Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Water (AMP8)

Company: GHD Group Pty Ltd

Location: Floor 10, 25 Farringdon Street, London, EC4A 4AB, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multidisciplinary design teams on significant AMP8 water and wastewater projects, driving technical excellence and project outcomes.

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle from optioneering and outline design through to detailed design and construction support, ensuring seamless integration.

• Manage critical technical interfaces, design risks, and assurance activities to maintain project integrity and governance.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with clients, contractors, framework partners, and specialist suppliers to ensure alignment and successful delivery.

• Identify and implement innovative solutions for delivery improvement, complexity reduction, and practical, sustainable project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership and shaping function within project delivery, emphasizing influence and decision-making over purely administrative coordination. The focus on AMP8 highlights a critical, high-investment period in the UK water sector, requiring strategic design management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment for water and wastewater projects.

• Drive the design process through all phases, including optioneering, outline design, detailed design, and providing essential construction support.

• Proactively coordinate technical interfaces between various engineering disciplines, clients, and contractors to prevent clashes and ensure synergy.

• Manage and mitigate design risks, assumptions, and decisions, ensuring robust governance and timely, effective assurance activities.

• Collaborate closely with clients and framework partners to understand evolving needs and contribute to work-winning activities and framework development.

• Identify opportunities for process optimization, complexity reduction, and the development of practical, sustainable, and constructible solutions.

• Support project delivery teams in achieving stringent programme, budget, and quality objectives through effective design leadership.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of GHD's design management capability, sharing best practices and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize proactive leadership, strategic problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration, reflecting a senior role focused on shaping project direction rather than just executing tasks. The inclusion of "work winning activities" suggests a client-facing and business development aspect to the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While Chartered or Incorporated status is welcomed, it is not essential. GHD prioritizes demonstrated experience, technical understanding, and strong project delivery capability. Equivalent qualifications or extensive experience in lieu of formal degrees will be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in managing multidisciplinary design teams within complex project environments is expected. Experience within the water sector is advantageous, but strong transferable experience from adjacent sectors like infrastructure, utilities, energy, rail, industrial, treatment, or major capital projects will be highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams in water, infrastructure, utilities, construction, or major project environments.

• Deep understanding of managing technical interfaces between diverse engineering disciplines, clients, contractors, and delivery partners.

• Ability to balance and integrate technical quality, programme requirements, risk management, and commercial considerations.

• Experience in supporting design governance, risk management, design reviews, and technical assurance processes.

• Exceptional communication skills for effective engagement with clients, project managers, designers, and technical specialists.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and empower teams to achieve peak performance.

• Strong organizational skills and a solutions-focused approach, particularly in fast-paced delivery environments. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience within the UK water sector, particularly with AMP8 (Asset Management Period 8) frameworks.

• Experience working within Design and Build environments, especially with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors.

• Familiarity with project delivery methodologies common in major capital projects.

• Understanding of sustainability principles and their integration into design.

• Experience in mentoring and developing junior engineering and technical staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "flexibility" in candidate background suggests GHD values diverse skill sets and experiences. The preferred skills highlight specific industry knowledge and project delivery models that would be beneficial, indicating a desire for candidates who can hit the ground running on AMP8 projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful coordination of multidisciplinary design teams on complex infrastructure projects, highlighting scope, team size, and challenges overcome.

• Case studies showcasing how you have managed technical interfaces, resolved conflicts, and ensured seamless integration of different engineering disciplines.

• Examples of design governance frameworks you have implemented or contributed to, including risk management, design reviews, and assurance processes.

• Evidence of your ability to balance technical requirements with programme, budget, and commercial constraints, illustrating decision-making processes.

• Documentation or descriptions of solutions developed to reduce complexity, improve delivery efficiency, or enhance sustainability in project designs. Process Documentation:

• Workflows illustrating your approach to managing the design lifecycle from optioneering through to construction support, detailing key gates and deliverables.

