Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Costain Group

Location: Rugby, Warwickshire, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Construction Management

Date Posted: 2026-05-18T14:42:50

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the end-to-end design delivery for water infrastructure projects within the Severn Trent Water Framework, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.

• Drive the implementation of production thinking and carbon-efficient design solutions by fostering collaborative efforts across multidisciplinary teams.

• Oversee design procurement, management, and control processes, ensuring compliance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

• Uphold rigorous quality assurance standards throughout the design lifecycle, integrating BIM methodologies aligned with ISO 19650.

• Ensure effective utilization of the NEC4 suite of contracts for design and construction phases, managing contractual obligations and stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager within the water sector, especially on a framework agreement like Severn Trent Water's AMP8, requires a strong blend of technical design oversight, project management acumen, and stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on "production thinking" and "carbon efficient design" suggests a forward-looking approach to project delivery, aligning with modern infrastructure development goals. This role is critical for bridging the gap between initial concept and final construction, ensuring that designs are not only technically sound but also commercially viable and environmentally responsible.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Delivery Oversight: Take full ownership of the design delivery process for water projects, ensuring that all design outputs meet specified requirements, performance criteria, and project objectives.

• Team Collaboration & Coordination: Facilitate and lead collaboration among various design disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical ICA, Civils) and construction teams to foster integrated working and resolve design challenges efficiently.

• Design Procurement & Management: Manage the procurement of design services, appoint and manage design consultants, and oversee the entire design management process from inception to completion.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Implement and enforce robust quality assurance procedures to ensure design integrity, compliance with standards (including BIM to ISO 19650), and minimization of design-related risks.

• Contractual Management: Ensure all design activities are managed in accordance with the NEC4 suite of contracts, overseeing contract administration, change management, and dispute resolution related to design.

• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE): Champion a strong safety culture and ensure that design solutions prioritize health, safety, and environmental considerations, aligning with Costain's vision for smart infrastructure.

• Continuous Improvement: Drive initiatives for continuous improvement in design processes, safety performance, and cost-efficiency, contributing to lower costs for customers and enhanced service continuity.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key point of contact for design-related matters, engaging effectively with internal teams, clients (Severn Trent Water), and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "production thinking" and "carbon efficient design" implies that this role goes beyond traditional design management. It requires a proactive approach to optimizing the design process for efficiency and sustainability, which is a key differentiator in modern infrastructure projects. The responsibility for managing design delivery within a framework agreement also suggests a need for strategic planning and long-term relationship management with the client.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Experience:

• Proven experience (5-10 years) in managing the design delivery of complex infrastructure projects, with a strong preference for experience within the water sector.

• Demonstrable experience in Mechanical, Electrical ICA, or Civils disciplines, ideally within maintenance, design, or capital delivery roles.

• Experience working within a Design and Build framework, managing multiple projects concurrently.

Required Skills:

• Design Management Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of design delivery, design procurement, design management, and design control processes.

• Technical Proficiency: Solid technical background in at least one of the core disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical ICA, or Civils) relevant to water infrastructure.

• BIM & ISO 19650: Proficient knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles and practical application, specifically adhering to ISO 19650 standards.

• Contractual Knowledge: Working knowledge of the NEC4 suite of contracts, including administration and management.

• Quality Assurance: Strong understanding and implementation of quality assurance principles in design and construction.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

• Organizational Skills: Robust organizational and planning abilities to manage design schedules, resources, and deliverables effectively.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex design and project-related issues.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Certifications: PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management qualifications.

• HSE Management: Experience with Health, Safety, and Environmental management systems in construction and design.

• Carbon Efficiency: Knowledge or experience in implementing carbon reduction strategies within design projects.

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret data for performance monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "production thinking" and "carbon efficient design" suggests that candidates with a proactive approach to process optimization and sustainability will be highly valued. A strong understanding of BIM to ISO 19650 is crucial, as it indicates a commitment to digital engineering practices. Familiarity with the NEC4 suite of contracts is also a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Delivery Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully managed design delivery projects, detailing the scope, challenges, your role, and the outcomes achieved.

• Process Optimization Examples: Present instances where you identified and implemented improvements in design processes, workflow efficiency, or quality control, demonstrating tangible benefits.

