Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Anglian Water @one Alliance

Location: Thorpe Wood House, Peterborough, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Infrastructure Operations)

Date Posted: 2026-09-23

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office for those within Anglian Water region; flexible hybrid for those further afield)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the engineering design delivery for a diverse portfolio of water recycling and wastewater projects across the West region, focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions.

• Drive the development and management of comprehensive Engineering Project Plans, encompassing scope, programme, cost, risk, and resource allocation.

• Direct and mentor multi-disciplinary engineering teams (process, mechanical, electrical, civil) to ensure the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and low-carbon design outcomes.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and digital engineering adoption, including 3D modelling, to enhance project efficiency and sustainability.

• Ensure strict compliance with CDM regulations and champion a robust health and safety culture throughout all design and delivery phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for managing the design lifecycle of vital water infrastructure projects within a large-scale alliance. The emphasis on sustainability, digital engineering, and collaborative delivery within the @one Alliance framework suggests a forward-thinking operations environment. Candidates should highlight experience in process optimization, risk mitigation, and cross-functional team leadership within infrastructure or utilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end engineering design delivery for a portfolio of water recycling and wastewater treatment capital projects.

• Develop, implement, and monitor detailed Engineering Project Plans, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, budget constraints, and program timelines.

• Lead, guide, and inspire multi-disciplinary engineering teams, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve optimal design solutions that meet performance, environmental, and carbon reduction targets.

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure seamless integration of designs and effective project execution from concept to completion.

• Champion the integration of sustainability principles, driving value engineering and the adoption of low-carbon technologies and natural capital enhancement strategies into design solutions.

• Ensure all designs and project activities strictly adhere to Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and promote a proactive, best-practice health and safety culture.

• Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to the engineering team, nurturing talent and building a high-performing unit.

• Support and drive the adoption of innovative design approaches, standardization of solutions, and the utilization of digital engineering tools, including advanced 3D modelling for enhanced visualization and collaboration.

• Work in close partnership with other alliance functions, including delivery, procurement, and construction teams, to ensure a cohesive and outcome-driven approach to project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project lifecycle management, team leadership, and a deep understanding of regulatory compliance within a complex infrastructure delivery model. The emphasis on "outcomes over outputs" and "embracing digital technologies" suggests a modern, data-driven approach to operations management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline. Experience:

• Proven track record in leading engineering teams and successfully delivering design for capital projects, ideally within the water sector or similar infrastructure environments.

• Substantial experience in managing project scope, programme timelines, cost control, and associated risks within complex project frameworks. Required Skills:

• Engineering Design Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary engineering design teams (process, mechanical, electrical, civil) for infrastructure projects.

• Project Management: Expertise in developing and managing Engineering Project Plans, including scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.

• CDM Regulations Compliance: Strong understanding of CDM regulations and the responsibilities of designers, with a proven ability to ensure compliance and promote a strong health & safety culture.

• Water Sector/Infrastructure Experience: Familiarity with the specific challenges and requirements of water recycling, wastewater treatment, or other large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Risk Management: Proficient in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks to ensure successful project delivery.

• Leadership & Team Development: Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and team-building capabilities to foster a high-performing engineering function.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Ability to work effectively across internal teams, with suppliers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer Status: Chartered Engineer (CEng) or actively working towards Chartered status with a recognized professional engineering institution.

• Digital Engineering & 3D Modelling: Experience or strong interest in leveraging digital engineering tools, including 3D modelling, for design, collaboration, and visualization.

• Sustainability & Low-Carbon Design: Passion for and practical experience in driving sustainability, reducing carbon footprint, and enhancing natural capital within engineering projects.

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: A proactive approach to identifying and implementing process improvements, standardizations, and innovative solutions.

• Affordability & Value Engineering: Skilled in driving project affordability and delivering value-for-money solutions without compromising quality or safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Chartered status, or working towards it, indicates a need for a strong theoretical foundation coupled with practical application in engineering design and project management within the infrastructure sector. The emphasis on sustainability and digital tools points to a modern operational approach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant capital projects where you led the engineering design delivery, detailing the project's scope, your role, challenges faced, and the successful outcomes achieved.

• Team Leadership Examples: Provide evidence of how you have led, mentored, and developed multi-disciplinary engineering teams, highlighting your approach to performance management and skill development.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Demonstrate instances where you have implemented process improvements, introduced new methodologies (e.g., digital engineering, standardization), or driven efficiency gains within design workflows.

• Risk Management Framework: Illustrate your approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within engineering design projects, including examples of how you have managed complex project risks.

