Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - PBT (Nutrient Removal & Growth)

Company: Anglian Water @one Alliance

Location: Thorpe Wood House, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office for regional candidates, flexible for non-regional)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary engineering team (15-20 individuals) responsible for the design delivery of a significant £110 million portfolio of wastewater treatment projects.

• Drive the strategic direction and execution of solutions focused on critical environmental objectives such as phosphorus removal, storm overflow reduction, and enabling future growth within a place-based approach.

• Oversee the comprehensive management of engineering plans, encompassing scope definition, program scheduling, cost control, risk mitigation, and resource allocation to ensure project success.

• Champion the integration of sustainability, affordability, and low-carbon principles throughout the design lifecycle, aligning with Anglian Water's environmental commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the @one Alliance, a major partnership focused on a £9bn investment program. The Design Manager will be instrumental in delivering complex wastewater infrastructure, demanding strong leadership in both technical design and team management, with a significant emphasis on environmental compliance and innovation. The role requires a strategic operational mindset to manage a substantial project portfolio and a large team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design delivery for a portfolio of complex wastewater treatment projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives and regulatory standards.

• Manage and oversee engineering plans, meticulously covering scope definition, program timelines, budget adherence, risk assessment, and resource allocation to guarantee efficient project execution.

• Foster robust collaboration with internal engineering teams, external suppliers, contractors, and stakeholders to achieve desired project outcomes and maintain strong working relationships.

• Drive the implementation of sustainable, affordable, and low-carbon design solutions across all projects, proactively seeking innovative approaches to environmental challenges.

• Ensure strict compliance with Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations, championing health and safety best practices throughout the design and delivery phases.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary engineering team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

• Promote innovation, standardization of design processes, and the adoption of digital engineering tools, such as 3D modelling, to enhance efficiency and project quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, operational execution, and team development. The emphasis on "place-based approach," "holistic solutions," and "environmental objectives" points towards a role that requires deep understanding of the utility sector's operational challenges and a proactive stance on environmental stewardship. Managing a portfolio of £110m and a team of 15-20 necessitates strong project controls and resource management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (or equivalent). Chartered Engineer status or actively working towards it.

Experience: Proven experience leading engineering teams and successfully delivering design on capital projects. Knowledge of CDM regulations and design responsibilities is essential. Experience in wastewater or utilities sectors is highly desirable. Strong leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are critical. A passion for sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement is expected.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to oversee and manage the entire design process for complex engineering projects.

• Engineering Leadership: Experience in leading and developing multi-disciplinary engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

• Project Portfolio Management: Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, with a focus on scope, schedule, cost, and risk.

• Wastewater Treatment Systems: Understanding of wastewater treatment processes, including nutrient removal and storm overflow management.

• CDM Regulations Compliance: In-depth knowledge of CDM regulations and their application to design responsibilities.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Skill in building and maintaining strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders.

• Resource Management: Expertise in planning, allocating, and optimizing resources (personnel, budget, time) for project success.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks effectively.

• Sustainability & Low-Carbon Design: Commitment to and experience in developing environmentally conscious and sustainable engineering solutions. Preferred Skills:

• Digital Engineering & 3D Modelling: Familiarity and experience with advanced digital tools for design and project visualization.

• Utilities Sector Experience: Specific knowledge of the water and wastewater industry's operational and regulatory landscape.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying and implementing new technologies and process improvements.

• Financial Acumen: Ability to manage project budgets and contribute to cost-saving initiatives.

• Mentoring & Team Development: Experience in coaching and developing team members to enhance their skills and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize both technical engineering expertise and strong leadership capabilities. The requirement for Chartership or progress towards it indicates a need for a seasoned professional. The desired wastewater experience and knowledge of CDM regulations are crucial for operational compliance and effective project delivery within the utilities sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successfully managed complex engineering design projects, detailing the scope, challenges, and outcomes.

• Provide evidence of managing engineering plans, including scope, program, cost, risk, and resource management strategies.

• Demonstrate experience in leading and developing multi-disciplinary engineering teams, with examples of team structure, development, and performance management.

• Include case studies that highlight the implementation of sustainable, affordable, and low-carbon design solutions, specifying the environmental benefits achieved.

