Design Manager

Gold Group; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure contractor is seeking a Design Manager to establish and lead a new design function for water infrastructure projects. This role involves managing a new in-house design team, ensuring technical excellence, and driving innovation. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in design management within the water sector and strong technical knowledge. A competitive salary of £60,000 to £70,000 is offered alongside benefits including a car allowance and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Company car or £5,000 car allowance

Matched pension

Private healthcare

Career development opportunities

Great work-life balance

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within the water or infrastructure sector.
• Demonstrable experience managing internal design teams and external consultants.
• Strong technical knowledge of water infrastructure design standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead all design activity within a major capital works framework.
• Establish and manage a new in-house design team.
• Oversee all design deliverables across the capital programme.

Skills

Design Management

Technical Knowledge of Water Infrastructure

Leadership

CDM Compliance

Risk Management

AutoCAD Proficiency

Education

Degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

MS Office Suite

AutoCAD

Job description

Design Manager - Water Infrastructure | Colchester (Hybrid)

A leading infrastructure contractor delivering essential water and wastewater projects across the UK is strengthening its in‑house capability with the appointment of a Design Manager. This is a strategic opportunity to establish and lead a new internal design function supporting long‑term framework delivery for Anglian Water.

Role Overview

The Design Manager will lead all design activity within a major capital works framework, managing internal and external design resources to ensure technical excellence, compliance, and delivery performance. Reporting to the Framework Manager, you will be responsible for building a multi‑disciplinary team, implementing robust design processes, and driving innovation across multiple concurrent projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and manage a new in‑house design team, growing headcount to approximately six within 12 months.
• Oversee all design deliverables across the water and wastewater capital programme from concept through to completion.
• Manage sub‑consultant designers, ensuring integration, quality, and alignment with project objectives.
• Ensure designs comply with CDM regulations, water industry standards, and client‑specific technical requirements.
• Control design budgets, resources, and programmes to meet agreed SLAs.
• Facilitate design reviews, technical approvals, and sign‑off processes.
• Lead mentoring and development of design team members, ensuring continuous alignment with engineering standards.
• Promote innovation and digital tools to improve design efficiency and delivery outcomes.
• Embed a culture of safety, quality, and technical excellence throughout all design activity.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within the water or wider infrastructure sector.
• Degree‑qualified in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or related discipline).
• Demonstrable experience managing internal design teams and external consultants.
• Full understanding of design assurance, review, and sign‑off processes.
• Strong technical knowledge of water infrastructure design standards and regulations.
• Competent in CDM compliance, risk management, and quality assurance.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and AutoCAD.
• Leadership capability with experience mentoring and developing design professionals.

Desirable Requirements

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status (ICE, IMechE, or similar).
• Prior experience within a framework or alliance delivery model.
• Exposure to digital engineering and BIM tools.

Benefits and Career Development

Starting salary of £60,000 to £70,000 plus a competitive package including company car or £5,000 car allowance, matched pension and private healthcare. You'll also be offered a position that includes excellent career prospects, a great work‑life balance and the scope to build and develop your own team from scratch.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping a new design function within a long‑term, high‑value water infrastructure framework. If you're passionate about leading innovation and building high‑performing teams, we'd love to hear from you. We welcome applications from experienced Design Managers who are ready to take the next step in their career and contribute to meaningful infrastructure projects.

Services advertised by Gold Group are those of an Agency and/or an Employment Business.

We will contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview.

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