• Sustainability & Carbon Impact: Highlight projects where sustainability principles, low-carbon solutions, or natural capital enhancement were integral to the design strategy and outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and managing Engineering Project Plans, including scope, programme, cost, risk, and resource elements.

• Examples of design process documentation, including compliance with CDM regulations and health & safety protocols.

• Documentation related to the implementation and utilization of digital engineering tools or 3D modelling in design delivery.

• Records of stakeholder engagement and collaborative working processes with internal teams, suppliers, and subcontractors.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes, lead teams effectively, and drive tangible improvements in project delivery, sustainability, and safety within the water infrastructure domain. The emphasis on "outcomes over outputs" means showcasing measurable results is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the UK infrastructure and utilities sector, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the demanding nature of the @one Alliance's programme, and the specific location in Peterborough. Benefits:

• Competitive Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions to a defined benefit or defined contribution pension plan.

• Annual Leave: A substantial annual leave allowance, potentially with options to purchase additional days.

• Health & Wellbeing Support: Access to comprehensive health and wellbeing programs, including private medical insurance, employee assistance programs, and mental health support.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, including funding for further training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.

• Hybrid Working Flexibility: Flexible hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the Peterborough office for local employees.

• Performance-Related Bonus: Potential for performance-based bonuses linked to individual and alliance-wide achievements.

• Life Assurance: Company-provided life assurance cover.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility may be offered, with the expectation of fulfilling core office-based duties for at least three days per week in Peterborough, subject to operational requirements and individual circumstances.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on publicly available data for similar roles in the UK, considering the specific industry (utilities/infrastructure) and the geographical location. The @one Alliance's commitment to a large-scale investment programme suggests a robust benefits package to attract and retain senior talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Utilities (Water & Wastewater), Infrastructure Development

Company Size: The @one Alliance is a collaboration between Anglian Water and its strategic partners, representing a significant collective workforce focused on delivering a £9 billion investment programme. This implies a large-scale operational environment with a substantial number of employees across multiple disciplines and partner organizations.

Founded: The @one Alliance was formed to deliver Anglian Water's investment programme, indicating a relatively recent but established operational structure designed for large-scale project delivery. Anglian Water itself has a long history, established in 1989 through privatization.

Team Structure:

• Design Delivery Focus: The role operates within the Water Recycling West region, focusing specifically on the engineering design delivery of a diverse project portfolio.

• Multi-disciplinary Engineering: The Design Manager leads a team comprising various engineering specialisms: process, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers.

• Alliance Collaboration: The team works within the broader @one Alliance structure, requiring close collaboration with delivery, procurement, construction, and other functional teams to ensure integrated project outcomes.

Methodology:

• Outcome-Oriented: A core principle is focusing on delivering desired outcomes rather than simply completing outputs, emphasizing value and impact.

• Digital Engineering Adoption: Strong emphasis on embracing digital technologies, including 3D modelling, to enhance design processes, collaboration, and project visualization.

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: A culture that actively seeks out new ways of working, standardizes solutions where appropriate, and fosters innovation to improve efficiency and sustainability.

• Sustainability & Natural Capital: Integration of environmental considerations, carbon reduction, and enhancement of natural capital into all aspects of design and project delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The @one Alliance represents a significant undertaking in the UK utilities sector, characterized by large-scale investment and collaborative delivery models. The culture is likely to be performance-driven, with a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and efficient project execution, reflecting the critical nature of water infrastructure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role sits at a senior management level within the operations and engineering functions. It involves leading a significant technical team and having direct responsibility for the strategic design direction and successful delivery of a substantial project portfolio within a critical infrastructure sector. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and strong leadership skills.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Water Recycling West region or the broader @one Alliance engineering leadership.

• They will have direct reports consisting of engineers from various disciplines (process, mechanical, electrical, civil).

• Close collaboration and reporting will occur with delivery, construction, and procurement leads within the alliance. Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager's work directly impacts the reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance of water recycling and wastewater treatment systems across a significant region.

• Successful design delivery contributes to Anglian Water's ability to meet regulatory requirements, environmental targets (e.g., carbon reduction, natural capital enhancement), and customer service standards.

• Effective management of costs, risks, and programmes through design directly influences the overall financial performance and success of the £9 billion @one Alliance investment programme. Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership Roles: Potential progression to Head of Engineering, Director of Design, or similar senior leadership positions within the @one Alliance or Anglian Water.

• Broader Programme Management: Opportunities to manage larger, more complex portfolios of projects or to move into broader programme management roles.

• Specialization & Expertise Development: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced wastewater treatment technologies, digital engineering implementation, or sustainability strategy within infrastructure.

