Communication jobs in United Kingdom

Job Title: Senior Design ManagerCompany: Costain GroupLocation: Brighton, East Sussex, United KingdomJob Type: Full timeCategory: Engineering & Design Management (Infrastructure)Date Posted: 2026-02-12Experience Level: 5-10 YearsRemote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days in office)

• Oversee the delivery of comprehensive engineering solutions for a major capital program, encompassing the full project lifecycle from concept to construction.
• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams to ensure successful project outcomes aligned with strategic objectives and client requirements.
• Drive technical excellence and innovation in the design and development of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Implement robust project management methodologies to manage scope, risk, and quality effectively for complex infrastructure programs.
• Foster a collaborative environment within a joint venture structure, ensuring seamless integration between design and delivery phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified under Engineering & Design Management, specifically focusing on infrastructure within the water and wastewater sectors, given the context of Southern Water and the AMP8 Capital Programme. The "Senior" designation, coupled with the 5-10 year experience range, indicates a need for seasoned professionals capable of strategic oversight and team leadership.

• Deliver engineering solutions at a program level, from initial definition of need through optioneering, solution development, and detail design.
• Provide comprehensive construction support, ensuring design integrity and problem resolution throughout the build phase.
• Manage and mentor multi-disciplinary design teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Implement and refine design processes to optimize efficiency, reduce risk, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with project stakeholders, including clients (Southern Water), joint venture partners (MWH Treatment), and construction teams, to align on project goals and deliverables.
• Oversee the development and management of design budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to meet program objectives.
• Ensure effective risk management and scope control throughout the design lifecycle, proactively identifying and mitigating potential issues.
• Champion the adoption of innovative design technologies and methodologies to enhance project delivery and asset performance.
• Facilitate effective communication and reporting on design progress, challenges, and successes to senior management and client representatives.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives for the CMDP+ joint venture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to emphasize program-level oversight and the full design lifecycle, aligning with the "Senior" title. Specific mention of optioneering, solution development, and construction support highlights the breadth of the role. The inclusion of team leadership, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration are critical for a senior position in a complex joint venture environment.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering-related discipline (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Environmental Engineering) or equivalent professional qualification.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in engineering design and project management, with a significant portion focused on infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering engineering solutions within a design-build environment.
• Demonstrated experience working within the water and wastewater treatment industry.
• Experience in managing and leading multi-disciplinary design teams.

Required Skills:

• Engineering Solutions Delivery: Expertise in translating project requirements into viable and efficient engineering designs.
• Optioneering & Solution Development: Ability to explore and evaluate multiple design options to identify the most effective solutions.
• Detail Design Oversight: Capability to manage and review detailed design work to ensure accuracy and constructability.
• Construction Support: Experience in providing technical guidance and resolving design queries during the construction phase.
• Technical Project Management: Proficiency in managing project scope, schedule, budget, and resources for engineering initiatives.
• Team Leadership & Motivation: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage diverse technical teams to achieve performance targets.
• Risk & Scope Management: Strong skills in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks and controlling scope creep.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with clients, partners, and internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a joint venture or complex partnership structure.
• Familiarity with the AMP8 Capital Programme or similar large-scale water industry investment programs.
• Knowledge of specific water/wastewater treatment processes and technologies.
• Experience with advanced design software and digital engineering tools.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks governing the UK water industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are tailored to the specific industry (water and wastewater) and project type (infrastructure). The emphasis on "delivery-driven" and "management skills" from the AI summary is integrated into the core responsibilities and required skills. Preferred skills are added to reflect the context of a joint venture and a regulated industry.

• Design Lifecycle Management: Showcase examples of how you have managed engineering designs through all project phases, from initial concept to detailed design and construction support. Highlight your role in defining project scopes and objectives.
• Process Optimization Case Studies: Present case studies demonstrating your ability to improve design processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce project timelines or costs. Quantify the impact of your interventions.
• System Implementation & Integration: Include examples of managing the integration of different design disciplines and ensuring seamless handover to construction teams. Detail your experience with relevant design software and project management systems.
• Risk Mitigation & Quality Assurance: Provide evidence of how you have proactively managed design risks and implemented quality assurance measures to ensure technical integrity and compliance.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing engineering workflows for complex infrastructure projects, particularly within a joint venture.
• Implementation & Automation: Showcase your approach to implementing new design processes or tools, and any experience with leveraging automation to improve design efficiency or accuracy.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Detail how you have established metrics to track design performance, analyzed data to identify areas for improvement, and reported on key performance indicators (KPIs) to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to a Senior Design Manager role, focusing on demonstrating strategic oversight of the design process, team leadership in process execution, and quantifiable results. The emphasis is on managing complex workflows within a joint venture context and ensuring quality and efficiency.

