Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Anglian Water @one Alliance

Location: Thorpe Wood House, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office for UK-based candidates)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the engineering design delivery for a comprehensive portfolio of water recycling and wastewater capital projects across the East of England.

• Manage and mentor multi-disciplinary engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement within the @one Alliance framework.

• Drive the development and implementation of outcome-focused solutions, emphasizing affordability, low-carbon initiatives, and natural capital enhancement.

• Ensure strict adherence to CDM regulations and champion a robust health & safety culture throughout the design lifecycle.

• Collaborate strategically with internal functions and external partners to seamlessly integrate designs and achieve ambitious project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the @one Alliance, a significant partnership delivering a £9bn investment programme for Anglian Water. The "Design Manager" title, combined with "Water Recycling East" and "wastewater projects," strongly indicates a focus on infrastructure operations and capital project delivery, rather than typical software or product design. The emphasis on "Engineering Project Plans," "CDM regulations," and "multi-disciplinary teams (process, mechanical, electrical, civil)" further solidifies this as an operations-centric engineering management role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end design delivery for a diverse portfolio of water recycling and wastewater treatment projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

• Develop, manage, and execute comprehensive Engineering Project Plans, meticulously covering scope, programme timelines, budget allocation, risk mitigation, and resource deployment.

• Direct and guide multi-disciplinary engineering teams, including process, mechanical, electrical, and civil specialists, to produce high-quality, integrated design solutions.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders, ensuring seamless integration of designs and efficient project execution.

• Champion the principles of affordability, value engineering, and the development of low-carbon, environmentally sustainable solutions throughout the design process.

• Ensure rigorous compliance with Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations, taking ownership of design responsibilities and leading a proactive health & safety culture.

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing engineering team, cultivating talent and fostering professional growth.

• Support and drive innovation initiatives, promote standardisation of design elements, and advocate for the adoption of digital engineering tools, including advanced 3D modelling techniques.

• Liaise closely with wider alliance functions, such as delivery, procurement, and construction teams, to ensure a holistic approach to achieving project outcomes and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed align with a senior engineering management position focused on capital project delivery within the utilities or infrastructure sector. The emphasis on "Engineering Project Plans," "CDM regulations," "affordability," and "low-carbon solutions" are critical operational concerns for large-scale infrastructure projects. The integration with "delivery, procurement, and construction" highlights the cross-functional operational nature of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (or equivalent relevant qualification). Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to leading engineering teams and delivering design for capital projects.

• Proven track record in managing complex projects within the water sector or similar infrastructure environments.

• Demonstrable experience in managing risk, ensuring timely programme delivery, and maintaining project affordability. Required Skills:

• Engineering Design Delivery: Expertise in managing the full lifecycle of engineering design for capital infrastructure projects.

• Project Planning & Management: Proficient in developing and executing detailed project plans, including scope definition, scheduling, resource allocation, and budget control.

• Multi-disciplinary Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop diverse engineering teams (process, mechanical, electrical, civil) towards shared project goals.

• CDM Regulations Compliance: Strong understanding and practical application of Construction Design and Management regulations and design responsibilities.

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

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Excellent ability to engage and collaborate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies.

• Sustainability & Carbon Reduction: Demonstrated commitment to driving low-carbon and environmentally sustainable design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Water Sector Experience: Specific experience within the water recycling, wastewater treatment, or broader utilities sector.

• Digital Engineering & 3D Modelling: Familiarity with and promotion of digital engineering tools, including advanced 3D modelling for design visualisation and integration.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying and implementing innovative solutions and driving continuous process improvement.

• Budget Management: Experience in managing significant project budgets and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience and the preference for Chartered status indicate a senior-level management role. The emphasis on specific engineering disciplines (process, mechanical, electrical, civil) and regulatory compliance (CDM) are crucial for operations roles in the infrastructure sector. The inclusion of "Digital Engineering" and "3D Modelling" points towards modern project delivery methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Delivery Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant capital project designs led, detailing the scope, challenges, your team's approach, and the successful outcomes achieved.

• Project Planning & Management Examples: Provide documentation samples or detailed descriptions of Engineering Project Plans you have developed, highlighting scope, programme, cost, risk, and resource management strategies.

