Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Anglian Water @one Alliance

Location: Peterborough, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-22

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days per fortnight in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary engineering team focused on delivering design solutions for potable water non-infrastructure projects.

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle for storage points, maintenance, and emergency projects within the Water Business Unit.

• Ensure adherence to stringent quality standards, health and safety regulations (including CDM), and sustainability objectives.

• Drive innovation and digital transformation initiatives within the engineering design function, preparing for AMP8.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment through effective people management and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the @one Alliance, a significant collaborative venture for Anglian Water's capital investment program, with a clear focus on preparing for and delivering on the ambitious goals of AMP8. The Design Manager will be instrumental in shaping and executing designs for critical water infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end engineering design delivery for the storage points, maintenance, and emergencies portfolio within potable water non-infrastructure projects.

• Develop, monitor, and manage comprehensive Engineering Project Plans, encompassing scope, program, cost, risk, and resource allocation for multiple projects simultaneously.

• Provide expert direction and guidance on suitable treatment methods and process designs, collaborating closely with Senior Discipline Engineers.

• Accurately assess project complexity and strategically assign appropriately competent engineering resources from a team of 15-20 staff.

• Implement and enforce robust design quality procedures, championing a "right-first-time" philosophy to minimize rework and ensure compliance.

• Effectively manage supplier and subcontractor design input, including engagement, selection, ongoing management, and seamless integration of their designs into the overall project.

• Partner with other functional teams (e.g., project delivery, operations) to ensure integrated and successful project outcomes for the assigned portfolio.

• Actively seek and implement opportunities to achieve affordability and deliver maximum value engineering within the project portfolio.

• Support the development and management of project programs, ensuring timely achievement of milestones and driving overall efficiency improvements.

• Produce and champion designs that demonstrably contribute to enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

• Undertake delegated duties of the Principal Designer as required by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).

• Manage CDM competency assessments for all team members and relevant projects to ensure regulatory compliance.

• Ensure the diligent production of design risk assessments and oversee all health & safety documentation pertinent to the design portfolio.

• Provide clear, consistent, and visible leadership, setting expectations and fostering a positive work environment for the design team.

• Execute people management responsibilities, including performance management, regular one-on-one meetings, and supporting personal and professional development.

• Allocate engineering resources effectively based on evolving project priorities, complexity, and team capacity.

• Actively support and contribute to team development initiatives and ongoing recruitment efforts to build a strong engineering capability.

• Drive the engineering team's transformation and successful transition into the AMP8 operational phase.

• Foster a culture of experimentation, innovation, proactive risk management, and continuous improvement within the engineering design team.

• Champion carbon reduction and natural capital enhancement within designs, and actively embrace and integrate new digital technologies into design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design leadership and people management within a complex, collaborative framework (the @one Alliance). The explicit mention of CDM Regulations and Principal Designer duties indicates a strong emphasis on health, safety, and regulatory compliance, critical in the UK water sector. The preparation for AMP8 signals a forward-looking role requiring adaptability and strategic thinking.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven, extensive experience (10+ years) in the Water sector, with a strong preference for experience on potable water non-infrastructure treatment projects.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing multi-disciplinary engineering design teams (ideally 15-20 staff).

• Experience in managing project plans, scope, program, cost, risk, and resources for a portfolio of projects.

• Familiarity with UK Water Industry regulations and standards.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the complete engineering design lifecycle, from concept to detailed design, for water treatment and non-infrastructure projects.

• People Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of engineers, including performance management and resource allocation.

• Engineering Design: Solid technical understanding of water treatment processes, potable water systems, and non-infrastructure project design principles.

• CDM Regulations: Thorough knowledge and practical application of CDM Regulations, including risk assessment and Principal Designer responsibilities.

• Project Planning & Control: Ability to develop, manage, and report on project plans, scope, budget, and timelines effectively.

• Quality Assurance: Commitment to quality standards and implementing processes to achieve "right-first-time" delivery.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of design and project risks.

• Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies.

• Resource Allocation: Skill in strategically assigning engineering talent and resources to meet project demands.

• Sustainability Design: Understanding and application of sustainable design principles and carbon reduction strategies in engineering projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer Status: Chartered or actively working towards Chartered Engineer status with a recognized professional institution (e.g., ICE, IMechE).

• Water Treatment Process Design: Specialized knowledge in designing and optimizing various water treatment technologies and processes.

• Ground Water Abstraction: Experience or understanding of designs related to groundwater abstraction systems.

• Digital Technologies: Familiarity with and a proactive approach to embracing new digital tools and technologies in design and project management.

