Programme Design Manager

Southern Water; Falmer; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility provider is seeking a Programme Design Manager to lead ambitious infrastructure projects. You will manage design delivery, oversee technical details, and mentor project teams to drive innovation. The role demands strong leadership and expertise in the water sector and offers opportunities to influence significant projects that impact water resilience. The company is committed to diversity and promoting an inclusive workplace, making it a rewarding environment for passionate professionals.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in managing large-scale infrastructure design programmes, ideally within the water industry.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks (DCO, DPC, Ofwat), risk management, and audit processes.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design delivery of a significant part of the Major Projects portfolio.
• Work closely with Programme Managers to drive improvement and ensure value.
• Oversee feasibility optioneering, outline design, and design deliverables.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise

Commercial acumen

Change management

Continuous improvement

Education

MEng/BEng/BSc or HND/HNC in Engineering or a numerate science subject

Chartered Engineer status

Job description

Closing Date

07 / 01 / 2026

Job Title: Programme Design Manager

Location: Falmer. Hybrid Working–with meetings in London regularly

ContractType: Perm

Salary: Salary to be discussed at the screening stage

About the role

Southern Water is embarking on one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in the UK – and we need a visionary Programme Design Manager to lead the charge.

This is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to influence a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) worth over £1 billion, delivered under Ofwat’s innovative financing models (DPC / SIPR). If you’re ready to shape the future of water resilience for generations to come, we want to hear from you.

What you will be responsible for

• Design Leadership: Manage the design delivery of a significant part of the Major Projects portfolio, driving excellence in health and safety and providing innovative, sustainable solutions.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Programme Managers and the Major Projects Technical Manager to embed change, drive improvement, and ensure value through the supply chain.
• Technical Oversight: Oversee feasibility optioneering, outline design, and ensure all design deliverables meet quality, cost, and time targets.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion innovation and best practice, integrating new approaches and systems from partners and the wider industry.
• People Development: Coach and mentor Senior Project Design Leads and Project Design Leads, fostering an environment where innovation and challenge are encouraged.
• Financial & Commercial Management: Deliver the lowest whole life cost solutions, assist in budgetary accounting, and negotiate with senior stakeholders.
• Process & Compliance: Advocate for rigorous project delivery processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (RAPID, OFWAT, DWI, Environment Agency).
• Stakeholder Engagement: Present to key leadership and stakeholder groups, raise Southern Water’s profile at industry conferences, and support operational teams.

What you’ll bring to the role

• Qualifications: MEng / BEng / BSc or HND / HNC in Engineering, Environmental, or a numerate science subject. Chartered Engineer status is essential.
• Experience: Proven track record in managing large-scale infrastructure design programmes, ideally within the water industry or regulated environments.
• Skills: Strong leadership, technical expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to drive change and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge: Understanding of regulatory frameworks (DCO, DPC, Ofwat), risk management, and audit processes.
• Values: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, inspiring an inclusive culture at Southern Water.

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8 bn planned investment for 2025‑30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long‑term value creation.

“Your potential matters more than a perfect checklist. If this role excites you and you believe you can make an impact, we want to hear from you! Skills can be learned—passion, drive, and fresh perspectives are what truly set candidates apart. Don’thesitate—take the leap and apply!”

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but you are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com‑Introduce Your).

Our Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.