Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Company: Severn Trent Location: Derby, England, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-time Category: Operations Management / Engineering Design Date Posted: February 19, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a significant program of design activity within Severn Trent's capital investment programme, focusing on waste treatment and bioresources projects.
• Direct and mentor an integrated team of design professionals, fostering capability development and driving performance to deliver engineering solutions.
• Maintain financial accountability for the design program, ensuring adherence to budget, resource allocation, and design assurance standards, particularly in alignment with the AMP8 framework.
• Serve as a key liaison, building robust relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders to shape solutions that meet sponsor requirements and align with long-term asset management strategies.
• Champion innovation and the adoption of new processes and technologies within the design function, ensuring a forward-thinking approach to operational challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical leadership function within Severn Trent's operational delivery arm, specifically focusing on the engineering and design phases of capital investment projects. The emphasis on "Waste Treatment & Bioresources North" and "AMP8 programme" indicates a specialized focus within the utility sector, requiring a deep understanding of regulated industry standards and long-term asset planning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Severn Trent design professionals, focusing on building team capability, driving performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Manage design resources effectively and maintain financial accountability for the assigned program of works, including budget oversight and expenditure approval.
• Approve and assure all designs generated by the team, ensuring compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., CDM Regulations 2015), and the objectives of the AMP8 programme.
• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with internal senior leaders, project sponsors, and external key stakeholders to ensure alignment on project goals and outcomes.
• Drive innovation by identifying and implementing opportunities for new processes, technologies, and design methodologies to enhance project delivery and operational efficiency.
• Ensure a customer-centric approach, making decisions that deliver long-term value and contribute to high-quality asset management and service delivery.
• Act as a role model for positive safety leadership, promoting a strong safety culture within the team and organization, and fulfilling the statutory duties of a Principal Designer under CDM Regulations 2015.
• Develop and execute engineering solutions for a diverse range of waste treatment and bioresources projects, from conceptualization through to detailed design and assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, financial oversight, technical leadership, and regulatory compliance. The specific mention of "Principal Designer" and "CDM Regulations 2015" signifies a crucial legal and safety dimension to the role, requiring a thorough understanding of construction design and management principles in a UK context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Ideally, a degree (or equivalent qualification) in a technical engineering or design-related discipline.

Experience:

• Proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Demonstrated experience in leading design projects within highly regulated industries such as water, gas, petrochemical, or power.
• Experience in coaching and developing talent within a technical team.
• Experience in managing resources and financial accountability for project programs.

Required Skills:

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical teams, fostering high performance and capability.
• Financial Management: Experience in managing budgets, financial accountability, and resource allocation for design programs.
• Design Assurance & Approval: Proficiency in approving and assuring engineering designs against company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in building and maintaining relationships with senior leaders, sponsors, and diverse stakeholders.
• Engineering Design Principles: Strong understanding of engineering design processes relevant to waste treatment and bioresources infrastructure.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of and experience with regulations such as CDM Regulations 2015.
• Safety Leadership: Ability to champion and promote a positive safety culture and fulfill Principal Designer responsibilities.
• Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Capacity to make informed judgments and decisions, particularly in ambiguous situations, and to see the bigger picture.
• Communication Skills: Articulate and persuasive communication abilities for stakeholder engagement and team leadership.

Preferred Skills:

• Innovation Management: Experience in identifying and implementing new processes and technologies.
• Asset Management Principles: Understanding of long-term asset value and quality in decision-making.
• Project Management Methodologies: Familiarity with standard project management practices applied to design phases.
• Specific Design Software Proficiency: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with common CAD, BIM, or engineering design software suites would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation combined with significant leadership and regulatory experience. The "highly regulated industry" requirement is key, suggesting that candidates from sectors with stringent safety and compliance standards will be highly regarded. The mention of "AMP8 programme" points to a need for understanding long-term investment cycles in the utility sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Evidence of successfully leading and delivering complex engineering design projects, ideally within regulated environments. This should showcase the scope, technical challenges, and outcomes.
• Team Leadership & Development Examples: Demonstrations of how you have mentored, coached, and developed technical teams, leading to improved performance or capability.
• Financial Management & Resource Allocation: Examples of managing budgets, controlling costs, and allocating resources effectively for design programs.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management: Case studies illustrating successful collaboration with senior leaders, sponsors, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Innovation & Process Improvement Initiatives: Documentation of instances where you have identified and implemented new processes, technologies, or design methodologies, highlighting the impact.
• Safety Leadership & CDM Compliance: Examples of promoting safety culture and fulfilling Principal Designer responsibilities, including adherence to CDM regulations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Ability to document and optimize design workflows to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Design Assurance Processes: Clear articulation of processes for design review, approval, and validation to meet technical and regulatory standards.
• Risk Management in Design: Demonstrated understanding and application of risk management processes within the engineering design lifecycle, particularly concerning safety and regulatory compliance.
• Stakeholder Communication Protocols: Established methods for communicating design progress, risks, and decisions to various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize strategic oversight and leadership rather than just individual technical contributions. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they managed processes, teams, and projects to achieve specific outcomes, particularly in areas of safety, compliance, and innovation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the role's seniority, location (Derby, UK), and industry (utilities), a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in regulated UK industries, a typical range would be approximately £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This range is an estimate and can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the company's internal banding for this role.

