Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: United Infrastructure Ltd (AFECO)

Location: Afeco - Havant, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-15

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage all design activities for non-infrastructure water projects, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with company strategy.

• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary design team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in process, mechanical, electrical, and ICA engineering.

• Act as the Principal Design Designated Individual, ensuring compliance with CDM Regulations and managing temporary works according to BS 5975.

• Drive the delivery of robust, cost-effective, and sustainable engineering solutions across the entire project lifecycle, from concept to decommissioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for AFECO's engineering delivery excellence, focusing on MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control, and Automation) design within the water and wastewater sector. The Design Manager will be instrumental in bridging the gap between conceptual design, client requirements, and operational reality, ensuring seamless project execution and compliance with stringent industry regulations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Planning & Management:

  • Manage and develop the internal design team and external subcontractors to meet the design needs for non-infrastructure water projects across multiple water company frameworks.
  • Establish and manage department goals and objectives aligned with the company's strategic plan and growth objectives.
  • Ensure a deep understanding of the interaction between all engineering disciplines (process, mechanical, electrical, ICA, structural, civil) to deliver coordinated designs that meet client briefs and optimize process streams.
  • Act as the Designated Individual for Principal Design under CDM Regulations, ensuring all design aspects comply with safety legislation.
  • Fulfill Designated Individual responsibilities for Temporary Works under BS 5975, including procedure management and subcontractor reviews.
  • Manage design resources efficiently, including internal teams, subcontractors, and specialist suppliers, to optimize project delivery timelines and budgets.
  • Liaise with client project teams to ensure designs issued for planning applications meet statutory requirements and client-specific design standards.
  • Organize and manage technical coordination workshops, Package Reviews, and Design Team Meetings, including internal and external HAZOP and ALM reviews to identify and mitigate risks.

• Technical & Operational Delivery:

  • Perform line management duties for the design team, adhering to company policies and fostering a high-performance culture.
  • Act as the process owner for all design-related activities, ensuring standardized and efficient workflows.
  • Lead design efforts by collaborating closely with Technical Managers, Operations Managers, Project Managers, and Project Engineers to ensure technical functions are effective and efficient on live projects.
  • Review and propose alternative build methods and practices to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Stay abreast of new and innovative products, technologies, and best practices within the water industry.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changing legislation, codes of practice, and client standards (including WIMES) relevant to design.
  • Assist the team in the overall project management and compilation of design documentation.
  • Ensure drawings and design information, such as schedules, are produced on time, to a high quality, and are easily interpretable by all stakeholders.
  • Oversee document control processes, including registration, distribution, and red-lining of design and technical information throughout the project lifecycle and at construction completion.
  • Collaborate with key project team personnel in preparation for project costing and design work.

• Health, Safety & Environment:

  • Ensure all design activities strictly comply with health, safety, and environmental legislation and client-specific requirements.
  • Proactively manage design risks, including those associated with live systems, process hazards, confined spaces, and chemical dosing systems.
  • Promote a strong culture of safe systems of work and lead design-specific safety briefings to reinforce best practices.
  • Ensure the conceptual scheme is translated into an efficient, workable, and commercially viable solution that prioritizes safety.
  • Uphold and deliver the company’s commitment to world-class Health and Safety in all aspects of the role.

• Stakeholder & Client Management:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for design-related matters with clients, operations teams, and regulatory bodies.
  • Support operational teams by facilitating training and familiarization with new designs and systems.
  • Manage the design acceptance and sign-off processes, ensuring client satisfaction and project progression.
  • Review and interrogate consultant and subcontractor drawings, conducting package review meetings with relevant site team members.
  • Continuously monitor all production information and consultant activities against budgetary allowances, reporting any variances promptly.

• Documentation & Handover:

  • Ensure the timely completion and approval of all design records, assessments, and calculations.

  • Support the preparation of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manuals, asset data, and comprehensive handover documentation.

  • Facilitate the achievement of practical completion, takeover, and final acceptance by ensuring all design documentation is accurate and complete.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive approach to design leadership, encompassing team management, regulatory compliance, technical oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The role requires a strong understanding of the entire project lifecycle within the water sector, with a particular focus on MEICA systems and operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Essential: Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Process, Civil, Structural, or related discipline) or equivalent practical experience.

