Head of Design - Water and Wastewater Industry

RPS Group; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in water solutions in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Head of Design. The role focuses on leading a design team for the water industry, ensuring innovative solutions and compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates will have a robust background in engineering, strong design competencies, and proven project management skills. The company values flexible working and is dedicated to diversity and inclusivity.

Benefits

Flexible working

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the water industry in an engineering solutions role.
• Experience in implementing design frameworks specific to water projects.
• Strong technical proficiency in design methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the design team, fostering collaboration.
• Develop and implement design strategies for market differentiation.
• Oversee the design process from concept to product realization.

Skills

Engineering solutions

Design methodologies

Project management

CAD software

Regulatory compliance

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

CAD software

Simulation tools

Job description

Head of Design - Water and Wastewater Industry

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Design (Water and Wastewater) to join our Water Consultancy business.

RPS Group is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the water and wastewater industry. We are committed to delivering sustainable and efficient technologies that address the growing challenges of water scarcity and environmental conservation. We are seeking an experienced Head of Design to lead our solutions team and drive excellence in design innovation.

About The Role

The Head of Design / Design Lead will be responsible for leading the team in developing cutting‑edge solutions for the water Industry. This role requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, design methodologies, and industry regulations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing design through feasibility, outline and detail, fostering innovation, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

About The Team

RPS Water Consulting is a team of Engineers, Modellers, and Data Analysts providing Asset Management and Operational Strategy development, to our Water Industry clients to support business planning and delivery. This is an evolving industry, providing challenges and opportunities that require innovation, dedication, and teamwork to help us meet our clients’ needs.

What you’ll be doing

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and mentor the design team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Set clear goals and objectives for the design team, ensuring alignment with company strategy and customer requirements
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for professional development

Design Strategy and Innovation

• Develop and implement design strategies that drive innovation and differentiation in the market.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify opportunities for product improvements and new product development
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to inform design decisions

Project Management

• Oversee the end‑to‑end design process, from concept development to final product realisation
• Ensure timely delivery of design projects, adhering to quality standards, budget constraints, and project timelines
• Coordinate with external stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure compliance with industry standards and specifications

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Establish and maintain quality assurance protocols to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and safety of design solutions
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, environmental standards, and health and safety guidelines
• Conduct regular audits and reviews to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to support business development efforts, including client presentations, proposals, and product demonstrations
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, and industry associations
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to showcase our expertise and thought leadership in design innovation

Who we’re looking for

• Sufficient and appropriate experience in the water industry in an engineering solutions role, with substantial experience in a design leadership role.
• Experience in implementing and managing design frameworks specific to water and wastewater projects to optimise workflows and enhance project delivery
• Strong technical proficiency in CAD software, simulation tools, and design methodologies
• Excellent project management skills with a proven track record of delivering complex design projects on time and within budget
• Comprehensive knowledge of water and wastewater industry standards
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field

What’s in it for you?

We understand the need to work flexibly, with agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we’re happy to talk about flexible working. This is a workplace that works for you.

We encourage and value different ideas, perspectives, and styles of thinking. We need a mix of experiences and skills to develop the most innovative ideas. We respect one another and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. You’ll be joining a diverse community and a company that puts its people first and prioritises their wellbeing.

What happens next?

If this opportunity suits your career journey, we’d love to hear from you. All applications will be considered. Ready to apply? Please have your CV ready and continue with your application online.

RPS, A Tetra Tech company

Representing an exciting new chapter in our business, on 24 January 2023 RPS became a Tetra Tech company. With over 28,000 employees in more than 550 offices in more than 120 countries on seven continents, Tetra Tech is a leading, global provider of consulting and engineering services. As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to offer our people market‑leading development and project opportunities, helping to solve some of the world’s most complex problems.

We’re RPS, our projects are all around you. We define, design and manage projects that create shared value to a complex, urbanising and resource‑scarce world. Our people are our success. We need people who share our passion on solving the problems that matter. Here you’ll find work that is challenging and rewarding, and you’ll be supported every step of the way.

#LI-HYBRID #LI-LQ1

Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Mindful that a truly inclusive organisation must make appropriate use of talent on a global basis and without unnecessary barriers, we are committed to embedding diversity and inclusion principles in all People processes in order to be as diverse as the communities and clients we work with, thereby securing, developing, and retaining the best available talent for the company’s future.

Our approach to Diversity and inclusion

Our people live our purpose, deliver our promise, and demonstrate our behaviours every day. Our behaviours define who we are. Developed by our people, they underpin everything that we do. They create the memorable experiences we are known for and make RPS a great place to do great work.

‘Stronger Together’ is one of our five core behaviours and it is inherent in creating an inclusive workplace :

‘We are respectful, acknowledge diversity, and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. We bring out the best in one another, always assuming best intent. People who learn and grow thrive in our business, sharing in our success.’

Recruitment Agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.