Senior Design Manager

GHD; City of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global professional services firm is seeking a Senior Design Manager in London. This hybrid role focuses on leading design excellence in water sector projects such as treatment plants and pumping stations. The successful candidate will manage multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring high-quality delivery and strong client engagement. Strong leadership and technical expertise in water infrastructure are essential. Join us to shape the future of infrastructure across sectors.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Supportive team culture

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in design and project delivery.
• 5+ years in team management and leadership of design functions.
• Strong technical expertise in water infrastructure.
• Experience across full project lifecycle with focus on design phase.
• Ability to mentor a high performing team.
• Strong understanding of UK water industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage design process across multiple projects.
• Lead design delivery for water-related infrastructure.
• Support design delivery in buildings and industrial facilities.
• Supervise team and mentor managers.
• Contribute to business planning and project strategy.
• Identify and implement process improvements.
• Manage client relationships for satisfaction and repeat business.
• Support project budgeting and performance reporting.
• Drive effective internal communication.

Skills

Leadership & Accountability

Strategic Thinking

Collaboration

Excellent communication skills

Process Optimisation

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline

Engineering council professional status (IEng/CEng)

Tools

BIM

AutoCAD

Revit

MS Project

Job description

Job Description

Senior Design Manager

Location: London (Hybrid Working)

Lead Design Excellence Across Sectors with GHD

GHD is a global professional services company that leads through engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction services. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Design Manager to join our UK team. This hybrid role can be based in our London offices.

While the primary focus will be on water sector projects— including clean water, wastewater, and sludge treatment—you’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to building structures, industrial engineering, and infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.

Role Purpose

As a Design Manager at GHD, you will lead multidisciplinary design teams, manage complex project portfolios, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and sustainable solutions. You’ll play a key role in shaping project strategy, driving performance, and fostering collaboration across teams and sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Project & Design Leadership: Manage the design process across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with client expectations, regulatory standards, and GHD’s quality benchmarks.
• Water Sector Expertise: Lead design delivery for water-related infrastructure including treatment plants, pumping stations, and sludge systems.
• Cross‑Sector Collaboration: Support design delivery in other sectors such as buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure.
• Team Management: Supervise and mentor front‑line managers and technical teams, setting performance objectives and supporting professional development.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to business planning and project strategy, aligning design outputs with broader organisational goals.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements in design workflows, tools, and methodologies.
• Client Engagement: Manage key client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business through effective communication and delivery.
• Budgeting & Reporting: Support project budgeting, cost control, and performance reporting.
• Internal Communication: Drive effective communication across teams and stakeholders to ensure clarity, alignment, and collaboration.

What You Will Bring

• 15+ years of experience in design and project delivery with a strong background in the water sector.
• 5+ years of experience in team management and leadership of multidisciplinary design functions, with a demonstrated ability to oversee complex projects and diverse portfolios effectively.
• Demonstrates strong technical expertise in water infrastructure, including water and/or wastewater treatment systems.
• Possesses experience across the full project lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on the design and construction phase.
• Ability to support guide and mentor a high performing team.
• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline – preferred but not essential.
• Engineering council professional status (IEng/CEng) with Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline – preferred but not essential.
• Strong understanding of UK water industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in design and project management tools (e.g., BIM, AutoCAD, Revit, MS Project).

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Accountability: Inspires teams and ensures delivery of high‑quality outcomes.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligns design delivery with business goals and client needs.
• Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships across disciplines and geographies.
• Communication: Delivers clear, compelling messages to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Process Optimisation: Continuously improves design workflows and project efficiency.
• Organisational Savvy: Navigates complex structures and builds influence across teams.

Why GHD?

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• A supportive and inclusive team culture.
• Opportunities to work on transformative projects across sectors.
• Career development and global collaboration.

Equal Opportunity Statement

GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Ready to lead design innovation across the water and infrastructure sectors?

Apply now and help shape the future with GHD.