Head of Design - Water and Wastewater Industry

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Design (Water and Wastewater) to join our Water Consultancy business. RPS Group is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the water and wastewater industry. We are committed to delivering sustainable and efficient technologies that address the growing challenges of water scarcity and environmental conservation. We are seeking an experienced Head of Design to lead our solutions team and drive excellence in design innovation.

About The Role:

The Head of Design/Design Lead will be responsible for leading the team in developing cutting-edge solutions for the water industry. This role requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, design methodologies, and industry regulations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing design through feasibility, outline and detail, fostering innovation, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

About The Team:

RPS Water Consulting is a team of Engineers, Modellers, and Data Analysts providing Asset Management and Operational Strategy development to our Water Industry clients to support business planning and delivery. This is an evolving industry, providing challenges and opportunities that require innovation, dedication, and teamwork to help us meet our clients’ needs.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leadership and Team Management: Lead and mentor the design team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Set clear goals and objectives for the design team, ensuring alignment with company strategy and customer requirements. Conduct regular performance reviews, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for professional development.
• Design Strategy and Innovation: Develop and implement design strategies that drive innovation and differentiation in the market. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for product improvements and new product development. Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to inform design decisions.
• Project Management: Oversee the end-to-end design process, from concept development to final product realisation. Ensure timely delivery of design projects, adhering to quality standards, budget constraints, and project timelines. Coordinate with external stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure compliance with industry standards and specifications.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Establish and maintain quality assurance protocols to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and safety of design solutions. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, environmental standards, and health and safety guidelines. Conduct regular audits and reviews to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to support business development efforts, including client presentations, proposals, and product demonstrations. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, and industry associations. Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to showcase our expertise and thought leadership in design innovation.

Who we’re looking for:

• Sufficient and appropriate experience in the water industry in an engineering solutions role, with substantial experience in a design leadership role.
• Experience in implementing and managing design frameworks specific to water and wastewater projects to optimise workflows and enhance project delivery.
• Strong technical proficiency in CAD software, simulation tools, and design methodologies.
• Excellent project management skills with a proven track record of delivering complex design projects on time and within budget.
• Comprehensive knowledge of water and wastewater industry standards.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.

What’s in it for you?

We understand the need to work flexibly, with agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we’re happy to talk about flexible working. This is a workplace that works for you. We encourage and value different ideas, perspectives, and styles of thinking. We need a mix of experiences and skills to develop the most innovative ideas. We respect one another and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. You’ll be joining a diverse community and a company that puts its people first and prioritises their wellbeing.

What happens next?

If this opportunity suits your career journey, we’d love to hear from you. All applications will be considered. Ready to apply? Please have your CV ready and continue with your application online.

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Mindful that a truly inclusive organisation must make appropriate use of talent on a global basis and without unnecessary barriers, we are committed to embedding diversity and inclusion principles in all People processes in order to be as diverse as the communities and clients we work with, thereby securing, developing, and retaining the best available talent for the company’s future.

Our approach to Diversity and inclusion: Our people live our purpose, deliver our promise, and demonstrate our behaviours every day. Our behaviours define who we are. Developed by our people, they underpin everything that we do. They create the memorable experiences we are known for and make RPS a great place to do great work. ‘Stronger Together’ is one of our five core behaviours and it is inherent in creating an inclusive workplace: ‘We are respectful, acknowledge diversity, and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. We bring out the best in one another, always assuming best intent. People who learn and grow thrive in our business, sharing in our success.’