Senior Design manager - Water

Access Talent Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking consultancy is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary design teams on high-impact water and environmental projects in the UK and Ireland. This role involves shaping infrastructure solutions from concept through delivery, managing project stages, and ensuring the delivery of innovative, sustainable engineering solutions. Candidates must be degree-qualified in a relevant field with proven leadership experience in the water sector, possessing excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in relevant engineering discipline.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of the water utilities sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop project design teams.
• Manage projects across all design stages.
• Collaborate with clients for sustainable solutions.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Client engagement

Leadership

Education

Degree in Civil, Environmental, or related Engineering

Chartered or working toward professional accreditation

Job description

Overview

Are you an accomplished engineering professional with a passion for leading multidisciplinary design teams and delivering complex infrastructure projects? This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward‑thinking consultancy as a Senior Design Manager, contributing to a wide range of high‑impact water and environmental projects across the UK and Ireland.

In this role, you’ll take a central position in shaping the built environment — from the early stages of asset strategy and concept development to detailed design and delivery. You’ll be working closely with clients in the water sector to solve pressing challenges around clean water, wastewater, drainage, flooding, and sustainability.

This is more than just a design management role — it’s a chance to lead the delivery of infrastructure that supports climate resilience, community wellbeing, and environmental protection. You’ll be part of a dynamic and collaborative team that values technical excellence, innovation, and a commitment to creating long‑term value.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop project design teams, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative working environment.
• Manage and deliver projects across all design stages: asset planning, concept design, outline and detailed design.
• Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to identify sustainable, efficient engineering solutions.
• Work closely with Project Managers to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and to a high standard of quality.
• Apply best practices in design management, technical delivery, and client engagement.
• Contribute to a range of regional and national water frameworks, helping to shape the future of the industry.

Areas you will work in

• Clean water treatment and distribution
• Wastewater collection and treatment
• Urban drainage and surface water management
• Flood risk mitigation and resilience planning
• Sustainable and climate‑adaptive infrastructure

Requirements

• Degree‑qualified in Civil, Environmental, or a related Engineering discipline.
• Chartered or working toward professional accreditation (e.g. ICE, CIWEM).
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering or design teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem‑solving skills with the ability to drive innovative, sustainable solutions.
• Strong understanding of the water or utilities sector, with a client‑focused mindset.

Working Arrangements

3 days a week hybrid working.

Contact

If you are an experienced Design Manager or an established senior design manager ready to work on projects across the UK leading multidisciplinary teams in the infrastructure sector, please contact Cameron Green on 02380981322 or [e-mail].