• Present instances of ensuring compliance with CDM regulations and championing health and safety protocols within design processes. Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for design management, from initial concept to detailed design, including quality assurance checkpoints.

• Examples of risk assessment and mitigation plans specifically applied to complex capital projects.

• Records of stakeholder engagement and communication strategies used to align diverse interests on projects.

• Evidence of managing and optimizing engineering resources, including team allocation and workload balancing.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should not only showcase technical design achievements but also demonstrate robust operational management capabilities. Candidates are expected to provide concrete examples of their experience in managing project portfolios, leading teams, and implementing strategic initiatives like sustainability and digital engineering. The emphasis is on quantifiable results and structured operational processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in the UK utilities sector, managing significant capital projects and teams, a competitive salary range is estimated between £65,000 - £85,000 per annum. This range is subject to the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Generous annual leave entitlement, with options to purchase additional days.

• Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs, including private medical insurance.

• Life assurance cover.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and support for Chartership.

• Opportunities for career progression within the @one Alliance and Anglian Water.

• Employee assistance program for confidential support.

• Potential for performance-related bonuses.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The role operates with a hybrid model, offering flexibility. For candidates within the Anglian Water region, a commitment of 3 days per week in the Peterborough office is expected. For those based outside the region, specific hybrid arrangements can be discussed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is derived from research on similar Design Manager roles within the UK utilities and infrastructure sectors, considering the significant project portfolio (£110m) and team management responsibilities (15-20 people). Benefits are typical for large, established organizations in the UK infrastructure sector, with a strong emphasis on professional development and long-term employee welfare.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water Utilities and Infrastructure Development. The @one Alliance is a critical partnership within Anglian Water, focusing on delivering a substantial investment program to enhance water resources and support sustainable growth in one of the UK's most water-stressed regions. This involves complex environmental engineering and infrastructure projects.

Company Size: The @one Alliance itself is a large collaborative partnership, and Anglian Water is a major UK utility company. This scale implies robust operational structures, significant project pipelines, and a commitment to long-term strategic planning and environmental stewardship.

Founded: While the founding date of the @one Alliance isn't specified, Anglian Water has a long history, with its origins tracing back to the public water supply in the East of England. This legacy suggests a culture grounded in reliability, public service, and a deep understanding of regional environmental needs.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager leads a multi-disciplinary engineering team of 15-20 individuals, likely comprising various engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, mechanical, electrical, process).

• The team operates within the broader @one Alliance structure, which emphasizes collaboration between Anglian Water and its delivery partners.

• Reporting likely falls within a senior engineering or project delivery hierarchy, with close interaction with project managers, construction teams, and asset management. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, with a focus on performance metrics, environmental impact assessments, and cost-benefit analyses.

• Collaborative project delivery methodologies, fostering strong partnerships between internal teams and external suppliers.

• Emphasis on innovation, utilizing digital engineering tools and seeking continuous improvement in design and construction processes.

• A holistic, place-based approach to problem-solving, considering the unique environmental and community needs of different catchments.

Company Website: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/ and https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/about-us/the-@-one-alliance/

📝 Enhancement Note: The @one Alliance operates on a collaborative model, which suggests a culture that values partnership, shared objectives, and cross-functional teamwork. The focus on environmental challenges in a water-stressed region means that sustainability and responsible resource management are likely core operational tenets.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the engineering and operations function. It is a Design Manager role, overseeing a significant portfolio and team, indicating a level of responsibility typically held by individuals with extensive experience (10+ years) in capital project delivery and team management within the utilities or infrastructure sector. The scope implies a strategic impact on the organization's ability to meet its investment and environmental goals.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Design, Director of Engineering, or a senior Project Director within the @one Alliance. They will manage a team of engineers and designers, and collaborate closely with Project Managers, Construction Managers, and Asset Management teams to ensure seamless project execution from concept through to operational handover.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct and substantial impact on Anglian Water's operational capacity, environmental performance, and ability to meet regulatory requirements and future growth demands. By leading the design of nutrient removal and storm overflow reduction projects, they are instrumental in protecting water resources, improving environmental quality, and ensuring compliance. Successful delivery of the £110m portfolio directly contributes to the alliance's overall investment program success and Anglian Water's strategic objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Head of Design, Director of Engineering, or broader Project Director positions, managing larger portfolios or more complex programs.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of wastewater treatment technology, environmental engineering, or digital engineering adoption.

