Design Manager – Civil Engineering (Water Sector)\n\nRef: 1284\nRegion: Northern\nLocation: Old Trafford, Manchester\nClosing Date: 02 March 2026\n\nThe Opportunity\n\nAn established, privately owned Tier 1 civil engineering and infrastructure specialist is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their Northern Region team. With over four decades of successful delivery across the UK, this organisation is recognised for its strong family values, direct delivery model and long-term secured workload across major infrastructure frameworks.\n\nThe business operates across the water, transport, built environment and energy sectors, delivering complex and high-value projects for blue-chip, regulated and private sector clients. People sit at the heart of the organisation, with a proven track record of internal promotion, long-term careers and meaningful investment in professional development.\n\nThe Role\n\nThe Design Manager will take full responsibility for the technical compliance, quality and suitability of design solutions across a portfolio of clean water, wastewater and biosolids projects.

The role involves leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams, managing external design consultants and working closely with project delivery teams to ensure solutions are delivered safely, on time and within budget.\n\nThis is a senior position offering exposure to large-scale infrastructure schemes and the opportunity to influence technical outcomes throughout the entire project lifecycle.\n\nResponsibilities\n\nYou will take ownership and accountability for all technical solutions from concept through to delivery, ensuring compliance with client requirements, statutory standards and regulations. You will manage and coordinate internal and external design teams, oversee consultant contracts and performance, and ensure the development of robust, operable and maintainable asset designs that align with project objectives.\n\nThe role includes producing and managing engineering budgets and design programmes, implementing effective change control processes, mitigating design risk and identifying opportunities for improvement and value. You will ensure all engineering outputs meet health, safety, quality and governance standards, support supply chain selection for specialist design input, and provide technical leadership across clean water, wastewater, pipelines, pumping stations and network infrastructure.\n\nYou will also be expected to understand and manage Temporary Works requirements, including the responsibilities of designers, coordinators and contractors, and to build strong working relationships with project managers, engineering managers, site teams, clients and other stakeholders.\n\nMeasures of Success\n\nSuccess in the role will be measured through accurate forecasting and programme control, high-quality design outputs, effective risk management, delivery against budget and profit expectations, and the ability to foster strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and the supply chain.\n\nEssential Experience and Qualifications\n\nApplicants must have a minimum of ten years’ experience in design and design management within civil engineering, with strong knowledge of foul water drainage systems and potable water mains.

You will hold a degree or HNC in Civil Engineering or an equivalent qualification and be a member, or working towards membership, of a recognised engineering institution.\n\nExperience using Building Information Modelling and common data environments is essential, along with excellent communication skills and the ability to lead and manage people, programmes and technical delivery. A self-driven, results-focused approach and a strong commitment to quality and safety are key.\n\nWhat’s On Offer\n\nThe successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including pension, life assurance and private medical cover. The role offers 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and loyalty days, access to a company car or car allowance depending on position, and flexible benefits through salary sacrifice.\n\nThere is a strong emphasis on training, leadership development and career progression, supported by regular engagement, structured appraisals and both internal and external training.

Long-term job security is provided through major infrastructure frameworks, alongside wellbeing support, volunteering opportunities and recognition of continuous service.\n\nWhy Apply\n\nThis is an opportunity to join a people-focused, award-recognised civil engineering contractor with a reputation for technical excellence, long-term stability and genuine investment in its workforce