management or a related discipline, with Chartered status (or working towards it).

Desirable:

  • Master's degree in Engineering or Design Management.
  • Project management qualification such as PRINCE2 or PMP.
  • Knowledge of BIM and digital design tools.
  • Experience delivering sustainable and innovative engineering solutions.

What's on offer?

  • A senior leadership role with genuine influence across a growing UK engineering business.
  • The opportunity to shape design management standards and mentor the next generation of design leaders.
  • Work on nationally significant water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
  • Hybrid working based from Glasgow.
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

If you're an experienced Design Manager ready to influence strategy while continuing to deliver complex engineering projects, we'd love to hear from you.

Senior Design Manager employer: Ceto Talent

Ceto Talent is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise in water infrastructure projects will be valued and nurtured. Located near Chelmsford, Essex, we provide competitive pay, a company vehicle, and a strong commitment to employee growth through ongoing training and development opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the water sector while enjoying a supportive culture that prioritises safety and compliance.

Ceto Talent

Contact Details:

Ceto Talent Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Design Manager role you’re after at Ceto Talent.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Ceto Talent a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Ceto Talent.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Senior Design Manager at Ceto Talent, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager

Design Management
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Management
Project Lifecycle Management
CDM Regulations Knowledge
Health and Safety Compliance
Performance Framework Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Design Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Ceto Talent a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Ceto Talent specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ceto Talent

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Ceto Talent, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Ceto Talent want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.