Design Manager - Water

Your impact The UK water sector is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades. The review by the Independent Water Commission (IWC) comes at the same time as unprecedented investment, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine water and wastewater infrastructure. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, partnering with the largest water companies across the UK. From feasibility and planning to design, construction management, operations & maintenance, we bring together exceptional talent and expertise to deliver success. We are delivering some of the UK’s most ambitious and high‑profile water infrastructure programmes and are seeking an experienced Design Manager to play a central role in their success. You will provide leadership on large, complex water and wastewater schemes, driving delivery through innovative and collaborative delivery models. This is a high‑impact role within a growing and forward‑thinking practice, offering the opportunity to influence major infrastructure portfolios, shape technical and delivery strategy, and drive positive outcomes for communities across the UK. More than just a role, this is an opportunity to lead transformative programmes, mentor and develop high‑performing teams, and help shape the future direction of water infrastructure. You’ll join a business that values innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, and contribute to solutions that deliver lasting value.

Responsibilities As the Design Manager‑Water, you’ll be at the forefront of project delivery, responsible for:

• Ensure compliance with technical standards and UK CDM regulations.
• Take ownership for value engineering, value management and buildability.
• Lead stakeholder engagement, manage client expectations and be an active member of the framework leadership team.
• Oversee design management, scheduling, risk mitigation, change control and financial forecasting and analysis, ensuring constructability and commissioning are embedded in design thinking.
• Promote innovation in design and construction, including standardisation and design automation.
• Mentor engineers and project team members, supporting their career, personal and professional development.
• Take ownership of client relationships and contribute to business growth.
• Work with the Project Manager to develop and implement project quality and delivery plans and monitor technical performance.

Qualifications Technical leadership in the design and project management of large‑scale infrastructure programmes. Expertise in multidisciplinary engineering and construction integration. NEC3/4 contract and change control experience. Knowledge of CDM regulations and processes. Passion and enthusiasm for problem solving, creating and delivering innovation. Track record in developing and fostering a culture focused on success. Ability to operate autonomously across a wide range of complex projects with authority. Be a great communicator able to explain complex technical issues to multiple stakeholders with differing backgrounds and levels of expertise.

Benefits Competitive salary: We offer compensation that reflects your skills and experience. Flexible Work Arrangements: Benefit from hybrid, part‑time, and flexible working hours, patterns, and locations. Robust Pension Contributions: We offer enhanced pension contributions up to 10% to secure your future. Comprehensive Health Coverage: Single medical cover and Digital GP service, with options to add your partner and family. Family Planning Support: Access to fertility healthcare and family planning services. Enhanced Parental Leave: Enjoy enhanced parental leave pay and free membership to employee assistance and parental programmes. Wellbeing Hub: Free access to wellbeing apps like Calm and Daily Burn. Professional Development: We cover professional membership fees and provide continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities. Community Engagement: Participate in charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations.

As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.