Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Adler & Allan (Partnering with United Utilities)

Location: Warrington, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations – Engineering & Project Management (Water Sector)

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days per week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams in the successful delivery of wastewater infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects.

• Ensure projects are completed within agreed timeframes and budgets, adhering to client requirements and quality standards.

• Drive a culture of safety, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within project teams.

• Foster strong client relationships and contribute to business development through effective framework management.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, supporting their professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities and requirements strongly indicate a role that blends design oversight with comprehensive project and team management within the water sector. The focus on delivery, budget, client relationships, and team leadership suggests a senior operations role critical to project success, rather than a pure design technical specialist. The partnership with United Utilities for AMP8 projects signifies a significant scale and complexity for this role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end delivery of complex wastewater infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects across various stages of the project lifecycle.

• Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and technical staff, fostering an agile and innovative delivery environment.

• Ensure strict adherence to project timelines, budgets, and client specifications, while maintaining high-quality outputs.

• Conduct technical reviews, feasibility studies, and outline design phases, ensuring innovative and value-adding solutions.

• Implement and uphold robust safety protocols, promoting a safe working culture and responsible project execution.

• Manage client relationships and frameworks, focusing on mutual value, KPI achievement, and exceeding client expectations.

• Drive business generation by identifying and pursuing new project and framework opportunities in line with existing client relationships.

• Provide line management, mentoring, training, and development for junior engineers.

• Contribute to and implement company technical assurance processes, ensuring compliance and best practices.

• Actively identify and mitigate project risks, creating an environment conducive to innovation and agile delivery.

• Foster a culture of knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and lessons learned across project teams.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with business partners and key clients.

• Demonstrate strong commercial and contractual awareness in all project dealings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities cover a broad spectrum from technical oversight and team leadership to commercial acumen and business development. This suggests the role requires a strong blend of engineering expertise, project management skills, and leadership capabilities, emphasizing the operational efficiency and client satisfaction aspects central to successful project delivery in the water sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Extensive experience and a deep understanding of the wastewater industry, including treatment processes and equipment/system requirements.

• Proven track record in feasibility and outline design phases, including conducting technical reviews.

• Significant experience in delivering complex projects successfully within budget and on schedule.

• Demonstrated experience in fostering a safe working culture and promoting safety within project teams.

• Experience in implementing and contributing to company technical assurance processes.

• Experience in managing client relationships and frameworks to ensure mutual value and exceed expectations.

• Experience in generating business and identifying new project opportunities.

• Commercial and contractual awareness.

Required Skills:

• Wastewater industry knowledge (treatment processes, equipment, systems).

• Project management (budget, schedule, scope, quality).

• Team leadership and people management.

• Technical review and feasibility studies.

• Risk identification and mitigation strategies.

• Client relationship management and stakeholder engagement.

• Safety management and promotion of a safe working culture.

• Commercial and contractual acumen.

Preferred Skills:

• NEC accreditation.

• Knowledge of United Utilities engineering standards and specifications.

• Experience in designing Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) and storage tanks.

• Chartered Engineer or Project Manager status, or actively working towards it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirements are broad, allowing for various engineering disciplines, but the emphasis on practical, extensive experience in the wastewater sector is paramount. The preferred skills highlight specific industry knowledge and certifications that would significantly strengthen an applicant's profile. The "10+" years of experience inferred from the input suggests a senior-level role demanding substantial practical application.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful delivery of wastewater infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects, highlighting scale, complexity, and outcomes.

• Evidence of managing multi-disciplinary teams and fostering collaboration to achieve project objectives.

• Examples of technical problem-solving, including innovative solutions and value-added contributions.

• Documentation showcasing rigorous technical review processes and quality assurance measures.

• Demonstrations of effective risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies implemented on past projects.

• Evidence of client relationship management, framework delivery, and successful stakeholder engagement.

Process Documentation:

• Workflows demonstrating the management of projects from feasibility and outline design through to delivery.

• Process maps illustrating team leadership, mentorship, and development initiatives for junior engineers.

• Documentation showcasing the implementation of safety protocols and continuous improvement methodologies within project teams.

• Examples of technical assurance processes and contributions to company-wide standards.

