Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Design Manager

Company: Kelda Group Limited (Yorkshire Water)

Location: Bradford, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Category: Engineering Management / Operations Leadership

Date Posted: February 11, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years (Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary engineering design team of approximately 30 engineers, overseeing the design phases of end-to-end capital delivery projects.

• Drive the implementation of economical, sustainable, and low-carbon design solutions, focusing on innovation, asset optimization, and the development of nature-based solutions.

• Spearhead the engineering assurance process for designs developed by contracting and consulting partners, ensuring technical and economic proficiency against TOTEX and whole-life cycle considerations.

• Foster innovation and engineering excellence through active engagement with partner forums and the supply chain, while upholding stringent health and safety standards in design.

• This senior role requires a Chartered Engineer with extensive experience in water and wastewater treatment processes, a strong understanding of systemic thinking, and the ability to influence stakeholders across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within the Engineering Design team, with significant influence over the capital delivery process. The emphasis on "economical, sustainable, and lowest carbon design solutions" and "TOTEX and whole life cycle process" indicates a strong focus on operational efficiency, long-term asset management, and environmental responsibility, aligning with typical GTM and RevOps objectives of maximizing ROI and minimizing environmental impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management: Provide leadership, technical direction, and day-to-day management to a multi-disciplinary engineering design team of around 30 individuals.

• Design Assurance & Oversight: Spearhead and optimize the engineering assurance process for designs prepared by outline design, Capital Delivery partners at tender, and construction design stages.

• Technical & Economic Guidance: Ensure engineering design teams, consultants, and construction partners develop technically and economically proficient engineering solutions, considering TOTEX and whole-life cycle costs (including carbon footprint).

• Innovation & Optimization: Drive innovation in design through the exploration of complex challenges, optimisation of existing assets/processes, development of nature-based solutions, and adoption of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles.

• Partner & Stakeholder Liaison: Manage liaison with suppliers, technical planning, procurement, and construction partners to ensure alignment with design principles, standardization, and DfMA objectives.

• Process Improvement: Act as a key driver for developing innovation and engineering excellence within the capital programme by leading partner forums and engaging with the supply chain.

• Health, Safety & Compliance: Drive excellent standards and performance in health and safety in design, risk management, and ensure compliance with Yorkshire Water's Safety Policy.

• Project Support: Provide expert engineering support throughout the design, construction, commissioning, and handover phases of capital schemes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical role in the capital delivery lifecycle, directly impacting operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. The focus on "Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA)" suggests a push towards standardized, efficient construction methods, which is a key GTM and RevOps consideration for scaling infrastructure projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree level qualification (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline.

Experience:

• Significant, proven relevant engineering design, construction, and management experience.

• Experience in driving innovation and optimization of plant and processes.

• Proven track record of managing and driving a multi-discipline technical/engineering team to achieve challenging business targets.

• Experience in the application of quality procedures and document control in engineering design.

Required Skills:

• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, mentor, and manage a large, multi-disciplinary engineering team.

• Engineering Design & Assurance: Deep understanding of engineering design principles, assurance processes, and capital project delivery.

• Water & Wastewater Processes: Significant knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes.

• Innovation & Optimization: Proven experience in driving innovation, optimizing plant and processes, and championing new approaches.

• Systemic Thinking: Understanding of systemic thinking to drive effective solutions.

• Stakeholder Management & Influence: Ability to influence people across multifunctional teams and effectively manage liaison with partners and suppliers.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• Health & Safety: Strong commitment to health and safety in design and risk management.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).

• Familiarity with TOTEX and whole-life cycle costing methodologies.

• Experience in developing and implementing nature-based solutions.

• Understanding of carbon reduction strategies in engineering design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Chartered Engineer status and significant management experience points to a senior role requiring deep technical expertise and proven leadership capabilities. The requirement for a UK driving license is a practical necessity for site visits and client engagement in the water industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Optimization Case Studies: Demonstrate successful examples of optimizing engineering designs for economy, sustainability, and reduced carbon footprint.

