Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Costain Group

Location: Rugby, Warwickshire, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-07T16:03:35

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design delivery process for critical water sector projects within the Severn Trent Water Capital Delivery Framework, ensuring adherence to AMP 8 investment cycle objectives.

• Drive the development and implementation of carbon-efficient design solutions, integrating innovative methodologies and sustainable practices across Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, and Civils disciplines.

• Oversee design procurement, management, and control functions, ensuring that all project designs meet stringent quality assurance standards and regulatory compliance, including BIM to ISO 19650.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including construction, consultancy, and client stakeholders, to foster a culture of continuous improvement in safety performance and operational efficiency.

• Champion a proactive approach to project delivery, leveraging a strong understanding of NEC4 contracts and project management principles to mitigate risks and optimize project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a major infrastructure and engineering firm, Costain Group, focusing on the water sector. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities around "design delivery," "design procurement," "design management," and "design control," strongly indicates a role within operations, specifically focused on the engineering and construction project lifecycle. The emphasis on BIM, ISO 19650, and NEC4 contracts further solidifies its operations-centric nature, requiring robust process management and technical oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end design lifecycle for water projects within the Severn Trent Water Framework, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.

• Lead multidisciplinary design teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring clear communication channels are maintained throughout project phases.

• Develop and implement robust design management plans that align with project objectives, client requirements, and Costain's operational standards.

• Ensure all design outputs comply with relevant industry standards, including BIM to ISO 19650, and contribute to a high-quality assurance framework.

• Proactively identify and manage design risks, implementing mitigation strategies to prevent delays and cost overruns.

• Oversee the procurement of design services and specialist consultants, ensuring value for money and alignment with project needs.

• Champion the development of carbon-efficient design solutions, working with teams to integrate sustainability principles into project planning and execution.

• Liaise directly with Severn Trent Water stakeholders to report on design progress, address queries, and ensure alignment with their strategic objectives.

• Facilitate the adoption of new technologies and methodologies within the design process to enhance efficiency and innovation.

• Ensure effective design control measures are in place to manage changes, scope creep, and maintain design integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a senior management role focused on the operational execution of design within large-scale infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "design delivery," "design management," and "design control" points to a need for strong process governance and stakeholder management, key aspects of operations roles in the construction and engineering sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, ICA) or equivalent professional qualification.

• Possession of professional certifications such as SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) and CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card.

• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation is highly desirable. Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, project engineering, or capital delivery roles within the water sector or similar infrastructure environments.

• Demonstrated experience in managing multidisciplinary design teams and complex project portfolios.

• Proven track record of successfully delivering water infrastructure projects from concept to completion. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the entire design process, from inception to detailed design, including planning, execution, and monitoring.

• Water Sector Expertise: In-depth knowledge of water infrastructure, including treatment processes, distribution networks, and asset management within the UK regulatory framework (AMP 8).

• Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, Civils: Comprehensive understanding of design principles and interdependencies across these key engineering disciplines.

• BIM & ISO 19650: Strong proficiency in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and adherence to ISO 19650 standards for information management.

• NEC4 Contracts: Thorough working knowledge of the NEC4 suite of contracts, including their application in design and construction phases.

• Quality Assurance: Ability to implement and maintain robust quality assurance processes to ensure design integrity and compliance.

• Carbon Efficient Design: Skill in developing and promoting sustainable and carbon-conscious design solutions.

• Project Management: Strong project management capabilities, including planning, scheduling, risk management, and budget control.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific water utility client frameworks and their operational requirements.

• Familiarity with advanced project management software and design collaboration tools.

• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance within the UK water industry.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering expertise and operational management skills. The inclusion of specific certifications like SMSTS and CSCS, alongside BIM standards and contract knowledge, highlights the practical, on-the-ground operational requirements for this role, typical for a Design Manager in a construction and infrastructure context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Delivery Case Studies: Detailed examples showcasing successful end-to-end design delivery for water sector projects, highlighting challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Process Optimization Examples: Demonstrations of how you have improved design workflows, reduced cycle times, or enhanced design quality through process innovation.

• BIM Implementation Evidence: Documentation or examples of BIM models, workflows, and collaborative processes used on past projects, aligning with ISO 19650.

• Contract Management Examples: Case studies illustrating your experience in managing projects under NEC4 contracts, focusing on design-related clauses and dispute resolution.

• Carbon Efficiency Initiatives: Evidence of contributions to developing and implementing carbon-efficient designs, including any quantifiable impact.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to document and present existing design workflows and propose optimized alternatives for increased efficiency and reduced risk.

