Design Manager- Water Company

Waterman Aspen; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent engineering firm located in Bristol is seeking a Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary teams and oversee the design of water infrastructure projects. Candidates should have a degree in an engineering discipline and experience in managing design programs. The role offers a competitive salary aligned with experience and an industry-leading benefits package including company car, health insurance, and annual leave. Ideal for individuals looking to progress in a people-centric organization committed to professional development.

Benefits

Company car or car allowance

Permanent health insurance

25 days annual leave

Company pension contribution

Paid community volunteer day

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading the design of wastewater infra projects.
• Strong understanding of water industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent coordination and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design projects ensuring timely delivery aligned with milestones.
• Ensure designs comply with safety, maintainability, and sustainability standards.
• Communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and regulators.

Skills

Project management

Technical communication

Leadership

Water industry standards knowledge

Team motivation

Design risk management

Education

Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental Engineering

Chartered or working toward Chartership

Tools

BIM360

ProjectWise

Job description

Design Manager - Water Company

Bristol, London, South East, South West

Type: Contract, Permanent, Salaried

Type: Salaried, PAYE.

Salary: Dependent on experience, skills and location

Cont,
Perm,
Sal

An introduction to our unique company...

Waterman Aspen welcomes engineers and technical specialists to make their mark by working on some of the biggest infrastructure projects or in delivering professional services across the UK on a secondment basis. Our diverse client base includes local authorities, consultancies, public bodies and construction companies.

We specialise in providing the right people, with the right skills for the job, at the right time - for as long as our clients need them.

We are proud of how much we value and support our colleagues - taking people from the very start of their careers to Chartered status and beyond. We're a people-centric organisation, placing mutual respect and dignity in the highest regard. This is reflected in our approach to issues such as mental health and wellbeing, family friendly policies, social value, and net zero. We're a Disability Confident Employer and an accredited Real Living Wage Employer.

We have big ambitions for the future, and we'd love for you to be part of it.

Your career with Waterman Aspen...

You’ll get all the benefits of being employed by us, while working on a variety of projects for our clients. Joining Waterman Aspen as a Design Manager will see you as a key member of the Water and Environment South team and you can expect:

• A varied client base where you can apply and develop your skills
• Buy-in from clients to assist in your technical progression
• Further exposure to your chosen industry - increasing your awareness, knowledge and sharpening your skills
• Career development and training to reach your professional or academic qualification goals supported by our own network of mentors and managers
• Paid subscription to a professional body of your choice

Experience required...

Essential:

• Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental Engineering or related discipline.
• Chartered or working toward Chartership (ICE, IMechE, CIWEM, etc.).
• Proven experience in leading the design of wastewater infra and/or non-infra projects.
• Strong understanding of water industry standards, codes of practice, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working within AMP (Asset Management Plan) cycles for UK Water Companies.
• Familiarity with NEC3/4 contract frameworks and design delivery in a D&B or consultancy environment.
• Manage the design programme and ensure timely delivery aligned with project milestones.
• Ensure that designs are developed with a strong focus on safety (CDM Regulations), operational maintainability, buildability, and sustainability.
• Excellent coordination and project management skills.
• Strong leadership and ability to motivate multidisciplinary teams.
• Technical credibility with attention to detail.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage with clients, contractors, and regulators.
• Skilled in managing design risks, interfaces, and quality assurance processes.

Desirable

• Experience with digital delivery tools such as BIM360, ProjectWise, or similar.
• Working knowledge of Net Zero Carbon design principles and sustainability frameworks.
• Experience in collaborative delivery frameworks (e.g. alliances, joint ventures).

You’ll get this and so much more...

As a salaried colleague, you’ll get a salary in line with your experience, skills and location along with an industry-leading benefits package:

• Company car or car allowance
• Contribution to commuting mileage
• Permanent health insurance
• 25 days annual leave (option to buy up to 5 more), in addition to the normal public holidays (based on a 40 hour week, pro rata for part‑time colleagues)
• Company pension contribution
• Salary sacrifice to buy additional benefits
• 1 paid Waterman Aspen in the Community Day to volunteer in your local community