• Innovation Implementation Examples: Showcase instances where innovative design approaches were successfully implemented to solve complex challenges or improve existing assets/processes.

• DfMA Application: Provide examples of how Design for Manufacture and Assembly principles were applied to enhance efficiency, quality, or cost-effectiveness in projects.

• Partner Management & Assurance: Evidence of managing design partners and implementing robust engineering assurance processes to ensure quality and compliance.

• Risk Management in Design: Illustrate experience in identifying and mitigating design-related risks, particularly concerning health and safety.

Process Documentation:

• Design Assurance Frameworks: Experience in developing or implementing frameworks for design assurance across multi-disciplinary teams and external partners.

• Whole Life Cycle Costing & TOTEX Integration: Documentation or case studies showing the application of TOTEX and whole-life cycle costing principles in design decision-making.

• Standardization & DfMA Workflow: Evidence of processes developed or refined to promote standard designs and increase the adoption of DfMA.

• Innovation Pipeline Management: Processes for identifying, evaluating, and implementing innovative engineering solutions within a capital delivery program.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio requirement, the nature of the role heavily implies that candidates will need to demonstrate their capabilities through concrete examples of past projects, process improvements, and leadership achievements. This is crucial for a management role where strategic impact and process ownership are key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £80,000 to £90,000 per year (Band 3a)

Benefits:

• Company Car: £7,200 allowance per year.

• Annual Incentive Bonus: Up to 20% (based on performance for April '26-'27).

• Pension Scheme: Up to 12% company contribution.

• Private Health Care: For employee and partner (if applicable).

• Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays.

• Wellness Day: An additional wellness day per year.

• Life Assurance: Cover of 4 times pensionable salary.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes options such as:

  • Health cash plan scheme
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life assurance flex and partner cover

• Retail Savings Scheme.

• Online GP Service.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• Gym Membership Discounts.

• Many other benefits.

Working Hours: Typically 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexible working arrangements are open to discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior engineering management role in the UK utilities sector. The extensive benefits package, including a company car allowance and a significant bonus potential, reflects the senior nature and strategic importance of this position. The flexibility in working hours is a positive indicator for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water Utilities (Water and Wastewater Services)

Company Size: Large (Yorkshire Water is part of Kelda Group, a significant employer in the region)

Founded: Yorkshire Water has a long history, operating as a key utility provider in the Yorkshire region for many decades.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Engineering team at Yorkshire Water.

• The Engineering Design Manager will lead a

multi-disciplinary team of approximately 30 design and assurance engineers.

• This team oversees the Design phases of the End-to-End Capital Delivery process, working closely with Contracting and Consulting Partners.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on developing the "most economical, sustainable, and lowest carbon design solutions."

• Systemic Thinking: Application of systemic thinking to drive effective solutions across complex challenges.

• Process Optimization: Continuous effort to optimize existing assets and processes.

• Collaborative Design: Working closely with external partners (contractors, consultants) to ensure design principles are met.

• Innovation Focus: Encouraging and implementing innovative approaches and engineering excellence.

