Design Manager

Design Manager – Water & Civil Infrastructure

Linear Recruitment is currently supporting a leading UK civil engineering and infrastructure contractor in their search for an experienced Design Manager to join their engineering team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and delivering technical design solutions across major infrastructure projects, primarily within the water and wastewater sector. This role will involve leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams, coordinating design consultants, and ensuring all technical solutions are delivered in line with project programmes, budgets, and industry standards.

The position will support the delivery of projects including clean water and wastewater treatment assets, pipelines, trunk mains, sewer networks, pumping stations, and associated infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the technical quality and compliance of design solutions throughout the full project lifecycle.

• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams including internal engineers, external consultants, and specialist partners.

• Manage external design consultants and ensure design deliverables meet contractual and programme requirements.

• Deliver concept, preliminary, and detailed design solutions based on client and site-specific requirements.

• Manage engineering budgets, design schedules, and resource planning.

• Implement change control procedures to manage design development, scope changes, programme updates, and cost variations.

• Ensure all engineering outputs comply with health and safety legislation, quality management systems, and relevant engineering standards.

• Support supply chain engagement and the integration of specialist design inputs where required.

• Collaborate with project managers, engineering managers, operational teams, and other stakeholders to support successful project delivery.

• Maintain oversight of temporary works requirements and ensure appropriate design coordination.

Key Requirements

• Previous experience in a Design Manager or senior design leadership role within civil engineering or utilities infrastructure.

• Experience working on water infrastructure projects including potable water mains, foul water drainage systems, pipelines, pumping stations, and treatment facilities.

• Experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams and coordinating external design consultants.

• Knowledge of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and common data environments.

• Degree or HNC qualified in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.

• Membership of a recognised engineering institution or working towards Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status.

• Strong communication, leadership, and project coordination skills.

Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established infrastructure contractor delivering major UK infrastructure projects. The role offers exposure to long-term framework programmes, strong career development opportunities, and the chance to lead technical delivery on complex civil engineering schemes.