Design Manager

Red Sky Personnel; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering contractor in the UK is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead multi-disciplinary design teams for complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in civil engineering design management, a relevant degree, and strong leadership abilities. The role involves ensuring technical compliance, managing external consultants, and working closely with project teams to deliver solutions that meet program and budget requirements. A competitive salary of £70,000, with potential for more, along with various benefits is on offer.

Benefits

Competitive salary and pension

Company car or allowance

Private medical and life assurance

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Leadership development training

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in civil engineering design and design management.
• Strong background in water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Member of a recognised engineering institution (or working towards chartership).

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of technical compliance and design quality.
• Lead and manage internal engineers, external consultants and specialist designers.
• Ensure designs comply with statutory standards and client specifications.
• Manage design budgets, schedules and change control processes.

Skills

Civil engineering design

Leadership

Stakeholder management

BIM knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Degree / HNC in Civil Engineering

Job description

Design Manager

Civil Engineering / Water

Location :

Manchester (Office-based with project interface)

Salary : £70,000

£75,000 (maximum) + package

The Role

A Tier 1 civil engineering contractor is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead and deliver technical design solutions across complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The role focuses on managing multi-disciplinary design teams, coordinating external consultants and ensuring compliant, buildable and commercially viable engineering solutions are delivered to programme and budget.

You will work closely with Project Managers, Engineering Managers and delivery teams to support schemes including clean water, wastewater, pipelines, pumping stations and associated infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of technical compliance and design quality throughout the project lifecycle
• Lead and manage internal engineers, external consultants and specialist designers
• Ensure designs comply with statutory standards, client specifications and H&S requirements
• Manage design budgets, schedules and change control processes
• Interrogate, challenge and optimise designs to mitigate risk and add value
• Support temporary works strategy and coordination
• Interface with project teams, supply chain and key stakeholders
• Contribute to governance, audit and continuous improvement processes

Requirements

Essential:

• Minimum 10 years experience in civil engineering design and design management
• Strong background in water and wastewater infrastructure (foul water, potable water mains)
• Degree / HNC in Civil Engineering or equivalent
• Member of a recognised engineering institution (or working towards chartership)
• Strong BIM and common data environment knowledge
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage consultants
• Excellent communication, stakeholder and programme management skills

Desirable:

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer
• Experience with Tier 1 contractors or framework-based delivery
• Strong understanding of temporary works design and coordination

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary and pension
• Company car or allowance (role dependent)
• Private medical and life assurance
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Leadership development, training and clear progression pathways
• Flexible benefits and wellbeing support

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