Design Manager - Water

AFECO is an engineering services provider, delivering high quality process and MEICA design and installation projects predominantly across the South of England for the water industry. We have an excellent in-house engineering team capable of delivering all stages of the project cycle, from concept through to commissioning, with a strong focus on cleantech product development, innovation, and robust, appropriate solutions. We work within the UK water sector where we deliver innovation, optimisation, and robust engineering solutions. We have a portfolio of varied projects, both wastewater and clean water, across the Southern Water region and are seeing rapid expansion into other water companies due to the success of our own products and solutions.

In 2024, we were acquired by United Living Group, a leading infrastructure, construction, and property services company in the UK. This partnership enables us to better provide unique solutions for the water sector and help our clients navigate increasing pressure on their operations. We are a lively and friendly organisation with a main office based in Havant, Hampshire.

The Design Manager is responsible for the Company’s design work. This includes defining the design requirements for each project, managing the allocated design budget, and managing the production of drawings and documents used during the project design. The Design Manager coordinates with SMEs (subject matter experts) and engineers to create coordinated designs that meet the project briefs and provide robust, cost-effective solutions for all projects at all stages of the project lifecycle, including construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning.

Your role

• Manage and develop the design team to ensure there is sufficient skill and resource to serve the Groups design needs for non-infra water projects across multiple water company Frameworks, including process, mechanical, electrical, ICA, structural and civil design.
• Establish and manage department goals and objectives that support the company’s strategic plan.
• Understand the interaction of all disciplines to ensure our designs meet the Clients briefs, offer the best possible solution and do not negatively impact on any other part of the process stream.
• Represent the business as Designated Individual for Principal Design in accordance with CDM Regulations.
• Represent the business as Designated Individual for Temporary Works according to BS 5975 and carry out all related duties such as procedure management, staff appointments, sub-contractor reviews etc.
• Manage, produce, approve and deliver Temporary Works Solutions.
• Capable of creating 2D and 3D models/drawings using relevant software (AutoCAD).
• Line Manager duties for the growing design team in accordance with company policy.
• Act as process owner for design related activities.
• Lead the design work, liaising with the Engineering Director, Operations Managers, Project Managers and Project Engineers to ensure the technical function is effective and efficient on all live projects.
• Review alternative build methods and practices.
• Keep up to date on new and innovative products.
• Keep up to date with changing legislations and codes of practice, clients standards (including WIMES) relating to design.
• Assist the team in the management and compilation of the overall project.
• Liaise with the Client's Project Teams to ensure the designs issued for planning applications are technically compliant with both statutory and Client design standards.
• Organise and manage regular technical coordination workshops, Package Reviews and Design Team Meetings including internal and external HAZOP and ALM reviews.
• Ensure translation of the conceptual scheme into an efficient and workable commercial solution.
• Ensure drawings and design information such as Schedules are produced on time, to a high quality, and are easy to decipher.
• Oversee document control concerning registration and distribution of design and technical information throughout the design process and ensuring all drawings and documents are red lined at construction completion.
• Liaise with key personnel within the project team in preparation for project costing and design works.
• Review tenders as part of the bid team to assess the quality of received information, identify value engineering opportunities risks, collate consultants' costs and prepare contractors' proposals.
• Review / Interrogate the consultants' and sub-contractors drawings and hold package review meetings with relevant site team members.
• Keep the Project delivery team appraised of all design and technical issues arising which may influence productivity and progress.
• Constantly monitor all production information and consultant activities against budgetary allowances and report any variances.
• Ensure that company’s drive for world-class Health and Safety is delivered in all aspects of your work.
• Ensure that all aspects of the design are fully co-ordinated.
• Monitor changes from Clients, design consultants, subcontractors and proposed changes by the construction team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience working and delivering design solutions from first principles.
• MEng/MSc in relevant engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, Structural, Civil).
• Chartered Engineer with relevant institution.
• Experience in leading technical teams.
• Ideally experienced as Design / Engineering Manager previously.
• Ideally familiar with and experience working to WIMES and other water company Specifications.
• Management skills – staff, clients, commercial and programmes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent management / organisational skills with ability to multi-task.
• Excellent CDM and health and safety knowledge and application.

Additional Information

• Company pension scheme applicable after 3 month probation period.
• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays).
• All necessary PPE and workwear.
• Company life insurance and health care scheme.
• Employee benefits package that includes training and development opportunities.