Design Manager

Carmichael UK are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join a major Tier 1 joint venture delivering AMP8 works across the Southern Water framework. This long-term programme will deliver critical investment across water and wastewater infrastructure, including upgrades to treatment works, pumping stations, and reservoirs.

About the Role

As Design Manager, you will be responsible for leading the design and engineering delivery across major infrastructure schemes. You will manage multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring outputs are delivered safely, sustainably, on programme, within budget, and in line with all technical and governance requirements.

Working as part of an integrated project team, you will play a key role from early optioneering through to detailed design and construction support.

Duties will include:

Leading multidisciplinary design teams to deliver technical solutions across water and wastewater projects

Managing design activities from initial concept through to detailed design and construction support

Ensuring design outputs are safe, compliant, buildable, and sustainable

Managing design programmes, budgets, and delivery milestones

Monitoring performance and forecasting costs to completion

Managing design change control processes to optimise efficiency and cost

Ensuring compliance with CDM regulations and design governance procedures

Developing and managing Design Management Plans and Project Execution Plans

Building strong relationships with clients, delivery teams, and supply chain partners

Providing regular progress reporting, including performance and programme updates

Requirements

Essential:

Degree-qualified or equivalent in Engineering (MEICA background preferred)

Experience delivering design within the UK water sector

Strong design management experience across multidisciplinary teams

Experience managing design quality and governance processes

Good understanding of CDM regulations and design responsibilities

Proven ability to deliver projects to programme, budget, and quality standards

Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Desirable:

Chartered or working towards Chartership (MICE, IMechE, MCIOB)

Experience managing significant design change and risk

Knowledge of EDMS systems and digital design workflows

Understanding of contractual and commercial aspects of design delivery

Strong negotiation and influencing skills