Project Design Manager

We are gearing up for our most exciting and challenging Asset Management Period yet, known as AMP8, this will see us deliver a programme of work larger than we’ve ever delivered before. We’ll be embarking on a new kind of project delivery focusing on nature-based solutions like wetlands and urban drainage schemes. We are driving change, empowering us to set global benchmarks and build a better environment, with the opportunity to offer enhanced growth and development to our workforce.

With such an exciting portfolio of projects planned for AMP8 to keep the water flowing across the region, our ability to manage our work and outperform against our customer’s expectations will come under greater scrutiny. We need aspiring driven talent to help us achieve our ambitious targets.

As a Project Design Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the design and technical direction of projects that deliver sustainable, resilient water and water recycling solutions. Leading a multidisciplinary design team, you’ll develop innovative, value-driven designs that protect and enhance our environment while ensuring safe, affordable, and future‑ready infrastructure for the East of England. You’ll take ownership of the design journey – from concept through delivery – guiding your team to produce right‑first‑time engineering outputs that champion low carbon, digital innovation, and environmental stewardship.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead the design and technical delivery of clean water and water recycling projects, across both infrastructure (pipelines, pumping stations) and non‑infrastructure (treatment and storage) schemes.
• Develop Engineering Project Plans encompassing design scope, programme, cost, risk, and resource planning.
• Collaborate with engineering discipline leads to define design approaches, set technical standards, and ensure design integration across civil, mechanical, electrical, and process disciplines.
• Drive innovation and digital design, supporting the move towards fully attributed 3D and BIM‑enabled models.
• Champion sustainable design by embedding low‑carbon thinking, nature‑based solutions, and whole‑life value considerations.
• Engage with suppliers, partners, and stakeholders to review and integrate third‑party design inputs effectively.
• Ensure all design work meets CDM and health & safety requirements, producing high‑quality outputs that meet end‑user and operational needs.
• Provide clear leadership to your project design team – mentoring, developing, and inspiring individuals to achieve their potential.
• Work collaboratively with project managers, environmental and planning specialists, procurement, and construction teams to deliver projects efficiently and affordably.

You will ideally have:

• A degree in engineering or equivalent qualification, preferably chartered or working towards chartered status.
• Strong design management experience, ideally within the water or environmental infrastructure sectors.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver high‑quality, sustainable design outcomes.
• Technical understanding of clean water or water recycling systems, pipelines, or treatment processes.
• Experience of working within a design and build or collaborative project delivery environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, able to translate complex technical information clearly.
• A commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement, with a passion for digital design and innovation.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with one of the UK’s most progressive design and delivery alliances. You’ll play a key role in designing the next generation of water and water recycling assets that respond to the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. We offer a culture that values creativity, technical excellence, and professional growth, with continuous learning and opportunities to shape the way we design and deliver sustainable infrastructure.

Employee Benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
• Competitive pension contribution
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
• Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year)
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice)
• Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
• Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
• We plant a tree for all new starters!

A collaborative alliance, driving change. Empowering us to set global benchmarks and building a better environment for our customers. We strive to: Empower our people; Delight our Customers; Embrace digital transformation; Deliver brilliance.

It’s important to us that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.