• Examples of risk registers, assumption logs, or decision logs that demonstrate proactive management of project uncertainties.

• Documentation of design review processes you have facilitated, including methodologies for feedback, action tracking, and sign-off.

• Methodologies for technical assurance and quality control within design processes, highlighting how standards are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement, a portfolio showcasing practical application of design management principles is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to present concrete examples of their process management, problem-solving capabilities, and impact on project outcomes, particularly in relation to technical coordination and risk mitigation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the London location, the experience level (5-10 years), and the specialized nature of the role within a critical infrastructure program (AMP8), a competitive salary range is anticipated. Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers in London with similar responsibilities in the infrastructure and utilities sector, the estimated annual salary range is between £65,000 and £90,000. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the strategic importance of AMP8, and GHD's position as a major engineering consultancy.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs, including private medical insurance.

• Generous annual leave allowance, with options for purchasing additional days.

• Defined contribution pension scheme with attractive employer matching.

• Opportunities for professional development, including funding for training, certifications, and conferences.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support for personal and professional challenges.

• Access to GHD’s global network for knowledge sharing and career opportunities.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and recognition programs.

• Flexible working arrangements where feasible, though this specific role is on-site.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this on-site role are approximately 40 hours per week, typically from Monday to Friday. However, flexibility may be offered to accommodate project demands and personal needs, within the context of ensuring consistent on-site presence and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar Design Manager roles in London within the engineering consultancy and utilities sectors, considering the specific demands of AMP8 projects. Benefits are typical for a large, international engineering firm and aim to attract and retain senior talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: GHD operates within the engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction services sector, with a significant focus on infrastructure and water management. The AMP8 context places this role at the forefront of UK water utility investment and improvement, a sector critical for public health, environmental protection, and economic stability.

Company Size: GHD is a large, global professional services company, employing over 10,000 people across more than 150 offices worldwide. This scale offers access to a vast pool of expertise, resources, and opportunities for collaboration across diverse projects and geographies. For operations professionals, this means working within a structured, established organization with robust processes and a strong emphasis on professional development.

Founded: GHD was founded in 1928 in Melbourne, Australia, bringing over 90 years of experience and a legacy of delivering complex engineering solutions. This long history signifies stability, deep technical knowledge, and a proven track record in the industry, which can translate into well-defined operational frameworks and a culture that values long-term success.

Team Structure:

• The Design Management team at GHD is a key delivery capability, supporting major frameworks like AMP8. It is likely structured to support specific projects or client portfolios, with Design Managers reporting to Project Directors or Programme Managers.

• Specialization areas within the broader design teams include civil, structural, process, mechanical, electrical, digital, and environmental engineering, requiring the Design Manager to orchestrate these diverse functions.

• Cross-functional collaboration is inherent, with Design Managers acting as central hubs, interfacing with project controls, commercial teams, construction leads, and client representatives. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for informing design decisions, risk assessments, and performance monitoring, leveraging GHD's digital capabilities.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to the Design Manager's role, ensuring efficient progression through project phases and effective resource allocation.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly in managing design documentation, interfaces, and reviews, to streamline complex processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's global presence and long history suggest a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and a structured approach to project delivery. The emphasis on "design management as a key delivery and leadership capability" indicates that operations professionals in this area are integral to strategic project success, not just support functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the engineering and project delivery operations. It requires a blend of technical understanding, leadership acumen, and strong process management skills. The scope involves leading significant design efforts on major infrastructure projects, influencing project outcomes, and contributing to client relationships and business development.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or Programme Manager responsible for the overall AMP8 framework or specific large projects within it. They will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of engineers, coordinators, and technical specialists across various disciplines. This structure necessitates strong stakeholder management, both upwards to senior leadership and downwards to the design teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful delivery of water and wastewater projects, which are critical for public services and environmental compliance. By ensuring efficient, high-quality design, they contribute to meeting programme timelines, controlling costs, mitigating risks, and ultimately achieving the strategic objectives of water companies during AMP8. This role directly influences the operational efficiency and capital investment outcomes of GHD's clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in design management methodologies, risk mitigation strategies, and technical assurance within the water sector. Potential to lead larger, more complex projects or frameworks.

