Engineering & Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering & Design Manager

Company: Skanska

Location: Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Management / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical and design delivery of critical clean water and water recycling infrastructure projects within the Anglian Water @one Alliance.

• Champion the integration of digital design, BIM, and sustainable, low-carbon methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.

• Manage Engineering Project Plans, encompassing scope, programme, cost, risk, and resource allocation to ensure project success.

• Foster a collaborative environment by aligning multidisciplinary teams, upholding technical standards, and driving integrated solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Skanska's Infrastructure function, specifically focusing on the Anglian Water @one Alliance, a significant £2.6 billion investment program. The emphasis on "shaping the way we live, work and connect" and "shaping a better society" suggests a strong GTM (Go-To-Market) alignment with company values and societal impact. The role requires a blend of technical engineering leadership and strategic project management, with a clear mandate to drive efficiency and performance within a collaborative framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and technical execution of clean water and water recycling projects, covering both infrastructure and treatment asset development.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive Engineering Project Plans, meticulously detailing scope, timelines, budget, risk mitigation strategies, and resource requirements.

• Orchestrate and align multidisciplinary engineering teams to establish clear design direction, enforce stringent technical standards, and deliver cohesive, fully integrated project solutions.

• Drive innovation by leveraging digital design tools, BIM-enabled modeling, and incorporating sustainable, low-carbon, and whole-life cost considerations into all design processes.

• Provide strong leadership and development for the design team, working in close partnership with project management, procurement, environmental, and construction teams to achieve safe, high-quality, and cost-effective project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process optimization within design and project delivery. The need to "drive efficiency and strong performance without compromising governance" indicates a requirement for robust operational frameworks and adherence to best practices in project execution. The emphasis on aligning teams and delivering integrated solutions points to the importance of cross-functional operational synergy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree-qualified engineer, with a preference for Chartered Engineer status or progression towards it.

Experience: Demonstrated experience in design management, preferably within the water or environmental infrastructure sectors. Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams delivering high-quality, sustainable design solutions. Solid technical expertise in clean water, water recycling, pipeline, or treatment processes is essential.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage complex design processes from inception to completion, ensuring quality and adherence to standards.

• Infrastructure Engineering: Strong technical foundation in civil engineering, water systems, and treatment processes relevant to clean water and water recycling.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Experience in leading, motivating, and aligning diverse engineering teams to achieve common project goals.

• Project Planning & Execution: Expertise in developing and managing project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation.

• Digital Design & BIM: Proficiency in utilizing digital design tools and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for enhanced design visualization, collaboration, and data management.

• Sustainability & Low-Carbon Design: Understanding and application of sustainable design principles and low-carbon strategies in infrastructure projects.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks effectively.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven track record of working effectively in collaborative delivery environments.

• Safety & Governance: A strong commitment to safety compliance and adherence to project governance frameworks.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or actively progressing towards it.

• Experience within the @one Alliance or similar large-scale infrastructure frameworks.

• Knowledge of Anglian Water's operational standards and requirements.

• Familiarity with specific project management software and collaboration platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level suggests a role that requires significant hands-on experience and a developing leadership capacity. The emphasis on "chartered or progressing toward chartership" indicates a need for rigorous technical qualifications and a commitment to professional development within engineering disciplines. The mention of "governance" implies a need for candidates who understand and can operate within established corporate and regulatory frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Showcase examples of leading design processes for water infrastructure or treatment projects, highlighting scope definition, technical standard adherence, and integrated solution delivery.

• Project Planning & Delivery: Document instances where you owned and executed Engineering Project Plans, demonstrating successful management of scope, programme, cost, risk, and resources.

• Innovation & Digital Integration: Present projects that incorporated digital design, BIM, or sustainable/low-carbon strategies, detailing the impact on efficiency, quality, or environmental performance.

• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Provide examples of how you aligned and led multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, emphasizing cross-functional collaboration with construction, procurement, and environmental departments.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing engineering design workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and ensure high-quality output.