• Affordability & Value Engineering: Demonstrated ability to identify and implement cost-saving measures and value enhancement opportunities within designs.

• Collaborative Communication: Adaptable and effective communication skills to foster strong working relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "10+ Years" experience and "Chartered or working towards" status indicates a senior-level role requiring significant technical and managerial expertise. The preference for specific project types (potable water non-infrastructure, storage points, maintenance, emergencies) and familiarity with UK Water Industry regulations are key indicators of the role's specific demands.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant potable water non-infrastructure projects, detailing the engineering challenges, design solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved.

• Project Management Documentation: Examples of Engineering Project Plans, demonstrating scope definition, program development, risk registers, and resource allocation strategies.

• Quality & Safety Documentation: Samples of design risk assessments, quality assurance plans, and evidence of adherence to health and safety procedures (e.g., CDM compliance records).

• Value Engineering Proposals: Demonstrations of how value engineering principles were applied to reduce costs or enhance the efficiency and sustainability of designs.

• Team Leadership Evidence: Documentation or descriptions of how team performance was managed, resources allocated, and professional development supported.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Evidence of processes developed or improved to streamline design delivery, enhance collaboration, and ensure "right-first-time" outcomes.

• Supplier/Subcontractor Integration: Examples of established processes for managing external design input, including selection, oversight, and integration into the main design effort.

• Sustainability & Digital Integration: Documentation or case studies illustrating how sustainability goals and new digital technologies were integrated into design processes and project delivery.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Examples of implemented risk management frameworks for design projects, including identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate practical application of skills. The requirements focus on tangible outputs that prove capability in managing complex projects, ensuring quality and safety, and driving efficiency and sustainability within the water sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for this Design Manager position in Peterborough, UK, for an experienced professional with 10+ years of experience, is between £65,000 and £85,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK water sector, considering the seniority, responsibilities, and hybrid work arrangement. Factors such as specific qualifications (e.g., Chartered status), depth of experience in potable water non-infrastructure projects, and the strategic importance of the @one Alliance's AMP8 program can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to private medical insurance, covering a range of medical needs and treatments.

• Generous Pension Scheme: A competitive employer-contributed pension plan to secure your financial future.

• Life Assurance: Financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing.

• Annual Leave: A substantial annual leave allowance, increasing with service, to promote work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and support towards professional qualifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer status).

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-efficient options for purchasing bicycles and cycling equipment.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Hybrid Working Flexibility: Ability to balance office-based collaboration with remote work, promoting flexibility.

• Discretionary Bonus Scheme: Potential for performance-related bonuses tied to individual and company achievements.

Working Hours:

Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The role offers hybrid working flexibility, requiring a minimum of 3 days per fortnight to be worked from the Peterborough office. This structure allows for focused work and collaboration while maintaining flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on UK market data for senior engineering management roles in the water utilities sector. Benefits are typical for such positions in the UK, with an emphasis on long-term security and work-life balance. The hybrid arrangement is clearly defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water Utilities & Infrastructure Services. The @one Alliance operates within the critical water sector in the UK, managing a significant portion of Anglian Water's capital investment program. This industry demands high standards of reliability, safety, environmental stewardship, and long-term planning, especially as the company gears up for AMP8, its largest investment period to date.

Company Size: The @one Alliance is a large, collaborative entity comprising eight partner companies and their supply chains, working on behalf of Anglian Water. This structure implies a large operational scale and a complex stakeholder environment, offering exposure to diverse organizational cultures and best practices within a unified program.

Founded: While Anglian Water has a long history, the @one Alliance is a more recent collaborative model formed to deliver specific investment periods. This collaborative structure is designed for efficiency and shared expertise, fostering an environment of partnership and innovation to meet ambitious program goals.

Team Structure:

• Engineering Design Team: You will lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team of approximately 15-20 staff, comprising various engineering disciplines relevant to water non-infrastructure projects.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager likely reports to a Head of Engineering, a Programme Manager, or a similar senior leadership role within the @one Alliance's engineering or delivery functions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with project managers, construction teams, commercial departments, procurement, health & safety specialists, and potentially client representatives from Anglian Water.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data analysis to inform design choices, optimize processes, and measure performance.