• Desirable: Professional engineering status (e.g., CEng, IEng) and IOSH or NEBOSH health & safety qualification.

Experience:

• Essential:

  • Significant experience in commissioning within the water or wastewater treatment sector.
  • Proven experience working on live operational assets, understanding their unique challenges and operational constraints.
  • Experience commissioning MEICA systems, demonstrating a strong technical understanding of these components.
  • In-depth knowledge of water industry standards, safe systems of work, and operational procedures.

• Desirable:

  • 5+ years of related experience post-qualification in MEICA installation, testing, and commissioning, with a preference for UK water sector experience.

  • Experience delivering projects under regulated water frameworks, such as AMP (Asset Management Period) programmes.

  • Knowledge of UK water company standards and Ofwat regulatory requirements.

  • Confined Space and Permit to Work training. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage design processes, teams, and deliverables effectively.

• MEICA Engineering Expertise: Strong understanding of Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control, and Automation systems within the water sector.

• Project Planning & Execution: Skill in developing comprehensive design plans, managing resources, and overseeing execution to meet project timelines and objectives.

• CDM Regulations Compliance: Thorough knowledge and application of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, particularly as Principal Designer.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with clients, internal teams, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies.

• Budget Management: Experience in managing allocated design budgets, monitoring expenditure, and reporting on variances.

• Technical Coordination: Proficiency in coordinating across multiple engineering disciplines to ensure integrated and optimized designs.

• Resource Management: Skill in allocating and managing internal and external design resources to meet project demands.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks, including process hazards and safety concerns.

• Water & Wastewater Treatment Systems: Comprehensive understanding of process flows, technologies, and operational considerations for both clean and wastewater.

• Document Control: Expertise in managing and controlling design documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

• Leadership & Team Development: Ability to lead, mentor, and develop a multi-disciplinary engineering design team.

• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Strong analytical skills to identify issues and develop effective, robust solutions.

• Health and Safety: Excellent knowledge and practical application of health, safety, and environmental legislation and best practices.

• Technical Reporting: Competence in producing clear, concise, and accurate technical reports and design documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Temporary Works Management (BS 5975): Specific experience in managing and overseeing temporary works design and execution.

• WIMES Standards: Familiarity with Water Industry Mechanical and Electrical Specifications.

• HAZOP/ALM Facilitation: Experience in leading or participating in Hazard and Operability Studies and Asset Lifecycle Management reviews.

• AMP Programme Experience: Direct experience working within the UK water industry's Asset Management Period frameworks.

• Ofwat Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of the regulatory landscape governing the UK water sector.

• EUSR Clean Water Card: Possession of this certification is advantageous for site access and operational awareness.

• IOSH/NEBOSH Qualifications: Formal certifications in health and safety management.

• Professional Engineering Status (CEng/IEng): Demonstrates a high level of professional engineering competence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of practical, hands-on experience in commissioning and a strong theoretical foundation in engineering principles, particularly within the water sector. The requirement for CDM and Temporary Works Designated Individual roles highlights the critical safety and regulatory responsibilities of this position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

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

• MEICA System Integration Case Studies: Present detailed case studies demonstrating your ability to integrate Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control, and Automation systems effectively for water and wastewater projects.

• Regulatory Compliance Documentation: Include examples of how you have ensured designs meet stringent regulatory requirements, such as CDM, WIMES, or specific water company standards.

• Cost-Effective Solution Development: Provide evidence of projects where you successfully delivered robust and cost-effective design solutions, highlighting value engineering or innovative approaches.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Demonstrate your approach to identifying and mitigating design-related risks, particularly concerning live operational assets, process hazards, or confined spaces.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your experience in designing and documenting engineering workflows, from concept generation and feasibility studies through to detailed design and construction documentation.