Benefits:

• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Ability to buy or sell up to 5 days of annual leave per year, offering flexibility beyond the standard 28 days + bank holidays.
• Annual Bonus Scheme: Potential for an annual bonus of up to £2,250, tied to company performance, providing a variable incentive.
• Leading Pension Scheme: Generous employer contribution, matching employee contributions up to 15% when the employee contributes 7.5%, significantly enhancing retirement savings.
• Sharesave Scheme: Opportunity to purchase Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate, offering a stake in the company's success.
• Dedicated Training and Development: Access to Severn Trent's 'Academy' for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career progression.
• Electric Vehicle Scheme: A benefit that may encourage sustainable commuting options.
• Retail Offers: Discounts and special offers on various retail goods and services.
• Family Friendly Policies: Support for employees with family responsibilities, promoting work-life balance.
• Two Volunteering Days per Year: Encouragement and paid time off for employees to engage in community service.

Working Hours:

• The role is listed as full-time, and while not explicitly stated, a standard 40-hour work week is typical for such positions in the UK utility sector. Flexibility may be offered, but the on-site nature of the role suggests core working hours will need to be maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar Design Manager roles in the UK utilities sector, considering the specified experience level and location. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Severn Trent's commitment to employee well-being, development, and long-term engagement. The mention of "AMP8 programme" suggests this role is tied to a significant, multi-year investment cycle, implying stability and potential for long-term project involvement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water and Utilities. Severn Trent is one of the largest water and wastewater companies in the UK, providing essential services to millions of households and businesses. The industry is heavily regulated, with a strong focus on environmental protection, public health, and infrastructure resilience. Company Size: Large (Severn Trent is a major employer, likely with thousands of employees globally). This scale implies established processes, a structured environment, and opportunities for diverse career paths. Founded: Severn Trent was formed in 1974, with roots tracing back much further through predecessor companies. This long history suggests a stable organization with deep expertise in its field.

Team Structure:

