Design Manager - Water Experience

Rullion; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rullion seeks a Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary design projects in the water industry. The role oversees design teams, ensuring high-quality technical delivery while meeting programme and safety expectations on regulated infrastructure projects. Hybrid working arrangements may be discussed, with the base in Manchester.

The position is available as permanent or contract (outside IR35) and is primarily based in the Manchester office, with potential hybrid arrangements.

Qualifications

• 10 years' experience in engineering design within regulated sectors.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver multidisciplinary design projects in the water sector.
• Manage, mentor, and develop engineers, CAD technicians, and graduates.
• Grow the design team and foster a collaborative culture.
• Shape and improve design processes and procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Design governance

Education

Engineering degree or HND

Tools

BIM

3D modelling

Job description

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:

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.