Project Design Lead

Project Design Leader - Water / Design & Build

Location:

Bristol based + site visits

Type:
Permanent or Contract | Full-Time | Hybrid working

The opportunityA strong opportunity for a Project Leader / Design Manager / Project Engineer to join a long-term AMP8 programme delivering water and wastewater infra and non-infra schemes across the South West.

This role offers something different to a traditional Project Manager position - combining project management and hands-on design engineering, with full ownership from outline design through to construction and handover.

With secured framework funding through to 2030 (and likely further extension), it offers both long-term stability and genuine career progression, including a clear pathway to chartership.

The role

You will lead and own project delivery, ensuring technical, commercial and delivery objectives are aligned from day one.

Key responsibilities:

Lead the design and delivery of water and wastewater projects from outline through to commissioning and handover

Work as part of a "project triangle" with a Site Manager and Quantity Surveyor to balance technical, commercial and constructability considerations

Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams (civil, mechanical, electrical, process and BIM)
Ensure delivery on programme, within budget and to required quality standards

Contribute to design within your discipline where required

Mentor junior engineers and support team development

Build strong relationships with client stakeholders and promote a "one-team" approach

Maintain compliance with relevant frameworks, specifications and CDM 2015 requirements

About the programme

You'll be supporting a major AMP8 investment programme, delivering non-infrastructure and treatment schemes across the south west and south coast.

This is a varied portfolio of work focused on improving water and wastewater services, offering exposure to both treatment and non-infrastructure projects.

What we're looking forThis position suits engineers looking to move into (or already operating within) a hybrid design + project leadership role.

Essential experience:

Degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Process)
Incorporated Engineer (or working towards chartership)
Experience delivering water or wastewater projects

Outline and/or detailed design experience

Knowledge of CDM 2015 Designer / Principal Designer duties

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

What's on offer

Financial & benefits

Salary up to 55,000 + package

Pension matched between 4.5% - 7%
Annual bonus scheme

Professional membership fees paid

Work-life balance & wellbeing
33 days annual leave (flexible buy/sell options)
Private medical, life assurance and wellbeing options

Hybrid working (home / office / site)
Family & flexibility
26 weeks' paid maternity/adoption leave

Enhanced paternity/partner leave

Additional leave for carers

Learning & development

Structured programme to support chartership

Mentorship, training and real project ownership from day one Exposure across full project lifecycle within a design-and-build environment

Why apply?

This is a strong opportunity to step into a role that offers:

Full lifecycle project ownershipA genuine mix of technical delivery and project management

Long-term AMP framework security

Fast-tracked professional development

If you're working in the water sector and want a more integrated role where you can lead projects and stay close to the engineering, this is worth exploring.

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion:

Leon Smith Murray McIntosh