Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Costain Group

Location: Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering / Construction Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-28

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design delivery of significant potable water transfer projects, overseeing complex infrastructure and non-infrastructure elements valued up to £200M.

• Manage and resource multi-disciplinary design teams throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial feasibility studies through to construction and final commissioning.

• Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with project management, construction, commercial, and procurement teams to ensure integrated project delivery.

• Develop strong relationships with Anglian Water operational stakeholders to ensure design decisions align with operational needs and secure client sign-off.

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation by challenging the status quo, exploring new methodologies like modular design, and staying abreast of industry advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as hybrid, with an expectation of 2-3 days per month attendance at the Peterborough office, indicating a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration for key design reviews and team coordination, while allowing for remote work for individual tasks. This hybrid model is common in large infrastructure projects requiring both site presence and focused design work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, forecast, and resource design activities for assigned project elements, effectively managing workload and leading design teams to achieve timely and efficient design outputs.

• Collaborate closely with project management, construction, enabling works, planning, commercial, and procurement teams to ensure seamless integration and coordinated project execution.

• Uphold the principles of the Framework Contract, promoting collaborative working and championing value-for-money decisions and investments that benefit all alliance partners.

• Cultivate robust working relationships with Anglian Water Operational stakeholders to facilitate informed design decision-making and secure essential client sign-offs.

• Proactively identify and champion opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging the team to challenge existing processes and embrace necessary change.

• Stay informed about emerging innovations within the water industry and across other relevant sectors, incorporating best practices into design strategies.

• Promote an inclusive and open working culture where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work, fostering a positive and productive team dynamic.

• Ensure design outputs are delivered in a timely and efficient manner, meeting project milestones and quality standards throughout the design phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive and collaborative approach to design management. The explicit mention of "value-for-money decisions," "challenge the status quo," and "innovations" points towards a role that is not just about technical oversight but also about strategic thinking and continuous improvement within a complex alliance structure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or a related subject.

• Alternatively, an Engineering or Management Apprenticeship with substantial industry experience. Experience:

• Proven track record of managing a section of design works within multi-disciplinary teams.

• Extensive experience in managing a project section throughout the Design Phase, encompassing civil, mechanical, process, and electrical/control aspects.

• Experience in delivering projects with a production methodology mindset, including familiarity with modular design principles.

• Demonstrated experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing design delivery from feasibility through to construction and commissioning. Required Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of engineering principles relevant to water infrastructure projects.

• Multi-disciplinary Team Leadership: Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and manage diverse teams of engineers and designers.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven skill in building and maintaining relationships with internal teams, clients, and operational stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving & Lateral Thinking: Aptitude for identifying issues, analyzing root causes, and developing creative, effective solutions.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with the capacity to present complex information clearly to various audiences.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project lifecycles, planning, resourcing, and delivery.

• Production Methodology & Modular Design: Familiarity with efficient design and construction approaches.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working collaboratively within alliance or partnership structures.

• Strong understanding of the importance of design interactions throughout the entire project lifecycle.

• Knowledge of and previous experience working within the water industry.

• Related Project Management or Risk Management training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of technical engineering acumen and strong leadership and collaboration skills. The emphasis on "production methodology mindset" and "modular designs" suggests the company is looking for an efficient, modern approach to project delivery, typical in large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Delivery Case Studies: Examples of successful management of design sections for complex infrastructure projects, detailing scope, team size, and project value.

• Process Optimization Examples: Demonstrations of how you've implemented improved design processes, methodologies (e.g., modular design), or efficiencies to enhance project delivery.

• Stakeholder Collaboration Evidence: Instances where you've effectively managed relationships with clients and operational teams to achieve design consensus and project milestones.

• Risk Management Documentation: Examples of how you've identified, assessed, and mitigated design-related risks in previous projects.

• Team Leadership Examples: Evidence of successful leadership and resource management of multi-disciplinary design teams.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of design phase management, from feasibility through to construction and commissioning.

• Demonstrate experience in planning, forecasting, and resourcing design activities.

• Provide examples of how you've promoted collaboration, value-for-money decisions, and continuous improvement within design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the project's scale and complexity, a portfolio demonstrating strong project leadership, collaborative stakeholder management, and a structured approach to design delivery, particularly highlighting efficiency and innovation (like modular design), will be crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they've managed design risks and ensured alignment with operational needs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the UK infrastructure sector, particularly in large-scale water projects, the estimated salary range for this role is between £60,000 and £80,000 per annum. This estimate considers the responsibility level, project values (£200M), and the hybrid working arrangement.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Model: Flexibility with 2-3 days per month in the Peterborough office, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work.

