Head of Design - Water and Wastewater Industry

TN United Kingdom; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Design to lead innovative solutions in the water and wastewater sector. This role involves managing a talented team, driving design excellence, and developing cutting-edge strategies to tackle environmental challenges. The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in engineering solutions, particularly in design leadership, and will thrive in a collaborative environment. Join a forward-thinking company that values diverse perspectives and is committed to sustainability, offering flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible Working Arrangements

Agile Office Environment

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record in design leadership in the water industry.
• Experience in managing design projects from concept to completion.
• Strong technical proficiency in CAD and design methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the design team to foster innovation.
• Oversee the end-to-end design process for water projects.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and quality standards.

Skills

Design Leadership

Project Management

CAD Software

Water Industry Standards

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Simulation Tools

Job description

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Head of Design - Water and Wastewater Industry, Warrington

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Client:

RPS Group

Location:

Warrington, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

Job Views:

3

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

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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 industry is evolving, presenting challenges and opportunities that require innovation, dedication, and teamwork to 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 realization.
• 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 discuss flexible working arrangements. 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 recognize the potential and contribution of everyone. You’ll be joining a diverse community and a company that puts its people first and prioritizes their wellbeing.

What happens next?

If this opportunity aligns with your career goals, we’d love to hear from you. All applications will be considered. Please prepare your CV and apply online.

RPS, A Tetra Tech company:

On 24 January 2023, RPS became a Tetra Tech company. With over 28,000 employees in more than 550 offices across more than 120 countries, Tetra Tech is a global leader in consulting and engineering services. As part of Tetra Tech, RPS offers market-leading development and project opportunities to help solve complex global challenges.

We’re RPS, and our projects impact communities worldwide. We define, design, and manage projects that create shared value in a resource-scarce, urbanizing world. Our people are our strength. We seek individuals passionate about solving important problems. Join us for challenging, rewarding work and comprehensive support.

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Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We are dedicated to embedding diversity and inclusion in all our processes to attract and retain top talent worldwide. Our behaviours underpin everything we do, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. One of our core behaviours, ‘Stronger Together,’ emphasizes respect, acknowledgment of diversity, and recognizing everyone's contributions. We believe diverse teams are more innovative and effective.

Recruitment Agencies

We work with a trusted list of preferred suppliers and do not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate introductions from agencies outside this list. Please visit our careers page for more information.