Design Manager

Design Manager - Water Infrastructure Colchester (Hybrid)A leading infrastructure contractor delivering essential water and wastewater projects across the UK is strengthening its in-house capability with the appointment of a Design Manager. This is a strategic opportunity to establish and lead a new internal design function supporting long-term framework delivery for Anglian Water.Role OverviewThe Design Manager will lead all design activity within a major capital works framework, managing internal and external design resources to ensure technical excellence, compliance, and delivery performance. Reporting to the Framework Manager, you will be responsible for building a multi-disciplinary team, implementing robust design processes, and driving innovation across multiple concurrent projects.The Design Managers key responsibilities will include:

• Establish and manage a new in-house design team, growing headcount to approximately six within 12 months.
• Oversee all design deliverables across the water and wastewater capital programme from concept through to completion.
• Manage sub-consultant designers, ensuring integration, quality, and alignment with project objectives.
• Ensure designs comply with CDM regulations, water industry standards, and client-specific technical requirements.
• Control design budgets, resources, and programmes to meet agreed SLAs.
• Facilitate design reviews, technical approvals, and sign-off processes.
• Lead mentoring and development of design team members, ensuring continuous alignment with engineering standards.
• Promote innovation and digital tools to improve design efficiency and delivery outcomes.
• Embed a culture of safety, quality, and technical excellence throughout all design activity.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within the water or wider infrastructure sector.
• Degree-qualified in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or related discipline).
• Demonstrable experience managing internal design teams and external consultants.
• Full understanding of design assurance, review, and sign-off processes.
• Strong technical knowledge of water infrastructure design standards and regulations.
• Competent in CDM compliance, risk management, and quality assurance.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and AutoCAD.
• Leadership capability with experience mentoring and developing design professionals.

Desirable Requirements

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status (ICE, IMechE, or similar).
• Prior experience within a framework or alliance delivery model.
• Exposure to digital engineering and BIM tools.

Benefits and Career DevelopmentStarting salary of £60,000 to £70,000 plus a competitive package including company car or £5,000 car allowance, matched pension and private healthcare. You'll also be offered a position that includes excellent career prospects, a great work life balance and the scope to build and develop your own team from scratch. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping a new design function within a long-term, high-value water infrastructure framework. If you're passionate about leading innovation and building high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you. We welcome applications from experienced Design Managers who are ready to take the next step in their career and contribute to meaningful infrastructure projects.

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