Water Design Manager

Job Description:

Our leading global consulting & construction engineering client is seeking Design Managers on a permanent basis to support design of Severn Trent Water wastewater capital delivery projects based out of Tamworth.

Our client has global reach, supporting intelligent infrastructure delivered in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways. They have 20,500 employees operating across 100 countries, deploying their expertise to develop and deliver cutting-edge innovations and solutions for end clients.

As part of a global engineering consultancy recognised for delivering sustainable and resilient water infrastructure, this leadership role is central to the successful delivery of complex, high‑value multi‑disciplinary water and wastewater projects across the Midlands region.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Delivery Take full ownership of technical design delivery across wastewater non-infrastructure projects-from mobilisation through to completion-ensuring engineering excellence, regulatory compliance, commercial performance, and high levels of client satisfaction.
• Multi‑Disciplinary Design Management Lead and coordinate multi‑disciplinary design teams (process, civil, mechanical, electrical, ICA, environmental) to deliver large‑scale treatment, network, and resilience schemes. Many projects will form part of major AMP programmes delivered in collaboration with Tier 1 delivery partners.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain strong working relationships with water company clients, delivery partners, and regulatory stakeholders. Provide proactive leadership to ensure project expectations, statutory requirements, and industry standards are consistently met or exceeded.
• Integrated Delivery Across UK & Global Teams Drive UK‑based design teams to produce integrated, efficient, and innovative solutions. Foster a collaborative, digitally enabled, and commercially aware working environment that supports programme outcomes.
• Governance & Assurance Support Work closely with Project Managers to ensure robust governance across scope, cost, schedule, risk, quality, and assurance. Support the development of design strategies, optioneering, technical reviews, and risk mitigation plans aligned with AMP and regulatory commitments.
• Business Growth & Team Development Contribute to business growth by supporting client development, identifying new opportunities, and shaping future water sector programmes. Mentor emerging design managers and engineers, helping to build capability and strengthen the regional team.

Skills/experience/qualifications

• A proven leader in the water sector, with a strong track record of delivering major and complex non‑infrastructure wastewater projects - someone who thrives on solving big engineering challenges and driving meaningful impact.
• A natural collaborator with extensive experience leading multidisciplinary design and delivery teams. You know how to bring people together, create momentum, and deliver high‑quality outcomes under pressure.
• A confident, client‑focused communicator who builds trust quickly, understands commercial drivers, and can navigate complex stakeholder environments with ease.
• A governance‑minded professional with solid knowledge of project controls, risk management, and contract frameworks such as NEC and JCT - ensuring projects stay on track, compliant, and commercially sound.
• Technically grounded, holding a relevant degree (e.g., Civil Engineering) and ideally chartership or professional accreditation (ICE, CIWEM, MIHT or similar).

Benefits

• Salary range £70-90k depending on experience
• Monday - Thursday - 37.5 hour working week (Friday WFH)
• 26 days holiday, increasing by 1 day for 1 year served and up to 28 after year 3
• £3k car allowance
• Reasonable travel and accommodation will be provided for candidates living further from client offices
• Up to 10% performance bonus
• Private healthcare access for individual and family
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• 5% employer pension rising to 8% when personal contribution at 5%
• Life assurance x4 salary
• Critical illness cover x1 annual salary
• Chartership support
• Chance to work across a range of sectors
• Leadership development programmes