• Project plans, quality plans, and forecasting reports (utilization, work to date, cost to complete) as examples of project control documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should not only showcase design and technical acumen but also robust project management methodologies, team leadership, and commercial understanding. The ability to demonstrate a structured approach to project delivery, risk management, and client satisfaction will be key. Specific examples related to AMP8 projects or similar large-scale water infrastructure initiatives would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The job description mentions a "Competitive salary plus benefits." Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in the UK water sector, specifically in a hybrid role with significant project oversight and team leadership responsibilities, the estimated annual salary range would be between £60,000 and £85,000. This estimate is derived from analysis of similar roles in the North West England region, considering the specific industry (water utilities), the demands of the AMP8 project cycle, and the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary + discretionary bonus

• Company pension scheme

• 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays

• Option to purchase additional leave

• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme

• Company mobile phone and laptop provided

• Training and career progression opportunities

• Professional Membership fees paid (e.g., ICE, APM)

• Life Assurance Scheme (4 x annual salary)

• Employee Assistance Programme (including access to GP appointments, Physio appointments, and Mental Health Support)

• Medicash cash plan (reimbursement for everyday healthcare costs like dental, glasses, contact lenses)

• Refer a friend scheme

Working Hours:

• Permanent full-time: 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid working arrangement with 2-3 days per week expected in the United Utilities Lingley Mere office.

• Site visits as required, indicating flexibility in working location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on a combination of UK-wide engineering management salary data, specific regional cost-of-living adjustments for Warrington, and industry-specific salary surveys for the water and utilities sector. The extensive benefits package reflects a commitment to employee well-being and professional development, common for established engineering and infrastructure firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Environmental Services / Utilities Infrastructure. Adler & Allan operates within the environmental services sector, specializing in services for the energy, utilities, and infrastructure markets. Their partnership with United Utilities for AMP8 projects places them directly within the critical water and wastewater infrastructure development and maintenance space.

Company Size: Adler & Allan is a significant player, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category, with a substantial employee base. This size suggests a structured organization with established processes and a dedicated focus on operational excellence. The partnership with United Utilities, a major utility company, further indicates the scale and importance of their operations.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly provided, Adler & Allan has a history of providing environmental services, suggesting a well-established presence and deep industry knowledge. Their current focus on delivering projects for AMP8 indicates a forward-looking strategy and adaptation to evolving industry demands.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a project delivery or engineering division, potentially part of a larger engineering or operations department.

• The Design Manager will lead a multi-disciplinary team, implying direct line management responsibilities for engineers, designers, and possibly project coordinators.

• Collaboration will be extensive, extending to other project managers, clients (United Utilities), and potentially external consultants or contractors.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on using project data, performance metrics, and technical assessments to inform design decisions, risk management, and project forecasting.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Developing and refining project delivery workflows to ensure efficiency, adherence to standards (e.g., WIMES, CDM, DSEAR), and timely completion.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "agile delivery" and "innovative solutions" suggests an openness to leveraging technology and efficient processes to enhance project outcomes.

Company Website: adlerandallan.co.uk

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's operational focus on environmental services and utility infrastructure, particularly water, means that candidates should be prepared for a culture that values safety, regulatory compliance, technical expertise, and efficient project execution. The partnership with a major utility like United Utilities suggests a high standard of operational rigor and client focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within operations and project management, specifically tailored for the water and wastewater sector. It demands a blend of technical expertise, extensive project lifecycle experience, significant leadership capacity, and commercial awareness. The "10+" years of experience requirement further solidifies its senior standing.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior figure within Adler & Allan's project delivery or engineering leadership, such as a Head of Operations, Programme Director, or similar executive responsible for AMP8 project execution. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and technical staff, potentially including junior project managers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a crucial role in delivering tangible improvements to the UK's water infrastructure through United Utilities' AMP8 program. Their success directly impacts the efficiency, reliability, and environmental compliance of wastewater systems, contributing significantly to public health and environmental protection. They also contribute to the company's commercial success through effective project delivery, client satisfaction, and business development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific wastewater treatment processes, CSO design, or advanced infrastructure technologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to Programme Manager, Operations Director, or other senior leadership roles overseeing larger portfolios or broader operational areas.

• Technical Expertise: Develop into a recognized subject matter expert within the water sector, potentially influencing industry standards or leading technical innovation initiatives.

• Commercial Development: Enhance skills in business development, large-scale contract negotiation, and strategic account management.

