Project Design Manager

MWH Treatment Limited; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MWH Treatment Limited in Peterborough is seeking a Project Design Manager to own major infrastructure design from feasibility through to detailed development and handover, with hybrid working available.

You will coordinate design delivery across multi-disciplinary teams, act as Principal Designer under CDM, drive BIM and 3D modelling, mentor junior engineers, and champion low‑carbon, cost‑effective solutions for regional projects.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in civil engineering or related field.
• Proven leadership experience on complex infrastructure projects.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with digital design tools and BIM workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process from feasibility to detailed development.
• Coordinate design delivery across multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Act as Principal Designer under CDM regulations.
• Drive BIM and 3D modelling for better coordination.
• Mentor junior engineers and designers.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Mentoring

Collaboration across disciplines

BIM workflows

3D modelling

Education

Degree/HNC/HND in civil engineering

Tools

BIM workflows

3D modelling

Job description

We are looking to strengthen our engineering team with a Project Design Manager at our @One Alliance, Peterborough office with hybrid working available.

As a Project Design Manager, you’ll take technical ownership of major infrastructure projects from initial feasibility through to detailed design and handover. You’ll coordinate design delivery across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring designs are practical, sustainable, and aligned with cost, time, and quality expectations.

You’ll act as a key point of contact across the project lifecycle, working closely with project leaders, engineers, construction teams, and external stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery. It’s a hands-on, highly collaborative role that puts you at the centre of some of the most important infrastructure work happening in the region.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the design process on major capital projects, from early concept through to detailed technical development and design assurance.
• Ensuring design outputs are fully integrated, meeting the operational, commercial, and environmental objectives of the wider project.
• Acting as Principal Designer under CDM regulations, managing design risk and ensuring that safety is considered at every stage.
• Driving digital design excellence, supporting the use of BIM and 3D modelling to improve coordination, data integration, and project outcomes.
• Challenging and improving technical standards, encouraging innovation and the use of repeatable, low-carbon, and cost-effective solutions.
• Liaising with project leaders and delivery teams to plan and allocate design resources effectively, ensuring all technical aspects remain on track.
• Building strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that designs reflect the needs of operators, contractors, regulators, and the community.
• Championing best practice across quality, health and safety, and performance – both within your own team and the wider Alliance.
• Mentoring junior engineers and designers, creating a positive learning culture and helping others grow their skills and confidence.
• Driving collaboration across disciplines, promoting a one-team mindset and helping to unlock value at every stage of the design process.

A degree, HNC or HND in civil engineering or a related discipline.Proven experience in a design or engineering leadership role within complex infrastructure or water-related projects.A working knowledge of CDM 2015 regulations, with prior experience acting as Principal Designer or managing design risk.A strong understanding of project delivery in a multi-disciplinary environment, ideally within an alliance or joint venture.Experience with digital design tools, BIM workflows, and integrated design processes.Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills – able to influence, lead, and work collaboratively at all levels.A proactive, solution-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.