Programme Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Programme Design Manager

Company: Costain Group

Location: Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Infrastructure Design Management (GTM Operations Alignment)

Date Posted: 2026-01-13

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for critical water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades, aligning with strategic GTM objectives and operational efficiency.

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers and designers, fostering a collaborative environment focused on delivering innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Manage design activities within the AMP8 investment programme, ensuring projects meet scope, budget, timeline, and quality, directly impacting Southern Water's operational capacity and GTM strategy.

• Drive process optimization within the design function, identifying opportunities for automation, standardization, and efficiency gains to enhance project delivery and reduce operational costs.

• Act as a key liaison between the CMDP+ Joint Venture (Costain and MWHT), Southern Water, and other stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on design and operational requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Programme Design Manager," has significant implications for Go-To-Market (GTM) operations by directly influencing the capacity and efficiency of essential utility infrastructure. The successful candidate will need to translate technical design specifications into tangible operational capabilities, ensuring that infrastructure projects support Southern Water's service delivery goals and market presence. The emphasis on AMP8, a large-scale investment program, suggests a need for robust project management and strategic planning, directly linking design outcomes to market readiness and customer service.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive design strategies for water and wastewater asset upgrades, including treatment sites, pumping stations, and reservoirs.

• Manage the entire design lifecycle, from conceptualization and feasibility studies through to detailed design, construction documentation, and handover, ensuring alignment with operational requirements and GTM timelines.

• Drive the implementation of best practices in engineering design, quality assurance, and risk management to ensure the reliability and efficiency of delivered infrastructure.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with project managers, construction teams, clients (Southern Water), and supply chain partners to ensure integrated project delivery and operational readiness.

• Oversee the technical integrity and compliance of all designs with relevant industry standards, regulations, and Southern Water's operational policies.

• Develop and manage design budgets, resource allocation, and project schedules, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of design packages.

• Implement and promote a culture of continuous improvement within the design team, focusing on process innovation, lessons learned, and adoption of new technologies to enhance operational performance.

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineers and design staff, fostering their professional development and ensuring high-quality output.

• Contribute to the strategic planning and tendering processes for future infrastructure programmes, leveraging insights from AMP8 to inform future GTM and operational strategies.

• Ensure that designs incorporate sustainability principles and contribute to Southern Water's environmental and operational performance targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities detailed here are framed to emphasize the strategic and operational impact of the design function. For a role in a large-scale infrastructure program like AMP8, the Design Manager is not just a technical lead but a critical enabler of the company's GTM strategy for utility services. Their work directly influences the capacity to serve customers, meet regulatory demands, and achieve business objectives, making operational readiness and efficiency paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in engineering design and project management, with a significant portion focused on water and wastewater infrastructure.

• Proven track record of successfully managing complex design programmes, preferably within the utilities sector or large-scale civil engineering projects.

Required Skills:

• Programme Design Management: Expertise in leading and managing multiple, complex design projects concurrently within a programme structure.

• Infrastructure Engineering: Deep understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, hydraulic design, and infrastructure asset lifecycles.

• Project Management: Strong capabilities in scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and stakeholder management for large capital projects.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop engineering and design teams.

• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of UK water industry regulations, environmental standards, and health & safety legislation (e.g., CDM regulations).

• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard design software and platforms relevant to civil and process engineering.

Preferred Skills:

• Asset Management Principles: Understanding of asset management strategies and their integration into design decisions.

• Cost Engineering: Experience in cost estimation, value engineering, and budget control for infrastructure projects.

• Contract Management: Familiarity with NEC or other standard forms of contract used in the UK construction industry.

• Sustainability & Environmental Design: Knowledge of sustainable design practices and their application in water infrastructure.

• Digital Engineering: Experience with BIM (Building Information Modelling) and digital workflows in design and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills outlined are tailored to a senior engineering management role impacting operational delivery. The emphasis on programme-level thinking, regulatory understanding, and team leadership is crucial for a role that bridges technical design with the operational realities of a major utility program like AMP8, directly influencing Costain's ability to deliver on its GTM commitments for Southern Water.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant water or wastewater infrastructure design projects, detailing the scope, challenges, design solutions implemented, and key outcomes.