• System Implementation & Automation: Illustrate your understanding of how design choices impact system implementation and operational automation, with examples of how you've facilitated smoother handovers and operational efficiency.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for design processes and to analyze design performance against project objectives, budget, and schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a Design Manager role of this caliber typically requires a portfolio that demonstrates not just technical design capability but also leadership in process management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder collaboration. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process ownership and how they've driven efficiency and compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: £55,000 - £75,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

• Explanation: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with significant experience in the UK water sector, considering the responsibilities outlined for managing multi-disciplinary teams, regulatory compliance (CDM, BS 5975), and technical leadership in MEICA systems. The location in Havant, UK, also factors into regional salary expectations.

Benefits:

• Car Allowance: Provided to support travel requirements for site visits and client meetings.

• Medicash Plan: Access to a health cash plan for everyday medical expenses.

• Life Insurance: Coverage for peace of mind for employees and their families.

• Benefits Portal: A platform offering a range of discounted products and services.

• Company Pension: Contribution towards a workplace pension scheme.

• Holiday Entitlement: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, offering a good work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility: While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in start/end times, subject to operational needs and team coordination. Overtime may be required for critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the provided information and general market rates for a Design Manager role in the UK water infrastructure sector. Specific compensation will be determined by the hiring organization based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a role of this seniority in the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Cleantech Products, Water & Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure. AFECO specializes in providing process, mechanical, electrical, and ICA engineering solutions, focusing on improving efficiency and sustainability in the water sector. Their acquisition by United Living Group in 2024 enhances their capability to address complex infrastructure needs.

Company Size: Part of the United Living Group, which is a significant player in UK infrastructure, construction, and property services. AFECO itself operates as a specialist engineering provider with a dedicated design team.

Founded: AFECO has over 30 years of experience in the industry. The company was acquired by United Living Group in 2024.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The Design Manager will lead a multi-disciplinary design team, which includes process, mechanical, electrical, ICA, structural, and civil engineers. This team is integral to AFECO's project delivery cycle.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior engineering leader, such as a Technical Director or Head of Engineering, and will have direct line management responsibilities for the design engineers and potentially external design consultants.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Technical Managers, Operations Managers, Project Managers, Project Engineers, clients, and regulators to ensure integrated and effective project outcomes.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data and technical expertise to inform design decisions and ensure robust, cost-effective solutions.

• Process-Led Innovation: A focus on process engineering and innovative solutions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of water treatment processes.

• Lifecycle Approach: Design considerations span the entire project lifecycle, from concept and feasibility through to construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.

• Safety-First Culture: Strong emphasis on adhering to health, safety, and environmental legislation, with specific roles and responsibilities for Principal Design and Temporary Works.

Company Website: https://unitedinfrastructure.com/ (Note: The direct AFECO website may redirect or be integrated. United Infrastructure is the parent company.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on cleantech and sustainability within the water sector, combined with its integration into a larger infrastructure group, suggests a forward-thinking environment with opportunities to work on impactful projects. The culture likely values engineering excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to safety and client satisfaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management role within the engineering design function. It sits at a critical junction, bridging technical engineering expertise with leadership and strategic planning. The Design Manager is responsible for a key functional area (design) and has direct reports, indicating a significant level of responsibility and influence within the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level engineering or operations executive (e.g., Technical Director, Head of Engineering). They will have direct line management responsibility for a team of engineers and potentially oversee external design consultants. This structure allows for clear delegation and accountability.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the success of projects by ensuring designs are technically sound, cost-effective, compliant, and meet client objectives. Effective design management leads to:

• Reduced project execution risks and costs.

• Improved operational efficiency and sustainability of water treatment facilities.

• Enhanced client satisfaction and repeat business.

• Contribution to the company's reputation for engineering excellence and innovation.

• Implementation of critical safety standards (CDM, Temporary Works). Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to higher leadership roles such as Technical Director, Head of Engineering, or Program Director, overseeing larger teams and more complex projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water treatment technology, cleantech innovation, or advanced engineering methodologies.

• Project Portfolio Expansion: Opportunity to manage design for increasingly complex and high-profile projects within the water sector and potentially other infrastructure domains.

• Strategic Input: Contribute to the company's strategic planning, technology adoption, and business development efforts.

