Design Manager; Water

Overview

STRABAG UK is investing in the UK water sector to build a long‑term, market‑leading presence. Through the development of a skilled and growing water team, supported by innovation and global expertise, the business is committed to delivering value, certainty, and successful outcomes for its clients and supply‑chain partners.

STRABAG UK Water is seeking a motivated and experienced Design Manager with water sector experience to join its expanding water team. The role will initially focus on supporting the delivery of framework bids and complex Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) projects across the UK and Ireland. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing robust systems and processes to manage design delivery throughout the full project life cycle, as well as building and leading a multi‑disciplinary design capability to support STRABAG UK Water’s selected projects and long‑term growth within the water sector.

• Manage design resources, team structure, and strategy throughout bid and delivery stages.
• Lead and deliver a coordinated, sustainable design service aligned with project requirements.
• Oversee the design process through project life cycle, ensuring compliance, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain design programmes integrated with project schedules, monitor progress and report updates.
• Coordinate design reviews and meetings, ensuring alignment with commercial, construction, and cost plans.
• Manage consultants, wider supply chain to ensure interfaces across engineering disciplines are managed and understood.
• Communicate and manage design change.
• Ensure adherence to design briefs, specifications, and contractual documents.
• Drive innovation and incorporate sustainable practices into design solutions.
• Ensure full compliance with STRABAG governance, industry standards, client specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with commercial, design consultants, estimating, and delivery teams to develop integrated and efficient solutions.
• Review and approve technical proposals.

• Act as a member of the Water Sector Leadership Team.
• Degree level qualification within civil engineering or similar discipline.
• Promote collaboration across business units and the wider STRABAG Group.
• Provide mentoring, performance management, and professional development for team members.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with water clients, consultants, and supply‑chain partners.
• Capture and communicate client insight to improve service offerings and overall performance.
• Support repeat business through excellent client experience and delivery confidence.
• Solid understanding of construction practices and standards.
• Specialist knowledge of the Water Industry and understanding of engineering disciplines.
• Support and build relationships with wider elements of the company, to make best use of STRABAG’s wider sector experience in Germany, Austria and worldwide.