Project Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Design Manager Company: Anglian Water Services (@one Alliance) Location: Thorpe Wood House, Peterborough, England, United Kingdom Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Infrastructure Design Management / Project Management Date Posted: 2025-11-14 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and technical direction for critical clean water and water recycling infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with Anglian Water's capital investment program.
• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a culture of innovation, sustainability, and digital excellence in project delivery.
• Develop comprehensive Engineering Project Plans, meticulously managing scope, programme, cost, risk, and resource allocation to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Drive the integration of digital design methodologies, including 3D modeling and BIM, to enhance design efficiency, accuracy, and lifecycle value.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Project Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly indicate a strong focus on managing the design phase of infrastructure projects. This role sits at the intersection of project management and technical design leadership, requiring a candidate who can bridge both worlds. The emphasis on the @one Alliance signifies a collaborative, multi-company delivery model, which is crucial for understanding team dynamics and stakeholder management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and technical execution of clean water and water recycling projects, encompassing both infrastructure (pipelines, pumping stations) and non-infrastructure (treatment, storage) schemes.
• Formulate robust Engineering Project Plans, detailing design scope, timelines, budget constraints, risk assessments, and resource requirements.
• Collaborate closely with engineering discipline leads to establish design methodologies, enforce technical standards, and ensure seamless integration across civil, mechanical, electrical, and process engineering disciplines.
• Champion the adoption of digital design tools and processes, actively promoting the transition to fully attributed 3D and BIM-enabled models for enhanced project visualization and data management.
• Integrate sustainable design principles, including low-carbon strategies, nature-based solutions, and whole-life value assessments, into all project designs to meet environmental objectives.
• Effectively engage with external suppliers, alliance partners, and stakeholders to review, integrate, and manage third-party design inputs, ensuring project coherence.
• Ensure strict adherence to CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations and all health & safety requirements, producing high-quality design outputs that meet end-user operational needs and regulatory compliance.
• Provide exceptional leadership to project design teams, focusing on mentoring, professional development, and inspiring individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to project success.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with project managers, environmental and planning specialists, procurement teams, and construction crews to ensure efficient and cost-effective project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong leadership in a complex, collaborative environment (the @one Alliance). The emphasis on "right-first-time engineering outputs" and "value-driven designs" indicates a focus on quality and efficiency, core tenets of operations management within infrastructure development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in engineering or an equivalent qualification is required.
• Chartered Engineer status or demonstrable progress towards achieving it is highly preferred.

Experience:

• Significant design management experience, with a strong preference for candidates with a background in the water or environmental infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing multidisciplinary engineering teams to achieve high-quality, sustainable design outcomes.
• Technical understanding of clean water or water recycling systems, including pipelines, treatment processes, and associated infrastructure.
• Proven experience working within a Design & Build or collaborative project delivery environment, understanding the complexities and interdependencies.

Required Skills:

• Project Design Management: Ability to oversee the entire design lifecycle from concept to delivery, ensuring technical integrity and project objectives are met.
• Engineering Leadership: Proven capability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Technical Acumen (Water/Wastewater): Solid understanding of clean water or water recycling systems, including infrastructure and treatment processes.
• Digital Design & BIM: Proficiency or strong understanding of 3D modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles and their application in infrastructure projects.
• Sustainability Integration: Commitment to embedding low-carbon strategies, nature-based solutions, and whole-life value into design processes.
• CDM & Health & Safety: In-depth knowledge of CDM regulations and a robust commitment to health and safety best practices in design.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to articulate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Risk Management: Skill in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
• Experience in collaborative delivery models like NEC or similar.
• Knowledge of specific Anglian Water operational requirements or standards.
• Familiarity with specific software used for digital design and BIM (e.g., Autodesk suite, Bentley Systems).
• Experience with value engineering and cost optimization within design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a degree in engineering and preference for chartered status suggests this role demands a strong technical foundation. The emphasis on "multidisciplinary" teams and "design integration" points towards the need for excellent coordination and communication skills, vital for operations professionals in complex projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully managing the design phase of significant infrastructure projects, highlighting complexity and scale.
• Showcase examples of Engineering Project Plans, illustrating your approach to scope definition, scheduling, cost estimation, risk assessment, and resource allocation.
• Provide evidence of integrating digital design tools (3D, BIM) into project workflows and explain the impact on design quality and efficiency.
• Present case studies that exemplify the successful embedding of sustainability principles (e.g., low carbon, nature-based solutions) into engineering designs.
• Include examples of how you have ensured adherence to health & safety regulations (e.g., CDM) within design documentation and processes.