• Implementation & Automation: Detail your approach to implementing new design processes or technologies, including the use of automation or digital tools to streamline operations.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you measure the performance of design processes and teams, using key metrics to identify areas for improvement and report on outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on Engineering & Design Management, a portfolio showcasing a structured approach to project lifecycle management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder alignment is crucial. The emphasis on "digital design, BIM-enabled models, and sustainable low-carbon, whole-life thinking" suggests that candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they have integrated these forward-thinking methodologies into their project delivery processes, highlighting tangible benefits and outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Engineering & Design Managers in the UK with 5-10 years of experience, particularly within the construction and infrastructure sectors, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This range accounts for the specific demands of the Anglian Water @one Alliance project and the required technical expertise.

Benefits:

• 24/7 Digital GP Service: Access to a virtual GP service for yourself and your family, providing convenient healthcare consultations.

• Financial Wellbeing Support: Resources and assistance programs focused on improving financial literacy and security.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges, including mental health and counseling.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and support for professional qualifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer progression).

• Enhanced Family Benefits: Comprehensive leave policies including enhanced maternity, paternity, dependents, and parental bereavement leave.

• Pension Scheme: Standard company pension contributions.

• Holiday Entitlement: Generous annual leave allowance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role is advertised as Hybrid, suggesting a blend of on-site work (for team collaboration, site visits, and project meetings) and remote work, offering flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from publicly available data for similar roles in the UK construction and infrastructure sector, considering the experience level, location (Peterborough), and the specialist nature of the @one Alliance project. Benefits are detailed as provided in the job description, with added context relevant to operations professionals. The hybrid nature implies a need for strong remote work discipline and effective communication strategies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Development. Skanska is a global leader in construction and development, with a significant presence in infrastructure projects. The @one Alliance focuses on water infrastructure, a critical sector for environmental protection and public service delivery.

Company Size: Skanska is a large, global organization with approximately 27,000 employees worldwide. This scale offers stability, resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: Skanska was founded in 1887, bringing over a century of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to quality and innovation in construction and development.

Team Structure:

• Infrastructure Function: The role sits within the Infrastructure function, indicating a focus on large-scale, complex construction projects.

• @one Alliance: You will be part of the @one Alliance, a collaborative partnership with Anglian Water, designed to deliver significant investment in water infrastructure. This structure emphasizes partnership, shared goals, and integrated working.

• Reporting: The Engineering & Design Manager will lead the design team and likely report to a Senior Project Manager or Programme Manager within the alliance structure. Close collaboration with Project Managers, Procurement, Environmental Managers, and Construction Managers is expected.

Methodology:

• Collaborative Delivery: The @one Alliance model inherently promotes collaborative working, emphasizing partnership and shared responsibility for project success.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, Skanska's emphasis on "shaping the way we live, work and connect" and "problem solvers" suggests a culture that values data-informed insights for planning and execution.

• Innovation & Sustainability: A strong focus on digital design, BIM, and sustainable/low-carbon practices indicates a forward-thinking approach to project delivery and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The @one Alliance structure is a key differentiator. Candidates should understand the implications of working within a large, integrated alliance, which often involves shared KPIs, integrated planning, and a focus on collective success rather than individual contractual performance. The company's global scale means access to a wide range of resources and expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the Engineering and Design management track. It requires a strong technical foundation combined with demonstrated leadership and project oversight capabilities. The scope extends beyond pure technical design to encompass the strategic planning and management of design delivery within a major infrastructure project.

Reporting Structure: The Engineering & Design Manager will likely report into a senior project leadership role within the @one Alliance, such as a Project Director or Programme Manager. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and designers, fostering a clear hierarchy and reporting line within the design function.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the successful delivery of Anglian Water's infrastructure investments. Effective engineering and design management ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to high environmental and technical standards, directly contributing to the alliance's overall performance and Anglian Water's service delivery goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Progression to Senior Engineering & Design Manager, Project Director, or Programme Manager roles within Skanska or the @one Alliance, overseeing larger and more complex projects or portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as BIM implementation, sustainable infrastructure design, or advanced water treatment technologies.

