Senior Design Manager

Our consultancy client is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead multi-discipline design teams in their Water Division based out of their London (Farringdon) office with hybrid working.

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.

As Senior Design Manager, 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.

Responsibilities

• Project & Design Leadership: Manage the design process across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with client expectations, regulatory standards, and quality benchmarks.
• Water Sector Expertise: Lead design delivery for water-related infrastructure and non infra 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.

Skills/experience/qualifications

• Ideally 15+ years of experience in design and project delivery with a strong background in the water sector.
• 5+ years of experience in team management and leadership of multidisciplinary design functions, with a demonstrated ability to oversee complex projects and diverse portfolios effectively
• Demonstrates strong technical expertise in water infrastructure, including water and/or wastewater treatment systems.
• Possesses experience across the full project lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on the design and construction phase.
• Ability to support guide and mentor a high performing team.
• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline - preferred but not essential.
• Engineering council professional status (IEng/CEng) with Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline - preferred but not essential.
• 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).

Benefits

• Salary £80-95k
• 25 days plus bank holidays
• 8% company pension (2% employee, 6% employer)
• Salary Sacrifice scheme
• Access to discounted Private Medical Insurance
• Group life assurance
• Health cash plan as well as other perks including cycle to work/corporate discounts
• Sick pay scheme and Employee Assistance Programme
• Global purchase leave programme
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Full flexible working depending on requirements of the team/role
• Commutable to London (Farringdon) offices on a hybrid working basis (other offices considered)