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive company pension scheme to support long-term financial planning.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications (e.g., Project Management, Risk Management), and potential for Chartered status support.

• Health and Wellbeing: Access to employee assistance programs and health and wellbeing initiatives.

• Life Assurance: Company-provided life assurance cover.

• Annual Leave: Generous annual leave allowance.

• Performance-Related Bonuses: Potential for bonuses linked to individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid model allows for some flexibility in structuring workdays, with the expectation of core hours for team collaboration and meetings, especially during office visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary figures are estimates based on market data for similar roles in the UK. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is typical for a large infrastructure company, with a focus on long-term security and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure (Water, Energy, Transportation, Defence) - Specifically focused on major water infrastructure projects within the Anglian Water region.

Company Size: Large (Costain Group is a major UK infrastructure solutions provider, typically employing several thousand people). This scale implies robust processes, diverse projects, and structured career paths.

Founded: Costain was founded in 1842, indicating a long-standing heritage and deep experience in the engineering and construction sectors.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within the Anglian Water Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA) project.

• The Design Manager will report to the Head of Engineering and work collaboratively with a Design Manager and Senior Designers.

• Close collaboration is expected with Project Management, Construction, Enabling, Planning, Commercial, and Procurement teams.

• A key aspect is developing relationships with Anglian Water Operational stakeholders. Methodology:

• Focus on integrated, leading-edge, smart infrastructure solutions.

• Emphasizes collaboration, value-for-money, and continuous improvement.

• Utilizes a production methodology mindset, including modular designs for efficiency.

• Driven by data and digital optimization across the asset lifecycle.

Company Website: https://www.costain.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's long history and focus on "smart infrastructure" and "digital optimization" suggest a company that values innovation and efficiency. The SPA project's alliance structure means a strong emphasis on collaborative working and shared objectives, which is critical for success in such large-scale, multi-partner initiatives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within design management, bridging technical expertise with team leadership and strategic project oversight. It is a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of complex infrastructure components.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Head of Engineering and works closely with other senior design personnel and project management. This structure allows for both technical guidance and strategic project alignment.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts project timelines, cost-effectiveness, and the long-term operational efficiency and resilience of the water infrastructure. Successful design delivery is fundamental to the project's overall success and Anglian Water's strategic goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure design or advanced methodologies like modular construction.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to roles such as Head of Engineering, Programme Director, or other senior leadership positions within Costain's infrastructure divisions.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain broader project experience across different infrastructure sectors (energy, transportation, defence) offered by Costain.

• Professional Development: Pursue advanced certifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer status, advanced Project Management qualifications) with company support.

• Strategic Involvement: Contribute to the strategic planning and development of future infrastructure projects and alliance strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a major infrastructure player. The experience gained managing large, complex, collaborative projects is highly transferable and valuable for future leadership opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with primary base likely being the Peterborough office for collaborative activities, supplemented by remote work.

Office Location(s): Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. This location is central to the Anglian Water region, facilitating access to project sites and operational stakeholders.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Peterborough office serves as a key hub for design reviews, team meetings, and cross-functional collaboration, fostering synergy among project partners.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software, project management platforms, and communication tools essential for managing complex infrastructure projects.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with a diverse range of professionals including engineers, project managers, construction leads, commercial teams, and client representatives.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing for focused individual work remotely and essential in-person collaboration at the office. This structure supports efficient workflow management and team cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature indicates a modern work environment that balances the need for face-to-face interaction in a project-driven industry with the benefits of remote flexibility. The Peterborough office likely acts as a central point for strategic planning and key decision-making for the SPA project.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application to assess alignment with essential qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on engineering background, design management experience, project delivery methodologies, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect questions on managing multi-disciplinary teams and technical challenges.

• Managerial/Stakeholder Interview: Assessment of leadership style, communication, stakeholder management skills, and ability to work within an alliance framework. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review (if applicable): Presentation of key projects, design strategies, and evidence of successful delivery. This is a critical stage to demonstrate practical application of skills.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment with Costain's vision and the SPA project's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase your experience in leading and managing multi-disciplinary design teams. Use specific examples of team size, roles, and how you motivated and directed them.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, provide quantifiable results – e.g., cost savings achieved through design efficiencies, improvements in project delivery time, reduction in design-related issues during construction.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Illustrate how you've effectively managed stakeholders (internal teams, clients, operational partners) and resolved conflicts or differing opinions.

• Showcase Process Improvement: Detail specific instances where you challenged the status quo, introduced new methodologies (like modular design), or improved design workflows, explaining the rationale and outcomes.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss technical aspects of water infrastructure projects, but frame them within your management and leadership context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific design challenges, resource conflicts, or stakeholder disagreements.