• Cross-functional Moves: Possibility to transition into related operational leadership roles within project management, asset management, or strategic planning within Anglian Water or the @one Alliance.

• Industry Influence: Involvement in industry forums, innovation groups, and potentially contributing to the development of new standards or best practices in wastewater design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for operations professionals looking to leverage their engineering and management skills in a high-impact, environmentally focused industry. The clear career progression paths and the opportunity to influence large-scale infrastructure projects are key attractions for ambitious candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. While the base is Thorpe Wood House, Peterborough, the expectation for regional candidates is to be in the office 3 days per week. This suggests a blend of office-based collaboration and remote work flexibility. The office environment is likely professional and equipped to support engineering design activities.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Thorpe Wood House, Peterborough, United Kingdom. This location serves as a central hub for operations and design management within the Anglian Water region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and team size indicate a need for effective collaboration, with office days likely dedicated to team meetings, design reviews, and stakeholder interactions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (e.g., CAD, BIM tools), project management platforms, and communication tools will be essential for efficient workflow.

• Team Interaction: Ample opportunities for direct interaction with a multi-disciplinary engineering team, project managers, and other key stakeholders, fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours are 40 per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in managing personal schedules while ensuring deliverables are met. This flexibility is crucial for operations roles that often require focused analytical work alongside collaborative tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement reflects modern operational practices, balancing the need for face-to-face collaboration with the benefits of remote work. For operations professionals, this typically means a structured approach to managing time between office-based activities (e.g., team huddles, design workshops) and remote work (e.g., deep work, data analysis).

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application to assess alignment with core requirements, particularly experience in design management, team leadership, and capital project delivery.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on engineering design principles, wastewater treatment processes, CDM regulations, and experience with complex project challenges. This may involve case study presentations.

• Managerial/Team Fit Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team development approach, collaboration skills, and cultural fit within the @one Alliance. This is where portfolio examples of team management and stakeholder engagement will be crucial.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior director or panel, focusing on strategic thinking, vision for the role, and overall contribution to the alliance's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase specific examples of how you led and mentored engineering teams, demonstrating improved team performance or skill development.

• Quantify Impact: For each project example, clearly articulate the scale (£ value, complexity), your specific role, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, environmental improvements, risk reduction).

• Process & Methodology: Detail your approach to design management, including planning, risk assessment, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• CDM & Safety Focus: Provide concrete examples of how you ensured CDM compliance and promoted a strong health and safety culture within your design teams.

• Sustainability Integration: Clearly demonstrate how you incorporated sustainability and low-carbon initiatives into your designs and the resulting environmental benefits.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss a complex design challenge you have faced, how you approached it, the solutions implemented, and the lessons learned.

• Consider how you would manage a team of 15-20 engineers on a £110m portfolio, focusing on resource allocation, risk mitigation, and performance management.

• Think about how you would drive innovation and digital engineering adoption within a large infrastructure project environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical competence but also leadership potential and operational effectiveness. A well-structured portfolio that clearly articulates experience in managing complex projects, teams, and driving operational improvements will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Bentley Systems products) for 3D modelling and design documentation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com) for planning, scheduling, resource tracking, and reporting on capital projects.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and risk assessments. While specific tools aren't listed, general data analysis skills are assumed.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or utilizing dashboards for project status, financial tracking, and performance reporting to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how design interfaces with client/stakeholder management systems (potentially CRM-like functionalities within project management) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts within design processes or project management could be advantageous for driving efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "digital engineering" and "3D modelling" suggests that proficiency in modern design and project management technologies is a key expectation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and how they leverage them to enhance design quality and project efficiency within an operational context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration & Partnership: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and with external partners to achieve shared goals, reflecting the alliance model.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to find better, more efficient, and sustainable ways of working, embracing new technologies and methodologies.

• Environmental Stewardship: A deep commitment to protecting water resources, reducing environmental impact, and supporting sustainable growth, core to Anglian Water's mission.

• Accountability & Delivery: A focus on taking ownership of responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality outcomes for projects.

