Design Manager – Water & Wastewater

Location: Manchester (Hybrid working)

Engagement: Permanent or Contract (Outside IR35)

Rate / Salary: Competitive + benefits (or day rate for contractors)

A growing design contractor working across UK water and wastewater projects is seeking a Design Manager to oversee the coordination and delivery of technical design packages across clean water and wastewater infrastructure schemes.

The role can be offered on either a permanent basis or as an outside IR35 contract, making it suitable for experienced Design Managers looking for long-term security or flexible contract engagement. The position sits at the heart of project delivery, bridging engineering, project management and client teams to ensure designs are coordinated, buildable and delivered in line with programme and commercial expectations.

The Role

The Design Manager will be responsible for managing the end-to-end design process across multiple projects, from early concept through to detailed design and construction support. Working closely with internal engineers, external stakeholders and supply chain partners, the role will ensure that design information is issued on time, risks are managed and interfaces are effectively controlled.

The position requires a strong understanding of water and wastewater design delivery, combined with the ability to manage programmes, workflows and technical interfaces across multi-disciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design process across water and wastewater projects, ensuring coordinated and timely delivery
• Act as the central point of contact for design-related matters on assigned projects
• Coordinate inputs from civil, mechanical, electrical and process disciplines
• Manage design programmes, deliverables and information flow in line with project requirements
• Identify and manage design risks, changes and technical queries
• Support project managers with planning, reporting and client communication
• Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, specifications and asset owner requirements

About You

• Degree qualified in an engineering or design-related discipline
• Background in water and/or wastewater design within a contractor or consultancy environment
• Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams and managing design interfaces
• Strong understanding of UK water industry standards and delivery frameworks
• Confident communicator, comfortable working with clients, stakeholders and delivery teams
• Chartered or working towards professional accreditation is desirable

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative design-led contractor where the Design Manager plays a critical role in shaping how projects are delivered. Whether engaged permanently or on an outside IR35 contract basis, the role offers autonomy, variety and exposure to a strong pipeline of water and wastewater schemes.

Hybrid working is supported, with regular time spent in the Manchester office.