• BIM Implementation: Include evidence or descriptions of how BIM was utilized in past projects, highlighting compliance with ISO 19650 standards and its impact on project outcomes.

• Contract Management Scenarios: Provide examples of how you have managed design aspects under NEC4 contracts, addressing issues such as variations, claims, or dispute resolution.

• Collaboration Models: Illustrate your approach to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, perhaps through project examples or diagrams of effective team interaction.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss or present your methodology for designing and optimizing end-to-end design workflows, from initial concept to construction handover.

• Implementation & Automation: Discuss your experience with implementing new design processes or automation tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• Performance Measurement: Describe how you measure and report on the performance of design processes, focusing on key metrics related to quality, efficiency, cost, and safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should clearly demonstrate not just technical design capability but also management and leadership skills. The emphasis on "production thinking" and "carbon efficient design" means candidates should highlight any work that showcases innovation in process or sustainability. Evidence of managing complex projects, especially within regulated sectors like water, and proficiency with BIM and NEC4 contracts are critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK construction and water sector, and considering the hybrid work model and responsibility level, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This estimate is influenced by the specific technical disciplines involved, the complexity of the water projects managed, and the strategic importance of the Severn Trent Water Framework.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Model: Flexible working arrangement splitting time between the Costain Rugby office, client sites, and home, promoting work-life balance.

• Pension Scheme: Generous pension contribution plan to support long-term financial security.

• Health and Wellbeing Programs: Access to comprehensive health insurance, employee assistance programs, and wellness initiatives.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, professional certifications, and career advancement within a leading infrastructure company.

• Holiday Allowance: Competitive annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays.

• Life Assurance: Company-paid life assurance cover.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Option to participate in the cycle to work scheme.

Working Hours:

Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While a hybrid model is in place, specific daily hours may vary based on project demands and team needs, with flexibility offered where possible to accommodate project delivery and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on current market data for similar roles in the UK. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the specific demands of the role. The benefits package is typical for a large, established construction firm like Costain, with a focus on employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Costain Group operates within the UK's energy, water, transportation, and defence markets, focusing on integrated, leading-edge, smart infrastructure solutions. The company plays a vital role in national infrastructure development, addressing essential needs and regulatory commitments. The water sector focus for this role involves supporting critical utility services and environmental improvements.

Company Size: Costain Group is a large, established organization, employing a significant number of people across its various sectors. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for structured career progression.

Founded: Costain Group has a long history, founded in 1865. This heritage signifies stability, deep industry experience, and a proven track record in delivering complex projects.

Team Structure:

• Reporting Line: The Design Manager reports directly to the Head of Engineering, indicating a senior position within the engineering function.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with various internal departments (e.g., project management, construction, commercial, HSE) and external stakeholders, including the client (Severn Trent Water) and potentially supply chain partners.

• Specialized Design Teams: The Design Manager will likely lead or coordinate with specialized Mechanical, Electrical ICA, and Civils design teams, ensuring integration of their outputs.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Costain emphasizes using data to inform decisions, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement in project delivery.

• Integrated Solutions: The company focuses on providing comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that cover the entire asset lifecycle, from strategic consultancy to complex program delivery.

• Digital Optimization: A core aspect of Costain's strategy is digitally optimizing solutions, leveraging technology and BIM for enhanced efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's heritage and focus on "smart infrastructure" suggest a culture that values innovation, long-term thinking, and significant project impact. The company's scale means that operational roles are likely well-defined, with established processes but also opportunities to influence them, especially in newer areas like carbon efficiency. The emphasis on a "blue chip" client base implies a high standard of professional conduct and project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the engineering and design management hierarchy. It requires significant technical expertise combined with strong leadership and project management capabilities. The Design Manager is expected to take ownership of critical project phases and contribute to strategic decision-making regarding design delivery.

Reporting Structure: Reporting to the Head of Engineering provides direct access to senior leadership, offering visibility and potential for mentorship. The role also involves managing and coordinating with various design teams and potentially junior engineers or designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is substantial, directly influencing project success by ensuring designs are compliant, efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. Effective design management is crucial for controlling project costs, mitigating risks, ensuring client satisfaction, and achieving Costain's strategic objectives for safety, carbon reduction, and operational efficiency within the water sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to more senior roles such as Principal Design Manager, Engineering Manager, or Project Director, leading larger and more complex frameworks or programs.

• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like BIM implementation, sustainability in design, or advanced project controls within the water sector.

• Cross-Sector Experience: Possibility to gain exposure to other sectors Costain operates in (energy, transportation, defence) through internal mobility or project involvement.

• Professional Development: Access to Costain's extensive training programs, support for professional body memberships, and continuous learning opportunities to stay abreast of industry advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned at a level where individuals are expected to manage significant project components and influence outcomes. Growth pathways likely involve increasing responsibility for larger project portfolios, strategic input into operational methodologies, and potentially moving into broader program management or business unit leadership within Costain's infrastructure divisions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role adopts a hybrid working model, utilizing Costain's Rugby office as a primary base for collaborative work, meetings, and administrative tasks. This setup is designed to foster team cohesion and facilitate structured project discussions.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Rugby, Warwickshire. Additionally, the role requires presence at Severn Trent Water offices and operational sites as needed, providing direct exposure to project environments and client interactions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Rugby office likely provides a modern, well-equipped workspace designed for collaboration, including meeting rooms, project planning areas, and potentially hot-desking facilities.

• Technology Integration: Access to relevant design software, BIM platforms, project management tools, and communication technologies is essential for effective hybrid working and project execution.

• Site Engagement: Time spent on client sites or project locations will offer practical insights into construction realities, enabling better design integration and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model allows for a blend of office-based and remote working. While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the flexibility inherent in a hybrid setup requires strong self-management and communication to ensure seamless project progress and team coordination, particularly when balancing office, site, and home-based duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role indicates a modern work environment that balances the need for in-person collaboration and site presence with the flexibility of remote work. Candidates should be comfortable managing their time effectively across different locations and maintaining strong communication channels with their team and stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CVs and applications to assess suitability against core requirements, focusing on water sector experience, BIM, and NEC4 contract knowledge.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (Head of Engineering) and potentially a senior engineer. This stage will likely assess technical expertise, understanding of design management principles, and alignment with Costain's values. Be prepared to discuss your experience in water projects and your approach to "production thinking."

• Second Interview / Assessment: May involve a technical assessment, a case study presentation related to design delivery or process improvement, or an interview with a wider panel that could include HR and other senior stakeholders. This is where your portfolio will be crucial.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a director or senior executive, focusing on strategic fit, leadership potential, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating key competencies (e.g., Design Delivery, Process Improvement, BIM Implementation, Contract Management).

• Quantify Achievements: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your contributions. Quantify results wherever possible – e.g., "Reduced design review time by 15%," "Achieved 10% carbon reduction through material optimization."

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your experience with BIM to ISO 19650, NEC4 contracts, and your ability to drive "carbon efficient design" and "production thinking." Use visual aids like diagrams, process maps, or screenshots where appropriate.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects and experiences most relevant to water sector infrastructure and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present a focused overview of your portfolio within a limited timeframe. Select 3-4 key projects or case studies that best represent your capabilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Process Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge on a water project, focusing on your methodology for problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring design integrity.

• Process Improvement Case Study: Prepare a detailed case study of a process improvement you led, detailing the problem, your solution, the implementation steps, and the measured outcomes.

• BIM/NEC4 Application: Anticipate questions about how you would apply BIM principles or manage contractual aspects under NEC4 in specific project scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience using the STAR method, specifically addressing the "production thinking" and "carbon efficient design" aspects. A well-structured portfolio that visually demonstrates capabilities in BIM and NEC4 contract management will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Bentley Systems products).

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

• BIM Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or other collaborative BIM environments for managing federated models and design data.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project management and design systems to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or utilizing project dashboards for progress reporting, performance monitoring, and stakeholder communication.

CRM & Automation:

• Contract Management Systems: Familiarity with systems or processes for managing contracts, including NEC4.

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

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can be applied to design processes for efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "production thinking" and "carbon efficient design," familiarity with tools that support these initiatives, such as advanced BIM modeling tools, lifecycle assessment software, or project analytics platforms, would be beneficial. Strong skills in standard project management and document control systems are fundamental.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards, embedded in all design decisions and processes.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are encouraged across disciplines and departments.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to deliver smarter, more efficient, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring project success and building long-term partnerships.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Encouraging a seamless integration between design, construction, and consultancy teams to ensure practical, buildable, and efficient designs.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and frequent communication channels with all project stakeholders to address issues promptly and keep everyone informed.

