Design Manager

Linear Recruitment Ltd; St Albans; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee a high-performing infrastructure team. The role focuses on delivering high-quality engineering solutions in water infrastructure, managing both internal teams and external consultants while ensuring compliance with standards. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience, a Civil Engineering qualification, and be proficient in BIM processes. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary with annual performance reviews

Company pension scheme and life assurance

Private healthcare coverage

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and loyalty days

Flexible working arrangements

Company car or car allowance scheme

Professional leadership and development training

Qualifications

• At least 10 years' experience in design and management within water infrastructure projects.
• In-depth understanding of drainage systems, potable water mains, and temporary works.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) with a recognized engineering institution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring timely and efficient delivery.
• Manage consultant and supplier relationships, fostering collaboration and performance.
• Control design changes, track budgets, and maintain clear reporting lines.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project coordination

BIM processes

Education

Civil Engineering qualification (Degree/HNC or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

The Role: An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Design Manager to join a high-performing infrastructure project team. This position plays a key role in delivering technically compliant, high-quality engineering solutions across a range of water infrastructure works—including clean water, wastewater, sewers, pumping stations, and associated networks.

You will oversee both internal engineering teams and external design consultants, ensuring that all design solutions align with client needs, regulatory standards, and project timelines. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing budgets and contributing to project success from concept through to completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring timely and efficient delivery.
• Ensure all designs meet technical, statutory, and client-specific standards.
• Manage consultant and supplier relationships, fostering collaboration and performance.
• Coordinate design inputs to support tendering, planning, and delivery stages.
• Control design changes, track budgets, and maintain clear reporting lines.
• Champion best practice in safety, quality, and compliance across all design outputs.

Essential Requirements

• At least 10 years\' experience in design and management within water infrastructure projects.
• In-depth understanding of drainage systems, potable water mains, and temporary works.
• Civil Engineering qualification (Degree/HNC or equivalent).
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) with a recognized engineering institution.
• Proficient in BIM processes and common data environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project coordination skills.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with annual performance reviews
• Company pension scheme and life assurance
• Private healthcare coverage
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and loyalty days
• Flexible working arrangements
• Company car or car allowance scheme
• Professional leadership and development training
• Wellbeing support via an Employee Assistance Programme
• Salary will be based on experience. Full benefits package to be discussed