Salary Range: £65,000 - £85,000 per annum (Estimated)

Estimated Methodology: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers in the UK infrastructure sector, particularly in engineering and construction firms operating on large capital programs. Factors considered include experience level (5-10 years), location (Brighton, which has a moderate cost of living compared to London), and the complexity of the role (program-level oversight for a strategic delivery partner). This range is typical for roles requiring significant technical expertise, leadership, and program management capabilities.

• Competitive Pension Scheme: Comprehensive retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Annual Leave Allowance: Generous paid time off, typically starting at 25 days plus bank holidays, with potential for increases based on tenure.
• Hybrid Working Model: Flexibility to work remotely 2-3 days per week, balancing home and office-based work.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and support for professional accreditations and certifications.
• Health and Wellbeing Programs: Access to employee assistance programs, health insurance options, and initiatives promoting employee welfare.
• Life Assurance: Company-provided coverage to support dependents.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Option to purchase bicycles and accessories through salary sacrifice.
• Performance-Related Bonus: Potential for additional compensation based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility may be offered within these hours, subject to team and project requirements, to accommodate the hybrid working model and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on UK market rates for senior engineering management roles in the infrastructure sector. Benefits are typical for a large, established firm like Costain, with specific mention of hybrid working and professional development relevant to operations professionals.

Industry: Infrastructure and Construction (Energy, Water, Transportation, Defence). Costain Group is a prominent UK company focused on delivering complex infrastructure solutions.Company Size: Large (Approx. 4,000+ employees globally, as per LinkedIn data). This indicates a well-established organization with structured processes and opportunities for career advancement.Founded: 1865. Costain has a long and rich history, suggesting stability, deep industry knowledge, and a strong heritage in engineering and construction.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will operate within the CMDP+ joint venture, a collaborative entity formed between Costain and MWH Treatment.
• This role will likely involve managing a team of design engineers and specialists across various disciplines.
• Close collaboration with project managers, construction leads, commercial teams, and client representatives from Southern Water will be essential.
• Reporting lines will typically be to a Programme Director or Head of Design within the joint venture.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data and analytics to inform design choices, manage risks, and track project performance.
• Integrated Project Delivery: Focus on seamless collaboration between design, procurement, and construction teams to achieve efficiencies and mitigate risks.
• Client-Centric Approach: Commitment to understanding and meeting the strategic needs of clients like Southern Water, ensuring solutions deliver tangible benefits and value.
• Safety and Quality Focus: A strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards, alongside rigorous quality assurance in all aspects of design and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Costain's scale, history, and strategic focus on infrastructure. The joint venture aspect is crucial for understanding the collaborative dynamics. The methodology section infers standard industry practices for large infrastructure projects, emphasizing data, integration, client focus, and safety.

Operations Career Level: Senior Management within the Engineering and Design function. This role is positioned to lead significant technical aspects of a major capital program, requiring strategic thinking, team leadership, and accountability for program-level design delivery. It bridges technical expertise with managerial responsibility.Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Programme Director or similar senior leadership role within the CMDP+ joint venture framework. They will, in turn, manage a team of design engineers and specialists. Collaboration will extend across Costain and MWH Treatment functions, as well as with Southern Water.Operations Impact: The role's impact is substantial, directly influencing the successful delivery of critical water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades for Southern Water. Effective design management ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality and safety standards, ultimately enhancing public services and environmental protection.

