Design Manager

Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, UK Browne Construction Are you ready to lead the design of complex, high-impact engineering projects that shape the future of water and wastewater treatment? We're looking for a driven and inspiring Design Manager to take ownership of the complete design lifecycle—ensuring every project is delivered with technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and outstanding teamwork. In this pivotal role, you will guide and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams from concept through to detailed design and delivery. You'll steer design performance through robust KPIs, best-practice systems, and the application of Earned Value Analysis (EVA), ensuring that designs progress on time, on budget, and to the highest standards. You will oversee design change management, guarantee compliance with CDM regulations, maintain rigorous quality assurance, and work closely with project, engineering, and construction colleagues to ensure perfect integration between design and delivery. Your work will shape innovative, safe, sustainable solutions that support communities and the environment—making this a role with real purpose and real impact. Please note that the role will require you to be on site or in the office at least 3 times a week. About Browne At Browne, we are engineering with purpose. We are a leading UK contractor delivering specialist engineering, construction and maintenance services across the water, wastewater and civil engineering sectors. From building pipelines and upgrading pumping stations to delivering complex mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation (MEICA) solutions, we help provide cleaner water, stronger infrastructure and more reliable services for communities across the UK. Our expertise spans the full lifecycle of water and wastewater assets, combining civil engineering, process engineering, power systems, control systems, system integration and long-term maintenance. We work closely with our clients to deliver safe, sustainable and innovative solutions that improve operational performance and support future resilience. We offer a wide range of career opportunities both on site and behind the scenes. Whether your skills are in engineering, project delivery, safety, sustainability, commercial, planning, automation or business support, there's a place for you at Browne. We value different perspectives and experiences, and we're proud to be a Silver Award Investors in Diversity accredited employer. Our teams use smart technology, technical expertise and a hands-on approach to deliver high-quality outcomes safely and efficiently. From construction and infrastructure projects to advanced control systems and commissioning, we support our clients in solving complex challenges and maintaining essential services. Browne is part of Renew Holdings plc, a UK-based group of specialist engineering businesses. What We're Looking For Experience 8–10 years' experience in design management or design production, ideally within water and wastewater projects Strong understanding of water treatment processes, with practical experience in design performance monitoring (including EVA) Proven ability to manage design changes and maintain regulatory compliance, including CDM Knowledge & Skills Effective leadership and communication skills, able to engage and influence stakeholders Highly organised, detail-focused, and capable of managing multiple priorities under pressure Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a collaborative and confident decision-making approach Essential Qualifications Degree in Engineering, Design, Architecture, Construction Management or a related discipline Chartered or working toward chartership, with strong knowledge of water/wastewater design and CDM responsibilities Demonstrated experience managing design budgets, schedules, and performance If you're motivated by complex design challenges and want to lead meaningful engineering projects that make a measurable difference, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and bring your expertise, energy, and vision—and help us deliver designs that support a cleaner, safer, more sustainable future. The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country