• Sustainability & Environment: A strong commitment to improving the natural environment and reducing carbon footprint.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Yorkshire Water's focus on customer service, environmental protection, and operational efficiency in a regulated industry shapes its culture. The emphasis on innovation and sustainability is driven by new environmental legislation and changing customer expectations, creating an environment ripe for process improvement and strategic engineering leadership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineering Leadership. This role is a key leadership position within the Capital Delivery function, overseeing a significant team and critical design processes.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Head of Engineering, Director of Capital Delivery, or a similar senior operational leader within Yorkshire Water.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the company's ability to deliver essential water and wastewater services efficiently, sustainably, and cost-effectively. Decisions made regarding design optimization, carbon reduction, and partner selection directly influence project outcomes, operational costs (TOTEX), environmental compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into broader leadership roles within Capital Delivery or Operations, such as Head of Capital Delivery, Director of Engineering, or similar strategic positions.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable infrastructure, advanced water treatment technologies, or large-scale capital program management.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the overall strategic direction of Yorkshire Water's capital investment and environmental improvement initiatives.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued professional development, training, and industry engagement aligned with the "Engineering Design Manager progression plan" mentioned in benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of an "Engineering Design Manager progression plan" suggests a structured approach to career development within the organization, indicating a commitment to nurturing talent and providing clear pathways for advancement for individuals in this role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model with a "notional base" in Bradford or Leeds, but with flexibility across multiple Yorkshire Water offices. This suggests a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): Various offices across Yorkshire, with key hubs likely in Bradford and Leeds. The specific base can be discussed.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages collaboration with team members, partners, and stakeholders, balancing independent work with team interaction.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary engineering design software, project management tools, and communication platforms. The role involves managing design processes, implying the use of industry-standard CAD, BIM, and project management software.

• Operations Focus: The work environment supports the rigorous demands of managing large-scale capital projects, including potential site visits, client meetings, and detailed technical reviews.

Work Schedule: Typically 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The company is open to discussing flexible working arrangements, which is beneficial for managing complex projects and maintaining work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in place for this role offers flexibility, which is increasingly valued by senior professionals. This arrangement needs to be balanced with the operational demands of managing a large team and overseeing critical design processes that often require in-person collaboration and site engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application to assess alignment with core requirements, particularly Chartered Engineer status and relevant experience.

• First Interview: Likely a discussion with a hiring manager or senior leader, focusing on leadership experience, technical knowledge, and strategic approach to design management. Expect questions about managing teams, driving innovation, and handling complex engineering challenges.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a case study from their portfolio showcasing a significant engineering design project, focusing on their role, the challenges, solutions, and outcomes (including cost, sustainability, and carbon impact).

• Final Interview: May involve a panel interview or a discussion with senior stakeholders to assess cultural fit, leadership style, and overall strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership & Impact: Showcase your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and the tangible results achieved under your guidance (e.g., project delivery, cost savings, efficiency improvements).

• Quantify Achievements: Use data to demonstrate the impact of your design decisions, focusing on metrics like TOTEX reduction, carbon footprint decrease, project timeline adherence, and sustainability improvements.

• Showcase Innovation & Problem-Solving: Present specific examples of how you've driven innovation, optimized processes, or solved complex engineering challenges.

• DfMA & Sustainability Focus: Include projects where DfMA principles or sustainable/nature-based solutions were successfully applied and discuss the benefits realized.

• Partner Management: Detail your experience working with and managing external design and construction partners, emphasizing your approach to assurance and collaboration.

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by key responsibility area, making it easy for interviewers to follow your career progression and key contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing economical, sustainable, and low-carbon designs for water and wastewater infrastructure.

• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you manage underperforming team members, foster collaboration, and drive high performance in a technical team.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare examples of how you have influenced stakeholders, navigated conflicting priorities, and built strong relationships with partners and internal teams.

• Risk Management: Be ready to discuss your strategies for identifying and mitigating health and safety risks within the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role and the emphasis on process and optimization, a portfolio review or case study presentation is highly probable. Candidates should prepare detailed examples that demonstrate not just technical competence but also leadership, strategic thinking, and a quantifiable impact on operational efficiency and sustainability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is essential for engineering design. Examples might include Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, or Bentley Systems products.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables.

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Tools for analyzing performance data, such as Microsoft Excel (advanced), Power BI, or Tableau, to support decision-making and reporting on TOTEX, carbon, and efficiency metrics.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or SharePoint for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Metrics Tracking: Familiarity with systems for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design efficiency, project delivery, cost, carbon footprint, and sustainability.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create or interpret dashboards that visualize performance against targets for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader company systems (e.g., asset management, procurement) is beneficial. Familiarity with workflow automation tools could be advantageous for streamlining design assurance processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Although specific tools are not listed, the role's requirements in managing design processes, assurance, and partner collaboration imply a need for proficiency in standard engineering design software, project management platforms, and data analysis tools relevant to infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to providing a reliable and high-quality service to Yorkshire's customers.

