Design Manager in Manchester

Design Manager in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic design team to deliver innovative engineering solutions for the water industry.
  • Company: Join a respected consultancy known for excellence in multidisciplinary design.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of water infrastructure while fostering a positive team culture.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in engineering design with leadership experience in regulated sectors.
  • Other info: Be part of a growing consultancy with a focus on continuous improvement and best practices.

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

A leading multidisciplinary design consultancy specialising in delivering innovative engineering solutions to the UK water industry.

Our client is a respected design consultancy with a strong reputation for excellence across the water sector. They deliver complex, multidisciplinary projects for major UK water companies and their delivery partners. With continued growth across their water portfolio, they are now seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead and develop their design capability and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality engineering solutions.

The Role

As Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing design delivery across multidisciplinary teams. You will ensure that engineering outputs meet quality, safety, and programme requirements, while nurturing a collaborative and positive team culture. This is an opportunity to shape and influence the design function within a growing consultancy, driving best practice and technical excellence across a wide range of water infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage a multidisciplinary design team including engineers, technicians, and graduates.
  • Foster a positive team culture, support professional development, and grow the team’s capability.
  • Oversee and coordinate the design process for water-sector projects, ensuring solutions are safe, integrated, and compliant with client and regulatory standards.
  • Challenge, improve, and enhance design processes, procedures, and internal ways of working.
  • Promote and implement appropriate software tools, including BIM and 3D modelling platforms.
  • Ensure all design deliverables meet quality, safety, and technical standards while working within agreed timescales and budgets.
  • Monitor and record project change relating to design packages.
  • Support bid and proposal activity by estimating design hours and contributing to technical submissions.
  • Drive continuous improvement within the design function and champion best practice across the business.

Required Qualifications & Experience

  • Minimum of 10 years’ experience in engineering design within a regulated sector such as Water, Rail, Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Highways / Bridges.
  • Degree or HND in an engineering discipline.
  • Proven track record managing multidisciplinary design teams and delivering complex engineering projects.
  • Experience working within the regulated UK water industry.
  • Strong IT skills and familiarity with common design and modelling tools.
  • Demonstrable experience developing junior engineers and building team capability.
  • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

  • Chartered Engineer status (or working towards chartership).
  • Advanced competency with BIM and 3D design software platforms.
  • Experience contributing to design governance, assurance, and quality frameworks.

Key Skills & Attributes

  • Strong leadership and people-management skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder-engagement abilities.
  • Technically confident with the ability to challenge and problem-solve.
  • Results-focused with strong planning, coordination, and prioritisation skills.
  • Collaborative team player with the ability to develop themselves and others.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Management, Design, and Engineering

Industries: Engineering Services, Utilities, and Water, Waste, Steam, and Air Conditioning Services

Design Manager in Manchester employer: Fyba Talent

As a leading multidisciplinary design consultancy in the UK water industry, our client offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a strong culture of professional development, with opportunities to lead diverse teams and shape engineering solutions that make a real impact. With a commitment to quality and continuous improvement, this is an ideal place for experienced professionals looking to advance their careers while contributing to meaningful projects.
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Contact Detail:

Fyba Talent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Manchester

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend design and engineering events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.

✨Show Off Your Skills

When you land an interview, make sure to showcase your experience with BIM and 3D modelling tools. Bring a portfolio of your past projects to demonstrate your design capabilities and how you've led teams to success. This is your chance to shine!

✨Ask the Right Questions

During interviews, ask insightful questions about the company’s design processes and team culture. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to highlight your own values and leadership style.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also keeps you updated on new opportunities tailored to your skills in the water sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Manchester

Leadership Skills
People Management
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Technical Confidence
Problem-Solving Skills
Planning Skills
Coordination Skills
Prioritisation Skills
BIM Software Proficiency
3D Modelling Software Proficiency
Design Process Improvement
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Team Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex engineering projects, especially in the water sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any relevant software tools you’re familiar with, like BIM or 3D modelling platforms.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Design Manager, leadership is key. In your application, share examples of how you've fostered a positive team culture and supported the professional development of your team members. We love to see candidates who can inspire and grow others!

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. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!

How to prepare for a job interview at Fyba Talent

✨Know Your Design Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your engineering design principles, especially those relevant to the water sector. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you managed multidisciplinary teams. This will show that you not only understand the technical side but also how to lead effectively.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've fostered a positive team culture and supported the professional development of your team members. Highlight any initiatives you've taken to improve processes or enhance team capability, as this aligns perfectly with what the company is looking for.

✨Get Familiar with Software Tools

Since the role involves promoting software tools like BIM and 3D modelling platforms, make sure you can talk about your experience with these technologies. If you’ve implemented or improved design processes using these tools, share those stories to demonstrate your technical confidence.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you've communicated with stakeholders in past projects. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve engaged with clients and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and quality. This will show that you’re not just a technical expert but also someone who can navigate the complexities of project delivery.

Design Manager in Manchester
Fyba Talent
Location: Manchester

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