Project Design Lead

Southern Water group; Falmer; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Pension

Life cover

Health benefits

Volunteer days

28 days leave

Occupational health

Retail discount app

Maternity leave options

Job summary

Southern Water invites applications for a Project Design Lead in Falmer. The role provides technical leadership across design and delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, with final design authority prior to construction. Hybrid working with site visits and a driving licence required.

The successful candidate will shape designs from optioneering to commissioning, advise on safety and sustainability, and coordinate multi‑discipline teams to deliver value and compliance.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Coordinate engineering and project teams to keep tasks on track.
• Maintain clear stakeholder communication across departments.
• Review and track design documentation, timelines and compliance requirements.
• Promote health and safety in design activities and ensure H&S alignment.
• Assist project managers with planning and budgeting of design activities.

Skills

Engineering degree

Project management experience

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

## Project Design LeadApply: FALMER: Posted Today: End Date: September 27, 2026 (16 days left to apply): JR8302**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 managementSouthern 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, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference.\"*If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)**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.**#LI-Hybrid**### Interested in the role?* We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so if you are interested in the position please do send your application over today to ensure consideration.* We truly appreciate every application. Please note, that due to the volume of interest, we may not be able to provide personalised feedback to all applicants.### Our Benefits* Company and performance-related bonus* Generous pension* Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary* Health benefits through a Cash Plan* Two paid community volunteering days a year* 28 days annual holiday* Occupational health service* Retail discount app* We offer competitive maternity leave, and flexible return to work options