• Programme Management Examples: Illustrate experience managing multiple design streams or projects within a larger programme, demonstrating coordination, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Provide examples of how you have identified and implemented improvements in design processes, workflows, or collaboration, leading to enhanced efficiency, quality, or cost savings.

• Stakeholder Management Documentation: Evidence of effective communication and collaboration with clients, joint venture partners, and other stakeholders, highlighting successful negotiation and alignment on design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Detail experience in mapping, analyzing, and optimizing design workflows to improve speed, accuracy, and interdisciplinary coordination.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Demonstrate understanding and application of risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies within the design and project delivery phases.

• Quality Assurance & Control Procedures: Outline experience in establishing and implementing robust QA/QC processes for design deliverables to ensure compliance and technical integrity.

• Technology Integration: Showcase examples of integrating new technologies or digital tools (e.g., BIM, advanced simulation software) into design processes to enhance outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Programme Design Manager role supporting major infrastructure, a portfolio is critical. It should not only demonstrate technical design competence but also the ability to manage complex programmes, drive process improvements, and ensure that the designs translate into reliable and efficient operational assets for the client. The focus is on demonstrating impact on project delivery, operational readiness, and strategic objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions to a defined contribution pension plan.

• Life Assurance: Comprehensive coverage for peace of mind.

• Health and Wellbeing Programs: Access to employee assistance programs, occupational health services, and wellbeing initiatives.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for further training, certifications, and continuous professional development in engineering and project management.

• Generous Annual Leave: Competitive holiday allowance with the option to purchase additional days.

• Company Car/Car Allowance: Provided for travel to various project sites and client meetings.

• Performance-Related Bonus: Potential for annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and attend critical meetings, with potential for overtime compensation or time off in lieu.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Programme Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK infrastructure sector. Benefits are standard for large engineering firms and are framed to appeal to professionals seeking stability, growth, and work-life balance, which are important considerations for long-term strategic roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering Services, with a strong focus on Utilities and Infrastructure. Costain Group is a major player in the UK's infrastructure sector, delivering complex projects across transportation, water, energy, and defence.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 5,000 employees globally). This size indicates robust corporate structures, extensive resources, and established processes, offering stability and significant career development opportunities.

Founded: 1865. Costain has a long and distinguished history, suggesting a culture that values experience, expertise, and long-term relationships.

Team Structure:

• CMDP+ Joint Venture: This role is within a specific joint venture, implying a need for strong collaborative skills and the ability to navigate inter-company dynamics. The JV model often brings together specialized expertise from different organizations.

• Reporting Structure: The Programme Design Manager will likely report to a senior programme director or head of engineering within the CMDP+ JV. They will manage a team of design engineers, CAD technicians, and potentially specialist consultants.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with Project Management, Construction, Commercial, Health & Safety, and Client (Southern Water) teams is essential for successful project delivery and operational integration.

Methodology:

• Integrated Project Delivery: Emphasis on collaborative working methods, shared risk, and joint problem-solving across the JV partners and with the client.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilisation of data analytics and performance metrics to inform design choices, manage risks, and optimize project outcomes.

• Lean Construction Principles: Adoption of lean methodologies to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and enhance value throughout the design and construction process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Costain's scale, history, and industry position is crucial. The joint venture aspect adds a layer of complexity, requiring strong interpersonal and collaborative skills. The mention of Southern Water as the client for AMP8 highlights the critical nature of the projects and the need for robust operational alignment from the design phase.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design function, bridging technical expertise with strategic programme management. It requires a blend of technical leadership, people management, and business acumen, placing it at a critical juncture for career progression.

Reporting Structure: The Programme Design Manager reports into the Programme leadership, likely a Programme Director or Head of Engineering for the CMDP+ JV. They, in turn, will manage a team of design engineers and technical staff. This structure provides visibility to senior leadership and opportunities to influence strategic decisions.

