Design Manager

Red Sky Personnel Ltd; Trafford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment firm in the UK is seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee technical design solutions for water and wastewater projects. The successful candidate will manage multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with statutory standards and client specifications. Essential requirements include a degree in Civil Engineering, 10+ years of experience in the field, and strong leadership skills. The role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and pension

Company car or allowance

Private medical and life assurance

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Leadership development and training

Flexible benefits and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in civil engineering design and management.
• Strong background in water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of technical compliance and design quality.
• Lead and manage internal engineers and external consultants.
• Ensure designs comply with statutory standards.

Skills

Civil engineering design

Leadership

Stakeholder management

BIM knowledge

Education

Degree / HNC in Civil Engineering or equivalent

Member of a recognised engineering institution

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