Design Manager - Water Sector in Manchester

Do you have a passion for engineering and a desire to make a real difference? Owing to our ongoing client relationships across the country, our teams are tackling an exciting range of projects across the regulated water industry. These opportunities are enabling us to continue our growth, and we are looking to appoint Design Managers to support major programmes across the North of England. Based in our office in the middle of Manchester, this is a unique opportunity to join a team with significant growth plans, with hybrid working allowing for a great work-life balance.

As a Design Manager, you won't just be drawing up plans; you'll be leading them. This is your chance to:

• Lead a talented team to deliver impactful water projects, from initial concept to detailed design. You'll foster a collaborative and innovative environment where new ideas are welcomed.
• Work on award‑winning initiatives; you'll be involved in a variety of projects across clean water, wastewater, flood risk, and urban drainage.
• Influence the future of the industry by partnering with major clients across the UK.

As a Design Manager, you will be the technical lead, working alongside the Project Manager to ensure we deliver best value and service excellence. You will play a key role in ensuring the successful delivery of major projects, bringing together skillsets from multiple disciplines. You will oversee all aspects of delivery, holding roles that may include delivery of design & build projects, detailed design delivery and owners engineer services – all requiring complex multi‑disciplinary collaboration both internally and externally. You'll be responsible for planning and leading the technical delivery of projects, collaborating closely with clients, and guiding your multidisciplinary team every step of the way. You'll also have direct access to our world‑class global network of experts, providing you with the tools and knowledge to deliver leading‑edge designs.

We are looking for someone who has a passion for solving engineering problems, the ability to lead and inspire, and the confidence to drive through challenging solutions. We are looking for:

• You will be an experienced Engineer, with strong technical expertise in the likes of Civils, Mechanical and Electrical, Process or any other relevant discipline.
• You will ideally be chartered with a relevant engineering institution; support can be given to achieve this if required.
• Demonstrable experience leading and managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Previous experience of major projects is highly desirable.

We have opportunities for differing levels of seniority, so if you are looking to develop your leadership career, we’ll support you on your journey.

We put people first: We’re proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed. We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world’s top 10 most sustainable companies 2025. Named ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘International Consulting Firm of the Year’ at the NCE Awards 2024.

We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered with ICE.

We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group and wider ERG network. Growth: We’re on an exciting growth journey across the UK – we want you to be part of it!

Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.

Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work‑life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working.

Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world‑class talent is a crucial key to our success.

If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply. At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact careers.UK@stantec.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.