Operations Impact: The design decisions made by this role have a direct and profound impact on the operational effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability of Southern Water's essential water and wastewater services. By ensuring robust, compliant, and optimized designs, the Programme Design Manager enables Southern Water to meet its service delivery targets, regulatory obligations, and customer expectations, thereby underpinning Costain's GTM success in the utilities sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Programme/Director Roles: Progression to Programme Director, Head of Engineering, or similar leadership positions within the CMDP+ JV or Costain Group, overseeing larger programmes or broader engineering functions.

• Specialization & Technical Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific areas of water/wastewater engineering, digital engineering, or sustainable design to become a recognized subject matter expert.

• Commercial and Contract Management: Developing skills in commercial aspects of project delivery, contract negotiation, and client relationship management, potentially leading to roles with broader commercial responsibility.

• Cross-Sector Mobility: Leveraging experience gained in the water sector to move into other critical infrastructure areas within Costain, such as transportation or energy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the role's progression within the context of operations and GTM impact. The emphasis is on how this design leadership role contributes to the client's operational success and, by extension, Costain's market position, opening pathways to broader strategic and commercial leadership roles within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily office-based, located in Brighton. The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, supporting the needs of a large engineering and project management team.

Office Location(s): Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom. This location provides access to a significant talent pool and is strategically positioned to serve Southern Water's operational areas.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces to facilitate team interaction, design reviews, and stakeholder discussions.

• Technology & Tools: Access to advanced design software, high-performance computing, and communication platforms essential for engineering and programme management.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with design teams, project managers, and client representatives, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the dynamic nature of major infrastructure projects often necessitates flexibility. This may include occasional site visits to operational assets or construction sites, requiring adaptability. The focus is on delivering project milestones, which may occasionally demand extended hours, balanced by the company's commitment to employee wellbeing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment emphasizes collaboration and the use of technology, which are critical for effective design management in large infrastructure projects. The mention of site visits underscores the practical, hands-on aspect of the role, connecting office-based design work to real-world operational assets.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements and experience.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your engineering expertise, programme design management experience, and understanding of water/wastewater systems. Expect questions on design challenges, problem-solving approaches, and technical decision-making.

• Competency-Based Interview: Assessment of your leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through behavioral questions. This may involve discussing past projects and how you handled specific situations.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to present a selection of your work or discuss a specific case study from your portfolio, demonstrating your ability to articulate design rationale, project outcomes, and process improvements.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior stakeholder (e.g., Programme Director) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the CMDP+ JV.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 key projects that best represent your experience in programme design management for infrastructure, focusing on the water/wastewater sector if possible.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific role, the challenges faced, the design solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, risk reduction, compliance achieved).

• Highlight Process & Collaboration: Showcase examples of how you managed design processes, fostered collaboration within your team and with stakeholders, and implemented improvements.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, approach to problem-solving, and how your work contributes to operational efficiency and client objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem related to water infrastructure and asked to outline your approach to solving it, including key considerations, methodologies, and potential risks.

• Programme Management Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage conflicting priorities, allocate resources across multiple design streams, or mitigate risks within a large programme.

• Leadership & Team Management: Practice answering questions about how you motivate teams, resolve conflicts, and develop talent within an engineering environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides practical advice tailored for a candidate applying for a senior engineering management role. The emphasis on portfolio content and interview preparation focuses on demonstrating strategic thinking, operational impact, and leadership capabilities, which are crucial for success in this position.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Bentley MicroStation for detailed design and drafting.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modelling tools (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for integrated design, clash detection, and visualization.

• Process Simulation Software: Experience with hydraulic modelling and process simulation tools (e.g., EPANET, InfoWorks WS Pro, Bentley WaterGEMS) for analyzing water and wastewater systems.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in project scheduling and management tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning and tracking design activities.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from simulations, site investigations, and operational feedback for design optimization.

