Join to apply for the Design Manager role at GHD
23 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Design Manager role at GHD
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Design Manager
Location: London, Manchester, Chester, Leeds, or Newcastle (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
Job Description
Design Manager
Location: London, Manchester, Chester, Leeds, or Newcastle (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 any of our London, Manchester, Chester, Leeds, or Newcastle 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
* A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline - preferred but not essential.
* 10–15 years of experience in design and project delivery, with a strong background in the water sector.
* 1–3 years of experience managing teams or leading multidisciplinary design functions.
* Proven ability to manage complex, multi-sector projects and portfolios.
* 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?
At GHD, we believe in creating lasting community benefit through engineering and design excellence. You’ll join a collaborative, inclusive environment where innovation thrives and your contributions make a real impact. We offer:
* 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.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Director
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Design, Consulting, and Engineering
* Industries
Civil Engineering, Industrial Machinery Manufacturing, and Environmental Services
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at GHD by 2x
Get notified about new Design Manager jobs in Leeds, England, United Kingdom.
Design Manager/Lead - Energy | Expression of Interest
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Packaging Technology Manager (Metal & Aerosols)
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Packaging Technology Manager (Metal & Aerosols)
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Elland, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Castleford, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Shipley, England, United Kingdom 1 hour ago
Engineering Design Delivery Manager - Energy & Power
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Ossett, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Ossett, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Associate Technical Director - Design Management (Water & Wastewater)
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Associate Technical Director - Design Management (Water & Wastewater)
York, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Associate Technical Director - Civils (Water & Wastewater)
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Associate Technical Director - Civils (Water & Wastewater)
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago
West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom 45 minutes ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Shipley, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
South Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Leeds, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Wakefield, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr