Design Manager

Design Manager – Water Infrastructure

Shape the Future of Our Cities and Environment

Are you a passionate Design Manager looking to make a real impact on the future of water infrastructure and sustainable communities?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading multidisciplinary engineering and design practice delivering some of the UK’s most innovative and high-profile water and environmental projects. You’ll play a key role in shaping critical infrastructure that supports communities, protects the environment, and drives long-term sustainability.

We are seeking an energetic and experienced Design Manager to join a talented Design & Advanced Technology team. You’ll work alongside industry-leading professionals on technically challenging and rewarding projects across the UK water sector, helping to deliver transformational programmes for major regional water authorities and utilities.

This role offers the chance to contribute to landmark engineering projects both in the UK and internationally, with opportunities to influence projects from concept through to delivery and construction support.

You’ll be joining a collaborative, inclusive environment where innovation is encouraged, professional development is supported, and every contribution is valued. The business is committed to creating a culture where people thrive, bringing together diverse perspectives to solve complex engineering challenges.

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are supported, with this position available from offices in Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Bristol or Epsom.

The Role

This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for an experienced Design Manager to apply technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic thinking within a multidisciplinary environment.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading and coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams in the delivery of high-quality technical design solutions across water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
Managing the production and review of technical deliverables including design reports, drawings, calculations, and scopes of work.
Driving technical excellence across complex projects while ensuring delivery aligns with programme schedules, budgets, and client expectations.
Collaborating closely with project managers, operational teams, and technical specialists to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
Supporting and mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the growth and development of the wider engineering team.
Providing technical leadership and problem-solving expertise across all project stages.
Supporting bid and proposal development for future project opportunities.
Working collaboratively with UK and international teams to deliver innovative and sustainable design solutions.
Ensuring adherence to quality assurance procedures, industry standards, and best practice design principles.
About You

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative professional with a strong background in water infrastructure design and multidisciplinary project delivery.

You will ideally have:

A degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status.
Proven experience leading or coordinating engineering design teams within a consultancy environment.
Strong understanding of multidisciplinary project delivery and the full project lifecycle.
Experience delivering innovative and practical engineering solutions within the water sector.
Sound knowledge of risk management, quality assurance, commercial awareness, and design management processes.
Familiarity with industry standards and regulations including CDM Regulations, Eurocodes, NEC contracts, and water industry specifications.
Experience collaborating across disciplines such as MEICA, structures, and geotechnics.
Proficiency with engineering and project delivery tools including AutoCAD, CDE platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and Power BI.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
A proactive mindset with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
Why Join?

Work on industry-leading water and environmental projects.
Be part of a collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary team.
Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
Contribute to projects that positively impact communities and the environment