Design Manager

NRL; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is looking for a Design Manager - Water to lead complex water and wastewater projects. This role involves ensuring compliance with technical standards, promoting innovation in design, and mentoring engineering teams. The ideal candidate will have strong technical leadership skills and a passion for delivering impactful infrastructure solutions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading large-scale infrastructure programmes.
• Ability to manage client expectations effectively.
• Expertise in change control and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with technical standards and UK CDM regulations.
• Promote innovation in design and construction.
• Mentor engineers and project team members.

Skills

Technical leadership in design and project management

Multidisciplinary engineering integration

NEC3/4 contract experience

Knowledge of CDM regulations

Problem-solving and innovation

Communication with stakeholders

Job description

Your impact

We’re seekingDesign Manager - Waterto lead the execution of large, complex water and wastewater projects through innovative delivery models. This is a high-impact leadership role within a rapidly expanding practice, offering the opportunity to influence major infrastructure programs and drive meaningful change in communities across the country.

This is more than a job: it’s a chance to lead transformative projects, mentor talented teams, and shape the future of water infrastructure. You’ll be part of a company that values innovation, belonging, and sustainability, and you’ll help us deliver outcomes that matter.

As theDesign Manager- Water, you’ll be at the forefront of project delivery, responsible for:

• Ensure compliance with technical standards and UK CDM regulations.
• Take ownership for value engineering, value management and buildability.
• Lead stakeholder engagement, manage client expectations and be an active member of the framework leadership team.
• Oversee design management, scheduling, risk mitigation, change control and financial forecasting and analysis, ensuring constructability and commissioning are embedded in design thinking.
• Promote innovation in design and construction, including standardization and design automation.
• Mentor engineers and project team members, supporting their career, personal and professional development.
• Take ownership of client relationships and contribute to business growth.
• Work with the Project Manager to develop and implement project quality and delivery plans and monitor technical performance.

Here’s what you’ll need

We would be delighted to hear from and speak to candidates with a progressive mix of the following:

• Proven Technical leadership in the design and project management of large-scale infrastructure programmes.
• Expertise in multidisciplinary engineering and construction integration.
• NEC3/4 contract and change control experience.
• Extensive knowledge of CDM regulations and processes.
• Passion and enthusiasm for problem solving, creating and delivering innovation.
• Track record in developing and fostering a culture focused on success.
• Ability to operate autonomously across a wide range of complex projects with authority.
• Be a great communicator able to explain complex technical issues to multiple stakeholders with differing backgrounds and levels expertise.

The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.

We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer. You can ensure you stay safe when job searching online by visiting the JobsAware website.