• Reporting Line: The Design Manager reports to the Design Business Lead for Waste Treatment & Bioresources North. This indicates a structured hierarchy within the design function, likely with other Design Managers or specialists reporting into the Lead.
• Team Composition: The team is described as an "integrated team of Severn Trent design professionals," suggesting a mix of in-house specialists across various engineering disciplines relevant to waste treatment and bioresources.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires building strong relationships with "senior leaders and key stakeholders," implying close collaboration with project management, operations, environmental, regulatory affairs, and potentially procurement teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The emphasis on customer value and asset management suggests a data-informed approach to design decisions.
• Process Optimization: The requirement to champion innovation and new processes points to a culture that values efficiency and continuous improvement in design methodologies.
• Safety & Compliance Focus: As a utility company operating under strict regulations, safety and compliance are paramount, influencing all design and operational methodologies.
• Long-Term Planning: The mention of "AMP8 programme" (Asset Management Period 8) indicates a strategic, long-term planning horizon for infrastructure investment and development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Severn Trent's position as a major utility provider means the Design Manager role operates within a framework of significant responsibility, regulatory oversight, and long-term strategic planning. The culture likely balances innovation with a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and environmental stewardship.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level management position. A Design Manager is responsible for leading a significant program of work and a team of professionals, indicating a level of strategic input and accountability beyond individual contributor roles. It sits within the broader operational delivery framework of Severn Trent's capital investment program. Reporting Structure: Reports to a Design Business Lead, suggesting a clear reporting line within a larger design or engineering department. This structure allows for mentorship from a more senior leader and provides a pathway for further career progression within the design or operations leadership ladder. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of Severn Trent's capital investment programme, which is crucial for maintaining and improving water and wastewater services. Effective design management ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, to the required quality and safety standards, ultimately impacting customer satisfaction, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to a Design Business Lead, Head of Design, or a broader Project Director role within Severn Trent's capital delivery function.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of waste treatment or bioresources engineering design, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into related operational leadership roles, project management, or asset strategy positions within the company.
• Continuous Learning: Access to Severn Trent's 'Academy' and potential for industry certifications or further professional development in areas like advanced design methodologies, leadership, or regulatory affairs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Design Manager role is a key stepping stone for individuals looking to lead significant technical programs within the utility sector. Its focus on both people management and technical oversight provides a well-rounded development path with clear opportunities for advancement within a large, established organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a primary work location within a Severn Trent office, likely in Derby. This suggests a traditional office environment conducive to team collaboration, meetings, and administrative tasks. Office Location(s): Derby, England. This location is specified, suggesting the successful candidate will be based at a Severn Trent facility in or near Derby. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: As a manager of an integrated team, the workspace will likely facilitate team meetings, design reviews, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (CAD, BIM, etc.), project management tools, and communication platforms will be standard. The role may involve using company-specific asset management systems.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports, the Design Business Lead, and other project stakeholders will be a key aspect of the daily work environment. Site visits to project locations may also be required.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, on-site role. While a standard work week is implied, the nature of project delivery in capital investment programs may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines, though this is not explicitly stated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and Derby location are crucial for candidates to note. The environment is structured for collaborative project delivery and team management within a corporate utility setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves an HR screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit, followed by a review of your CV and potentially a portfolio.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Design Business Lead to delve into your leadership experience, technical expertise, and understanding of the role's responsibilities. Expect questions on team management, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement.
• Technical/Team Interview: Potentially an interview with senior engineers or other team members to assess your technical acumen and how you would integrate with the existing team. This may involve discussing specific design challenges or methodologies.
• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): Given the emphasis on design and project leadership, you might be asked to prepare a presentation on a past project showcasing your management of design, team, budget, and stakeholders, or to tackle a hypothetical design challenge.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or HR for a final assessment of your fit with Severn Trent's culture and strategic objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state the scale, budget, team size, and your specific role and impact. Use numbers wherever possible (e.g., "Managed a design budget of £X million," "Led a team of Y engineers," "Achieved Z% cost savings through design optimization").
• Showcase Leadership in Action: Highlight instances where you successfully mentored team members, resolved conflicts, managed performance, or drove innovation.
• Demonstrate Regulatory Understanding: Include examples that clearly show your experience with regulated industries and compliance, especially CDM 2015.
• Focus on Process: Detail the design processes you implemented or improved, and explain how they led to better outcomes (efficiency, safety, quality).
• Stakeholder Management Narratives: Present how you effectively communicated, negotiated, and built relationships to achieve project goals.
• Tailor to Severn Trent: Research Severn Trent's current projects, challenges, and values (e.g., AMP8, sustainability, customer focus) to tailor your examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Design Scenario: Be prepared for a scenario where you might need to outline an approach to a complex waste treatment or bioresources design project, considering constraints like budget, timeline, safety, and stakeholder requirements.
• Team Management Dilemma: Anticipate questions about how you would handle underperforming team members, conflicting stakeholder demands, or team-wide technical challenges.
• Innovation Proposal: Be ready to discuss how you would introduce a new technology or process into an established design workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical competence but also leadership style, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate a highly regulated and structured corporate environment. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable results and leadership impact will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software relevant to civil, mechanical, or process engineering (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks).
