Design Manager

Advance Training & Recruitment Services; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment services firm in Manchester is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead multi-disciplinary design delivery in the water sector. This role requires over 10 years of engineering design experience and strong leadership. Responsibilities include mentoring teams, driving best practices, and ensuring quality outputs. The position offers flexible working arrangements with competitive compensation options of £500-£550 per day or a salary of £70,000-£80,000 plus benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in engineering design within the UK Water Sector.
• Strong track record leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience developing junior engineers and building team capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and grow a team of engineers, CAD technicians and graduates.
• Take ownership of design delivery across multidisciplinary water projects.
• Drive BIM and 3D modeling adoption and ensure effective use of design software.

Skills

Engineering design

Leadership

BIM and 3D modeling

Problem-solving

Education

Degree or HND in relevant field

Job description

Design Manager – Multi-Disciplinary (Water Sector)

Manchester | 2-3 days per week
£500-£550 per day (Outside IR35) or £70,000-£80,000 + benefits

We’re seeking an experienced Design Manager (Mechanical, Electrical or Civil) to drive multi-disciplinary design delivery across complex water industry projects.

This is a leadership role with real influence – shaping teams, improving processes, and ensuring safe, high-quality design outputs delivered on time.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, mentor and grow a team of engineers, CAD technicians and graduates
• Take ownership of design delivery across multidisciplinary water projects
• Embed best practice, improve formal processes, and champion continuous improvement
• Drive BIM and 3D modelling adoption and ensure effective use of design software
• Ensure all deliverables meet safety, regulatory and quality standards
• Manage programme, resources, change control, and design budgets
• Support estimating and planning of design packages

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years’ experience in engineering design within the UK Water Sector
• Strong track record leading multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience developing junior engineers and building team capability
• Water industry experience highly desirable
• Degree or HND qualified (Chartered or working towards is a plus)
• Results-focused leader with strong technical and problem-solving skills

Why Apply?

• Lead impactful infrastructure projects in a highly regulated environment
• Shape and grow a dynamic, collaborative design team
• Influence standards, innovation, and digital delivery (BIM/3D)
• Flexible working with strong day rate or salary options

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.