Process Documentation:

• Exhibit experience in developing and documenting design processes, workflows, and standard operating procedures for engineering teams.
• Showcase examples of how design processes were optimized for efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Detail your approach to managing design reviews, quality assurance, and ensuring design outputs meet defined technical standards and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Project Design Manager role, a portfolio is essential to showcase practical application of skills. The focus should be on demonstrating process ownership, risk mitigation, and the successful delivery of technical outputs, mirroring the core responsibilities of operations roles in ensuring efficient and effective execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Project Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the UK infrastructure sector, especially within utilities and collaborative alliances, a competitive salary range can be estimated between £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the technical complexity, leadership responsibilities, and the collaborative nature of the @one Alliance.
• Specific compensation will be determined by Anglian Water Services based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's specific requirements.

Benefits:

• Pension Scheme: Generous company pension scheme, contributing to long-term financial security.
• Annual Leave: Competitive annual leave allowance, with potential for additional days based on service.
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs, including access to occupational health services and mental health support.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous professional development, including training, certifications, and support for chartered status.
• Life Assurance: Company-paid life assurance benefit.
• Discounts & Perks: Access to various employee discounts and benefits through partner programs.
• Flexible Working: While the role is primarily on-site, Anglian Water often provides a degree of flexibility to support work-life balance where operationally feasible.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, reflecting a full-time commitment.
• While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and project needs, to accommodate operational workflows and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on UK market rates for similar roles in the utilities and infrastructure sectors, considering the specified experience level and the collaborative alliance structure. Benefits are typical for large UK organizations and are framed to appeal to professionals seeking stability and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water and Environmental Infrastructure Services. Anglian Water Services is a major UK utility provider, and the @one Alliance is a significant partnership focused on delivering capital investment programs for water and wastewater infrastructure. This industry is heavily regulated and focuses on public service, environmental protection, and long-term asset management. Company Size: Anglian Water Services is a large organization, and the @one Alliance comprises eight significant companies, indicating a very large collective workforce and extensive operational reach. This scale implies complex processes, robust governance, and a wide array of specialized roles. Founded: Anglian Water traces its origins back to the privatization of the water industry in the UK in 1989, though its constituent parts have much longer histories. The @one Alliance is a more recent construct, formed to deliver specific investment periods (like AMP8), highlighting a strategic approach to collaborative delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Project Design Manager will lead a multidisciplinary design team, which may include civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, process engineers, BIM specialists, and CAD technicians, potentially drawn from various @one Alliance partner companies.
• Reporting will likely be to a senior design manager, programme manager, or head of design within the @one Alliance structure, with close collaboration with project managers, construction leads, and client representatives from Anglian Water.
• Cross-functional collaboration is central to the @one Alliance model, requiring seamless interaction with procurement, environmental, planning, and construction teams to ensure integrated project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are informed by data analysis, including demand forecasting, asset performance data, and environmental monitoring, to ensure designs are optimized for current and future needs.
• Integrated Project Delivery: The @one Alliance model emphasizes close collaboration and shared objectives among all partners, promoting efficient workflow planning and continuous improvement through shared learning.
• Digital Transformation: A key focus is on leveraging digital tools, BIM, and data analytics to drive efficiency, enhance design accuracy, improve communication, and support sustainable outcomes throughout the project lifecycle.