• Professional Development: Pursue further professional qualifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer status if not already held) or specialized training in areas like advanced risk management, project finance, or sustainable engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a growing organization that is part of a larger infrastructure group. The emphasis on managing both internal teams and external stakeholders, along with the critical safety responsibilities, provides a solid foundation for future leadership opportunities in the engineering and infrastructure sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based role, located within AFECO's facilities in Havant. This environment will be conducive to team collaboration, design reviews, and administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): Afeco - Havant, United Kingdom. This location suggests a regional hub for engineering operations, likely serving clients in the South of England and Midlands.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is expected to support regular interaction between design engineers, project managers, and other operational staff, fostering a team-oriented approach.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (CAD, BIM, process simulation tools), project management systems, and communication platforms will be provided to facilitate efficient design work.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for face-to-face meetings, workshops, and informal discussions with the design team and other departments, crucial for coordinated design efforts.

• Site Visits: The role necessitates regular site visits to operational water and wastewater treatment facilities for commissioning, inspections, and client liaison. This requires a willingness to work in various site conditions.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, with approximately 40 hours per week.

• Due to the nature of construction and commissioning projects, there may be a need for flexibility, including occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical project deadlines or address urgent site issues. Travel to sites will be a regular component of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is crucial, given the need for direct supervision of design activities, team coordination, and frequent site visits to operational facilities. This blend of office-based leadership and field engagement is characteristic of senior engineering management positions in the infrastructure sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on CV/resume and alignment with essential qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with hiring managers and potentially senior engineers to assess technical knowledge in MEICA, water/wastewater treatment, CDM regulations, and commissioning. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, highlighting key projects, design processes, problem-solving approaches, and demonstrated impact. This is where you showcase your process optimization and stakeholder management skills.

• Management & Leadership Assessment: Interviews or exercises to evaluate leadership style, team management capabilities, decision-making processes, and ability to foster a positive team culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership and focus on strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select 3-4 projects that best demonstrate your experience in MEICA design management, commissioning, regulatory compliance (especially CDM), and stakeholder engagement within the water sector.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, safety enhancements, project completion on time/budget).

• Highlight Process Improvement: Specifically showcase instances where you improved design workflows, implemented better documentation practices, or enhanced team collaboration. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Demonstrate Regulatory Adherence: Provide examples of how you've ensured designs meet CDM, BS 5975, and water industry standards, explaining your role as Principal Designer and in Temporary Works.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your contributions. For example, "Reduced design review time by 15%," "Ensured zero reportable safety incidents related to design," or "Delivered designs 10% under budget."

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design problem or a case study requiring you to outline your approach to problem-solving, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication.

• CDM/Safety Scenario: Anticipate questions related to managing design risks, ensuring safety compliance, or handling a safety-related issue during the design or commissioning phase.

• Team Management Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would handle team conflicts, motivate engineers, delegate tasks, or manage underperforming team members.

• Client/Stakeholder Interaction: Practice articulating technical designs and project updates clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's full capabilities, from technical depth and regulatory knowledge to leadership acumen and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates process ownership and impact is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent for creating detailed engineering drawings.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools may be required for integrated design and project management, especially on larger infrastructure projects.

• Process Simulation Software: Familiarity with software for process modeling and simulation (e.g., AVEVA, Aspen HYSYS, or similar) to analyze and optimize water treatment processes.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and tracking design progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize data from design processes, site operations, and commissioning to inform decisions and generate performance reports.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating comprehensive technical reports, design summaries, and progress updates.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing and controlling design documentation, revisions, and distribution (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, or dedicated document control platforms).

• Collaboration Platforms: Use of tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the role implies a need for strong proficiency in standard engineering design and project management tools. The emphasis on MEICA systems suggests familiarity with specialized electrical design, instrumentation, and control system software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, robust, and technically sound engineering designs that meet and exceed client expectations.

• Innovation & Sustainability: A drive to develop and implement cleantech products and sustainable solutions that improve the efficiency and environmental performance of water and wastewater treatment processes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where knowledge is shared, and teams work together effectively across disciplines to achieve project goals.

• Health, Safety & Environment: A paramount focus on ensuring the safety of personnel, the public, and the environment through rigorous adherence to legislation and best practices in all design and operational activities.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships, and delivering value through effective solutions and excellent service.

