At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex water infrastructure projects from concept to completion.
- Company: Join a leading infrastructure specialist with a strong focus on employee development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, private medical, and flexible benefits package.
- Other info: Strong career progression opportunities in a supportive, people-focused environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the UK's water network while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering, knowledge of water infrastructure, and team management skills.
Are you ready to lead the delivery of complex infrastructure projects that directly shape the future of the UK’s water network? This is an opportunity to join a large, privately-owned infrastructure specialist with decades of success delivering some of the UK’s most critical civil engineering projects. Operating across major frameworks and long-term infrastructure programmes, this organisation combines the scale and technical capability of a major contractor with the culture, stability, and long-term thinking of a business that invests heavily in its people.
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams delivering complex clean water, wastewater, pipelines, pumping stations, treatment works, and network infrastructure projects. This is more than a traditional design management role—you’ll play a key part in shaping technical solutions, influencing project delivery strategy, and driving engineering excellence across major infrastructure programmes.
The Opportunity
- Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and external consultants to deliver complex water infrastructure projects from concept through to delivery
- Take ownership of technical compliance, engineering quality, programme performance, and design delivery
- Support project teams with concept, outline, and detailed design solutions for major water and wastewater schemes
- Drive collaboration across engineering, operational, commercial, and delivery functions
- Manage engineering budgets, programmes, resources, and change control processes
- Ensure all designs are safe, compliant, maintainable, and aligned to both customer requirements and industry standards
- Take ownership of design risk management and temporary works coordination
Why This Role Stands Out
- Major Infrastructure Exposure: You’ll work across long-term frameworks and large-scale infrastructure programmes rather than short-cycle projects, providing genuine project continuity and career stability.
- Direct Delivery Model: Unlike businesses heavily reliant on subcontracted delivery, this organisation maintains substantial in-house engineering and operational capability, creating stronger collaboration between design and construction teams.
- Technical Depth: Projects span clean water infrastructure, wastewater treatment, pipelines, pumping stations and trunk mains, networks and utility infrastructure, civil engineering and MEICA integration.
- Career Development: The business has a strong track record of internal progression, leadership development, and long-term employee retention, supported by structured training and professional development.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong Design Experience, delivering complex civil engineering solutions within regulated environments
- Knowledge of clean water, wastewater, drainage, pipelines, or network infrastructure
- Understanding of BIM and common data environments
- Degree/HNC qualified (Civil Engineering or equivalent)
- Working towards or holding professional membership / chartership
- Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, consultants, programmes, and budgets
Desirable
- Principal Designer experience
- Temporary Works understanding
- Previous experience delivering projects through major infrastructure frameworks
What You’ll Receive
- Competitive salary and package
- Pension, life assurance, and private medical
- Car allowance / vehicle options depending on role
- Flexible benefits package
- Strong career progression pathways
- A people-focused environment that genuinely invests in long-term careers
If you’re looking for a role where you can combine technical leadership, major infrastructure delivery, and long-term career progression—this is an opportunity to make a significant impact.
Design Manager - Water Infrastructure & Major Projects employer: Linear Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading privately-owned infrastructure specialist that prioritises employee growth and development while delivering critical water infrastructure projects across the UK. With a strong focus on collaboration, technical excellence, and long-term career stability, this company offers a supportive work culture, competitive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional advancement in a dynamic environment. Here, you will not only lead multidisciplinary teams but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UK's water network.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Water Infrastructure & Major Projects
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to connect with professionals in the water infrastructure sector. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects and achievements. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to current employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and what they love about working there. This can give you valuable insights and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, and it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Water Infrastructure & Major Projects
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in delivering complex civil engineering solutions, especially in water infrastructure, to grab our attention.
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 your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of BIM and your experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past projects, focus on your achievements and the impact you made. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you improved efficiency or saved costs, let us know!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linear Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the projects you've worked on, especially those related to water infrastructure. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This shows your hands-on experience and understanding of the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in past projects. Think about times when you drove collaboration or resolved conflicts to keep projects on track.
✨Understand the Technical Requirements
Brush up on the technical aspects of clean water and wastewater systems, as well as BIM and common data environments. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the company's approach to project delivery, team dynamics, and career development opportunities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
