Design Lead - to be a manager in Bolton

We are looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead and shape a growing engineering design team. You will take ownership of the design function, guiding engineers, CAD technicians and graduates while ensuring high-quality, integrated designs are delivered safely, efficiently and to programme and budget. You will also play a key role in strengthening design capability by improving processes, introducing the right tools and helping develop the next generation of engineers.

If you enjoy building strong teams, improving how things are done, and delivering technically excellent work, this role will be of interest.

• Lead the delivery of multidisciplinary engineering design across projects while developing the capability of the team.
• Manage, mentor and develop engineers, CAD technicians and graduates.
• Build and grow the design team while maintaining a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Lead the design process on multidisciplinary projects within regulated infrastructure sectors.
• Ensure design deliverables are safe, coordinated, compliant and technically robust.
• Deliver design packages within agreed timescales and budgets.
• Challenge and improve existing design processes and procedures.
• Drive the adoption of appropriate design software, BIM and 3D modelling where beneficial.
• Ensure the team works in accordance with relevant standards, best practice and quality requirements.
• Manage and record design changes within project packages.
• Support project teams with estimating design hours and resource planning.

We are looking for someone with the experience and confidence to lead a design team while maintaining a strong technical understanding of engineering delivery.

• Essential
• Around 10+ years experience in engineering design, ideally within a regulated sector such as: Water, Rail, Highways, Bridges, Oil and Gas, Nuclear.
• Degree or HND in an engineering discipline.
• Strong IT and digital design capability.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and projects.
• Proven ability to develop junior engineers and build team capability.
• Desirable
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Experience working within the regulated water industry.
• Chartered Engineer status, or actively working towards chartership.

This is a growing engineering consultancy environment where people are not just a number. Teams are small enough for individuals to have real influence, but experienced enough to deliver complex projects for major infrastructure clients. This is an opportunity to shape a team, influence how design is delivered, and play a key role in the continued growth of the business.

The team is ideally based from an office in Manchester, and regular in-person collaboration is encouraged where possible. However, it is recognised that experienced engineers often value flexibility, and hybrid or remote working arrangements are open for the right candidate. The office is located close to major public transport links, with free on-site parking, good public transport options within a short walk, and a range of cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops nearby. The building also offers free access to a fully equipped gym, with showers, changing facilities, hairdryers, towels and toiletries provided, making it easy to fit exercise around the working day.

Permanent positions are available. For contractors, engagements outside IR35 can also be offered.

From the moment you join, your wellbeing and career aspirations will be supported by:

• Company pension.
• Professional membership and chartership mentoring and support for engineers working towards professional accreditation.
• Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support with your career progression.
• 23 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
• Additional annual leave after two years service.
• Option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Regular CPD opportunities, including lunch-and-learn sessions with industry specialists.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Free fruit in the office.
• Monthly team brunches and quarterly social events.