Design Manager (Project Engineer)

United Utilities; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days leave

Pension up to 14%

Bonus scheme

Healthcare plan

Hybrid working

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a Design Manager / Project Engineer to lead and coordinate the design process across water network and water process projects in Lancashire and Cumbria. The base location will be within one of these counties, with a hybrid working model.

You will work with internal teams and external consultants to ensure designs are safe to build, deliver projects on time and within budget, and support through-life management of the capital delivery phase.

Qualifications

• Leadership of projects in a project engineering management role.
• Strong communication with stakeholders to develop solutions to complex problems.
• Experience with health, safety and well-being requirements (CDM Principal Designer or Client roles).
• Engineering qualification at degree level, or HNC/HND with equivalent experience.
• Member of APM or equivalent.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or progress toward it.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the design process for water infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate with Project Manager to deliver project outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree or HNC/HND

APM membership

Chartered or Incorporated status (or progression)

Job description

Job number UU06391 Country United Kingdom Region Lancashire Location name North Hub Preston - The Lancashire Hub, Preston City Park, Bluebell Way, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 5PE Posting End Date 23/09/2026 Band 4a Role Type Permanent Salary Competitive Salary

The role:

As Design Manager / Project Engineer, you’ll lead and coordinate the design process across a range of infrastructure and non-infrastructure (Water Network and Water Process) projects. Working closely with internal teams and external consultants, you’ll take the projects from requirement (often involving studies many years ahead of the intervention) through to completion and supporting in through life management of the capital delivery phase.

The role is covering Water projects in Lancashire and Cumbria, base location will be within one of these counties.

What you’ll do:

• Leading the development of designs which are safe to build and operate.
• Work collaboratively with the Project Manager (PM) to jointly deliver project outcomes
• People management in a project environment, where formal line management does not exist.
• Engaging with consultants and specialist including procurement of the same
• Being the champion for the project within the business and from time to time representing the business externally
• Positively support the transition of new ways of working across the community
• Building and maintaining relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
• As required, to deputise for Senior Project Engineer (SPE) or Delivery Manager (DM)
• Develop and maintaining proactive empathetic enduring relationships and creating a healthy, inclusive and diverse environment for their teams to flourish
• Responsible for delivering the project(s) through the asset lifecycle in accordance with approved processes and systems.
• Developing the project engineering plan from client brief (requirements statement) through to handover.
• Delivery to time, cost, carbon and quality drivers.
• Carry out project reviews, recommend / take action as appropriate and report on a monthly basis
• Responsible for writing contract documentation (e.g. NEC3’s “Employers Works Information”) or other technical reports and acting as the single point of contact for technical audit throughout the lifecycle
• Managing project budget including contributing to the writing and presenting business cases at corporate governance group where required
• Risk management to drive the delivery of opportunities or threat reduction, including adequate escalation of issues outside of your control
• Securing resources and managing multi-disciplinary teams across the matrix organisation
• Act as the Principal Designer under CDM

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience of leadership of projects in a project engineering management role, including the ability to integrate input from different technical areas and other departments
• Proven communication skills with an ability to engage with stakeholders and colleagues to develop solutions to complex problems
• Proven experience of health, safety and well-being requirements relating to delivery of projects (e.g. CDM Principal Designer or Client roles)
• Degree level Engineering qualification, or lesser engineering qualification (e.g. HNC / HND) plus equivalent skills, knowledge and experience
• Member of Association for Project Management (APM) or suitable equivalent professional membership.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer grade or a plan to work towards.

What we offer:

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• A 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working

About United Utilities:

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society. We are proud to be ranked #11 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.