• Environmental Stewardship: A deep commitment to protecting and improving the natural environment, driven by legislation and company goals.

• Innovation & Improvement: A culture that encourages challenging the status quo, seeking new approaches, and continuously improving processes and solutions.

• Safety First: Prioritizing health and safety in all aspects of work, especially in design and construction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across teams and with external partners to achieve shared objectives.

• Efficiency & Cost-Effectiveness: A focus on delivering value through economical designs, TOTEX optimization, and whole-life cycle management.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with operational teams, project managers, procurement, and potentially regulatory affairs to ensure designs meet all stakeholder needs.

• Partner Engagement: A proactive and assertive style in liaising with and assuring the work of contracting and consulting partners.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas within the design team and across the organization.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: A culture that values data-driven insights to inform design choices and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Yorkshire Water's mission to provide essential services while protecting the environment suggests a culture that balances operational rigor with a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility. The emphasis on innovation and improvement indicates an openness to adopting new methodologies and technologies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Managing the often-conflicting demands of cost, schedule, quality, sustainability, and carbon reduction in design.

• Driving Partner Performance: Ensuring external partners consistently meet Yorkshire Water's high standards for design quality, innovation, and sustainability.

• Implementing New Methodologies: Introducing and embedding new approaches like DfMA and nature-based solutions across a large team and with external stakeholders.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental legislation and industry standards.

• Managing Large Teams: Effectively leading and motivating a diverse team of engineers to achieve ambitious goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Engineering & Sustainability: Opportunities to deepen expertise in cutting-edge water/wastewater technologies, sustainable design, and carbon accounting.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Development programs focused on strategic leadership, change management, and advanced team management.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in industry forums, conferences, and professional bodies to stay current with best practices and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of future leaders within Yorkshire Water.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement within the engineering and capital delivery functions as per the stated progression plan.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity for a leader focused on driving sustainable and efficient infrastructure development. The challenges are typical of senior roles in regulated industries, requiring strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to ensuring designs are economical, sustainable, and low-carbon. How do you balance these competing objectives?" (Focus on process, metrics, and decision-making frameworks.)

• "How would you lead and motivate a team of 30 engineers to adopt new design methodologies like DfMA or nature-based solutions?" (Highlight leadership style, change management strategies, and team engagement.)

• "Walk us through a complex engineering design project you managed. What were the key challenges, your specific role, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Yorkshire Water and our mission to protect the environment and serve our customers?" (Research Yorkshire Water's recent projects, sustainability goals, and values.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within an engineering team?" (Provide examples of initiatives you've led.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your approach, the actions taken (especially your leadership role), and the measurable results (cost savings, carbon reduction, efficiency gains, safety improvements).

• Quantify Everything: Use numbers and data wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly connect your project examples to the required skills for the role (leadership, technical expertise, innovation, assurance, stakeholder management).

• Showcase DfMA/Sustainability: If applicable, dedicate specific slides or sections to projects demonstrating your experience with DfMA, sustainable design, or carbon reduction.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about technical aspects, decision-making processes, and team dynamics from your case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical acumen but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a clear understanding of the business objectives of efficiency, sustainability, and customer service within the utility sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on the Yorkshire Water careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: If you have a portfolio, ensure it is tailored to highlight projects and experiences most relevant to leading engineering design, driving innovation, and managing complex capital delivery processes in the utilities sector.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly showcase your Chartered Engineer status, years of relevant experience, leadership achievements, and specific contributions to cost savings, carbon reduction, and process optimization.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for interview questions by reviewing case studies, researching Yorkshire Water's current projects and sustainability initiatives, and practicing your responses to strategy and leadership scenarios.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Yorkshire Water's operational context, regulatory environment, and commitment to environmental stewardship to articulate your alignment with their values and goals.

⚠️ 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.