Design Manager - Water Experience

Rullion; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing engineering design consultancy in Manchester is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary projects in the water industry. This key role involves managing design teams to ensure high-quality delivery while meeting safety and program expectations. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in the engineering design sector, particularly in regulated sectors such as water, and possess a degree or equivalent qualification. The role offers the opportunity for permanent or contract arrangements along with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience in engineering design within a regulated sector.
• Familiarity with modern design tools.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor engineers and CAD technicians.
• Lead design process for multidisciplinary projects.
• Ensure design outputs meet safety and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Design processes improvement

Software tools adoption

BIM and 3D modelling

Education

Degree or HND in engineering

Tools

BIM

3D modelling software

Job description

Design Manager - Water

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to work for our growing engineering design consultancy. You will lead and deliver multidisciplinary design projects within the water industry. This is a key leadership role, responsible for managing design teams, ensuring high-quality technical delivery, and meeting programme and safety expectations across regulated infrastructure projects.

The role can be permanent or contract (outside IR35), full time and based mainly from the Manchester office, however hybrid working arrangements can be discussed.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and develop engineers, CAD technicians, and graduate staff
• Grow the design team while fostering a positive, collaborative working culture
• Lead the design process on complex, multidisciplinary water industry projects
• Shape, challenge, and continuously improve design processes and procedures
• Ensure all design work is undertaken in line with agreed processes and standards
• Drive the adoption of appropriate software tools, including BIM and 3D modelling
• Ensure design deliverables meet all safety, quality, and integration requirements
• Deliver design outputs within agreed timescales and budgeted hours
• Ensure best practice, relevant standards, and suitable software tools are used
• Accurately record and manage design changes
• Assist with estimating design hours and resource requirements

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 10 years' experience in the engineering design industry within a regulated sector, such as:
  • Water (essential)
  • Rail
  • Oil & Gas
  • Nuclear
  • Highways
  • Bridges
• Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in an engineering discipline
• Strong IT capability and familiarity with modern design tools

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Demonstrated success managing multidisciplinary design teams and projects
• Experience developing junior engineers and building team capability
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.