Freelance Design Manager - Water Sector (Non-Infrastructure Wastewater)
Location: West Midlands (Hybrid - 3 days on site, 2 days remote)
Framework: Severn Trent Water - AMP7 & AMP8
Position Summary:
An opportunity has arisen for a Freelance Design Manager to support the delivery of non-infrastructure wastewater projects within the Severn Trent AMP7 and AMP8 Capital Programmes. This hybrid role involves working from site offices (currently based in Barston) three days a week, with flexibility to work remotely for the remaining two.
The ideal professional will bring experience from the water sector-particularly within non-infrastructure wastewater-and demonstrate expertise in one or more disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, or Civils. A proactive and collaborative approach is essential, with a focus on delivering production-efficient and low-carbon design solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Define design scope and deliverables at project initiation
Manage and challenge design programmes to ensure effective delivery
Oversee production, coordination, and control of design deliverables
Manage and log all design changes and their impacts
Promote and drive DfMA (Design for Manufacture & Assembly) and carbon-efficient design solutions
Facilitate regular design meetings covering briefing, progress tracking, and coordination
Lead workshops focusing on buildability, carbon reduction, and DfMA principles
Coordinate design reviews, technical assurance checks, and CDM compliance reviews
Implement and manage BIM strategy in line with ISO 19650
Support the Principal Designer in fulfilling CDM 2015 responsibilities
Stay current with relevant health and safety legislation and design standards
Collaborate with key project stakeholders including delivery, commercial, and design teams, along with supply chain partners
Actively contribute to procurement decisions and support the technical assurance of work packages
Requirements:
HNC/HND or degree in a relevant engineering discipline
Progressing towards (or already holding) Chartered status with a relevant institution
Full UK driving licence
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Solid technical knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes and associated assets
Commercial and contractual awareness to support project delivery
Understanding of project planning and programme management
Knowledge of CDM 2015 Regulations and their practical application
Proven track record in delivering multi-disciplinary design and/or construction projects