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking design program progress.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Slack for team communication and document sharing.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing, organizing, and versioning design documents and project files.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly stated, the ability to interpret design performance data, cost reports, and project metrics is essential. This may involve Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis.
• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting project dashboards to communicate progress, risks, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Familiarity with ERP systems for financial management, resource planning, and procurement processes (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Workflow Automation Tools: While less common for design managers themselves to implement, an understanding of how automation can improve design processes or administrative tasks is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a Design Manager in this sector would be expected to be highly proficient with standard engineering design tools, project management software, and corporate systems for financial and resource management. The ability to leverage data for decision-making and reporting is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing decisions that create long-term value for customers and communities, ensuring high-quality asset management and service delivery.
• Safety First: A strong commitment to safety leadership, promoting a positive safety culture, and adhering to all relevant regulations (e.g., CDM 2015).
• Innovation & Efficiency: Encouraging the development and introduction of new processes and technologies to drive efficiency and improve outcomes.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and leading an integrated team effectively.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high standards of ethical conduct and taking financial accountability for design programs.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Relationship-Oriented: Building strong, positive relationships with a diverse range of people, including senior leaders, project sponsors, and team members.
• Solution-Focused: Working collaboratively to shape engineering solutions that meet sponsor requirements and address complex challenges.
• Data-Informed: Utilizing data and insights to inform design decisions and present a clear case for recommendations.
• Empowering: Leading and mentoring a team, building their capability and fostering a supportive environment for growth and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Severn Trent emphasizes a culture that balances operational excellence with a strong sense of purpose in serving communities and protecting the environment. The values highlight a commitment to safety, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement, which are critical in the regulated utility sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Overseeing a program of diverse waste treatment and bioresources projects, each with unique technical and logistical challenges.
• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring strict adherence to evolving regulations, including CDM 2015 and environmental standards, within a highly regulated industry.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Aligning the requirements and expectations of various stakeholders, including senior management, operational teams, and external bodies.
• Driving Innovation in a Traditional Sector: Introducing new technologies and processes into a sector that historically relies on established, proven methods, while managing associated risks.
• Team Development in a Large Organization: Effectively mentoring and developing a team of design professionals within a large corporate structure, ensuring consistent performance and capability growth.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Skills Enhancement: Opportunities to refine leadership, team management, and strategic planning skills through formal training and on-the-job experience.
• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in waste treatment, bioresources, or specific engineering disciplines relevant to water utilities.
• Regulatory Expertise: Enhance knowledge of UK construction and engineering regulations, particularly in the water sector.
• Project Delivery Excellence: Gain experience managing large-scale capital investment programs, contributing to Severn Trent's AMP cycles.
• Industry Networking: Potential to attend industry conferences and engage with peers in the water and wastewater engineering sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to managing large-scale, regulated projects and leading diverse teams. However, these challenges are balanced by substantial growth opportunities within a leading utility company, particularly for those looking to advance in operations and engineering leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multi-disciplinary design team to deliver complex engineering solutions for waste treatment projects under tight deadlines." (Focus on team management, process, and problem-solving.)
• "How do you ensure designs meet stringent regulatory requirements, such as CDM 2015, while also driving innovation and cost-effectiveness?" (Highlight compliance, risk management, and innovation balance.)
• "Walk me through a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or expectations from different senior stakeholders on a major engineering project." (Prepare a STAR method story demonstrating stakeholder management and negotiation skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Severn Trent's AMP8 program and how do you see the design function contributing to its success?" (Research Severn Trent's strategic goals and asset management plans.)
• "How would you foster a culture of safety and innovation within your design team?" (Align your answer with Severn Trent's stated values and operational priorities.)
• "How do you ensure that design decisions align with long-term asset management goals and customer value?" (Demonstrate an understanding of the broader impact of design choices.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, use a consistent format: Challenge -> Your Role/Actions -> Solution/Process -> Results (quantified where possible).
• Highlight Leadership Impact: Emphasize your role in leading teams, managing budgets, influencing stakeholders, and driving process improvements, not just technical contributions.
• Showcase Regulatory Experience: Clearly point out how your projects demonstrated compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., CDM 2015).
• Explain Design Processes: Be ready to articulate the methodologies you used for design assurance, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
• Connect to Severn Trent: Frame your experience and achievements in a way that directly relates to Severn Trent's needs, values, and the specific challenges of the waste treatment and bioresources sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong leadership, a deep understanding of regulated industry design principles, and a strategic approach to project delivery. Preparing specific examples using the STAR method, tailored to Severn Trent's context, will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your updated CV and a compelling cover letter through the Severn Trent careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that clearly demonstrates your experience in leading design projects within regulated industries, focusing on waste treatment or similar infrastructure. Ensure it highlights team leadership, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and CDM 2015 compliance.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to include keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "Waste Treatment," "Bioresources," "Capital Investment Programme," "Team Leadership," "Financial Accountability," "Design Assurance," "Stakeholder Management," and "CDM Regulations 2015." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering potential interview questions using the STAR method. Be ready to articulate your leadership philosophy, problem-solving skills, and how you would contribute to Severn Trent's goals. Prepare a concise overview of your most relevant projects for potential portfolio discussion.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Severn Trent, its values, its current strategic initiatives (like AMP8), and its role in the UK utility sector. Understand their commitment to sustainability, customer service, and safety.

⚠️ 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.

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