• Alliance-Wide Influence: Contribute to shaping the future operational and design methodologies across the entire @one Alliance, influencing best practices and strategic direction.

• Mentorship & Development: Take on a key role in mentoring and developing future engineering leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a major infrastructure project. The emphasis on leading teams and strategic project oversight positions the candidate for significant leadership growth, particularly within the utilities and environmental services sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model. The primary office location is Thorpe Wood House in Peterborough. Employees are expected to be in the office for a minimum of 3 days per week, with flexibility for those based further afield. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: Thorpe Wood House, Peterborough, England, United Kingdom. This location serves as the central hub for design and project management activities within the Water Recycling West region.

• Geographical Scope: The role covers projects across the "West region" of Anglian Water's operational area, implying potential site visits to various water recycling and wastewater treatment facilities within this region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Peterborough office is designed to facilitate collaboration among the multi-disciplinary engineering teams, project managers, and delivery leads, supporting the alliance's integrated working approach.

• Digital Infrastructure: Access to advanced digital engineering tools, including 3D modelling software, project management platforms, and communication systems, is expected to be readily available.

• Team Interaction: Ample opportunities for direct interaction with engineering specialists, project teams, and senior management, fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

• Site Visits: Occasional visits to project sites will be necessary to liaise with construction teams, assess site conditions, and ensure design intent is realized.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing employees to balance office-based collaboration with remote work, provided the core responsibilities and minimum office attendance requirements are met. This structure supports focused design work while ensuring team integration and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a significant office presence emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for complex design and project management activities, while also acknowledging the need for flexibility. The Peterborough location provides a central point for regional operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.

• First Interview: Likely a technical and behavioural interview with a hiring manager and potentially a senior engineer or project lead. Focus will be on assessing leadership capabilities, project management experience, understanding of CDM, and technical design acumen.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of their work or a specific case study demonstrating their approach to design management, problem-solving, and team leadership. This will be a key part of assessing their ability to articulate complex technical and operational strategies.

• Final Interview: May involve a panel interview with senior stakeholders from Anglian Water and/or alliance partners to assess strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your design management capabilities. For each, detail the challenge, your specific role and actions, the methodologies used (especially regarding process improvement and digital tools), and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, carbon reduction).

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly demonstrate your experience in leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams. Use examples of how you have motivated individuals, resolved conflicts, and fostered a collaborative environment.

• Process & Innovation Focus: Emphasize your approach to process optimization, including any improvements to design workflows, implementation of new technologies like 3D modelling, or standardization efforts. Quantify the benefits of these initiatives.

• CDM & Safety Integration: Clearly articulate your understanding and application of CDM regulations and your commitment to health and safety throughout the design lifecycle.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Ensure your presentation is clear, concise, and directly addresses the requirements of the Design Manager role within the @one Alliance context. Tailor your examples to the water recycling/wastewater sector where possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions that present hypothetical project scenarios (e.g., budget overruns, scope changes, safety incidents) and ask how you would address them. Focus on your problem-solving methodology, risk assessment, and communication strategies.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving inter-team conflicts, or motivating a team during challenging project phases.

• Strategic Thinking: Be ready to discuss your vision for design delivery within the @one Alliance, your thoughts on leveraging digital transformation, and your approach to driving sustainability goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review will heavily emphasize practical application of design management principles, leadership effectiveness, and the ability to deliver complex projects within a regulated and collaborative environment. Demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to technology and sustainability will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management tools for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com).

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience using digital collaboration tools for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint).

• 3D Modelling & Design Software: Familiarity with or ability to oversee teams using advanced 3D modelling and design software relevant to civil engineering, process engineering, and infrastructure (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit, Bentley Systems software, Navisworks for clash detection).

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing project documentation, drawings, and specifications (e.g., Aconex, Procore).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project management and design software to inform decision-making and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or utilizing dashboards to visualize project progress, risks, and key metrics for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design processes integrate with client relationship management and project delivery workflows within the alliance is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can streamline design review processes, document approvals, and reporting within engineering workflows.

• Integration Awareness: Understanding of how different software systems (e.g., design, project management, procurement) need to integrate to ensure seamless data flow and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong understanding of the technology stack used in modern infrastructure project delivery. While the manager may not be an expert user of all tools, they must understand their application, oversee teams that use them, and champion their effective integration for enhanced efficiency and collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: An unwavering commitment to health and safety, embedded in all design decisions and operational practices. This is paramount in the infrastructure sector.

• Customer Focus: Delivering services that meet the needs of the environment and the communities served by Anglian Water, ensuring reliability and resilience.