• Implementation & Automation: Documentation of how new design processes or technologies (e.g., BIM tools, collaborative platforms) were implemented and integrated into project delivery.

• Measurement & Analysis: Examples of how design performance metrics (e.g., design cycle time, RFI rates, rework) were tracked, analyzed, and used for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in this sector, a portfolio must demonstrate not just technical design competence but also strong operational process management. The emphasis on case studies, process optimization, and quantifiable results (like carbon efficiency) is crucial for showcasing an understanding of how design directly impacts project delivery and business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated salary range for this Design Manager position in Rugby, UK, with 5-10 years of experience in the engineering and construction sector, is between £60,000 and £85,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK, considering the specific requirements for water sector experience, BIM proficiency, and NEC4 contract knowledge. The exact salary will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, and interview performance. Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Model: Flexible arrangement combining office-based work (Costain Rugby office, Severn Trent offices/sites) with remote working from home.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

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

• Life Assurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and professional accreditation support (e.g., CEng).

• Annual Leave: Generous holiday entitlement, typically starting at 25 days plus bank holidays, with potential to increase with service.

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

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-efficient way to purchase a bicycle for commuting.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working model. Specific daily hours may vary based on project demands and team coordination needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location in the UK and the senior nature of the role, a salary range of £60,000-£85,000 is a reasonable estimate for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in specialized sectors like water infrastructure. The benefits listed are standard for large UK engineering firms and align with attracting experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Construction (Water Sector focus for this role)

• Costain Group operates within the critical infrastructure sector, focusing on areas like water, transportation, and energy. This specific role is embedded within their water sector operations, supporting Severn Trent Water's significant capital investment program (AMP 8). The company emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and collaborative delivery models, aiming to solve complex challenges for clients.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Typically 5,000+ employees)

• As a large, established engineering and construction firm, Costain offers a structured environment with established processes and a broad range of career opportunities. For operations professionals, this means access to significant resources, diverse project types, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration within a large organization.

Founded: 1865

• With a long history, Costain has built a reputation for delivering complex projects. This legacy suggests a culture that values experience, reliability, and long-term client relationships. It also implies a commitment to continuous adaptation and modernization to remain at the forefront of the industry. Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role reports to the Head of Engineering, indicating a clear hierarchy within the engineering and design function. The team likely comprises engineers, designers, BIM specialists, and project coordinators, all working towards common project delivery goals.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The Design Manager will work closely with construction teams, consultants, client representatives (Severn Trent Water), and potentially commercial and procurement departments. This necessitates strong interpersonal and communication skills to ensure seamless integration between design and execution phases.

• Specialization: While the overall company is diverse, the immediate team is specialized in water sector design and delivery, requiring deep domain knowledge and expertise in relevant engineering disciplines.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: The role emphasizes "carbon-efficient design solutions" and "continuous improvements," suggesting a data-informed approach to problem-solving and process enhancement.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The mention of a "Design and Build Framework" and collaboration with multiple teams points to an integrated project delivery methodology, where design and construction are closely coordinated.

• Risk Management: A core part of operations in this sector involves proactive risk identification and mitigation, particularly concerning design, safety, and contractual obligations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Costain's long history, its focus on critical infrastructure, and its partnership with Severn Trent Water provides crucial context for operations professionals. The emphasis on "carbon-efficient design" and "continuous improvement" highlights a forward-thinking operational approach within a traditional industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineering

• This Design Manager role represents a significant step in an operations career within engineering and construction. It involves leading complex design initiatives, managing teams, and having a direct impact on project success and client satisfaction. It bridges technical expertise with strategic operational leadership. Reporting Structure:

• The role reports to the Head of Engineering, indicating a clear path for escalation and strategic alignment. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance from senior leadership while providing autonomy in day-to-day design management. The Design Manager is expected to influence decisions within their domain and contribute to broader engineering strategies. Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager's impact is multifaceted:

