Project Design Lead

Southern Water; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water is seeking a Project Design Lead to provide technical leadership across the design and delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This senior role in Engineering Technical Services shapes, approves, and assures designs from optioneering through construction and commissioning.

You will influence project outcomes with final design authority in many schemes, ensuring safety, compliance, sustainability, and best whole-life value as part of a skilled leadership

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Project Management qualification or experience within project management.

Responsibilities

• Team coordination to keep tasks on track.
• Clear stakeholder communication across departments.
• Review and track design documentation, timelines, and compliance requirements.
• Promote safe working practices and align design activities with H&S standards.
• Assist project managers with planning and tracking design-related activities and budgets.

Skills

Project coordination

Communication

Team coordination

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent experience

Project Management qualification

Job description

Closing Date 27/09/2026

Job Title: Project Design Lead

Location: Falmer (hybrid working + site visits, driving licence is required)

Contract Type: Perm, Full time

Salary: Salary and package are to be discussed at the screening stage.

About The Role

Southern Water is seeking an experienced Project Design Lead to provide technical leadership across the design and delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This is a senior role within Engineering Technical Services, with accountability for shaping, approving and assuring designs from early optioneering through to construction and commissioning. You will provide authoritative technical input, make decisions that materially influence project outcomes, and ensure solutions are safe, compliant, sustainable and deliver best whole‑life value. In many cases, you will have final design authority for schemes prior to construction

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Team Support: Assist in coordinating engineering and project teams, helping to keep tasks on track and organised.
• Stakeholder Communication: Help maintain clear communication across departments including Operations, Environmental Enabling, and Engineering & Construction.
• Design Administration: Support the review and tracking of design documentation, timelines, and compliance requirements.
• Health & Safety Awareness: Promote safe working practices and help ensure design activities align with H&S standards.
• Project Coordination: Assist project managers with planning and tracking design-related activities and budgets.

What You’ll Bring To The Role

• You might have a degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Project Management qualification or experience within project management

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn 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

Purpose-Driven

"Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, you don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference."

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.