Drainage & Water Design Team Lead

Kier Group plc.; Exeter; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Kier Group plc in Exeter is seeking a Design Team Leader - Drainage and Water to lead a skilled drainage and water design team across a diverse project portfolio. You will act as technical and delivery lead, coordinating outputs with DMRB standards and local authorities, while managing programme, budget and risk.

You will develop team capability, build client relationships, and drive innovation and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality, compliant, and sustainable solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience leading design teams, including line managers and early-career staff.
• Confident in managing programmes, budgets, and risks across transportation projects.
• Skilled at managing clients and stakeholders, including Local Authorities and utilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop the Drainage and Water design team to foster collaboration and accountability.
• Act as technical lead for assigned work packages, ensuring outputs comply with DMRB, LLFA, and local authority standards.
• Plan, price, and deliver work packages, proactively identifying and managing risks to meet programmes and budgets.
• Build and maintain relationships with Local Authorities, Lead Local Flood Authorities, National Highways, and utilities.
• Support and implement process improvements, efficiency initiatives, and encourage technical innovation.

Skills

Leadership and team development

Project programming and budgeting

Stakeholder management

Technical design leadership

Job description

Kier Group plc in Exeter is seeking a Design Team Leader - Drainage and Water to lead a skilled drainage and water design team across a diverse project portfolio. You will act as technical and delivery lead, coordinating outputs with DMRB standards and local authorities, while managing programme, budget and risk.

You will develop team capability, build client relationships, and drive innovation and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality, compliant, and sustainable solutions.