• Team Leadership & Development: Include examples of how you have mentored, developed, and managed multi-disciplinary engineering teams, demonstrating your leadership style and impact on team performance.

• Sustainability & Carbon Impact: Present evidence of how you have integrated low-carbon and environmentally sustainable solutions into project designs, quantifying the positive impact where possible.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Detail instances where you have identified and implemented process improvements within the design lifecycle to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, or improve quality.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing engineering design workflows, from concept to detailed design, including collaboration touchpoints.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Provide examples of how you have overseen the implementation of designs and leveraged digital tools or automation to streamline processes and improve accuracy.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Illustrate your approach to measuring design performance, tracking key metrics, and analysing results to drive continuous improvement and inform future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in infrastructure operations, a portfolio showcasing practical application of project management principles, team leadership, and technical design oversight is crucial. The emphasis on process documentation, workflow optimization, and the use of digital tools is essential for demonstrating an understanding of modern project delivery and operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated £60,000 - £80,000 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications. Benefits:

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

• Generous Annual Leave: Typically 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with options to purchase additional leave.

• Hybrid Working Flexibility: Structured hybrid model with 3 days per week in the office for local employees, offering flexibility for those further afield.

• Professional Development: Support for Chartered status, continuous learning, and access to training programmes.

• Health & Wellbeing: Access to health and wellbeing programmes, including employee assistance services.

• Life Assurance: Company-paid life assurance scheme.

• Performance Bonus: Potential for an annual performance-related bonus.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in structuring the working week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the seniority (10+ years experience, Chartered status preference), location (UK, specifically Peterborough area), and industry (utilities/infrastructure), a salary range of £60,000 - £80,000 is a reasonable estimate for a Design Manager. The benefits listed are typical for large UK utility companies and align with enhancing work-life balance and professional growth, which are key considerations for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water Utilities & Infrastructure Development. Anglian Water is a key player in the UK's water sector, responsible for water supply and wastewater services across the East of England. The @one Alliance is a collaborative partnership focused on delivering a substantial investment programme for Anglian Water.

Company Size: Anglian Water is a large organisation, employing thousands of people. The @one Alliance itself is a significant joint venture, indicating a large-scale operational environment. This size suggests structured processes, established reporting lines, and opportunities for cross-functional impact.

Founded: Anglian Water was formed in 1989, but its history as a water provider dates back much further. The @one Alliance is a more recent structure, established to deliver specific investment programmes.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will lead a multi-disciplinary engineering design team within the @one Alliance, likely comprising specialists in process, mechanical, electrical, civil, and potentially environmental engineering.

• This team will report into a broader project or programme management structure within the Alliance.

• Close collaboration is expected with delivery teams, procurement, construction, and other operational functions within the Alliance and Anglian Water. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data to inform design decisions, particularly concerning water recycling performance, carbon footprint, and environmental impact.

• Outcome-Focused Delivery: The @one Alliance champions focusing on the desired project outcomes rather than simply the output, encouraging innovative problem-solving and flexibility.

• Digital Engineering Adoption: Active promotion and use of digital technologies, including 3D modelling, for enhanced design visualisation, collaboration, and integration.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages the identification and implementation of new ways of working, standardisation, and efficiency gains.

Company Website: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/ and information about the @one Alliance can be found through Anglian Water's corporate site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the @one Alliance context is crucial. It's a collaborative model focused on large-scale infrastructure delivery, meaning the Design Manager operates within a complex, matrixed environment with a strong emphasis on partnership and shared objectives. The "outcome over output" mindset is a key cultural differentiator for operations roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Engineering Management position within the infrastructure operations domain. It requires significant technical expertise, robust project management capabilities, and strong leadership skills to manage complex capital projects and teams. The scope extends beyond just design to encompass strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report into a senior leadership role within the @one Alliance's engineering or project delivery function (e.g., Head of Engineering, Programme Director). They will, in turn, manage a team of engineering specialists.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly influences the efficiency, sustainability, and long-term resilience of Anglian Water's water recycling and wastewater treatment infrastructure. Successful design delivery is critical for meeting regulatory requirements, environmental targets, and supporting sustainable growth in the region, thereby having a significant impact on public service delivery and environmental protection.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialisation: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of water recycling or wastewater treatment design and technology.

