Design Manager

Kennet Recruitment Solutions; East Hampshire; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering contractor is seeking a Design Manager for the Havant Thicket Reservoir Project in East Hampshire. This role involves managing design processes, ensuring compliance with NEC4 contracts, and coordinating with various teams. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in heavy civils or infrastructure and be a Chartered Engineer. A competitive salary of £75,000 – £85,000 and additional benefits are offered.

Benefits

Car Allowance: £525 / month

25 days of holidays

Pension: 3.5% employer / 5.5% employee

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Design Manager in heavy civils / Utilities or infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of NEC4 contracts and multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Experience on reservoir or large-scale water infrastructure projects is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all design activities from inception to construction.
• Work closely with internal teams, consultants, and clients to deliver integrated, buildable designs.
• Ensure compliance with NEC4 contracts, CDM regulations, and project governance procedures.
• Support design reviews, technical assurance, and constructability assessments.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Chartered Engineer

Job description

Design Manager – Havant Thicket Reservoir (PO9)

Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 (DOE)

Hours: 7 : 30am – 5 : 00pm (45-hour week)

Contract: Permanent | Full-time (site-based with 1-day WFH once settled)

About the Role

We’re working with a leading civil engineering contractor delivering the Havant Thicket Reservoir Project — a major infrastructure scheme.

They’re now looking for an experienced Design Manager to join the team whereby you’ll lead the design process from concept through to construction, ensuring quality, coordination, and compliance across multiple disciplines including civil, structural, geotechnical, earthworks, mechanical, and electrical works.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all design activities from inception to construction.
• Work closely with internal teams, consultants, and clients to deliver integrated, buildable designs.
• Ensure compliance with NEC4 contracts, CDM regulations, and project governance procedures.
• Support design reviews, technical assurance, and constructability assessments.

Drive value engineering, innovation, and programme alignment.

Liaise with regulatory bodies and Panel Engineers under the Reservoirs Act 1975.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Design Manager in heavy civils / Utilities or infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of NEC4 contracts and multidisciplinary design coordination.
• Chartered Engineer - Essential.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience on reservoir or large-scale water infrastructure projects is highly desirable.

Package & Benefits

• Salary: £75,000 – £85,000
• Car Allowance: £525 / month (£6,300 / year)
• Holidays: 25 days
• Pension: 3.5% employer / 5.5% employee

Great opportunity to work on one of the South’s most significant water infrastructure projects.

Apply today to be considered or contact Ash at Kennett Solutions for more information.