Design Lead

Shirley Parsons; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in the UK seeks a skilled Design Manager / Technical Manager for their Water Framework. This hybrid role involves leading design activities across water infrastructure projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with standards. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture, chartered status preferred, and proven experience in design management. This position offers flexibility and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Opportunity to work on high-impact projects

Collaborative team environment

Professional development support

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Chartered status (ICE, IStructE, RIBA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in design management or technical leadership within the water sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design development of water infrastructure projects.
• Manage multi-disciplinary design teams to deliver coordinated solutions.
• Ensure designs meet project requirements and budget constraints.

Skills

Design management

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline

Chartered status (ICE, IStructE, RIBA, or equivalent)

Job description

Job Title: Design Manager / Technical Manager - Water Framework

Location: Hybrid
Contract Type: Contract (Outside IR35)
Engagement Term: 12-month contract with project scope extending through AMP8
Salary: Day rate dependent on scheme allocation

About the Role

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Design Manager or Technical Manager to lead and coordinate design activities across our Water Framework projects. This role is critical in ensuring technical excellence, integrated design delivery, and compliance with both regulatory and client standards throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design development of water infrastructure projects including clean water, wastewater, pumping stations, and treatment facilities.
• Manage multi-disciplinary design teams (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical) to deliver coordinated and buildable solutions.
• Serve as the technical interface between clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Ensure designs meet project requirements, budget constraints, and programme milestones.
• Oversee design risk management, change control, and technical assurance processes.
• Support tendering and bid activities with technical input and design strategy.
• Promote innovation and sustainability in design solutions.

Requirements

• Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Chartered status (ICE, IStructE, RIBA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in design management or technical leadership within the water, infrastructure, or utilities sectors.
• Strong understanding of UK water industry standards, DfMA, BIM, and CDM regulations.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to lead design reviews, resolve technical issues, and mentor junior engineers.

Desirable

• Experience working within AMP frameworks or collaborative delivery models.
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and digital design platforms.
• Knowledge of environmental and sustainability considerations in water design.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on high-impact water infrastructure projects.
• Collaborative and inclusive team environment.
• Professional development and career progression support.
• Flexible working arrangements.

Interested?

Please forward your most recent CV and let us know the best time to connect.

Vacancy Reference: CR/028747

Vacancy Owner: Teo Delacruz | [e-mail] | ([phone] | ([phone]