Design Manager (Wastewater Infrastructure) in Bristol

To further expand our Water team, we are looking for a Design Manager (Wastewater Infrastructure) to join us. This is a permanent office/home hybrid role. You’ll be overseeing the design and delivery of wastewater infrastructure projects aligned to AMP8 programmes, supporting water companies in improving network resilience, reducing storm overflows and enhancing environmental performance.

Responsibilities

• Managing and overseeing the design delivery of wastewater infrastructure projects across all AMP8 stages, from optioneering and concept design through to detailed design and construction support.
• Acting as Design Manager within collaborative delivery models (alliances and frameworks), coordinating multidisciplinary teams across civil, mechanical, electrical and ICA disciplines.
• Promoting best‑for‑project and TotEx‑driven design strategies that align capital spending with ongoing operational performance for network assets.
• Directing the design of wastewater networks, covering gravity sewers, rising mains, pumping stations, CSOs, and stormwater management systems.
• Supporting storm overflow reduction and network resilience programmes, including storage solutions, SuDS, and nature‑based interventions.
• Embedding digital engineering and BIM (ISO 19650) principles into design delivery, including use of common data environments and digital twins where applicable.
• Managing design programmes, resources, risks, and budgets to meet AMP8 delivery targets.
• Managing design risk assessments (HAZID, HAZOP) and ensuring safe‑by‑design principles in accordance with CDM Regulations.
• Collaborating with contractors, suppliers, and client teams to ensure designs are buildable, efficient, and aligned with delivery strategies.
• Supporting carbon reduction and sustainability objectives, including low‑carbon materials, construction techniques, and whole‑life optimisation.
• Contributing to bids, tenders, and framework opportunities within AMP8 and future investment cycles.
• Building and sustaining trusted client relationships as a reliable delivery partner.
• Mentoring and developing engineers and designers, building capability to meet AMP8 demands.

Qualifications & Skills

• A degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Achieved Chartered Engineer status (e.g. MICE or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in wastewater infrastructure design within UK water sector frameworks (AMP7/AMP8).
• Demonstrated experience in a Design Manager or senior design leadership role within collaborative environments (alliances, frameworks).
• Experience in the design of sewer networks, rising mains, CSOs, pumping stations and stormwater management systems.
• Demonstrable experience delivering TotEx‑driven solutions and understanding of Ofwat regulatory drivers.
• A solid understanding of hydraulic modelling and design tools (e.g. InfoWorks ICM, MicroDrainage or equivalent).
• Experience working under NEC3/NEC4 contracts in a Design Manager or Designer’s PM capacity.
• Knowledge of digital engineering, BIM (ISO 19650), and common data environments.
• Thorough knowledge of health and safety in design (CDM Regulations) and how to apply safe‑by‑design principles.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and client‑facing skills.
• Commercial awareness, including programme and cost control within design delivery.

Benefits

• 28 days' holiday plus all UK bank and public holidays.
• Formalised development plans and yearly promotion opportunities.
• Private health care for you and your immediate dependents.
• Flexible and hybrid working conditions.
• Annual subscription fees paid for your membership of two Professional Institutions.
• Group personal pension scheme – salary exchange.
• Life assurance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

COWI provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age or disability. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.