• Sustainability & Environment: A deep-seated commitment to environmental stewardship, minimizing carbon footprint, and enhancing natural capital through innovative and responsible design.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A proactive culture that encourages new ideas, challenges existing processes, and seeks constant betterment in efficiency, quality, and outcomes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines and partner organizations within the @one Alliance to achieve shared goals and deliver exceptional project results.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for design outcomes, project delivery, and driving desired results with a focus on achieving defined objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Teams: The @one Alliance model necessitates a highly collaborative approach, where design, construction, procurement, and delivery teams work as a unified entity.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment of open and transparent communication, encouraging feedback and constructive challenge across all levels and functions.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Actively seeking to build strong working relationships with all alliance partners and stakeholders to ensure alignment and seamless project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas are shared freely to benefit the wider alliance and improve future project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is shaped by the alliance's mission to deliver large-scale infrastructure and Anglian Water's commitment to environmental responsibility. Candidates should demonstrate values that align with safety, sustainability, and collaborative delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Project Portfolio: Managing a diverse range of water recycling and wastewater projects, each with unique technical challenges, site conditions, and stakeholder requirements.

• Balancing Cost, Programme, and Quality: The perennial challenge of delivering high-quality, sustainable designs within tight budget constraints and ambitious programme timelines.

• Driving Digital Adoption: Overcoming potential resistance to new technologies and workflows, and effectively integrating digital engineering tools across multi-disciplinary teams.

• Regulatory Compliance & Safety: Ensuring strict adherence to CDM regulations and maintaining a robust health and safety culture across all design activities in a high-risk environment.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the needs and expectations of various internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, environmental groups, and the public.

• Talent Development: Attracting, retaining, and developing skilled engineering talent in a competitive market to ensure the continued success of the design function.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development Programmes: Access to formal leadership training and development opportunities within Anglian Water or the @one Alliance.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced wastewater treatment technologies, sustainable design practices, or specific digital engineering applications.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and forums to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in water infrastructure design and operations.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within the alliance or to mentor emerging engineering talent, fostering leadership growth.

• Project Variety: Exposure to a wide array of challenging projects that provide continuous learning and skill enhancement across different aspects of design and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior management roles in major infrastructure projects, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development through hands-on experience and targeted learning initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multi-disciplinary engineering team to deliver a complex capital project under tight deadlines and budget constraints. How do you ensure alignment and foster collaboration?" (Focus on your leadership style, team management strategies, and conflict resolution.)

• "How do you ensure compliance with CDM regulations throughout the design process? Can you provide an example of a challenging safety or regulatory issue you've managed?" (Highlight your understanding of CDM, risk assessment, and proactive safety culture.)

• "What is your strategy for driving innovation and adopting new technologies, such as digital engineering or 3D modelling, within a design team? How do you manage change?" (Demonstrate your vision for modern design practices and change management skills.)

• "Discuss your experience in integrating sustainability principles and low-carbon solutions into engineering designs. How do you balance environmental goals with project affordability?" (Showcase your commitment to sustainability and your ability to find practical, cost-effective solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the @one Alliance and Anglian Water's commitment to delivering essential water services and environmental protection?" (Research their mission, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you see your leadership style fitting within a collaborative alliance structure focused on achieving shared outcomes?" (Align your values with collaboration, accountability, and outcome-driven delivery.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within your team?" (Provide examples of initiatives you've implemented.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the measurable outcomes. Use metrics related to cost savings, schedule adherence, carbon footprint reduction, efficiency gains, or environmental improvements.

• Tell a Story: Frame your case studies as narratives, detailing the problem, your strategic approach, the actions taken by you and your team, and the ultimate successful resolution.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals where possible – simplified diagrams, process flowcharts, or examples of 3D modelling outputs – to illustrate your points and demonstrate technical understanding.

• Focus on Your Role: While acknowledging team effort, clearly define your specific contributions and leadership actions that led to success.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, risk management strategies, and team dynamics within your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strong technical leadership, project management expertise, a commitment to safety and sustainability, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, outcome-focused alliance environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to explicitly highlight experience in engineering design management, capital project delivery, multi-disciplinary team leadership, CDM compliance, and any experience within the water or infrastructure sectors. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your design management capabilities. Prepare concise summaries and quantifiable results for each, focusing on your leadership role and the outcomes achieved.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice articulating your portfolio highlights and responding to potential interview questions, particularly those related to leadership, problem-solving, and technical strategy. Be ready to discuss your approach to process optimization and digital engineering.

• Research the @one Alliance: Familiarize yourself with the alliance's mission, values, key projects, and strategic objectives. Understand their approach to collaboration, sustainability, and innovation, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align.

⚠️ 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.