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Programme Director, Head of Design, or other senior leadership roles within Costain or the joint venture, overseeing larger programs or portfolios.
• Specialization and Expertise: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure, digital engineering, or project delivery methodologies.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Possibility to move into broader project management, commercial, or strategic roles within the organization.
• Industry Recognition: Contributing to high-profile projects can lead to industry recognition and opportunities to represent the company at conferences or in professional bodies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory for a Senior Design Manager, emphasizing the strategic importance of the role and the potential for advancement within a large infrastructure firm and a significant joint venture program. The "Operations Impact" is framed around tangible results in infrastructure delivery.

Office Type: The role is designated as hybrid, requiring 2-3 days per week at the Testwood office, with potential for travel to other sites. This suggests a modern office environment conducive to collaboration and focused work.Office Location(s): Primarily Testwood, with potential travel to other project sites or offices as required. Testwood is located in Southampton, providing access to a skilled workforce and regional infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Testwood office likely serves as a central point for design team meetings, cross-functional planning sessions, and client engagements.
• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to robust IT infrastructure, design software, communication tools, and potentially advanced visualization or BIM facilities to support design activities.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model balances individual focused work with opportunities for in-person collaboration, team building, and mentoring within the design team and wider CMDP+ organization.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for flexibility. Project deadlines may occasionally require extended hours or weekend work, especially during critical design or construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment focuses on the practical aspects of a hybrid role within a large infrastructure project. It highlights the blend of office-based collaboration and remote work, supported by necessary technology and a structured schedule.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on CV/resume and alignment with essential qualifications and experience.
• First Interview: Typically with HR and/or a hiring manager to assess general suitability, motivation, and high-level experience. Questions may cover career history, understanding of the role, and team fit.
• Technical/Competency Interview: In-depth discussion with senior members of the design or program management team. This stage will focus on your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and leadership experience. Expect behavioral questions based on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Portfolio Presentation (Potentially): Candidates may be asked to present a selection of their work, highlighting key projects, design challenges overcome, and demonstrated impact. This could be a dedicated session or integrated into the technical interview.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or client representatives to ensure strategic alignment and cultural fit.
• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 significant projects that best demonstrate your experience in program-level design management, water/wastewater infrastructure, and leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, decision-making authority, and contributions to each project. Use "I" statements where appropriate for individual contributions and "We" for team achievements.
• Showcase Process Improvement: Include case studies detailing how you identified inefficiencies, implemented solutions, and achieved measurable improvements in design delivery (e.g., time, cost, quality, risk reduction). Quantify results with data and metrics wherever possible.
• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss challenges encountered during projects, how you navigated them, and lessons learned. This demonstrates resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, charts, photos) to illustrate design concepts, project scope, and outcomes. Ensure any sensitive or proprietary information is anonymized.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to Southern Water's needs, the AMP8 program, and the joint venture context.
• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready for hypothetical scenarios or case studies related to complex design challenges in water infrastructure. Prepare to outline your approach to analysis, optioneering, and solution development.
• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would manage conflicting priorities or resolve disagreements between design teams, construction, and clients.
• Risk Assessment: Prepare to discuss how you would identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with a large infrastructure design program.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice on preparing for the interview process, with a strong emphasis on portfolio presentation, which is critical for design management roles. It outlines a typical interview structure for senior positions in large organizations.

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Bentley MicroStation for 2D and 3D design.
• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms like Autodesk Revit or Navisworks for integrated design, analysis, and collaboration.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or Asana for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and potentially more advanced tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and reports.
• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating technical reports, design progress updates, and performance summaries for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving design documents and project information (e.g., Bentley ProjectWise).
• Workflow Automation (Potential): Awareness of or experience with automating repetitive design tasks or approval processes, though this may be more at the team lead level.
• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different software systems (CAD, BIM, PM, ERP) can be integrated to streamline data flow and improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on standard practices in infrastructure design and project management. Emphasis is placed on CAD, BIM, project management, and collaboration tools, reflecting the core functions of a Senior Design Manager.