• Safety First: An unwavering commitment to health and safety for all employees, partners, and the public.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expectation to work seamlessly with various engineering disciplines, project managers, commercial teams, and external stakeholders, ensuring all project aspects are aligned.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing to drive collective problem-solving and continuous improvement in design processes.

• Proactive Engagement: A culture that promotes proactive engagement with challenges and opportunities, encouraging team members to contribute ideas and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The @one Alliance culture is built on a foundation of collaboration and shared responsibility, crucial for managing complex, multi-faceted infrastructure projects. The emphasis on environmental values and continuous improvement aligns with the broader mission of Anglian Water.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing a High-Value Portfolio: Overseeing a £110m portfolio of complex wastewater projects requires robust planning, risk management, and stakeholder coordination.

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively managing scope, schedule, cost, and quality while prioritizing sustainability and low-carbon solutions.

• Leading a Multi-disciplinary Team: Ensuring cohesion, high performance, and development across a diverse team of 15-20 engineers with varying specializations.

• Driving Digital Adoption: Championing and integrating new digital engineering tools and methodologies (e.g., 3D modelling) within established design processes.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscape: Ensuring strict adherence to CDM regulations and environmental standards in a highly regulated industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Engineering Skills: Opportunities to deepen technical expertise in areas like nutrient removal, storm overflow mitigation, and advanced wastewater treatment technologies.

• Leadership Development: Structured programs and mentorship to enhance leadership, team management, and strategic decision-making capabilities.

• Digital Engineering & Innovation: Training and practical application of cutting-edge digital tools and processes in infrastructure design.

• Sustainability & Environmental Impact: Gaining deeper insights and practical experience in developing and implementing sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Chartership Support: Continued support and guidance for those working towards or maintaining Chartered Engineer status.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior operational and engineering leadership roles in large infrastructure projects, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multi-disciplinary team through a complex design challenge. What was your approach, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and team management.)

• "How do you ensure a balance between affordability, sustainability, and technical requirements in capital project design?" (Assess strategic thinking and integration of core values.)

• "Discuss your experience with CDM regulations. How have you ensured compliance and fostered a strong health and safety culture within your design teams?" (Evaluate regulatory knowledge and safety commitment.)

• "How would you approach managing a £110m portfolio of wastewater projects, considering scope, schedule, cost, and risk?" (Test operational planning and control capabilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the @one Alliance and Anglian Water's mission, particularly regarding water resources and sustainable growth?" (Gauge alignment with company values and industry context.)

• "How do you foster innovation and continuous improvement within an engineering team?" (Assess approach to driving change and adopting new technologies.)

• "Describe your experience with digital engineering tools (e.g., 3D modelling) and how you've implemented them to improve design processes." (Evaluate technical adaptability and forward-thinking.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key responsibility areas or by project type, clearly outlining your role, the challenges, your actions, and the results (CAR method: Context, Action, Result).

• Quantify: Use metrics wherever possible to demonstrate impact (e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule improvements, reduction in environmental risk, team performance metrics).

• Visuals: Include relevant diagrams, process flows, or images (if permissible) to illustrate complex concepts or project scope.

• Narrative: Be ready to tell a compelling story for each example, highlighting your specific contributions and leadership.

• Relevance: Tailor your portfolio examples to directly address the responsibilities and requirements of the Design Manager role, especially those related to wastewater, team leadership, and project portfolio management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience using structured frameworks like STAR or CAR, focusing on quantifiable achievements and demonstrating a deep understanding of operational management within the utilities sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://awg.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/A1/job/Thorpe-Wood-House/Design-Manager_R38174-2

• Tailor your CV: Highlight your experience in design management, capital project delivery, team leadership (specify team size), and any relevant wastewater or utilities sector experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "CDM Regulations," "Sustainability," "Low-carbon design," and "Digital Engineering."

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate specific examples that showcase your ability to manage complex projects and portfolios, lead multi-disciplinary teams, and implement environmentally focused design solutions. Focus on quantifiable results and clear articulation of your role and impact.

• Research the @one Alliance: Understand their mission, current projects, and their role in addressing water stress and sustainable growth in the East of England. Familiarize yourself with Anglian Water's broader goals and values.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, problem-solving approaches, and technical expertise, particularly concerning wastewater treatment and capital project design, using the STAR or CAR method.

⚠️ 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.