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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support design leads in delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions and coordinate project activities.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in the utilities sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in infrastructure with opportunities to learn and grow.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic individuals with a degree or experience in Engineering or Environmental Science preferred.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career development and training support.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Closing Date
03/02/2026
Job Title
Project Design Lead
Location
Falmer (hybrid working + site visits, driving licence is required)
Contract Type
Perm, Full time
Salary
Salary and package are to be discussed at the screening stage.
About The Role
Are you someone who enjoys working in a collaborative environment and is eager to learn from experienced professionals? Do you have a keen interest in engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects and want to build your career in a supportive, team-focused setting?
Southern Water is looking for a Project Design Lead to join our Engineering and Technical Solutions team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone early in their career or looking to step into the infrastructure sector, with plenty of scope to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful projects.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- Team Support: Assist in coordinating engineering and project teams, helping to keep tasks on track and organised.
- Stakeholder Communication: Help maintain clear communication across departments including Operations, Environmental Enabling, and Engineering & Construction.
- Design Administration: Support the review and tracking of design documentation, timelines, and compliance requirements.
- Health & Safety Awareness: Promote safe working practices and help ensure design activities align with H&S standards.
- Project Coordination: Assist project managers with planning and tracking design-related activities and budgets.
What You’ll Bring To The Role
We’re looking for someone enthusiastic, organised, and eager to learn. You might have a degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field, or you may be looking to transition into this area from another role. What matters most is your willingness to grow, collaborate, and contribute to a team.
Experience in infrastructure or construction is helpful but not essential. Familiarity with tools like MS Project, BIM, or NEC contracts is a bonus, but training and support will be provided.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for , this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
Purpose-Driven
Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference.
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself).
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
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Project Design Lead employer: Southern Water
Contact Detail:
Southern Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Design Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Southern Water and understanding their projects. Show us your enthusiasm for the role and how your skills can contribute to their mission. Tailor your answers to reflect what they value!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your genuine interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Design Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Project Design Lead role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects, especially if you’ve worked in engineering or environmental science.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to contribute to infrastructure projects and how your background makes you a great fit.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves coordinating between teams, emphasise your communication skills in your application. Mention any experiences where you successfully collaborated with others or managed stakeholder expectations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s a straightforward process, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Project Design Lead role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as team support and stakeholder communication. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with what Southern Water is looking for.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Southern Water values candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Be prepared to discuss your willingness to develop new skills, especially in areas like MS Project or BIM. Share examples of how you've embraced learning opportunities in the past, whether through formal education or on-the-job experiences.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, project types, and growth opportunities within Southern Water. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
As a Project Design Lead, you'll need to coordinate various activities and maintain clear communication. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or tasks in the past. This could be from academic projects, internships, or any relevant experience where organisation was key.