• Mentorship: Continue to develop and mentor junior talent, contributing to the growth of the next generation of operations and engineering leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for a successful Design Manager in this context is clearly defined, offering pathways for both technical specialization and broader operational leadership. The role provides a platform to gain invaluable experience in a critical infrastructure sector undergoing significant investment (AMP8), making it a strategic step for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid working with 2-3 days per week in United Utilities Lingley Mere office." This suggests a modern office environment designed to support collaborative work, with necessary facilities for design reviews, team meetings, and administrative tasks. Site visits are also a requirement, indicating the need to be comfortable working in operational environments.

Office Location(s):

• Primary office base: United Utilities Lingley Mere office, Warrington, England.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on team leadership suggest an environment that encourages interaction, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and communication platforms (Microsoft 365) is expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, senior management, and client representatives (United Utilities) will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours: 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility is implied due to the hybrid nature and requirement for site visits, requiring effective time management to balance office, remote, and field responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model offers a balance of focused work and collaborative engagement. Candidates should be adept at managing their time effectively across different work settings and comfortable with occasional travel to project sites. The Lingley Mere office is a key hub for interaction with the client, United Utilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and cover letter by HR or a recruitment partner to assess core qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior operations or engineering leader) focusing on technical expertise, project management experience, leadership style, and understanding of the wastewater industry.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve a panel interview with key team members or stakeholders, potentially including a presentation of a portfolio or a case study. It will assess technical depth, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A discussion with a senior executive to confirm suitability, discuss career aspirations, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Showcase: Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in wastewater infrastructure design and project management. For each, clearly outline:

  • The problem/challenge.
  • Your role and responsibilities.
  • The solutions implemented (design, process, team management).
  • The outcomes and impact (budget, schedule, quality, safety, client satisfaction).

• Leadership Examples: Include specific examples of how you have led, mentored, and developed teams, fostering collaboration and driving performance.

• Technical Depth: Showcase your understanding of wastewater treatment processes, relevant standards (WIMES, CDM, DSEAR), and design principles.

• Problem-Solving: Highlight instances where you generated innovative solutions or effectively mitigated significant project risks.

• Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate how you managed project budgets, contractual aspects, and client relationships to ensure mutual value.

• Conciseness: Prepare clear, concise summaries and visuals for your portfolio. Be ready to walk through your most impactful projects efficiently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared to discuss a hypothetical or past project scenario where you need to solve a complex wastewater design or delivery challenge. Focus on your structured approach, problem-solving methodology, and decision-making process.

• Leadership Scenario: Anticipate questions about how you would handle team conflicts, motivate underperforming individuals, or manage challenging client expectations.

• Technical Questions: Review key wastewater treatment processes, relevant regulations, and engineering standards. Be ready to discuss technical trade-offs and design considerations.

• Process Optimization: Prepare to discuss how you would improve project delivery efficiency, enhance safety protocols, or implement continuous improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. It should not just list achievements but tell a story of successful project delivery, demonstrating leadership, technical acumen, and commercial responsibility. Preparing a concise presentation of key projects will be vital for interview success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with relevant CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and potentially specialized wastewater modeling or design tools.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools that facilitate team communication and document sharing in a hybrid environment (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project performance data, financial reports, and technical metrics.

• Reporting Software: Experience in generating comprehensive project reports, forecasting reports (utilization, work to date, cost to complete), and technical documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly a sales role, understanding client relationship management principles and potentially using CRM-like functionalities for tracking client interactions and framework progress will be beneficial.

• Integration/Automation: Awareness of how technology can streamline design processes, project workflows, and data management.

Commonly Used Packages:

• Microsoft (Office) 365 packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) are explicitly mentioned as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed beyond Microsoft 365, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with industry-standard engineering design suites (CAD, BIM), project management platforms, and data analysis tools relevant to large-scale infrastructure projects. The ability to leverage technology for efficient workflow management and collaboration is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Recognizing that satisfying the customer (internal and external) is paramount to achieving objectives. This translates to prioritizing client needs, delivering high-quality work, and ensuring project success.

• Agility & Innovation: Embracing new ways of thinking and working to provide an agile delivery environment, fostering innovation and creative solutions to problems.

• Excellence & Quality: A passion for excellence in all aspects of work, maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.

• Continuous Improvement: A desire for continual learning and driving improvement by sharing information, lessons learned, and best practices.

• Safety First: Commitment to providing and promoting a safe working culture within project teams.

• Collaboration & Trust: Building and maintaining strong relationships with colleagues and clients through ethical, trustworthy, and discreet conduct.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively encouraging collaboration across diverse individuals and departments to achieve project goals.

