Project Design Lead

Our Water company client are seeking a Project Design Lead to provide technical input across Water design on a range or projects based out of Chatham, Ottebourne or Falmer (Brighton) offices on a permanent basis. The candidate will develop solutions during the identification of needs and the design, construction, and commissioning process. They will make decisions and recommendations that are recognised as authoritative and have an important impact on engineering design activities. You will undertake and lead in-house outline design and optioneering to ensure that the lowest Totex solution is selected and to ensure that technically fit-for-purpose and robust outline and detailed designs for infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects are delivered in a timely manner. Responsibilities Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards, including CDM regulations. Develop risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies. Lead the design process from feasibility to detailed design, ensuring on-time, high-quality deliverables. Manage design costs and resources, and drive standardisation and innovation across projects. Challenge existing standards, promote continuous improvement, and adopt best practices from the industry to drive efficiency and innovation, including the use of digital design tools. Deliver cost-effective solutions while working closely with project managers to track budgets and design costs. Ensure the lowest whole-life cost solutions are delivered, outperforming project budgets. Ensure design programmes are achievable and designs are delivered on time. Provide early warnings of any potential delays. Ensure designs meet customer and regulatory expectations, and represent the company at industry conferences. Skills/experience/qualifications Water sector experience would be preferable Civils, MEICA or Process backgrounds will be considered Professional Membership: Member of an appropriate professional institute (Chartered or working towards). Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of H&S standards, water/wastewater regulations, and project/contract management. MEng/BEng/BSc or HND/HNC in Engineering, Environmental, or a related science field. APM Project Professional Qualification Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) Practitioner Certification NEC for Project Managers Certification Benefits This role will be full time Monday to Friday 37 hours a week. Our client operates a hybrid approach to working between office and home. Salary starting at £56,900 per annum up to £65k depending on skills and experience Company and performance-related bonus Generous pension up to 11% company contribution 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) Life assurance equal to 4x salary Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service) Health Cash Plan – plus a host of other benefits