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- Tasks: Lead design projects in the water industry and manage multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Join Waterman Aspen, a people-centric company with big ambitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, health insurance, and generous leave options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major infrastructure projects while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in wastewater project design required.
- Other info: Supportive environment with career development and mentoring opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job title: Design Manager – Water Company
Type: Salaried, PAYE.
Salary: Dependent on experience, skills and location
An introduction to our unique company…
Waterman Aspen welcomes engineers and technical specialists to make their mark by working on some of the biggest infrastructure projects or in delivering professional services across the UK on a secondment basis. Our diverse client base includes local authorities, consultancies, public bodies and construction companies.
We specialise in providing the right people, with the right skills for the job, at the right time – for as long as our clients need them.
We are proud of how much we value and support our colleagues – taking people from the very start of their careers to Chartered status and beyond. We’re a people-centric organisation, placing mutual respect and dignity in the highest regard. This is reflected in our approach to issues such as mental health and wellbeing, family friendly policies, social value, and net zero. We’re a Disability Confident Employer and an accredited Real Living Wage Employer.
We have big ambitions for the future, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Your career with Waterman Aspen…
You’ll get all the benefits of being employed by us, while working on a variety of projects for our clients. Joining Waterman Aspen as a Design Manager will see you as a key member of the Water and Environment North team and you can expect:
- A varied client base where you can apply and develop your skills
- Buy-in from clients to assist in your technical progression
- Further exposure to your chosen industry – increasing your awareness, knowledge and sharpening your skills
- Career development and training to reach your professional or academic qualification goals supported by our own network of mentors and managers
- Paid subscription to a professional body of your choice
Experience required…
Essential:
- Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental Engineering or related discipline.
- Chartered or working toward Chartership (ICE, IMechE, CIWEM, etc.).
- Proven experience in leading the design of wastewater infra and/or non-infra projects.
- Strong understanding of water industry standards, codes of practice, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience working within AMP (Asset Management Plan) cycles for UK Water Companies.
- Familiarity with NEC3/4 contract frameworks and design delivery in a D&B or consultancy environment.
- Manage the design programme and ensure timely delivery aligned with project milestones.
- Ensure that designs are developed with a strong focus on safety (CDM Regulations), operational maintainability, buildability, and sustainability.
- Excellent coordination and project management skills.
- Strong leadership and ability to motivate multidisciplinary teams.
- Technical credibility with attention to detail.
- Effective communicator with the ability to engage with clients, contractors, and regulators.
- Skilled in managing design risks, interfaces, and quality assurance processes.
Desirable:
- Experience with digital delivery tools such as BIM360, ProjectWise, or similar.
- Working knowledge of Net Zero Carbon design principles and sustainability frameworks.
- Experience in collaborative delivery frameworks (e.g. alliances, joint ventures).
You’ll get this and so much more…
As a salaried colleague, you’ll get a salary in line with your experience, skills and location along with an industry-leading benefits package:
- Company car or car allowance
- Contribution to commuting mileage
- Permanent health insurance
- 25 days annual leave (option to buy up to 5 more), in addition to the normal public holidays (based on a 40 hour week, pro rata for part-time colleagues)
- Company pension contribution
- Salary sacrifice to buy additional benefits
- 1 paid Waterman Aspen in the Community Day to volunteer in your local community
Design Manager employer: Waterman Aspen
Contact Detail:
Waterman Aspen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the water industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Design Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their values, especially around sustainability and community impact. This will help you show how you align with their mission and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've motivated teams and managed design risks in past projects. This is key for a Design Manager role, and it’ll set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in wastewater projects and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the water industry and how you can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills, especially those related to design delivery and project management. If you’ve worked with digital tools like BIM360 or have knowledge of Net Zero principles, make sure to include that!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterman Aspen
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to wastewater infrastructure and the water industry standards. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations and codes of practice, as well as any recent projects that the company has been involved in. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll need to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully motivated and managed teams. Think about challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare for scenario-based questions related to design risks, project management, and client engagement. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Align with Company Values
Waterman Aspen places a strong emphasis on mutual respect, mental health, and sustainability. Research their values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their people-centric approach and support their ambitions for the future.