Design Manager

Severn Trent; Coventry; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in the UK is seeking a Design Manager to lead a team focusing on innovative solutions in water and wastewater infrastructure. The role demands strong civil or structural engineering experience, proven leadership, and excellent communication skills. Join us to make a difference in community health and environmental outcomes, with opportunities for professional development and a supportive working environment.

Benefits

28 days holiday + bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme up to £2,250

Leading pension scheme

Sharesave scheme

Dedicated training and development

Electric vehicle scheme

Family friendly policies

Two paid volunteering days per year

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and team development in engineering design.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Experience managing external suppliers and design standards.
• Clear decision-making in complex environments.
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team of Design Engineers.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams.
• Ensure designs are cost-effective and safe.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in product lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and statutory obligations.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Civil engineering

Structural engineering

Team development

Education

Degree in Civil, Structural, Environmental Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CAD

Digital design tools

Job description

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Our purpose is taking care of life essentials, but we are also big on making a difference, not just because we should, but because we care.

AMP8, our five-year regulatory period, will see us launch our biggest and most complex investment program of almost £13BN, of which £6bn will be delivered to our capital programme. This is more than double the size of the AMP7 Capital programme and is an opportunity to drive real change.

Our new Plug and Play approach will be a collection of common parts that can be connected in different ways and work together (like rigs or tanks). They can be mixed and match to create a wide range of different product.

Picture this as your ready-made catalogue of standard products you can simply select the part you need and then they arrive ready to go all in one.

This new innovative approach will help you combat the challenges of waste and water infrastructure, flooding, and water quality. Be part of something bringing benefits to our communities, health outcomes and environment. Plug and play methodology will enable us to build smarter, faster, safer, greener and more affordable projects.

It could be the biggest challenge of your career, if you want to do more because you care we would love to talk to you.

We’re looking for a Design Manager to join our Plug and Play team and help shape the future of water and wastewater infrastructure.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

As Design Manager, you’ll lead a high-performing team of 6–10 Design Engineers to deliver innovative, efficient, and buildable solutions across water and wastewater treatment and network projects. You’ll be at the heart of our product development lifecycle, ensuring designs meet internal standards and external regulatory requirements (HSE, EA, DWI, OFWAT).

• Lead the design of plug-and-play engineering solutions for capital investment needs
• Collaborate with internal teams (Operations, Capital Delivery, Chief Engineer’s) and external partners
• Ensure designs are cost-effective, safe, and deliver long‑term value to customers
• Manage resources, budgets, and supplier performance across outline and detailed design stages
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across product lifecycle
• Ensure compliance with environmental, planning, and statutory obligations
• Build capability and performance within your team

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE ROLE

Of course, it’s important that we attract the right skill sets, and those with the right experience but we value character, positivity and a caring attitude in equal weight.

We want people who show up and roll their sleeves up. Restless spirits who are ready to be part of something bigger, who care, who really care... because when you really care, you’ll go above and beyond. When you really care you don’t just talk about it, you do more.

We’re seeking a Design Manager with strong civil or structural engineering experience and a passion for leading teams and delivering impactful infrastructure solutions.

• Proven leadership and team development in engineering design
• Civil or structural engineering background
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Experience managing external suppliers and design standards
• Proficiency in CAD and digital design tools
• Responsible team leadership and performance management
• Clear decision‑making in complex environments
• Degree in Civil, Structural, Environmental Engineering or related discipline
• Full UK driving licence
• Membership (or working towards) of a relevant professional body (e.g. ICE, CIWEM, IMechE)
• Water sector or similar industry experience (Infrastructure, Petrochem, Pharma, Food, Aerospace, Power, Automotive)
• Experience in commercial design specifications and innovation
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and regulatory frameworks

We welcome people from all walks of life and celebrate individuality as we know diverse minds, experiences and backgrounds help us to learn and better serve our communities. We employ thousands of people from across our community who really care about what they do. Because that is how we do what we do.

And when it comes to inclusion, we’re making sure we keep up the progress with our wonderful working groups – LGBTQ+, Women in Operations & STEM, Disability and Ethnicity, who help us do just that.

We do more because we care.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

Working here isn’t just a job. You can build a career at Severn Trent. We’ll reward you for it, too. We have a range of benefits that recognise great work, and award‑winning training to help you reach your potential. And we’ll also help you play your part in looking after the environment and the communities where we live.

With that in mind, here are just some of our favourite's perks that you’ll get being part of the Seven Trent family:

• 28 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to £2,250, which is subject to eligibility)
• Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our Academy
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Family friendly policies
• Two paid volunteering days per year

WHAT’S NEXT?

We can’t wait to hear from you.

Before you apply, you’ll need an updated copy of your CV and about five minutes to spare.

And if your curiosity has peaked and you're wanting to find out even more, search #LifeAtSevernTrent on social media.

Ps. we’ll always let you know the outcome of your application after the closing date - so keep an eye on your phone and emails!