• Integrated Project Planning: Collaborative development and execution of project plans that align engineering design with construction, commercial, and operational requirements.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages the identification and implementation of process improvements, automation, and new digital technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Company Website: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/ (Anglian Water), and likely specific pages for the @one Alliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The @one Alliance structure is a key differentiator, suggesting a culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and a drive for collective success. The focus on AMP8 indicates a period of significant growth and strategic importance, offering opportunities for impactful work and career advancement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management role, placing the Design Manager at a pivotal point in the engineering and project delivery hierarchy. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in water infrastructure and strong leadership capabilities. The role is crucial for translating strategic objectives into tangible design solutions and managing the teams that deliver them.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will lead a team of 15-20 engineers and will report into higher levels of management within the @one Alliance or Anglian Water's capital delivery structure. This position offers visibility and the opportunity to influence broader project and program strategies.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is significant, directly influencing the cost-effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and safety of critical water infrastructure projects. Successful design management leads to optimized project delivery, reduced environmental footprint, enhanced customer service (through reliable water supply), and adherence to regulatory requirements, all of which are key performance indicators for Anglian Water and the @one Alliance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Head of Design, Head of Engineering, Programme Director, or other senior leadership positions within the @one Alliance or Anglian Water's capital investment functions.

• Specialization & Broader Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of water treatment, asset management, or capital delivery, or to broaden experience across different project types and alliances.

• Transformation Leadership: Involvement in driving strategic initiatives like digital transformation and sustainability efforts, offering opportunities to lead change and innovation.

• Professional Development: Continued support for professional development, including advanced training, certifications, and opportunities to mentor junior engineers, fostering a leadership pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a critical leadership function within a large-scale, strategic program (AMP8). Growth opportunities are clearly linked to both technical leadership and broader strategic management within the water infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, with a minimum of 3 days per fortnight required at the Peterborough office. This suggests a modern office environment designed to facilitate collaboration, with meeting rooms, hot-desking facilities, and potentially dedicated team spaces.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Peterborough, with the specific address being Thorpe Wood House. Peterborough is a city in Cambridgeshire, England, offering good transport links and a range of amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model emphasizes the importance of in-person interaction for team meetings, design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and fostering team cohesion.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard engineering design software, project management tools, communication platforms, and potentially specialized water industry software will be available.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with direct reports, peers in other functions, and senior management, both in structured meetings and informal settings.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 per week, with a flexible hybrid arrangement. This allows for effective management of design processes and data analysis while accommodating personal needs. The expectation for minimum office days ensures that essential collaboration and team engagement occur regularly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role balances the need for focused, individual work with the essential collaborative aspects of design management and team leadership within a large alliance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, potentially followed by a brief phone call with an HR representative to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior engineering leader) focusing on your experience in design management, team leadership, water sector projects, and understanding of CDM regulations. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A session dedicated to reviewing your submitted portfolio. This may involve presenting 1-2 key case studies, explaining your role, the challenges faced, the solutions devised, and the measurable outcomes. Expect detailed questions about your design approach, problem-solving methodologies, and risk management strategies.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key team members or stakeholders you would collaborate with. This assesses your cultural fit, collaborative style, and ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior executive, focusing on strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with the @one Alliance's vision and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful and relevant projects that showcase your expertise in potable water non-infrastructure design, team leadership, and complex problem-solving.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the challenge/objective, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed, key decisions made, innovative solutions or value engineering applied, any risks managed, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, sustainability improvements, safety record).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in managing the team, allocating resources, mentoring engineers, and fostering a positive team culture.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the success of your designs and management. For example, "Achieved a 15% reduction in operational costs through optimized process design" or "Ensured zero safety incidents during the design phase through robust risk management."

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle conflicting priorities, your approach to innovation, and your understanding of current industry trends (e.g., digital transformation, sustainability).

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for questions like: "How would you approach designing a solution for an aging water storage tank requiring immediate upgrades?" or "Describe a time you had to manage a conflict within your engineering team."

• Process Improvement Scenarios: You might be asked to outline how you would improve the design review process or implement new digital tools within your team.

• CDM Compliance Discussion: Prepare to discuss your experience with CDM regulations, including your responsibilities as a Principal Designer and how you ensure compliance.

• Sustainability Focus: Think about how you integrate sustainability into design decisions and how you would measure its impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and specific interview stages highlights the practical, results-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare detailed, evidence-based examples of their work and leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for engineering drawings and models (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Bentley Systems software like OpenBuildings Designer).

• Design & Analysis Software: Familiarity with specialized engineering analysis and simulation tools relevant to water treatment processes, fluid dynamics, and structural analysis (e.g., Bentley WaterGEMS, WSP, CFD software).

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in using collaborative tools for document sharing, communication, and virtual meetings (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools for creating dashboards and reports to track design progress, team performance, and project KPIs (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for managing project financials, procurement, and resources (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

• BIM (Building Information Modeling): Experience with BIM principles and software for integrated design and project management, particularly relevant for complex infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the nature of the role implies a need for proficiency in standard engineering design, project management, and collaboration tools prevalent in the infrastructure and utilities sector. BIM is increasingly important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Build Trust: Fostering an environment where open communication, accountability, and reliability are paramount, both within the team and with external partners.

