Design Manager

Job Description:

Can Be Based From: Grangemouth, Warrington, Stafford, Annesley, Solihull, Bristol, Rickmansworth, Indian Queens

Company overview
Our Environment Business provides ‘source to sea’ asset delivery capability across the UK and Scotland working on both Frameworks and Standalone projects. Since AMP3 we have delivered in excess of £2bn assets for clients such as Yorkshire Water, United Utilities, Anglian Water, Thames Water, Southern Water, Welsh Water and Scottish Water. As an established player in the market this a great opportunity to join the team at a time of transformation as we shape ourselves to be fit for delivery in a future digital world. We have recently secured a plethora of places on the AMP7 Frameworks for Yorkshire Water, Southern Water and Thames Water for both Infrastructure and Non-Infrastructure projects ranging from £1-40m over the next five years.

About Our Client:
Our client is a leading UK construction business with a strong track record of delivering impactful projects. A FTSE 250 company with £1.5bn turnover and 3,500+ employees, we offer the opportunity to work on major projects within high-performing, professional teams.

Purpose Of The Role:

• As Design Manager you will be an important member of the wider Engineering Design Team and work closely with the Design Delivery Manager(s), Design Lead(s), Discipline Managers, Principal Engineer(s) and Multi-disciplinary Designer(s). 
• The Design Manager will take ownership of the output and the success of our more complex and challenging designs and will be responsible for reporting on programme and budget.  You will mentor and support Design Leads to ensure successful delivery of the Engineering outputs, ensuring technical excellence, risk management and a commitment and adherence to the highest design standards in relation to safety, health, and environment (SHE).
• As Design Manager you will have line management and mentoring responsibility for Design Leads and others as required.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead delivery of multi-disciplinary design solutions from concept to completion, coordinating internal teams, partners, and construction.
• Ensure designs meet client specifications, operational needs, and maintain technical, commercial, and programme compliance.
• Define project scope through reviews, site visits, and stakeholder engagement, supporting tenders and pricing of design inputs.
• Manage design budgets, programmes, and performance, ensuring accurate tracking and efficient delivery.
• Drive safety, compliance, and best practice in line with SHE, BMS, and legal requirements.
• Promote company values and support objectives around value, innovation, digital delivery, and sustainability.

About You:

• Effective leadership and management experience with a proven record of accomplishment of developing people.
• Excellent Communication and Stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent IT skills – with experience of using Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Cost /
• Performance management systems (e.g. Oracle).
• Extensive knowledge of multi-disciplinary engineering design
• Extensive knowledge of the Water Industry
• Commercial and Contractual awareness
• Team and Line management experience
• Excellent communication skills

Our benefits:
We put our people first and our benefits package reflects that by offering a comprehensive range of attractive options to help support your career on top of a competitive salary.

• Car allowance
• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with years of service, plus the opportunity to purchase further holidays
• A wide range of corporate discounts
• Cycle to Work schemes
• Comprehensive pension plan
• Regular Save as You Earn share purchase scheme
• Private medical scheme options are available for all salaried employees and our employee assistance programme also provides free 24/7 support to those who need it
• Paid for yearly membership to one recognised professional association relevant to your role