Design Manager Location: Manchester (office-based with flexible/hybrid working) Contract: Permanent, full-time The Opportunity Our client is strengthening our delivery team on the United Utilities framework and we’re looking for a Design Manager to lead multi-discipline design delivery across a portfolio of water and wastewater projects. You’ll coordinate designers, supply chain partners and construction teams to ensure solutions are safe, compliant and buildable—delivered to programme and budget. What you’ll do * Own the design delivery plan: scope, programme, budgets, design reviews and approvals through each stage. * Lead multi-discipline teams (civil, MEICA, temporary works, digital engineering) and external design partners/consultancies. * Drive technical assurance: manage HAZID/HAZOP/ALM reviews, optioneering, buildability, and whole-life considerations. * Ensure compliance with relevant standards, client specifications and legislation (CDM 2015, environmental & quality). * Coordinate with construction: resolve technical queries (RFI/TQ), support site teams, manage change and risk registers. * Manage interfaces with planners, estimators, procurement, and commercial to align scope, risk and cost. * Control the CDE/BIM process: maintain model and drawing deliverables, version control and document management. * Engage stakeholders: liaise with the client, supply chain, third parties and asset owners to secure timely approvals. * Report progress: produce design status, KPI, and gateway readiness reports; escalate issues proactively. About you * Degree in Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or related). * Proven experience managing design on water/utility or civils infrastructure projects. * Strong understanding of buildability, temporary works principles, and construction methodologies. * Working knowledge of NEC contracts, CDM 2015 and quality management systems. * Comfortable leading meetings and challenging/validating design assumptions and costs. * Competent with common design/delivery tools (e.g., CDEs, BIM workflows, AutoCAD/Civil 3D/Revit exposure advantageous). * Excellent communication, stakeholder and supplier-management skills. * Full UK driving licence and willingness to visit sites across the North West. What we offer * Competitive salary with car/allowance and matched pension. * 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (with options to buy/sell). * Flexible/hybrid working, life assurance and employee benefits platform. * Professional development and support toward chartership (ICE/IMechE/IET). * A collaborative culture focused on safety, delivery and innovation