• Do the Right Thing: Upholding high ethical standards, prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility, and making decisions that benefit customers and the community.

• Are Always Exploring: Encouraging innovation, continuous learning, and seeking out new and better ways to deliver projects, embracing digital transformation and new technologies.

• Love Every Drop: A deep commitment to the responsible management of water resources, reflected in sustainable design practices and efficient operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Alliance Mindset: Working collaboratively across the eight partner companies and supply chain, emphasizing shared goals and mutual support over individualistic achievement.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with project managers, construction teams, commercial experts, and safety officers to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback loops to continuously improve designs, processes, and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical knowledge are shared openly to benefit the entire alliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values (Build Trust, Do the Right Thing, Are Always Exploring, Love Every Drop) are central to the Anglian Water and @one Alliance ethos. The collaboration style is defined by the alliance structure, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to partnership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing a Diverse Team: Leading a multi-disciplinary team of 15-20 individuals with varying expertise, experience levels, and potentially different working styles.

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Simultaneously managing the design delivery for a portfolio of projects, each with its own deadlines, complexities, and resource requirements.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring strict adherence to evolving UK Water Industry regulations and CDM requirements in all design outputs.

• Driving Innovation Amidst Tradition: Encouraging the adoption of new digital technologies and sustainable practices within a sector that may have established traditional methods.

• AMP8 Transition: Successfully transitioning the team and design processes to meet the significantly increased demands and strategic objectives of AMP8.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in new water treatment technologies, advanced design software, or emerging sustainability practices.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance management and leadership skills through internal or external training, coaching, and mentorship.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in industry events (e.g., Water UK, CIWEM) to stay abreast of best practices, regulatory changes, and technological advancements.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within the alliance or to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth.

• Exposure to AMP8 Strategy: Gaining deep insights into the strategic planning and execution of Anglian Water's largest capital investment program to date.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the complexity of managing large-scale infrastructure projects and teams. The growth opportunities are geared towards advancing both technical and leadership capabilities within the water sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multi-disciplinary engineering team to deliver complex potable water non-infrastructure projects." (Focus on team structure, communication, resource allocation, and performance management).

• "Walk me through a significant design challenge you faced on a water-related project. How did you approach it, what was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Prepare a STAR method answer highlighting problem-solving, design innovation, and quantifiable results).

• "How do you ensure that designs meet both regulatory compliance (e.g., CDM) and sustainability objectives simultaneously?" (Discuss your understanding of these regulations and your process for integrating them into design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the @one Alliance and Anglian Water's AMP8 program?" (Demonstrate you've researched the company, its strategic goals, and the significance of AMP8).

• "How do your personal values align with the @one Alliance's values of Build Trust, Do the Right Thing, Are Always Exploring, and Love Every Drop?" (Connect your own experiences and principles to these core values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a brief overview of your career and the scope of your portfolio, highlighting your most relevant achievements.

• Deep Dive on 1-2 Projects: Select projects that best represent your capabilities in design management, team leadership, and complex water infrastructure. For each, clearly articulate:

  • The Problem: What was the client's need or the operational challenge?
  • Your Role & Team: What was your specific responsibility, and how large was your team?
  • The Solution: Detail the design process, key technical decisions, and innovative approaches.
  • The Impact: Quantify the results (cost savings, efficiency gains, environmental benefits, safety improvements).

• Highlight Process & Methodology: Explain the design workflows, quality assurance measures, and risk management strategies you employed.

• Showcase Leadership: Integrate examples of how you managed your team, allocated resources, and fostered collaboration.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, design choices, and leadership style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating technical expertise, leadership capability, strategic thinking, and cultural alignment with the @one Alliance's values and objectives. A well-prepared portfolio is critical for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Anglian Water @one Alliance careers portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV prominently features keywords from the job description, especially "Design Management," "Water Sector," "Potable Water," "CDM Regulations," "Principal Designer," "Team Leadership," "Project Planning," and "AMP8." Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a digital portfolio showcasing 3-5 relevant case studies. Include details on project scope, your role, design solutions, challenges overcome, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to articulate your contributions clearly.

• Research the @one Alliance & AMP8: Understand the collaborative structure, Anglian Water's strategic goals for AMP8, and the company's values. This will enable you to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions, especially those related to leadership, technical problem-solving, project management, and your experience with CDM regulations. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.