• Cross-Functional Development: Opportunities to gain broader experience in construction management, commercial aspects, or environmental stewardship within infrastructure projects.

• Global Mobility: Potential opportunities within Skanska's international operations for experienced professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is clearly defined within the infrastructure and project management domain. Professionals can expect to move from managing design for specific projects to overseeing design for multiple projects or entire programs, with potential for broader commercial or operational leadership responsibilities within Skanska's extensive infrastructure portfolio.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This suggests a blend of office-based work for collaboration and meetings, and remote work for focused individual tasks, offering flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Peterborough, England. This implies the need for regular presence at a Skanska office in or near Peterborough, as well as potential site visits to project locations within the Anglian Water region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment will likely feature collaborative workspaces designed to facilitate team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions with project stakeholders.

• Technology Enabled: Access to modern IT infrastructure, design software (CAD, BIM), project management tools, and communication platforms necessary for effective engineering and design management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, project managers, and construction professionals, fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected. The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in managing personal and professional commitments, provided project deadlines and collaborative needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires strong self-management, excellent communication skills, and the ability to maintain team cohesion and project momentum across different work locations. Candidates should be comfortable with technology for remote collaboration and prepared for regular travel to project sites as needed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, potentially followed by a brief phone screening with HR to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with hiring managers and senior engineering/project leads. Expect questions focused on design management experience, technical expertise in water infrastructure, BIM/digital design capabilities, and leadership approach.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of their work, focusing on a specific project that demonstrates their ability to lead design, manage risks, and integrate sustainable practices. This will likely involve discussing challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: Discussion with higher-level management or alliance leadership to assess strategic thinking, cultural alignment, and overall suitability for the role and the @one Alliance environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 significant projects that best highlight your experience in design management for water infrastructure, leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and successful project delivery.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenges, your specific role and contributions, the solutions implemented (especially digital/sustainable aspects), and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, safety records, environmental benefits).

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your design management methodology, including how you establish technical standards, manage risks, and foster collaboration. Use diagrams or process flows if helpful.

• Highlight Leadership: Provide examples of how you led and motivated teams, managed stakeholder expectations, and resolved conflicts.

• Tailor to Skanska: Research Skanska's values, the @one Alliance's goals, and Anglian Water's priorities. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to align with these.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to design challenges, team conflicts, or unexpected project issues. Think about how you would apply your technical knowledge, leadership skills, and risk management approach.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating your approach to managing diverse stakeholders (clients, contractors, internal teams, regulatory bodies) and communicating complex technical information clearly and concisely.

• Sustainability & Innovation: Be ready to discuss how you champion and implement sustainable and innovative design solutions, and how you would address potential resistance or challenges to adopting new technologies or methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case study presentation suggests that practical demonstration of skills and experience is highly valued. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies and showcase tangible results, rather than just listing responsibilities. Understanding the collaborative nature of the @one Alliance will be key to demonstrating cultural fit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or Bentley Systems equivalents (e.g., OpenBuildings Designer, MicroStation) is expected for design creation and management.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint, or specific alliance collaboration portals for communication, document sharing, and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, an ability to interpret and utilize data from project management systems, design reports, and performance dashboards is beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating project reports, progress updates, and technical summaries for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Familiarity with Skanska's internal systems or similar large-scale ERP solutions for project costing, resource allocation, and financial oversight.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing vast quantities of project documentation, drawings, and specifications (e.g., Aconex, Procore).

📝 Enhancement Note: The role demands proficiency in a suite of design and project management tools. A strong understanding of BIM and digital design workflows is highlighted, indicating a move towards more integrated and data-rich project delivery. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific software and their ability to leverage technology for efficiency and innovation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to ensuring the safety of all personnel and the public throughout project lifecycles. This is a core value in Skanska's operations.

• Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship: A dedication to minimizing environmental impact, promoting low-carbon solutions, and contributing positively to communities.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A belief in working together with customers, communities, and partners to achieve shared goals, as exemplified by the @one Alliance model.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: An ongoing drive to find better, more efficient, and more effective ways of working through technology, new methodologies, and creative problem-solving.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding high ethical standards in all business dealings and decision-making.

