Design Manager

Calco Recruitment; Stretford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering contractor is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the delivery of engineering design solutions in the water sector. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience, a strong educational background in Civil Engineering, and proven leadership skills. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits, with opportunities for career progression within a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

Pension

Private medical

Life assurance

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in design and engineering management.
• Strong background in water sector infrastructure.
• Self-motivated, commercially aware, and quality-driven.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of technically compliant engineering design solutions.
• Manage external design consultants and engineering teams.
• Control engineering budgets, programmes, and change processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Design management

BIM expertise

Education

Degree or HNC in Civil Engineering

Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status

Job description

Design Manager

Company: Tier 1 Civil Engineering Contractor
Location: Trafford House, Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester (M32)
Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 (maximum)

About the Company

• A leading privately owned UK civil engineering and infrastructure specialist with over four decades of experience
• Operates across major sectors including water, transport, energy, and the built environment
• Delivers projects through frameworks, alliances, joint ventures, and standalone schemes
• Known for a strong direct delivery model, employing and developing in‑house engineering and construction teams
• Employs over 1,000 professionals nationwide and is recognised for its people‑first culture
• Accredited as a Gold Investor in People, with a strong focus on inclusion, safety, and long‑term career development

The Role - Design Manager

• Lead the delivery of technically compliant, safe, and cost‑effective engineering design solutions
• Take full ownership of design quality, compliance, and suitability throughout the project lifecycle
• Manage and coordinate external design consultants and multi‑disciplinary engineering teams
• Support project teams with concept, basic, and detailed designs for water and wastewater infrastructure
• Ensure designs meet client requirements, statutory standards, and regulatory obligations
• Control and manage engineering budgets, programmes, and change processes
• Identify, mitigate, and manage design risks while recognising value engineering opportunities
• Ensure all design outputs comply with health, safety, quality, and environmental standards
• Oversee BIM processes and common data environments
• Support supply chain engagement and specialist design input
• Collaborate closely with project managers, site teams, and senior engineering stakeholders
• Provide technical assurance, challenge designs, and review reports and survey data
• Understand and manage temporary works design responsibilities and interfaces

Key Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in design and engineering management
• Strong background in water sector infrastructure, including foul drainage and potable water mains
• Degree or HNC (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer, or actively working toward professional membership
• Proven leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experienced in BIM, design management, and multi‑disciplinary coordination
• Self‑motivated, commercially aware, and quality‑driven

What's on Offer

• Long‑term job security through major infrastructure frameworks
• Competitive salary and benefits package including pension, private medical, and life assurance
• Excellent career progression with a strong internal promotion culture
• Flexible benefits, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities