Senior Design Manager in Manchester

Location: London (Hybrid Working)

Lead Design Excellence Across Sectors with GHD. GHD is a global professional services company that leads through engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Design Manager to join our UK team. This hybrid role can be based in our London offices. While the primary focus will be on water sector projects including clean water, wastewater and sludge treatment, you'll also have the opportunity to contribute to building structures, industrial engineering and infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.

Role Purpose

As a Design Manager at GHD, you will lead multidisciplinary design teams, manage complex project portfolios and ensure the delivery of high-quality innovative and sustainable solutions. You'll play a key role in shaping project strategy, driving performance and fostering collaboration across teams and sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Project & Design Leadership: Manage the design process across multiple projects ensuring alignment with client expectations, regulatory standards and GHD's quality benchmarks.
• Water Sector Expertise: Lead design delivery for water-related infrastructure including treatment plants, pumping stations and sludge systems.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Support design delivery in other sectors such as buildings, industrial facilities and infrastructure.
• Team Management: Supervise and mentor front-line managers and technical teams, setting performance objectives and supporting professional development.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to business planning and project strategy aligning design outputs with broader organisational goals.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements in design workflows, tools and methodologies.
• Client Engagement: Manage key client relationships ensuring satisfaction and repeat business through effective communication and delivery.
• Budgeting & Reporting: Support project budgeting, cost control and performance reporting.
• Internal Communication: Drive effective communication across teams and stakeholders to ensure clarity, alignment and collaboration.

What You Will Bring

• 15 years of experience in design and project delivery with a strong background in the water sector.
• 5 years of experience in team management and leadership of multidisciplinary design functions with a demonstrated ability to oversee complex projects and diverse portfolios effectively.
• Demonstrates strong technical expertise in water infrastructure including water and/or wastewater treatment systems.
• Possesses experience across the full project lifecycle with a particular emphasis on the design and construction phase.
• Ability to support, guide and mentor a high performing team.
• A Masters degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Architecture or a related discipline - preferred but not essential.
• Engineering council professional status (IEng/CEng) with Engineering, Architecture or a related discipline - preferred but not essential.
• Strong understanding of UK water industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in design and project management tools (e.g. BIM, AutoCAD, Revit, MS Project).

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Accountability: Inspires teams and ensures delivery of high-quality outcomes.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligns design delivery with business goals and client needs.
• Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships across disciplines and geographies.
• Communication: Delivers clear, compelling messages to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Process Optimisation: Continuously improves design workflows and project efficiency.
• Organisational Savvy: Navigates complex structures and builds influence across teams.

Why GHD

At GHD we believe in creating lasting community benefit through engineering and design excellence. You'll join a collaborative, inclusive environment where innovation thrives and your contributions make a real impact. We offer:

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• A supportive and inclusive team culture
• Opportunities to work on transformative projects across sectors
• Career development and global collaboration

Equal Opportunity Statement

GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

Ready to lead design innovation across the water and infrastructure sectors? Apply now and help shape the future with GHD.