Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage design projects in the Water sector, ensuring compliance and quality.
- Company: WSP, a global leader in engineering with a focus on personal growth.
- Benefits: Opportunities for career development, supportive environment, and involvement in landmark projects.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on safety and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape impactful designs and influence project delivery while growing as a leader.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and experience in project management within infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.
We have a number of opportunities for Design Managers to join our Water team supporting on key projects in our Asset Design discipline.
A little more about your role… As a Design Manager at WSP you will lead and manage design projects within the Water sector. Working alongside the Project Director and Project Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing engineering design work and ensuring compliance with best practices and UK regulations. With WSP you have the exceptional opportunity to take the next step in your career, build on your experience and qualifications and achieve your ambitions. We offer excellent support in personal development and growth as part of our local teams and across the wider WSP business.
What makes this role exciting:
- Lead on significant, technically challenging projects and influence how design is delivered across disciplines.
- Be the central connector between clients, technical specialists, and project teams.
- Shape better delivery processes, championing Safety by Design, CDM compliance, and efficient ways of working.
- Grow as a leader, representing WSP in client meetings and guiding multiple work packages with confidence.
- Join a supportive, collaborative environment where quality and improvement are always at the forefront.
What your day-to-day looks like:
- Manage the design process, resources, timelines, budgets and risks across mid-scale and complex projects.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality standards, including UK CDM regulations.
- Lead client and design team meetings, providing clear progress reporting and resolving design issues.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs, ensuring integration, quality, and timely delivery.
- Handle change control, RFIs, design transmittals, and project communications to reduce risk.
- Maintain and update design programmes and ensure deliverables align with scope and client requirements.
- Support Senior Project Leads with package management and team coordination.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate:
- MEng/BEng/BSc or HND/HNC in an Engineering, Environmental or numerate science related subject.
- A member of an appropriate professional institute (Chartered or working towards).
- Experience in an infrastructure programme and project delivery environment, with experience of delivering complex projects.
- Significant experience in Project and contract management including knowledge of H&S standards and regulations.
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.
Design Manager - (Water Civil Engineering) in Reading employer: WSP
Contact Detail:
WSP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - (Water Civil Engineering) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 WSP and the Water sector. Understand their projects and values so you can show how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Design Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to manage teams and projects. Share examples of how you've successfully led projects or resolved conflicts in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the WSP team and ready to take that next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - (Water Civil Engineering) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Design Manager role. Highlight your project management experience and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the perfect fit!
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 sector and how your background makes you an ideal candidate for this position. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to, especially those that demonstrate your ability to manage complex design processes and ensure compliance with regulations.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSP
✨Know Your Design Fundamentals
Brush up on your engineering principles and design standards relevant to the Water sector. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in past projects, especially in relation to UK regulations and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading design teams and managing complex projects. Think about times when you successfully coordinated multidisciplinary inputs or resolved design issues, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand WSP's Values
Familiarise yourself with WSP’s commitment to safety, quality, and improvement. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values in your role as a Design Manager, particularly in championing Safety by Design.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the projects you might be working on and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if WSP is the right fit for you.