Design Manager

Calco Services Limited; Bushey; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK civil engineering contractor is seeking a Design Manager to oversee compliance, quality, and engineering design solutions. The successful candidate will manage design processes, ensuring they meet regulatory standards while collaborating with diverse teams. Key qualifications include over 10 years of experience in design management, a degree in Civil Engineering, and strong leadership skills. The role offers a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

Pension

Private medical

Life assurance

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing support

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in design and engineering management.
• Strong background in water sector infrastructure, including foul drainage and potable water mains.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer, or actively working toward professional membership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of safe and compliant engineering design solutions.
• Take ownership of design quality throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage external design consultants and multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Ensure designs meet client requirements and statutory standards.
• Control engineering budgets and programmes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

BIM

Design management

Multi-disciplinary coordination

Education

Degree or HNC in Civil Engineering

Job description

Design Manager

Company: Tier 1 Civil Engineering Contractor

Location: Trafford House, Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester (M32)

Salary: £70,000 – £75,000 (maximum)

About the Company

• A leading privately owned UK civil engineering and infrastructure specialist with over four decades of experience
• Operates across major sectors including water, transport, energy, and the built environment
• Delivers projects through frameworks, alliances, joint ventures, and standalone schemes
• Known for a strong direct delivery model, employing and developing in-house engineering and construction teams
• Employs over 1,000 professionals nationwide and is recognised for its people-first culture
• Accredited as a Gold Investor in People, with a strong focus on inclusion, safety, and long-term career development

The Role – Design Manager

• Lead the delivery of technically compliant, safe, and cost-effective engineering design solutions
• Take full ownership of design quality, compliance, and suitability throughout the project lifecycle
• Manage and coordinate external design consultants and multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Support project teams with concept, basic, and detailed designs for water and wastewater infrastructure
• Ensure designs meet client requirements, statutory standards, and regulatory obligations
• Control and manage engineering budgets, programmes, and change processes
• Identify, mitigate, and manage design risks while recognising value engineering opportunities
• Ensure all design outputs comply with health, safety, quality, and environmental standards
• Oversee BIM processes and common data environments
• Support supply chain engagement and specialist design input
• Collaborate closely with project managers, site teams, and senior engineering stakeholders
• Provide technical assurance, challenge designs, and review reports and survey data
• Understand and manage temporary works design responsibilities and interfaces

Key Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in design and engineering management
• Strong background in water sector infrastructure, including foul drainage and potable water mains
• Degree or HNC (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer, or actively working toward professional membership
• Proven leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experienced in BIM, design management, and multi-disciplinary coordination
• Self-motivated, commercially aware, and quality-driven

What’s on Offer

• Long-term job security through major infrastructure frameworks
• Competitive salary and benefits package including pension, private medical, and life assurance
• Excellent career progression with a strong internal promotion culture
• Flexible benefits, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities

Please send your CV to [e-mail]