Senior Design Manager

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to join our client's design and delivery team and support a major long‑term water infrastructure programme. This role will lead the coordination and delivery of high‑quality, production‑focused design solutions across a wide range of water sector projects.

Reporting to the Principal Design Manager, you will be responsible for the end‑to‑end management of design delivery within a large water sector framework. The role will follow a hybrid working model, incorporating time spent in regional offices, design partner offices, project sites, and home working as required.

You will bring experience in Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, or Civil Engineering, supported by a background in maintenance, design, or capital delivery. A strong understanding of design management, design control, quality assurance, BIM (ISO 19650), and NEC4 contracts is essential. You will also champion efficient, safe, buildable and low‑carbon design outcomes.

• Identify design scope and define required deliverables.
• Support the development of design scopes, programmes, and budgets.
• Manage design partners and internal project teams to deliver against agreed outputs, programmes, and budgets.
• Oversee design contract management and ensure reporting requirements are met.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant standards, securing derogations where appropriate.
• Challenge design solutions to ensure they are safe, efficient, buildable and aligned with DfMA and carbon‑reduction principles.
• Hold and document regular design coordination and progress meetings.
• Manage and coordinate design risk, buildability reviews, carbon assessments and DfMA workshops.
• Lead design reviews, technical assurance reviews and CDM reviews.
• Ensure all design activities align with the project BIM strategy.
• Support the principal design partner in their engagement with wider project stakeholders.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation, particularly regarding health and safety.
• Represent the business professionally to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop strong working relationships with design, delivery, commercial and supply‑chain teams.
• Support procurement decisions for design and delivery packages in collaboration with commercial and project leads.
• Adhere to all governance requirements relating to design management and project delivery.

• Civil engineering qualification with practical delivery experience
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Effective stakeholder management capability
• Passion for best practice, process improvement and continuous improvement
• Ability to work quickly and effectively in a dynamic environment
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes
• Previous experience managing complex or sensitive programmes
• Practical experience working with NEC4 contracts
• Positive and proactive attitude
• Experience in the water sector
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards chartership)

• SMSTS
• CSCS
• Full UK driving licence

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for any Senior Design Manager looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.