Collaboration Style:

• Alliance-Based: The @one Alliance fosters a highly collaborative environment where partners work cohesively towards common objectives, sharing knowledge and resources.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with diverse teams, including project management, construction, environmental specialists, procurement, and client representatives, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open dialogue, feedback exchange, and constructive challenge to drive continuous improvement and innovation in design and delivery processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Skanska's "The Skanska Way" culture emphasizes embracing differences and fostering an inclusive environment. For this role, the collaborative nature of the @one Alliance will be a defining aspect of the work culture, requiring individuals who can thrive in a partnership environment and contribute to collective success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Project Delivery: Managing the design and technical delivery of large-scale, intricate infrastructure projects with multiple interdependencies and stakeholders.

• Balancing Innovation with Governance: Integrating new digital technologies and sustainable practices while adhering to strict project governance, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively aligning and motivating multidisciplinary teams, potentially with varied expertise and working styles, towards a unified project vision.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the expectations and requirements of various stakeholders, including the client (Anglian Water), alliance partners, and regulatory bodies.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in digital design, BIM, and sustainable construction techniques, and effectively implementing them into project workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & BIM Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in cutting-edge design software, BIM workflows, and digital construction technologies.

• Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Access to training and project experience in developing and implementing low-carbon and environmentally responsible infrastructure solutions.

• Leadership & Project Management Skills: Development programs focused on enhancing leadership capabilities, strategic project planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement within large-scale projects.

• Industry Networking: Participation in industry events, conferences, and forums through Skanska and the @one Alliance to build professional networks and stay current with best practices.

• Chartership Support: Continued support for those progressing towards or maintaining Chartered Engineer status.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity for professionals to tackle complex challenges in a high-impact infrastructure program. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to advance into senior leadership roles within the infrastructure sector and gain expertise in modern, sustainable construction methodologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex infrastructure project where you led the design management process. What were the key challenges, your specific approach, and the ultimate outcomes?" (Focus on scope, programme, cost, risk, team alignment, and innovation).

• "How do you ensure technical standards are met and integrated across multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative project environment like the @one Alliance?" (Emphasize communication, alignment, and governance).

• "Walk me through your experience implementing digital design tools or BIM on a project. What were the benefits, challenges, and lessons learned?" (Highlight innovation and process improvement).

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and sustainability within your design teams?" (Focus on values, proactive measures, and integration into design). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Skanska and the @one Alliance? How do your professional values align with our company culture and the alliance's objectives?" (Research Skanska's mission, values, and the @one Alliance's goals).

• "How do you approach collaboration with different departments like construction, procurement, and environmental teams?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional partnerships).

• "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts beyond technical compliance?" (Discuss impact on project delivery, cost, safety, sustainability, and client satisfaction). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework to clearly articulate your contributions and achievements.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and management approach (e.g., % cost savings, % schedule improvement, reduction in carbon emissions, safety incident rates).

• Highlight Innovation: Clearly explain how you incorporated digital design, BIM, or sustainable practices and the tangible benefits they brought to the project.

• Showcase Leadership: Use examples to illustrate your ability to lead, motivate, and align diverse teams, and manage stakeholder relationships effectively.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making processes, and challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate not only technical engineering acumen but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of project delivery within a collaborative, large-scale infrastructure context. The ability to articulate complex processes and demonstrate tangible results through their portfolio will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering & Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Skanska careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your experience in design management for water infrastructure projects, highlighting your leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and showcasing your proficiency in digital design, BIM, and sustainable practices. Prepare 2-3 key case studies with quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, specific project responsibilities, technical skills (including software proficiency), and leadership achievements. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "Infrastructure," "BIM," "Sustainability," and "Project Planning."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your approach to managing design processes, leading teams, and driving innovation. Research Skanska's values and the @one Alliance's mission.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Skanska's global operations, their commitment to sustainability, and the specific objectives of the Anglian Water @one Alliance. Understand their approach to collaborative delivery and "The Skanska Way" culture.

⚠️ 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.