• Continuous Improvement: An ethos of learning, adapting, and striving for better ways of working to enhance efficiency, quality, and innovation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between design, operations, project management, and commercial teams to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Communication: Promoting an environment where ideas, concerns, and feedback can be shared openly and constructively among team members and with stakeholders.

• Process Review Culture: Regularly reviewing design and operational processes to identify areas for improvement, efficiency gains, and adherence to best practices.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of technical knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices across the design team and wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: AFECO's culture, bolstered by its integration into United Living Group, likely emphasizes a strong commitment to technical expertise, innovation for sustainability, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. The focus on water infrastructure necessitates a deep respect for safety and regulatory compliance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Disciplines: Effectively integrating and coordinating diverse engineering disciplines (process, mechanical, electrical, ICA, civil, structural) to create cohesive designs.

• Managing Design Budgets & Schedules: Ensuring designs are delivered within allocated budgets and strict project timelines, especially in a competitive water sector.

• Navigating Regulatory Complexity: Staying current with and ensuring compliance with evolving health, safety (CDM), environmental, and water industry-specific regulations.

• Working with Live Assets: Designing and managing projects that integrate with or operate near live water and wastewater assets, requiring meticulous planning and risk management.

• Driving Innovation: Encouraging and implementing new technologies and sustainable solutions within a traditionally conservative industry.

• Team Development & Resource Management: Building and maintaining a skilled design team, especially in specialized MEICA areas, and managing fluctuating resource demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training in advanced MEICA systems, cleantech, process optimization techniques, and project management methodologies.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend industry events, workshops, and pursue relevant certifications (e.g., advanced safety qualifications, specialized engineering certifications).

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Participation in mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives to hone management and strategic skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of projects, from planned upgrades to reactive works, and on both wastewater and clean water systems, providing broad experience.

• Contribution to Innovation: Involvement in the development and application of AFECO's proprietary cleantech products and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior design management roles in infrastructure. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering a clear path for professional development and career advancement within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex MEICA design challenge you've faced in the water sector. How did you approach it, what was your specific role, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on technical problem-solving, collaboration, and results.)

• "As Principal Designer under CDM Regulations, how do you ensure safety is integrated into the design process from concept through to construction?" (Demonstrate understanding of CDM duties and risk management.)

• "How do you manage and motivate a multi-disciplinary engineering team, especially when facing tight deadlines or conflicting priorities?" (Highlight leadership style, delegation, and conflict resolution skills.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage a design budget that was under pressure. What strategies did you employ to control costs while maintaining design integrity?" (Showcase financial acumen and value engineering approaches.)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between design teams, operations teams, and external clients?" (Emphasize stakeholder management and communication techniques.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about AFECO and our work in the water industry?" (Research the company's mission, recent projects, and United Living Group's strategic goals.)

• "How do you align with our company values of innovation, sustainability, and safety?" (Provide specific examples of how your past work or approach reflects these values.)

• "How do you see this role contributing to AFECO's mission of improving water treatment efficiency and sustainability?" (Connect your skills and experience to the company's objectives.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin your presentation with a high-level overview of your most impactful projects, summarizing key achievements and responsibilities.

• Deep Dive into 1-2 Projects: Choose 1-2 projects that best showcase your design management, process optimization, and regulatory compliance capabilities. For each, detail the context, your specific contributions, challenges overcome, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Illustrate Process: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or timelines to visually explain your design processes, risk management strategies, and methods for ensuring regulatory adherence.

• Focus on Problem/Solution/Result: Structure your case studies around clear problem statements, innovative solutions, and demonstrable results.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, team management, budget control, and how you handle disagreements or unforeseen issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence but also leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the specific challenges and regulatory environment of the UK water sector. The portfolio is your primary tool to showcase practical application of your skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form and upload your CV/resume through the provided link on the United Infrastructure Careers portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your experience in MEICA engineering, commissioning, design management, CDM regulations, and the water/wastewater sector. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of relevant projects that demonstrate your capabilities in design process management, technical coordination, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Research AFECO & United Living Group: Understand the company's mission, values, project portfolio, and strategic direction. Familiarize yourself with their cleantech initiatives and commitment to sustainability.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Practice articulating your portfolio case studies clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.