• Process Review & Feedback: Fostering a culture where processes are openly reviewed, feedback is exchanged constructively, and lessons learned are integrated.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing information, expertise, and best practices to elevate team performance and individual growth.

• Partnership Approach: Working closely with business partners and key clients to build mutual value and ensure aligned objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be performance-driven, client-focused, and committed to continuous improvement and safety. Candidates who can demonstrate a proactive, collaborative, and ethical approach, with a strong commitment to quality and innovation, will align well with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Successfully delivering large-scale, multi-faceted wastewater projects within tight deadlines and budgets, while navigating technical complexities and regulatory requirements.

• Team Leadership in Hybrid Environment: Effectively leading and motivating a diverse, multi-disciplinary team operating in a hybrid work model, ensuring seamless collaboration and high performance.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including the client (United Utilities), internal teams, and potentially regulatory bodies.

• Driving Innovation: Encouraging and implementing innovative solutions within a structured environment that prioritizes safety and compliance.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying abreast of and implementing new engineering standards, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in the water sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gaining in-depth experience in managing critical infrastructure projects within the water sector, honing project management, leadership, and technical skills.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications such as Chartered Engineer (CEng), Project Management Professional (PMP), or NEC accreditation.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to progress into senior leadership roles, manage larger teams, and contribute to strategic operational planning.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of wastewater engineering, such as CSO optimization, advanced treatment technologies, or digital water solutions.

• Mentorship: Participating in mentorship programs, both as a mentor to junior engineers and as a mentee to senior leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges that are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. Candidates should be prepared to tackle complex operational problems and leverage these experiences to advance their careers within the vital water infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Delivery Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing a complex wastewater infrastructure project from feasibility through to completion, ensuring it stays on time and within budget. How do you incorporate technical assurance and safety into this process?" (Focus on structured methodology, risk management, stakeholder communication, and quality control.)

• Team Leadership & Motivation: "How would you lead and motivate a multi-disciplinary team in a hybrid work environment to achieve ambitious project goals? Describe a time you successfully navigated a team conflict or improved team performance." (Highlight your leadership style, communication strategies, and ability to foster collaboration.)

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Imagine a critical design flaw is discovered late in a project, threatening a deadline. How would you assess the situation, identify solutions, and communicate the impact to stakeholders?" (Demonstrate analytical skills, decisive action, and clear communication.)

• Client & Commercial Management: "How do you build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and business partners? Describe a situation where you had to manage difficult client expectations or negotiate a contractual issue." (Showcase your commercial awareness, negotiation skills, and client-centric approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Adler & Allan and our work with United Utilities on AMP8 projects?" (Research the company's services, values, and recent projects, especially those related to water infrastructure.)

• "How do your personal values align with our company's emphasis on agility, innovation, safety, and customer focus?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these values in your work.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: For each portfolio example, follow a clear structure: Situation -> Task -> Action -> Result (STAR method).

• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., % budget savings, % schedule improvement, reduction in incidents).

• Visual Aids: Use concise slides with key points, diagrams, or charts to illustrate complex designs or processes. Avoid overwhelming detail.

• Focus on Leadership & Process: Emphasize your role in leading teams, driving processes, and achieving outcomes, not just the technical design itself.

• Client & Commercial Context: Frame your achievements within the context of client satisfaction and commercial objectives.

• Concise Delivery: Be prepared to present your key projects within a specified timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes), leaving ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of project lifecycle management, robust leadership capabilities, and a strong grasp of the wastewater sector's technical and commercial aspects. Be ready to articulate your experience using concrete examples, especially those that highlight your ability to drive efficiency and deliver value.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your extensive experience in wastewater infrastructure, project management, team leadership, and client relationship management. Use keywords from the job description such as "AMP8," "wastewater treatment," "CDM," "DSEAR," and "NEC."

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate why you are a strong fit for this specific role, emphasizing your relevant experience, leadership philosophy, and understanding of the water sector. Address how you meet the core responsibilities and requirements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 3-5 key projects that best showcase your capabilities in design management, project delivery, team leadership, and commercial acumen. Ensure each example clearly demonstrates your role, actions, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present this portfolio effectively.

• Research the Company and Client: Gain a thorough understanding of Adler & Allan's services, values, and their partnership with United Utilities for AMP8. Familiarize yourself with United Utilities' operational context and engineering standards.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions by formulating answers using the STAR method, focusing on examples that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, and operational efficiency.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.