Operations Values:

• Safety First: An unwavering commitment to health, safety, and environmental excellence, embedded in all design decisions and practices.
• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct in all dealings with colleagues, clients, and partners.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse teams work together effectively towards common goals.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative thinking, embracing new technologies, and constantly seeking ways to enhance design processes and project outcomes.
• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering exceptional value and building long-term relationships.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design teams work closely with project management, construction, commercial, and client representatives on a daily basis.
• Open Communication: Emphasis on transparent and proactive communication, encouraging the sharing of ideas, feedback, and concerns across teams and disciplines.
• Joint Venture Synergy: A culture that embraces the partnership between Costain and MWH Treatment, promoting shared ownership and aligned objectives within the CMDP+ framework.
• Problem-Solving Orientation: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges collectively, leveraging the expertise of all team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are derived from typical corporate culture statements of large engineering firms like Costain, combined with the collaborative nature of a joint venture and the specific demands of infrastructure projects.

• Managing Complex Programs: Overseeing multiple interdependencies and design streams within a large capital program requires exceptional organizational and strategic planning skills.
• Balancing Competing Priorities: Effectively managing trade-offs between cost, schedule, quality and stakeholder expectations in a dynamic project environment.
• Integrating JV Partners: Ensuring seamless collaboration, consistent standards, and effective communication between Costain and MWH Treatment teams.
• Technical Evolution: Staying abreast of new design technologies, materials, and regulatory changes within the water industry and their implications for current projects.
• Remote Team Management: Effectively leading and motivating a distributed or hybrid design team to maintain cohesion and high performance.
• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses in areas like advanced BIM, digital engineering, specific water treatment technologies, or sustainable design practices.
• Leadership and Management Development: Programs focused on enhancing strategic leadership, financial acumen, and team motivation skills.
• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend major industry events (e.g., Water UK, ICE events) to gain insights and network.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced leaders within Costain or the JV for guidance and career development support.
• Professional Accreditation Support: Assistance with pursuing or maintaining professional engineering qualifications and chartership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the complexities inherent in managing large infrastructure programs within a joint venture. Growth opportunities are tailored to advancing a career in senior engineering management and specialized infrastructure design.

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design lifecycle for a large-scale infrastructure program, from initial concept to construction support." (Focus on your methodology, risk management, and team leadership.)
• "How would you foster collaboration and ensure effective communication between Costain and MWH Treatment teams within the CMDP+ joint venture?" (Highlight your experience with JV dynamics and cross-functional teamwork.)
• "Walk us through a complex design challenge you faced in a water or wastewater project. What was your role, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR-method answer showcasing problem-solving and technical expertise.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Costain's approach to smart infrastructure and sustainability, and how does that align with your design philosophy?" (Research Costain's recent projects and strategic initiatives.)
• "How do you ensure safety and quality are paramount in the design process, especially in a regulated environment like Southern Water's?" (Discuss your understanding of safety culture and quality assurance processes.)
• "Describe a time you had to motivate a design team facing tight deadlines or technical difficulties. What strategies did you employ?" (Demonstrate your leadership and team management skills.)
• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with an overview of the project, your role, and the key objectives. Then, dive into specific challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Conclude with lessons learned and quantifiable results.
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics (e.g., percentage reduction in cost, improvement in schedule adherence, decrease in design errors) to demonstrate the value of your work.
• Showcase Process: Explain the design processes you followed, how you managed workflows, and how you integrated different disciplines. Highlight any process improvements you implemented.
• Focus on Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, making critical decisions, and managing stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are designed to assess strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, technical depth, and cultural fit for a Senior Design Manager role in a complex infrastructure and joint venture setting. The portfolio presentation advice is critical for this type of role.

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Navigate to the Costain Group careers portal or the provided Oracle Cloud HCM link and submit your application through the designated portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights 3-4 key infrastructure projects, focusing on your leadership in design management, problem-solving, and process optimization. Ensure it demonstrates experience relevant to water/wastewater and joint ventures.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in program-level design delivery, multi-disciplinary team leadership, risk management, and technical project management within the infrastructure sector. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and technical questions using the STAR method. Prepare a compelling narrative for your portfolio presentation, focusing on quantifiable achievements and leadership impact.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Costain's strategy, recent projects, sustainability initiatives, and the CMDP+ joint venture's objectives. Understand Southern Water's role and the importance of the AMP8 program.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Essential requirements include a Bachelor's Degree in an engineering-related discipline, experience in technical project delivery within a design-build setting, and specific experience in the Water Treatment Industry. Candidates must be delivery-driven with strong technical and management skills, capable of leading and motivating multi-disciplinary teams to meet time, cost, and quality objectives.