Senior Design Manager - Water

Senior Design Manager - Water

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
GHD

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design teams on major water projects and shape innovative solutions.
  • Company: Join GHD, a leader in the UK water sector with a focus on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to influence major projects.
  • Other info: Opportunity to mentor future leaders and drive change in the water industry.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on water security and environmental improvement.
  • Qualifications: Experience in design management and a passion for leading multidisciplinary teams.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Senior Design Manager – Water (AMP8)

We’re not asking you to manage programmes, we’re asking you to shape them.

Job Description

Senior Design Manager – Water (AMP8)

We’re not asking you to manage programmes, we’re asking you to shape them.

AMP8 is underway, and the UK water sector is entering one of its most important delivery periods in decades.

Water companies are investing in resilience, environmental improvement, asset performance, spill reduction and future water security.

GHD is looking for a Senior Design Manager who can bring technical teams together, cut through complexity and help turn ambitious programmes into clear, buildable and well governed outcomes.

This is not a role for someone who wants to sit in project meetings and update trackers.

It is for someone who wants to lead people, influence decisions, challenge conventional thinking and help shape how major water projects are delivered.

What You Will Do

  • Lead multidisciplinary design teams on major AMP8 water and wastewater programmes.
  • Guide design teams from optioneering and outline design through detailed design and construction support.
  • Manage design risk, technical interfaces, assumptions, decisions, reviews and assurance activity.
  • Work closely with clients, contractors, framework partners and supply chain specialists.
  • Challenge traditional delivery approaches and identify smarter, simpler and more sustainable solutions.
  • Support work winning, framework growth, client engagement and early project shaping.
  • Mentor Design Managers, coordinators and discipline leads so the team becomes stronger as the work bank grows.
  • What Success Looks Like
  • You are the person teams look to if a project becomes unstable or unduly complicated.
  • You create clarity for your team when scope, risk, programme and interfaces are moving at pace.
  • You help clients and delivery partners make confident decisions when options and standards are imperfect for the situation.
  • You encourage and lead multi-disciplinary collaboration: civil, structural, process, mechanical, electrical, control, digital and environmental specialists.
  • You develop other Design Managers and technical leaders, not just the project output.
  • You protect quality, safety, constructability, sustainability and commercial performance without slowing delivery to a crawl.
  • You see and act on project change effectively.
  • What Makes This Role Different At GHD
  • Design management is treated as a leadership discipline, not an administrative function.
  • You will have room to influence projects, teams and clients rather than simply report progress.
  • You will work within major UK water frameworks while drawing on GHD’s wider technical, environmental, digital and delivery capability.
  • You will be trusted to simplify complex problems, make decisions and help others perform at their best.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Senior Design Manager - Water employer: GHD

GHD in Manchester is an exceptional employer for recent graduates, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to sustainability, employees have the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects that make a real difference in combating climate change. The two-year programme not only equips graduates with valuable skills across various sectors but also promotes personal and professional growth within a supportive environment.

GHD

Contact Details:

GHD Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager - Water

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 - Water role you’re after at GHD.

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 GHD 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 GHD.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Senior Design Manager - Water at GHD, 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 - Water

Leadership
Multidisciplinary Team Management
Design Risk Management
Client Engagement
Technical Interface Management
Problem-Solving
Mentoring

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Design Manager - Water, 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 GHD 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 GHD 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 GHD

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with GHD, 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 GHD 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.