Design Manager

Design Manager – Civil Engineering & Water Infrastructure

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

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering and managing technical design solutions across major infrastructure projects, particularly within water and wastewater sectors. This role will involve leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams, managing external design consultants, and ensuring that design solutions are delivered to the required standards, programme, and budget.

The role will support projects involving clean water and wastewater treatment facilities, pipelines, trunk mains, sewer networks, pumping stations, and associated infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

• Manage engineering budgets, design programmes, and resource allocation.

• Ensure all design outputs comply with statutory regulations, health and safety legislation, and quality management systems.

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

• Work closely with project managers, engineering managers, and operational teams to support project delivery.

• Support supply chain engagement where specialist design input is required.

• Ensure appropriate coordination and understanding of temporary works requirements during project delivery.

Key Requirements

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

• Experience working on water infrastructure schemes such as potable water mains, foul water drainage, pipelines, pumping stations, and treatment facilities.

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

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

• Degree or HNC qualified in Civil Engineering or a related engineering 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 civil engineering and water infrastructure projects. The role offers exposure to long-term framework programmes, strong career progression opportunities, and the chance to lead technical delivery on complex engineering schemes.