At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative water infrastructure projects and drive sustainable engineering solutions.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the UK's water industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental outcomes and customer service.
- Qualifications: Experience in water infrastructure design and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you ready to shape the future of water infrastructure across the South? Southern Water is looking for a Senior Project Design Lead to play a pivotal role in driving innovative, sustainable engineering solutions across some of our most critical major projects. This is your chance to influence multi‑million‑pound programmes that will directly improve environmental outcomes, resilience, and customer service—while helping us deliver our Water for Life vision.
About the role
As a Senior Project Design Lead, you’ll be the technical authority behind our most complex infrastructure and non‑infrastructure projects. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, guide design strategy from concept to commissioning, and ensure we deliver top‑quality, low‑TotEx solutions that keep us ahead of regulatory and customer expectations. You will be the go‑to expert for design excellence—driving improvements, challenging norms, and embedding innovation across the programme.
What you will be responsible for:
- Lead Design & Technical Delivery
- Take ownership of all design quality and technical integrity
- Drive lowest whole‑life cost (TotEx) design solutions
- Manage design scope, timelines, budgets and resource allocation
- Work collaboratively with Operations, Asset Strategy & Planning, contractors and supply chain partners
- Innovation & Best Practice
- Challenge existing processes to improve design efficiency
- Introduce digital, standardised and modern design approaches
- Apply industry best practice to drive continual improvement
- Work closely with contractor partners to enhance delivery methods
- People & Culture
- Mentor and support Project Design Leads and Assistant Design Leads
- Help create a positive, open and innovative team environment
- Encourage learning, creativity and continuous improvement
- Financial & Programme Accountability
- Ensure design solutions outperform budget expectations
- Produce accurate design cost estimates and monthly forecasts
- Maintain programme delivery and flag potential delays early
- Support the removal of blockers and assist in resolving key issues
- Safety, Environment & Customers
- Embed safety, sustainability and environmental responsibility into all designs
- Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental standards
- Deliver design solutions that meet customer and regulatory expectations
What you’ll bring to the role:
- A strong background in water (or utilities) infrastructure design and project delivery.
- Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary design work.
- Strong communication skills, able to engage both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- MEng/BEng/BSc or HND/HNC in Engineering, Environmental or another relevant technical discipline.
- Membership of a relevant professional institution (Chartered or working towards).
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 2025-30, 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.
Your potential matters more than a perfect checklist. If this role excites you and you believe you can make an impact, we want to hear from you! Skills can be learned—passion, drive, and fresh perspectives are what truly set candidates apart. Don’t hesitate—take the leap and apply!
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.
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.
Senior Project Design Lead employer: SouthernWaterServices
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers employees to make a significant impact on water infrastructure across the South. With a strong commitment to sustainability and resilience, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that our team members are at the forefront of industry advancements. Located in Falmer, our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance while fostering collaboration and creativity among multidisciplinary teams.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Design Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the water infrastructure sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Southern Water's recent projects and innovations. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about contributing to our Water for Life vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Senior Project Design Lead role. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve driven design excellence in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Design Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Project Design Lead role. Highlight your experience in water infrastructure design and project delivery, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or memberships!
Showcase Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for innovative engineering solutions! Share examples of how you've driven improvements or challenged norms in your previous roles. Let your passion shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point—just like we do in our projects!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at SouthernWaterServices
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of water infrastructure design and project delivery. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Project Design Lead, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, highlighting your ability to mentor others and foster a positive team environment. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Emphasise Innovation
Southern Water is looking for someone who can challenge norms and drive innovation. Think about times when you've introduced new processes or technologies that improved efficiency. Be ready to share these examples and discuss how you can bring that innovative mindset to their projects.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Prepare to discuss how you've engaged with both technical and non-technical stakeholders in previous roles. Show that you can translate complex ideas into understandable terms, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
