Design Manager – Water Infrastructure & Major Projects 

Are you ready to lead the delivery of complex infrastructure projects that directly shape the future of the UK’s water network?

This is an opportunity to join a large, privately-owned infrastructure specialist with decades of success delivering some of the UK’s most critical civil engineering projects. Operating across major frameworks and long-term infrastructure programmes, this organisation combines the scale and technical capability of a major contractor with the culture, stability, and long-term thinking of a business that invests heavily in its people.

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams delivering complex clean water, wastewater, pipelines, pumping stations, treatment works, and network infrastructure projects.

This is more than a traditional design management role — you’ll play a key part in shaping technical solutions, influencing project delivery strategy, and driving engineering excellence across major infrastructure programmes.

The Opportunity

You will:

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and external consultants to deliver complex water infrastructure projects from concept through to delivery
• Take ownership of technical compliance, engineering quality, programme performance, and design delivery
• Support project teams with concept, outline, and detailed design solutions for major water and wastewater schemes
• Work closely with operational delivery teams to ensure designs are practical, buildable, efficient, and commercially robust
• Drive collaboration across engineering, operational, commercial, and delivery functions
• Manage engineering budgets, programmes, resources, and change control processes
• Ensure all designs are safe, compliant, maintainable, and aligned to both customer requirements and industry standards
• Support supply chain engagement and specialist technical input throughout project delivery
• Take ownership of design risk management and temporary works coordination

Why This Role Stands Out

Major Infrastructure Exposure

You’ll work across long-term frameworks and large-scale infrastructure programmes rather than short-cycle projects, providing genuine project continuity and career stability.

Direct Delivery Model

Unlike businesses heavily reliant on subcontracted delivery, this organisation maintains substantial in-house engineering and operational capability, creating stronger collaboration between design and construction teams.

Technical Depth

Projects span:

• Clean water infrastructure
• Wastewater treatment
• Pipelines and trunk mains
• Pumping stations
• Networks and utility infrastructure
• Civil engineering and MEICA integration

Career Development

The business has a strong track record of internal progression, leadership development, and long-term employee retention, supported by structured training and professional development.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong design leadership and management experience within water infrastructure
• Experience delivering complex civil engineering solutions within regulated environments
• Knowledge of clean water, wastewater, drainage, pipelines, or network infrastructure
• Understanding of BIM and common data environments
• Degree/HNC qualified (Civil Engineering or equivalent)
• Working towards or holding professional membership / chartership
• Strong stakeholder engagement and people leadership skills
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, consultants, programmes, and budgets

Desirable

• Principal Designer experience
• Temporary Works understanding
• Previous experience delivering projects through major infrastructure frameworks

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary and package
• Pension, life assurance, and private medical
• Car allowance / vehicle options depending on role
• Flexible benefits package
• Leadership development and coaching
• Strong career progression pathways
• Long-term project pipeline and job security
• A people-focused environment that genuinely invests in long-term careers

If you’re looking for a role where you can combine technical leadership, major infrastructure delivery, and long-term career progression — this is an opportunity to make a significant impact.