Project Manager (Design)

First Recruitment Group; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design and build provider in Cambridgeshire is seeking a skilled Project Design Manager to join their engineering team. This role offers the opportunity to lead design processes for major infrastructure projects. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and proven experience in project delivery. Benefits include a competitive salary, car allowance, and a comprehensive benefits package, emphasizing a collaborative working environment.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Health and private medical insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Discounts hub

Family benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in design or engineering leadership for complex infrastructure or water projects.
• Skilled in managing multi-disciplinary project delivery.
• Strong communicator able to lead and influence at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for major capital projects, from concept to detailed design.
• Ensure outputs meet project objectives across quality, cost, time, and sustainability.
• Act as Principal Designer under CDM 2015, managing design risk and prioritising safety.

Skills

Design leadership in civil engineering

Knowledge of CDM 2015 regulations

Proficiency in digital design tools and BIM

Strong communication skills

Project delivery management

Education

Degree, HNC, or HND in civil engineering

Tools

BIM software

3D modelling tools

Job description

Location: Cambridgeshire • Sector: Civil Engineering • Job Type: Permanent • Salary: Very competitive plus car / car allowance • Reference: SK/R/091022

Role

Project Manager (Design) – Major Infrastructure / Utilities

Location: Peterborough (Hybrid Working Available)

We are representing a leading design and build provider in the water sector who is seeking a skilled Project Design Manager to join their established engineering team.

This role offers the opportunity to lead the design process for major infrastructure projects, working across multiple disciplines and contributing to vital regional developments.

As Project Design Manager, you will take full technical ownership from feasibility through to handover, ensuring designs meet operational, environmental, and commercial objectives.

This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with internal teams, delivery partners, and external stakeholders to achieve seamless, efficient project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for major capital projects, from concept through to detailed design and assurance.
• Ensure outputs meet project objectives across quality, cost, time, and sustainability.
• Act as Principal Designer under CDM 2015, managing design risk and prioritising safety.
• Drive digital excellence through BIM, 3D modelling, and integrated design processes.
• Challenge and enhance technical standards, promoting low-carbon and cost-effective solutions.
• Allocate and manage design resources, ensuring technical work stays on track.
• Build strong working relationships with operators, contractors, regulators, and communities.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a positive learning culture.
• Promote collaboration across disciplines and uphold best practice in quality, health and safety.

Candidate Profile

• Degree, HNC, or HND in civil engineering or related discipline.
• Proven experience in design or engineering leadership for complex infrastructure or water projects.
• Working knowledge of CDM 2015 regulations and Principal Designer responsibilities.
• Skilled in managing multi-disciplinary project delivery, ideally in an alliance or joint venture.
• Proficient in digital design tools, BIM workflows, and integrated processes.
• Strong communicator with the ability to lead and influence at all levels.
• Proactive, solution-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

Benefits Package

• Car/car allowance (role-dependent)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (option to buy an additional 5 days)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health and private medical insurance
• Additional perks including cycle to work scheme, discounts hub, and family benefits

If you are an experienced engineering leader looking to work on impactful, sustainable infrastructure projects while enjoying a collaborative working environment, this is an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your career.

EEO Statement

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.