• Feedback Culture: Promoting a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of processes and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's values emphasize a strong ethical foundation, a commitment to safety, and a forward-thinking approach to innovation. For operations roles, this translates to a need for meticulous process adherence, a proactive stance on risk management, and a collaborative spirit essential for complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively managing and prioritizing design requirements that may conflict, such as cost, schedule, quality, safety, and sustainability.

• Integrating Diverse Disciplines: Ensuring seamless integration and communication between Mechanical, Electrical ICA, and Civils design teams, as well as construction and client stakeholders.

• Driving Innovation: Championing and implementing "production thinking" and "carbon efficient design" principles within a potentially traditional project environment, requiring change management and stakeholder buy-in.

• Navigating Contractual Complexities: Managing design delivery effectively under the NEC4 framework, which requires a thorough understanding of its clauses and administration.

• Site-Specific Constraints: Adapting designs to address unforeseen site conditions or operational constraints encountered during capital delivery projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced BIM functionalities, data analytics within BIM, and BIM management for large-scale infrastructure.

• Sustainability in Design: Access to training and resources on sustainable engineering practices, carbon footprint analysis, and green infrastructure solutions.

• NEC4 Contract Specialization: Further training and certification in NEC4 contract management and administration.

• Leadership Development Programs: Structured programs designed to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management skills for senior roles.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events to stay updated on best practices, emerging technologies, and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The key challenges for this role revolve around integrating complex technical requirements with commercial and sustainability goals, coupled with effective change management. Growth is strongly tied to developing expertise in these emerging areas and demonstrating leadership in driving them forward.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Delivery Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the design delivery of a complex water infrastructure project from inception to construction handover. How would you ensure 'production thinking' and 'carbon efficiency' are integrated?"

• Team Collaboration & Conflict Resolution: "How do you foster collaboration among diverse engineering disciplines (Mech, Elec, Civils) and manage potential conflicts in design requirements or priorities?"

• BIM & ISO 19650 Implementation: "Walk me through a project where you implemented BIM to ISO 19650 standards. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure compliance and effective data management?"

• NEC4 Contract Management: "Describe a situation where you had to manage design changes or claims under an NEC4 contract. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you effectively engage with clients (like Severn Trent Water) and other stakeholders to ensure design alignment and buy-in throughout the project lifecycle?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Costain's Vision: "How do you see your role as a Design Manager contributing to Costain's vision of being the UK’s leading smart infrastructure solutions company, particularly in the water sector?"

• Safety Culture: "What is your philosophy on embedding safety into the design process, and how would you promote Costain's 'Safety First' value within your team?"

• Innovation & Sustainability: "How do you stay updated on innovations in design and sustainability, and how would you champion these within a project team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a brief overview of your portfolio, highlighting your most relevant experience and achievements related to water projects, design management, BIM, and NEC4.

• Deep Dive on Key Projects: Select 2-3 impactful projects to discuss in detail, using the STAR method. Focus on your specific contributions, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable results achieved.

• Demonstrate Process Thinking: For each project, clearly explain the design process you followed, any optimizations you introduced ("production thinking"), and how you ensured carbon efficiency.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, charts, screenshots) to illustrate complex concepts, design solutions, or process flows.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your portfolio, your technical expertise, and your management style.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating a clear understanding of Costain's strategic priorities (smart infrastructure, carbon efficiency) and demonstrating how your experience directly aligns. Be ready with specific examples that showcase leadership, problem-solving, and technical acumen, especially related to the water sector and the specified tools and contract types.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link to submit your CV and a cover letter through the Oracle Cloud candidate portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights experience relevant to water infrastructure projects, design management, BIM (ISO 19650), NEC4 contracts, and any initiatives related to "production thinking" or "carbon efficiency." Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects and achievements. Focus on case studies demonstrating effective design delivery, process improvements, and your understanding of BIM and contract management. Be ready to present key examples.

• Research Costain: Familiarize yourself with Costain's recent projects, their approach to smart infrastructure, and their commitment to sustainability. Understand their values and how they apply to operations and engineering roles.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to your experience in the water sector, your design management methodology, and your approach to collaboration and problem-solving. Prepare your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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.