  • Project Success: Directly influences project timelines, budgets, and quality by ensuring robust and efficient design delivery.
  • Client Satisfaction: Contributes to meeting and exceeding client expectations (Severn Trent Water) through high-quality, innovative, and sustainable solutions.
  • Operational Efficiency: Drives improvements in design processes, reducing rework and optimizing resource allocation.
  • Safety & Sustainability: Plays a key role in embedding safety protocols and carbon-efficient practices into project designs, aligning with company and client goals.
  • Team Development: Mentors and develops engineering and design talent within the team.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Head of Engineering, Director of Design, or other senior leadership roles within Costain's operations.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in water sector engineering, BIM management, or specific contract types, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Project Scope Expansion: Lead larger, more complex, or geographically diverse projects within the water sector or other infrastructure areas.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into broader project management, commercial management, or operational strategy roles within the company.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities for further professional development, certifications, and participation in industry forums to stay abreast of best practices and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Design Manager role is a pivotal point for career growth, offering a blend of technical leadership and operational management. The opportunities for advancement within a large organization like Costain, particularly in specialized fields like water infrastructure, are substantial.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Working Model

• The role operates under a hybrid model, balancing focused work at the Costain Rugby office, collaborative sessions at client sites (Severn Trent), and remote work from home. This offers a degree of autonomy and flexibility. Office Location(s):

• Costain Rugby Office: A primary base for team meetings, administrative tasks, and focused design work.

• Severn Trent Offices / Sites: Required for client engagement, site-specific design context, and collaborative workshops.

• Home: For personal productivity and work-life balance.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective digital collaboration tools and structured in-person interactions to ensure seamless teamwork. Expect regular team meetings, design reviews, and client updates.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, BIM platforms (compliant with ISO 19650), project management tools, and communication platforms. The environment is geared towards efficient project execution and information sharing.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse team of engineers, designers, project managers, and client representatives, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-rich workspace.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in structuring the workday, though project deadlines and client needs will dictate specific working patterns. Proactive planning is key to managing time effectively across different work locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is typical for modern engineering firms, balancing flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration on complex projects. For operations professionals, understanding how to manage time and communication across these different settings is crucial for success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by HR or a recruitment specialist to assess basic qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Head of Engineering to delve into your experience in design management, water sector projects, and leadership capabilities. Expect questions about your approach to team management, risk mitigation, and problem-solving.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: This stage may involve a presentation of your portfolio, focusing on specific design delivery case studies, BIM implementation examples, and your experience with NEC4 contracts and carbon-efficient design. You might be asked to walk through a project lifecycle or discuss how you'd approach a hypothetical design challenge.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and key stakeholders (e.g., client representatives from Severn Trent Water). This assesses cultural fit, collaboration style, and your ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion, potentially with senior management, to finalize terms and extend an offer of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio with clear sections for each key requirement: Design Management, Water Sector Projects, BIM/ISO 19650, NEC4 Contract Experience, and Carbon Efficiency.

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and quantify your contributions with data (e.g., "reduced design cycle time by 15%", "implemented BIM leading to 10% reduction in clashes").

• Highlight Process: Explicitly detail the design processes you managed, the tools you used, and how you ensured quality and compliance.

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, demonstrating your communication and leadership skills.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience directly relevant to water sector projects, carbon efficiency, and NEC4 contracts, as these are key requirements for Costain.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage a complex design challenge, such as a design change request impacting budget and schedule, or how to foster innovation within a team under tight deadlines.

• NEC4 Contract Application: Anticipate questions about managing design under NEC4, including identifying key clauses, managing compensation events related to design, and ensuring compliance.

• BIM Strategy: Be ready to articulate your understanding of BIM to ISO 19650 and how you would implement or oversee its use on a water project to enhance collaboration and data management.

• Carbon Efficiency: Prepare to discuss your approach to integrating carbon reduction strategies into design processes and how you would measure their impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager in this sector is thorough, requiring not only technical knowledge but also demonstrated operational leadership and process management skills. A well-prepared portfolio that highlights quantifiable achievements and process understanding is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Bentley MicroStation) for detailed design and drafting.

• BIM Software: Expertise in BIM platforms such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and potentially other integrated design environments that support ISO 19650 standards.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and resource management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or dedicated CDEs (Common Data Environments) for document sharing, communication, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Metrics Tracking: Ability to use or implement systems for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, quality, and efficiency.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic to intermediate skills in using tools like Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and creating dashboards.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating and interpreting dashboards to visualize project status, identify trends, and communicate insights to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader project management and potentially client management systems is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with process automation concepts, particularly in how digital workflows can streamline design review, approval, and information dissemination.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different software systems (e.g., design tools, project management, ERP) can be integrated to ensure seamless data flow across operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A Design Manager in this context needs to be proficient with a suite of tools that facilitate design creation, collaboration, project management, and compliance. Emphasis on BIM and ISO 19650 is paramount, reflecting modern infrastructure project delivery standards.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A non-negotiable commitment to health and safety in all design and operational activities, reflecting Costain's core values.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings with colleagues, clients, and partners, fostering a culture of reliability.