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles with broader programme responsibility, managing larger portfolios or multiple design teams, or moving into higher-level operational leadership.

• Strategic Influence: Involvement in shaping future asset investment strategies and design standards for Anglian Water.

• Professional Development: Continued support for professional development, including advanced training, certifications, and participation in industry forums.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a key step in the career path for experienced engineers aiming for leadership in infrastructure operations. The growth opportunities are geared towards increasing scope of responsibility, strategic impact, and advanced technical or managerial expertise within the utilities sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model. The primary office location is Thorpe Wood House in Peterborough, which serves as a hub for Anglian Water and the @one Alliance. This suggests a professional office environment conducive to collaborative work and team meetings.

Office Location(s): Thorpe Wood House, Peterborough, United Kingdom. This location provides access to the operational heart of Anglian Water's East region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to facilitate collaboration among multi-disciplinary teams, crucial for integrating complex engineering designs.

• Technology & Tools: Access to modern office technology, IT infrastructure, and potentially specialized design software and hardware required for 3D modelling and digital engineering.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with direct reports, peers, and senior management, fostering strong working relationships and effective communication.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the hybrid arrangement offering flexibility. This allows operations professionals to balance project demands with personal commitments, while ensuring sufficient time for critical design reviews, team coordination, and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a significant factor for work-life balance. The expectation of 3 days in the office for local candidates highlights the importance of in-person collaboration for complex engineering and project management within the infrastructure sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, focusing on relevant experience in engineering design management, capital projects, and team leadership within infrastructure or utilities.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Hiring Manager to assess your leadership style, technical understanding, project delivery experience, and cultural fit within the @one Alliance. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your portfolio.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or tackle a hypothetical design challenge. This will evaluate your problem-solving skills, approach to design management, and ability to articulate technical concepts clearly.

• Stakeholder/Panel Interview: An opportunity to meet with key stakeholders, potentially including representatives from delivery, procurement, or senior management. This assesses your ability to collaborate across functions and understand broader project objectives.

• Final Decision: Based on overall performance across all stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organise your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by skill area. For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and team's responsibilities, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, carbon reduction, efficiency gains).

• Focus on Operations & Engineering: Highlight your experience in delivering tangible infrastructure projects. Emphasise your ability to manage engineering design processes, navigate regulatory requirements (CDM), and lead technical teams.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and management approach. This could include budget adherence, schedule performance, carbon footprint reduction, or improvements in operational efficiency.

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you have successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

• Digital Integration: If applicable, demonstrate your experience with digital engineering tools and processes, such as 3D modelling, BIM, or other relevant software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the @one Alliance: Research the @one Alliance's mission, current projects, and its role within Anglian Water. Understand their focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.

• Review CDM Regulations: Ensure you have a solid grasp of your responsibilities as a Design Manager under CDM regulations.

• Practice Articulating Operations Strategy: Be ready to discuss how you approach managing design for large-scale infrastructure projects, focusing on efficiency, risk mitigation, and achieving operational outcomes.

• Prepare for Team Management Questions: Anticipate questions about your leadership style, how you motivate teams, resolve conflicts, and develop talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily scrutinise practical experience in infrastructure project delivery and team leadership. A well-curated portfolio demonstrating operational impact, technical acumen, and collaborative skills is essential. Understanding the specific context of the @one Alliance and its operational objectives will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with project planning and tracking tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar industry-standard software for developing and managing Engineering Project Plans.

• 3D Modelling Software: Experience or familiarity with 3D design and modelling platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Bentley Systems software) for visualisation, clash detection, and integrated design.

• Collaboration Platforms: Usage of platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or internal company portals for team communication, document sharing, and project coordination.

• Design Review Tools: Familiarity with software or processes for conducting design reviews and sign-offs, ensuring quality and compliance.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Metrics Tracking: Ability to define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery, project cost, schedule adherence, and safety.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in using tools like Microsoft Excel for data analysis, trend identification, and reporting.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with or ability to contribute to the development of dashboards that visualise project status and performance for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Contractor/Supplier Management Systems: Familiarity with systems used to manage relationships and contracts with external suppliers and subcontractors.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust document management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex) for controlling design documents and ensuring version control.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how automation can be applied to design processes for efficiency gains, though direct hands-on automation tool experience might be less critical than strategic understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the role's emphasis on "digital engineering," "3D modelling," and "Engineering Project Plans" implies a need for proficiency in standard project management and design software used in the infrastructure sector. The ability to leverage data for decision-making and reporting is also paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: An unwavering commitment to health and safety, ensuring all design decisions prioritise the wellbeing of site teams and the public.

• Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship: A deep commitment to developing designs that minimise environmental impact, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance natural capital.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A belief in working together effectively across teams, with suppliers, and with stakeholders to achieve shared goals within the @one Alliance.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly seek better ways of working, embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and outcomes.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for design deliverables, project outcomes, and the performance of the engineering team.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires proactive engagement with delivery, procurement, construction, and operational teams to ensure designs are practical, buildable, and meet operational needs.

• Open Communication: Encouraging an environment where team members can openly share ideas, concerns, and feedback regarding designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering a culture where best practices are shared across the design team and with other parts of the alliance to promote consistent quality and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Anglian Water and within the @one Alliance is likely geared towards large-scale project delivery with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, sustainability, and collaborative problem-solving. The values reflect the critical nature of infrastructure operations and environmental responsibility.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing the competing demands and priorities of a diverse portfolio of water recycling and wastewater projects simultaneously.

• Integrating Innovative Solutions: Driving the adoption of new technologies and sustainable practices within a traditional infrastructure environment, which can sometimes face resistance.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the expectations and requirements of various internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, operational teams, and the public.

• Ensuring Design for Operability: Translating complex design requirements into practical, maintainable, and efficient operational assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Methodologies: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in cutting-edge design techniques, digital engineering tools, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training programmes designed to enhance management skills, strategic thinking, and ability to lead large, complex teams.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to represent the @one Alliance at industry conferences, workshops, and forums, staying abreast of best practices and emerging trends in water infrastructure.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders within Anglian Water and the @one Alliance for mentorship and guidance on career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of senior roles in infrastructure project delivery, requiring strong problem-solving and stakeholder management skills. The growth opportunities are aligned with advancing within the utilities sector, focusing on both technical and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multi-disciplinary engineering team to deliver complex capital projects on time and within budget." (Focus on your management style, delegation, conflict resolution, and project planning methodology.)

• "How do you ensure designs are not only technically sound but also affordable, sustainable, and easy to operate and maintain?" (Emphasise your understanding of the full lifecycle and stakeholder integration.)

• "Walk me through a significant design challenge you faced in a previous role and how you overcame it." (Choose a case study that demonstrates problem-solving, technical acumen, and leadership.)

• "How do you stay current with advancements in digital engineering, 3D modelling, and sustainable design practices in the infrastructure sector?" (Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and innovation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Anglian Water and the @one Alliance, and why are you interested in this specific role?" (Research their mission, values, and recent projects. Connect your experience to their goals.)

• "How would you foster a strong health & safety culture within your design team?" (Discuss proactive measures, training, and integration with site safety.)

• "Describe your experience working in a collaborative alliance or partnership environment." (Focus on communication, shared goals, and overcoming potential challenges.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, leadership, and impact on operational outcomes.

• Quantify Results: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the key metrics of success (e.g., budget, schedule, carbon savings, operational efficiency improvements), and your specific contribution.

• Highlight Process: Explain your design process, how you managed your team, and how you integrated with other functions like construction and operations.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about the technical aspects of your designs, the challenges encountered, and decisions made.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of engineering project management within the regulated utilities sector, coupled with effective leadership and a commitment to sustainability and safety. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday portal link.

• Customise Your CV: Tailor your CV to highlight specific experience in engineering design management, capital project delivery, leadership of multi-disciplinary teams, and any relevant water sector or infrastructure experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "Engineering Design Delivery," "Project Planning," "CDM Regulations," and "Sustainability."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage complex designs, lead teams, and achieve tangible operational outcomes. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the challenge, your approach, and quantifiable results.

• Research Anglian Water & @one Alliance: Gain a thorough understanding of their operational goals, current investment programmes, and commitment to sustainability and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these objectives.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions, focusing on articulating your leadership style, problem-solving abilities, and experience with infrastructure projects. 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.