• Leadership Development: Progression into senior management roles, such as Technical Director, Programme Manager, or Business Unit Leader, with increased responsibility for strategy, client relationships, and team growth.

• Specialization Paths: Development into niche areas such as digital design integration, sustainability in infrastructure design, or specific water/wastewater process design leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within design management and broader project leadership. The emphasis on influencing outcomes and client relationships suggests opportunities for business development and strategic impact, appealing to ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at GHD's London office, located at 25 Farringdon Street. This is a professional office environment designed to facilitate collaboration, client meetings, and focused work. It is likely a modern, well-equipped workspace typical of a major engineering consultancy.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is in the City of London (EC4A 4AB), a central and accessible business district. This location offers excellent public transport links, making it convenient for commuting from various parts of London and surrounding areas.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely foster a collaborative environment, with opportunities for informal and formal interactions with colleagues from diverse engineering disciplines and project teams.

• Access to necessary operations tools, technology, and digital platforms for design management, communication, and project reporting will be provided.

• The office environment will support team meetings, workshops, and client presentations, enabling effective coordination and decision-making.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is predominantly on-site, reflecting the need for direct team collaboration, client engagement, and oversight on complex projects. While core hours will be standard, there may be flexibility to manage workload and project deadlines, with an expectation of commitment to delivering project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a prime London location underscores the importance of direct collaboration and client engagement for this senior design management role. The office environment is expected to be professional and conducive to high-level project coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on relevant experience in multidisciplinary design coordination, water sector knowledge, and leadership capabilities.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior team member to assess your technical expertise, understanding of design management principles, and alignment with GHD's culture. Expect questions about your experience leading teams and managing project interfaces.

• Second Interview/Workshop: This may involve a more in-depth technical discussion, a case study presentation, or a problem-solving exercise related to design challenges on AMP8 projects. This stage will likely assess your ability to apply your knowledge and communicate complex ideas.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Director or senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, career aspirations, and overall contribution to GHD's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the actions you took, and the measurable results (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced risk, successful delivery against KPIs).

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight examples where you successfully coordinated diverse engineering teams, managed stakeholder expectations, and fostered effective communication.

• Demonstrate Process Rigor: Include examples of how you managed design governance, risk, assurance, and technical interfaces. Visual aids like workflow diagrams or process maps can be very effective.

• Tailor to AMP8: If possible, draw parallels between your past experiences and the challenges of AMP8 projects, emphasizing your understanding of the water sector's specific needs.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, explaining your contributions clearly and concisely, and answering detailed questions about your methodologies and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate case studies or hypothetical scenarios related to managing conflicting design requirements, mitigating significant project risks, or improving a flawed design process.

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to stakeholder management, particularly in situations with competing interests or challenging client demands.

• Practice articulating complex technical and process-related concepts in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner, suitable for both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely involve multiple stages designed to assess technical competence, leadership potential, and cultural fit. A well-structured portfolio that demonstrates practical application of design management principles and quantifiable achievements will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

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

• Design Review & Assurance Tools: Experience with software that facilitates mark-up, review, and approval of design documents, potentially including BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms and associated viewers (e.g., Navisworks, BIM 360).

• Document Management Systems: Proficiency in using enterprise-level document control systems for managing project documentation, revisions, and approvals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not the primary focus, an understanding of how to interpret data from project reports, design metrics, and performance dashboards is beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating and interpreting project status reports, risk reports, and design progress summaries for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While GHD likely uses a CRM for client management, direct experience for this role is less critical than understanding how design inputs feed into broader client relationship management.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with how workflow automation can streamline design review processes, document approvals, and task assignments would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on tools that facilitate coordination, communication, document management, and technical assurance within complex design projects. Proficiency in BIM and associated platforms is likely a strong advantage given the nature of modern infrastructure design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-disciplinary cooperation to achieve shared project goals. This value is crucial for integrating diverse engineering inputs.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings with clients, contractors, and colleagues, ensuring transparency and trust.

