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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design management for innovative water infrastructure projects and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.
- Company: Join a top-tier consultancy making waves in the UK water sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and strong career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile water projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in water infrastructure design management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a focus on mentoring and strategic growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: London or Leeds (hybrid working)
Level: Design Manager / Senior Design Manager / Associate Director
Sector: Water & Wastewater Infrastructure
The Opportunity
We’re supporting a well-known, top-tier consultancy within the UK water sector as they continue to strengthen their design management capability across major water and wastewater infrastructure programmes.
With a strong national presence and long-standing relationships across multiple water company frameworks, this consultancy is delivering some of the most complex and high-profile water projects in the UK. They are now seeking an experienced Design Manager to play a key role in coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams and ensuring successful project delivery.
This role is open up to Associate Director level for the right individual and can be based in London or Leeds, with flexible hybrid working.
The Role
You will lead design management activities across water and wastewater infrastructure projects, taking responsibility for the coordination, assurance, and delivery of technical design outputs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams on water and wastewater infrastructure projects
- Managing the design process from optioneering through to detailed design and construction support
- Ensuring compliance with water industry standards, asset owner requirements, and regulatory frameworks
- Managing design interfaces between civil, process, MEICA, and delivery partners
- Controlling design risk, change, and governance processes
- Acting as a key point of contact for water company clients and framework partners
- Supporting bids, framework submissions, and work-winning activity
- At Associate Director level: contributing to team leadership, mentoring, and strategic growth within the water business
About You
This position requires proven, hands-on experience in the water sector. Candidates without direct water or wastewater infrastructure experience are unlikely to be suitable.
You will have:
- Demonstrable experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager on water and/or wastewater infrastructure projects
- Strong understanding of UK water industry standards, design governance, and delivery models
- Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary technical teams
- Confidence working in a consultancy or framework environment with water company clients
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
At Associate Director level, you will also bring:
- Experience leading design management teams or functions within water frameworks
- Commercial awareness and involvement in bids or client growth
- A track record of mentoring and developing design managers
Why Join?
- Opportunity to work with a top-tier, well-established consultancy in the water sector
- Clearly water-focused role with long-term AMP workload
- Strong progression opportunities within a nationally recognised water team
Associate Director - Design Manager - Water employer: Terra Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Terra Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Design Manager - Water
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the water sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in design management within water infrastructure. Share specific examples of projects you've led and the impact you've made.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK water industry standards and design governance. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed multi-disciplinary teams and navigated complex projects. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role and showcasing your relevant experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Design Manager - Water
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Design Manager in the water sector. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your hands-on experience in water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the water industry and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or achievements that relate to the key responsibilities.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading multi-disciplinary design teams, be sure to highlight your experience in team management and mentoring. Share examples of how you've successfully coordinated teams and delivered projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Terra Recruitment
✨Know Your Water Industry Standards
Make sure you brush up on the UK water industry standards and regulatory frameworks before your interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the landscape and can navigate it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Design Management Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led multi-disciplinary design teams. Highlight your experience in managing the design process from start to finish, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex projects or stakeholder management. This will help you stand out as a confident candidate.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
If you're aiming for the Associate Director level, be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring and developing design managers. Share how you've contributed to team leadership and strategic growth in previous positions.
