Design Manager – Water
Design Manager – Civil Engineering (Water & Infrastructure)
We're partnering with a leading Tier 1 civil engineering contractor to recruit an experienced Design Manager to support the delivery of infrastructure projects across the water sector.
This role will focus on clean water, wastewater and biosolids treatment schemes, as well as pipelines, trunk mains, pumping stations and network infrastructure. It's a key position within the engineering function, responsible for ensuring technically robust, compliant and deliverable solutions across the full project lifecycle.
The Role
As Design Manager, you'll lead multi-disciplinary design teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality technical solutions aligned to programme, budget and statutory requirements.
You'll take ownership of technical compliance, design coordination and engineering governance, working closely with Project Managers and operational teams to ensure designs are practical, efficient and buildable.
This role suits someone who combines strong technical capability with commercial awareness and leadership experience.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Technical Leadership
Take accountability for the technical compliance and appropriateness of design solutions
Ensure all designs meet statutory, regulatory and client standards
Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams through concept, basic and detailed design stages
Manage external design consultants and ensure contractual obligations are met
Develop robust, reliable and maintainable asset designs
Programme & Budget Control
Manage engineering budgets and schedules
Implement and control engineering change management processes
Ensure alignment between scope, cost and programme
Governance & Compliance
Ensure all engineering outputs comply with Health & Safety legislation and internal quality systems
Oversee checking and verification of calculations, drawings and specifications
Evaluate and challenge technical solutions to ensure best value
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
Work closely with Project Managers, Engineering Managers and supply chain partners
Support specialist supply chain selection where required
Coordinate with operational, maintenance and strategic stakeholders
Oversee temporary works design coordination and associated responsibilities
What We're Looking For
Essential:
Proven experience in design and design management within civil engineering
Experience in water infrastructure (foul drainage, potable water mains, treatment works)
Degree or HNC (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering
Strong understanding of engineering governance and technical compliance
Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage consultants
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Desirable:
Experience with BIM and common data environments
Membership of a recognised engineering institution (or working towards)
Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status
Experience managing temporary works design processes
What's On Offer
Competitive salary and benefits package (£70,000 – £75,000 DOE)
Long-term secured workload across major infrastructure frameworks
Technically varied and complex projects
Clear progression within a structured engineering function
Supportive, delivery-focused environment with strong governance and quality standards