• Innovation & Efficiency: A drive to continuously improve processes, embrace new technologies, and deliver solutions that are both carbon-efficient and cost-effective.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where cross-functional teams can work together effectively to achieve shared goals.

• Customer Focus: A dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of clients like Severn Trent Water, ensuring their objectives are central to design and delivery strategies.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Encouraging seamless collaboration between design, construction, and consultancy teams, breaking down traditional silos.

• Open Communication: Promoting transparent and frequent communication channels to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned.

• Feedback Culture: Fostering an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and used for continuous improvement of processes and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's values, particularly "Safety First," "Integrity," and "Innovation," are critical for operations professionals. Understanding how these values translate into daily work, decision-making, and team interactions is key to cultural alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the diverse and sometimes competing demands of Costain, Severn Trent Water, regulatory bodies, and internal teams.

• Driving Innovation in a Traditional Sector: Introducing new design methodologies or technologies (e.g., advanced BIM, AI in design) within a sector that can be risk-averse.

• Ensuring Carbon Efficiency: Translating ambitious carbon reduction targets into practical, cost-effective design solutions that are deliverable on site.

• Managing Design Scope & Change: Maintaining control over design scope and effectively managing changes to prevent project delays and budget overruns.

• Hybrid Team Management: Ensuring cohesive and productive collaboration among team members working across different locations and schedules.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM Certification: Pursuing further certifications in BIM management or specific BIM software to enhance expertise.

• Sustainability in Engineering: Deepening knowledge in sustainable design principles, circular economy concepts, and carbon accounting for infrastructure.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in Costain's internal leadership training to hone management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending events focused on water infrastructure, digital engineering, and project management to gain insights and network.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing the inherent challenges in large-scale infrastructure projects, such as balancing stakeholder demands and driving innovation, allows candidates to prepare thoughtful responses. The growth opportunities highlight Costain's commitment to employee development within specialized operational fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Approach: "Describe your methodology for managing the design delivery of a complex water infrastructure project from inception to handover. How do you ensure alignment with project objectives and client expectations?" (Prepare to discuss phases, key deliverables, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement).

• Carbon Efficiency Integration: "How would you champion and implement carbon-efficient design solutions within the Severn Trent Water Framework? What are the key challenges and how would you overcome them?" (Focus on practical strategies, material selection, lifecycle assessment, and collaborative approaches).

• NEC4 Contract Application: "Walk me through how you would manage design changes or compensation events under an NEC4 contract. What are the critical steps and potential pitfalls?" (Demonstrate understanding of the contract's principles, communication protocols, and risk allocation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Costain's Values: "How do you see your approach to design management aligning with Costain's core values, particularly Safety First and Innovation?" (Research Costain's values and prepare examples of how you embody them).

• Collaboration Style: "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with challenging stakeholders or resolve a conflict between design and construction teams. What was your approach?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills in a team context).

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of design delivery beyond just meeting technical specifications? What metrics are important to you and why?" (Focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, carbon footprint, and client satisfaction).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "Why" Behind the "What": For each project, explain not just what you did, but why you did it and the impact it had. Use the STAR method and quantify results wherever possible.

• Focus on Process: When presenting case studies, emphasize the operational processes you managed, the tools you leveraged, and how you ensured quality and efficiency.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly draw connections between your portfolio examples and the required skills (BIM, NEC4, carbon efficiency, water sector).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific technical aspects, decision-making processes, and challenges faced in your presented projects.

• Showcase Leadership: Demonstrate how you led teams, managed stakeholders, and drove outcomes through your design management expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical knowledge but also operational leadership, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the specific context of Costain and the water sector. Emphasizing process, impact, and collaboration is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link, ensuring all fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any supplementary portfolio documents to highlight your experience in design management, water sector projects, BIM (ISO 19650), NEC4 contracts, and carbon-efficient design. Prepare specific case studies that showcase your operational process management and quantifiable achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, key responsibilities, and accomplishments in roles relevant to engineering operations and design leadership, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method. Prepare to discuss your approach to design management, stakeholder collaboration, risk mitigation, and how you drive efficiency and sustainability. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clarity, impact, and relevance to Costain's needs.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Costain Group's current projects, values, and recent news, particularly within the water sector. Understand Severn Trent Water's objectives for AMP 8 to demonstrate your alignment with their strategic goals and Costain's operational focus.

⚠️ 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.