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering value, and building long-term relationships through successful project outcomes.

• Innovation & Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, challenging conventional approaches, and continuously seeking ways to enhance processes, designs, and delivery methods for greater efficiency and sustainability.

• Safety & Sustainability: A deep commitment to ensuring the safety of all involved in projects and promoting environmentally responsible design and construction practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Communicative: Encouraging open dialogue, regular updates, and early identification of potential issues.

• Facilitative: Acting as a bridge between different disciplines and stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding and alignment.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on collaborative problem-solving to overcome challenges and drive projects forward.

• Respectful & Inclusive: Valuing diverse perspectives and ensuring all team members feel heard and respected.

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's values emphasize a professional, collaborative, and client-centric approach. Operations professionals who can demonstrate strong teamwork, ethical conduct, and a drive for continuous improvement will likely thrive in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity Management: Navigating the intricate technical interfaces and stakeholder relationships inherent in large-scale AMP8 water and wastewater projects.

• Programme Pressure: Maintaining design quality and governance while adhering to demanding project timelines and budget constraints.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Facilitating consensus and effective decision-making among diverse groups with potentially conflicting priorities.

• Technological Adaptation: Staying abreast of evolving design technologies, digital tools, and sustainability standards within the infrastructure sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to GHD's extensive training programs, workshops, and online resources focusing on advanced design management techniques, risk assessment, and leadership skills.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend relevant industry conferences, seminars, and professional development events to stay current with best practices and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in GHD's formal or informal mentorship programs, either as a mentee to gain guidance from senior leaders or as a mentor to develop leadership and coaching skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working on projects with varying technical complexities and across different sectors within GHD's portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are also opportunities for professional growth. Candidates who embrace complexity and see challenges as learning experiences will find ample avenues for development within GHD.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multidisciplinary design team through a complex project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful coordination and delivery?" (Focus on leadership, coordination, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach managing technical interfaces and resolving conflicts between different engineering disciplines on a major project?" (Prepare to discuss your methodology for interface management and dispute resolution.)

• "Walk me through your process for establishing and maintaining design governance, including risk management and technical assurance, on a project of significant scale." (Demonstrate your understanding of process and control.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about GHD and specifically this Design Manager role within the AMP8 framework?" (Research GHD's work in the water sector and its values. Align your interest with their strategic goals.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing environment within a diverse technical team?" (Provide examples of your leadership and team-building strategies.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to challenge established ways of working to achieve a better outcome. What was the situation, and what was the result?" (Showcase your proactivity and commitment to improvement.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the scope, your role, the challenges, your actions, and the quantifiable results. Use visual aids where appropriate.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills, leadership, and impact on project success.

• Metrics Focus: Be ready to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery, cost control, programme adherence, and quality assurance. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Contextualize: Explain how your experience and approach align with the specific demands of AMP8 projects and GHD's operational philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interview questions that probe your practical experience, problem-solving abilities, and leadership style. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates your impact and a well-prepared presentation will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any supplementary portfolio documents to highlight your experience in multidisciplinary design coordination, project governance, risk management, and leadership within infrastructure or utility sectors. Emphasize any relevant water sector experience.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results, focusing on responsibilities and successes directly relevant to leading design teams and managing project interfaces.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience through STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses, particularly for behavioral and situational questions. Prepare to discuss your approach to design challenges and stakeholder management.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research GHD's recent projects, particularly in the water sector and UK infrastructure, and understand their approach to design management and client engagement. Familiarize yourself with the AMP8 context and its significance.

⚠️ 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.