Design Manager

Job Description:

Design & Delivery Manager – Water Networks (Capital Programme)

Location: East Midlands
Recruiting on behalf of a leading UK water infrastructure organisation

An opportunity to lead, influence and shape the future of a major water network.

I’m supporting a well-established water infrastructure client who is looking to appoint two experienced Design & Delivery Managers to play a pivotal role in driving their Capital Programme forward.

These roles would suit strong operational leaders with a background in engineering, water networks, capital projects or technical delivery. If you enjoy leading people, solving complex problems and ensuring projects run smoothly from concept to build, this is an excellent next step.

The opportunity

As a Design & Delivery Manager, you’ll lead a team of Design Engineers and take operational ownership for developing innovative and efficient engineering solutions across a wide portfolio of water network projects.

You will act as the bridge between design, asset management, delivery, commercial and the wider engineering teams—ensuring solutions are safe, compliant, value-focused and deliverable.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop a team of 6–8 Design Engineers, creating a high-performing, capable and motivated team.
• Oversee resource planning, workload management, risk control and delivery performance across the design function.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to interpret business needs and translate them into practical engineering solutions.
• Manage the design lifecycle from optioneering through detailed design, ensuring buildability, safety and quality.
• Engage with and challenge suppliers/contractors to ensure technical excellence, good value and innovative thinking.
• Ensure all design work is compliant with CDM 2015, acting as Principal Designer Representative where required.
• Drive innovation, carbon reduction and whole-life value within the design process.
• Build strong working relationships with wider stakeholders to ensure smooth progression and handover of projects.

What the client is looking for

Essential:

• Proven experience leading technical or engineering teams.
• Strong operational/organisational skills with the ability to manage workloads, resources and competing demands.
• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders to deliver complex projects.
• Supplier/contractor management experience.
• Water networks (infrastructure) design experience.
• Experience discharging Principal Designer duties under CDM 2015.

Desirable:

• Experience developing innovative engineering solutions.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to challenge costs and drive value.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards, codes and practices.
• Professional membership (ICE, CIWEM, IMechE) and/or NEC accreditation.

Who you are

• A confident, proactive leader with strong communication and influencing skills.
• Someone who works well under pressure and makes sound decisions when information is incomplete.
• Commercially minded with a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Able to inspire others, build capability and create a high-performing team culture.
• Someone who takes ownership, learns fast and brings clarity to complex situations.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Construction, Project Management or Environmental discipline.
• Full UK driving licence.

Why this role?

This is a rare opportunity to lead a team at the heart of major water network investment—driving innovation, enhancing infrastructure resilience and shaping long-term solutions that benefit communities for years to come.

If you’re an experienced leader in water networks, capital delivery or engineering design, and you're looking for a role with real impact and progression, this is one worth exploring.