• Reporting Platforms: Experience generating technical reports, design summaries, and progress updates for internal and client review.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Platforms: Use of platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and project collaboration.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for managing design documents, revisions, and approvals in a structured manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are indicative of a senior engineering role in infrastructure design. Proficiency in CAD, BIM, and specialized simulation software is expected. The ability to leverage these tools for process optimization and data-driven decision-making is key for a Programme Design Manager aiming to enhance operational outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards in all design and project activities.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of professional conduct, honesty, and transparency in all dealings.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective success is prioritized.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative problem-solving and a proactive approach to enhancing processes, designs, and operational efficiency.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering high-quality solutions that contribute to their operational success.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Working closely with joint venture partners, project managers, construction teams, and clients to ensure seamless integration from design through to operation.

• Open Communication: Encouraging honest and constructive feedback, proactive problem-solving, and transparent information sharing.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared across teams and disciplines to drive collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's values emphasize safety, integrity, and collaboration, which are foundational for a role managing critical infrastructure. The collaborative style is particularly important within a joint venture context and when working with major clients like Southern Water, where alignment on operational goals is key to GTM success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of AMP8 Programme: Managing the sheer scale and technical complexity of multiple concurrent infrastructure projects within the AMP8 investment cycle.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring consistent design direction and operational requirements across JV partners, Southern Water, and regulatory bodies.

• Technological Integration: Adapting to and integrating new digital tools and methodologies into established design processes to drive efficiency.

• Resource Management: Optimizing the allocation and utilization of design resources across competing project demands.

• Balancing Innovation and Compliance: Developing innovative solutions while strictly adhering to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of water/wastewater engineering, digital design, or asset management.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal and external training designed to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and programme management capabilities.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Support for attending relevant industry events to stay abreast of best practices, new technologies, and network with peers and clients.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Costain or the CMDP+ JV, and to mentor junior members of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are typical for a senior role in a large-scale infrastructure program. The growth opportunities highlight Costain's commitment to employee development, offering pathways for both technical specialization and broader leadership growth within the operations and engineering domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Programme Design Strategy: "How would you approach designing a new wastewater treatment facility to meet projected population growth and stringent environmental regulations for Southern Water over the next decade?" (Focus on phased design, sustainability, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation).

• Operational Integration: "Describe a situation where your design decisions directly impacted the operational performance of an asset. What were the key considerations, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase understanding of the link between design and operational reality).

• Process Improvement: "What methodologies would you employ to identify and implement process improvements within a large design team to enhance efficiency and reduce project timelines?" (Discuss lean principles, data analysis, and change management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• JV Collaboration: "How would you foster effective collaboration and decision-making within a joint venture structure, particularly when there might be differing priorities between partners?" (Emphasize communication, shared goals, and conflict resolution).

• Costain Values: "How do you see your approach to design and team leadership aligning with Costain's core values of Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Client Focus?" (Research the values and provide specific examples).

• Southern Water Partnership: "What do you consider the key success factors for a design partner working with a major utility client like Southern Water on a long-term programme like AMP8?" (Focus on understanding client needs, reliability, trust, and operational focus).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives, highlighting the problem, your solution, the execution, and the impactful results.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, flowcharts, and relevant images to illustrate complex designs and processes.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify achievements wherever possible – e.g., reduction in design time, cost savings, improved operational efficiency, enhanced safety compliance.

• Connect to Role: Explicitly link your experience and achievements to the requirements of the Programme Design Manager role and the strategic objectives of Southern Water's AMP8 programme.

📝 Enhancement Note: This interview preparation advice is designed to help candidates demonstrate not only technical expertise but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a strong understanding of the operational context and client needs, which are crucial for success in this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned engineering position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Costain careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any accompanying documents to highlight your experience in programme design management, infrastructure projects, and leadership within the utilities or heavy construction sectors.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results, emphasizing skills relevant to engineering leadership, project execution, and operational impact.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review potential interview questions, especially those related to technical challenges, programme management, leadership, and collaboration. Prepare specific examples from your experience to illustrate your capabilities.

• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of Costain's history, values, current projects (especially the CMDP+ JV and Southern Water partnership), and the broader context of the UK utilities infrastructure market.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. While every effort has been made to provide a comprehensive overview, candidates should verify all details directly with Costain Group during the application and interview process.