Design Manager - Water (PFAS) - AMP8
Location: East of England (hybrid working)
Working Pattern: 3 days per week on site for first 3 months, reducing to approx. 2-3 days per fortnight based on performance
Type: Permanent preferred | Contract considered
Lead the design of a flagship AMP8 portfolio tackling PFAS ('forever chemicals') removal across multiple Water Treatment Works. This is a high-impact leadership role managing a multidisciplinary team delivering complex treatment solutions centred on two-stage Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) systems, with a combined portfolio value of approximately £155m.
You will lead design excellence, innovation and sustainable engineering outcomes across projects spanning Grimsby to Colchester, helping protect water quality and the natural environment for future generations.
The Role
As Design Manager, you will lead a team of 15-20 engineers delivering detailed design solutions across a portfolio of PFAS treatment projects. Working collaboratively across project management, construction and supply chain partners, you will drive high-quality, safe and cost-effective engineering outcomes aligned with AMP8 priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership
Lead multidisciplinary design delivery across water treatment capital projects
Develop and manage Engineering Project Plans covering scope, programme, cost, risk and resources
Direct Process, Mechanical, Electrical and Civil engineering design activities
Ensure design quality processes support a right-first-time approach
Coordinate supplier and subcontractor design integration
Support optioneering and solution development activities
Project Delivery
Collaborate across integrated project teams to deliver joined-up project outcomes
Drive affordability, programme certainty and value engineering
Embed sustainability and carbon reduction principles into designs
Identify and manage risks, opportunities and design improvements
Ensure stakeholder engagement and design acceptance
Health & Safety (CDM)
Support delegated Principal Designer duties under CDM Regulations
Ensure design risk assessments, pre-construction information and H&S files are produced
Promote a strong safety culture across engineering teams
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team
Identify capability gaps and support recruitment and resource planning
Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing team environment
Innovation & Transformation
Promote digital engineering and fully attributed 3D modelling
Support product standardisation and design innovation
Drive continuous improvement in engineering efficiency and sustainability
About You
Qualifications & Experience
Degree-qualified in Engineering or related discipline
Chartered Engineer status (or working towards)
Experience delivering design for water or infrastructure capital projects
Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams
Experience working within Design & Build environments beneficial
Understanding of CDM designer responsibilities
Benefits (Permanent option)
Employer pension contribution
Potential company car or car allowance (partner dependent)
Structured salary progression within banding
Long-term AMP8 programme visibility
Flexible hybrid working arrangement after initial onboarding period
Apply now to secure a key role delivering critical water treatment infrastructure and environmental improvements