Closing Date
03/04/2026
Job Title: Senior Project Design Lead
Location: Falmer (Hybrid Working)
Salary: from £65k
Job Overview:
Southern Water's Bioresources Programme requires significant investment in AMP8 to lift performance to industry standard and prepare for future changes in regulation. You will have the opportunity to work on a programme which will have long term benefits to the environment, customers and Southern Water, including:
1. The AMP8 programme to consolidate sludge treatment centres to dewatering hubs and 'new-build' sludge treatment centres - this is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a project without the constraints of existing operational challenges.
2. Implementation of works to meet the Industrial Emissions Directive; secondary containment, combined heat and power engines and containment of fugitive emissions.
3. Influence the direction of alternative delivery routes in bioresources and wastewater.
Key Purpose:
To provide technical input and develop solutions during the identification of needs and the design, construction, and commissioning process. Making decisions and recommendations that are recognised as authoritative and have an important impact on engineering design activities. In the majority of cases, the role holder will have the final input on the design to be constructed.
Undertake and lead in-house outline design and optioneering to ensure that the lowest Totex solution is selected and to ensure that technically fit-for-purpose and robust outline and detailed designs for infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects are delivered in a timely manner. Manage a multi-disciplinary and combined Supplier and Southern Water design team.
Generally leads larger/more critical projects or sub-programmes of work than a Project Design Lead.
What you’ll bring to the role:
Qualifications
Essential:
4. MEng/BEng/BSc or HND/HNC in an Engineering, Environmental or numerate science related subject.
5. A member of an appropriate professional institute (Chartered or working towards)
Desirable:
6. APM Project Professional Qualification
7. Managing Successful Programmes practitioner certification
8. NEC for Project Managers
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation
“Your potential matters more than a perfect checklist. If this role excites you and you believe you can make an impact, we want to hear from you! Skills can be learned—passion, drive, and fresh perspectives are what truly set candidates apart. Don’t hesitate—take the leap and apply!”
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.