• Alliance Dynamics: Think about how you would operate and contribute effectively within a multi-partner alliance structure, emphasizing collaboration and shared goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering innovation and driving continuous improvement within a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical competence and leadership/collaboration skills, crucial for a Design Manager role in a complex project environment. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates past successes and demonstrates key competencies will be essential for advancing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation) for design visualization and documentation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and team collaboration.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Review Tools: Software used for design reviews and mark-ups.

• Performance Tracking Tools: Ability to utilize or oversee the use of tools that track design progress against schedule and budget.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design integrates with client management and project commercial aspects is key.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts, particularly in design processes or documentation, would be advantageous.

• Integration Concepts: Understanding how different design disciplines and project management systems integrate is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong understanding of standard engineering design software and project management tools. The emphasis on "production methodology" and "modular designs" suggests an appreciation for efficient workflows and potentially digital tools that support these approaches.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the infrastructure sector, expecting a proactive approach to health and safety in all design considerations.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, particularly important within alliance structures.

• Collaboration: A core expectation, emphasizing teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect among all alliance partners.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas, challenging the status quo, and seeking smarter, more efficient ways of working.

• Customer Focus: Ensuring designs meet the needs of Anglian Water operational stakeholders and deliver long-term value.

• Commitment to Excellence: Striving for high-quality design delivery and project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Alliance-Oriented: Emphasis on working cohesively within the SPA Alliance, fostering trust and shared responsibility.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly integrating design efforts with project management, construction, commercial, and operational teams.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparency, proactive feedback, and constructive dialogue to resolve issues and drive progress.

• Process-Driven: Following established project and company processes while also being open to improving them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's culture, as suggested by their website and the job description, leans towards collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to delivering essential infrastructure. The alliance model for SPA specifically mandates a highly collaborative and integrated approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complexity: Overseeing intricate design elements across multiple disciplines for large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Alliance Dynamics: Navigating the complexities of working effectively within a multi-partner alliance, ensuring alignment and shared success.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including operational teams, project management, and commercial departments.

• Driving Innovation: Encouraging and implementing new design methodologies and technologies in a traditionally conservative industry.

• Resource Management: Effectively planning and allocating design resources to meet demanding project schedules and budgets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Gaining deeper knowledge in areas like modular construction, digital twinning, and advanced simulation.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through managing larger teams and more complex project phases.

• Industry Exposure: Deepening understanding of the water industry's challenges, regulatory landscape, and operational requirements.

• Professional Qualifications: Support for pursuing or maintaining professional accreditations (e.g., Chartered Engineer).

• Strategic Project Involvement: Contributing to the strategic planning and future development of infrastructure projects within the Costain portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of high-stakes infrastructure projects, requiring strong problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement within a leading infrastructure firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a multi-disciplinary design team through a complex infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and process management).

• "How do you approach fostering collaboration and ensuring value-for-money decisions within an alliance structure like the SPA?" (Highlight your understanding of alliance principles and stakeholder engagement).

• "Walk me through your process for identifying and mitigating design risks on a large-scale project. Provide an example." (Demonstrate your risk management methodology and proactive approach).

• "How would you challenge the status quo or introduce new design methodologies (e.g., modular design) to a project team? What are the potential benefits and hurdles?" (Showcase your innovation mindset and change management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Costain and the Anglian Water SPA project? Why are you interested in this specific role?" (Research Costain's vision, values, and the strategic importance of the SPA).

• "How do you ensure effective communication and build strong working relationships with operational stakeholders who may have different priorities than the design team?" (Focus on empathy, active listening, and alignment).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure productivity and team cohesion across remote and office-based work?" (Address your adaptability and collaboration strategies). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the scope, your role, the challenges, your actions, and the measurable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, successful commissioning).

• Quantify: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your contributions.

• Visuals: Incorporate diagrams, flowcharts, or visual representations of design processes and project structures where appropriate.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, focusing on your leadership, problem-solving, and collaborative approach.

• Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight experiences most relevant to water infrastructure, alliance working, and production methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, collaborative skills, and a strategic, process-oriented approach to design management, aligning with the company's values and the project's specific demands.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your CV and any supplementary portfolio documents to highlight experience in managing multi-disciplinary design teams, infrastructure projects (especially water), and alliance-style collaborations. Quantify achievements related to efficiency, cost, and timely delivery.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in design management, stakeholder engagement, and your understanding of production methodologies and modular design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples for leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management scenarios.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Costain's services, values, and recent projects. Understand the strategic importance of the Anglian Water SPA project and how your role contributes to its success.

⚠️ 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.