Company Website: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/ and https://www.theonealliance.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The @one Alliance structure is a critical differentiator. It implies a complex stakeholder environment and a need for strong relationship management and process alignment across multiple corporate entities. Understanding this collaborative, integrated delivery model is key for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the infrastructure design and project management domain. It requires a solid engineering foundation combined with proven leadership and management capabilities. The scope of responsibility for leading design teams and influencing project direction positions it as a key role in the technical delivery pipeline. Reporting Structure: The Project Design Manager will typically report to a Design Manager or Programme Manager within the @one Alliance structure. They will also have direct reports within their multidisciplinary design team. Close collaboration with Project Managers from Anglian Water and construction teams is a vital part of the role's ecosystem. Operations Impact: The Project Design Manager's impact is significant, directly influencing the technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term performance of critical water and wastewater infrastructure. High-quality, efficient designs are fundamental to achieving Anglian Water's investment objectives, meeting regulatory requirements, and ensuring the resilience of essential services for millions of people.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design/Technical Leadership: Progression to Senior Design Manager or Technical Director roles, overseeing larger, more complex programmes or specialized technical areas within the @one Alliance.
• Programme Management: Transition into full Programme Management roles, taking broader responsibility for the delivery of multiple interconnected projects and capital investment portfolios.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as digital design, sustainable infrastructure, or particular treatment technologies, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.
• Alliance Leadership: Opportunities to take on leadership roles within the alliance governance or strategic planning functions, influencing the future direction of the partnership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the career trajectory from Project Design Manager to senior leadership positions is crucial for ambitious operations professionals. The emphasis on "shaping the future of water design and infrastructure" suggests a forward-thinking organization that invests in talent development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Thorpe Wood House in Peterborough, which serves as a key operational hub for Anglian Water and the @one Alliance. This suggests a professional office environment designed for collaboration, project planning, and technical oversight. Office Location(s): The primary location is Thorpe Wood House, Peterborough. However, given the nature of infrastructure projects, there may be occasional requirements to visit project sites, other alliance partner offices, or stakeholder locations across the Anglian Water region. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a dynamic office environment supporting collaborative team sessions, design reviews, and individual focused work. Proximity to project managers and other key delivery functions will facilitate efficient communication.
• Access to necessary design software, BIM platforms, and communication tools will be provided to support the digital aspects of the role.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse group of engineering professionals, project managers, and client representatives will be frequent, fostering a rich learning and collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, typically 40 hours per week.
• The emphasis on "on-site" work is strong, reflecting the need for direct team management and collaboration. However, within the operational framework of a progressive organization, there may be scope for some flexibility in daily hours, provided project demands and team coordination are maintained. This flexibility is crucial for operations roles that require deep focus and consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is a key detail. While some flexibility might exist, candidates should expect a primary presence in the Peterborough office to effectively manage teams and collaborate within the alliance structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, focusing on your engineering qualifications, design management experience, and familiarity with infrastructure projects.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion about your experience, leadership style, technical expertise in water/wastewater design, and understanding of collaborative delivery models. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your role in them.
• Technical/Case Study Assessment: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio showcasing a complex design challenge you managed, your problem-solving approach, and the outcomes achieved. This will assess your technical depth, process management, and ability to articulate design decisions and their impact.
• Panel Interview: A final interview with a panel, potentially including senior leaders from Anglian Water and other @one Alliance partners, to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with the alliance's values and objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong examples that best represent your capabilities in design management, multidisciplinary team leadership, and infrastructure project delivery. Prioritize projects within the water/wastewater or similar utility sectors.
• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenges, your specific contributions, the design solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, improved sustainability metrics, risk reduction).
• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to developing Engineering Project Plans, managing design reviews, integrating digital tools (BIM/3D), and ensuring CDM compliance. Explain the processes you established or improved.
• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you effectively collaborated with various disciplines, project managers, and external stakeholders to achieve design objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge, such as optimizing a treatment process for a new environmental standard or managing conflicting design requirements from different stakeholders.
• Leadership & Team Management: Prepare examples of how you have motivated teams, resolved conflicts, and developed individuals' skills within a design context.
• Sustainability & Digitalisation: Anticipate questions about how you integrate sustainability and digital innovation (BIM, 3D) into design processes and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and case studies is significant. Operations candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to structure complex information, present data effectively, and articulate the "how" and "why" behind their process improvements and project successes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) for 2D design and drafting.
• BIM Software: Experience with BIM authoring tools (e.g., Revit, Bentley MicroStation) and BIM collaboration platforms (e.g., Navisworks, Common Data Environments like ProjectWise or ACC) for 3D modeling and federated model management.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project scheduling and management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) for developing and tracking Engineering Project Plans.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not directly responsible for deep data analysis, an understanding of how design data feeds into broader analytics for performance and cost tracking is beneficial.
• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports from design and project management software to communicate progress, risks, and key design decisions to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Not Directly Applicable: While CRM is not a primary tool for this design-focused role, understanding how design specifications integrate with procurement and construction workflows is important. Automation might refer to design automation scripts or workflows within BIM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of BIM and 3D modeling is critical. Operations professionals in this space need to demonstrate not just familiarity but a strategic understanding of how these technologies improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance project outcomes. The ability to manage data generated by these systems is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value, with a commitment to "Being Safer Every Day" through proactive measures and a strong safety culture. This translates to rigorous adherence to safety standards in design.
• Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship: A core principle, driving the integration of low-carbon solutions, nature-based approaches, and whole-life value considerations into all projects.
• Innovation & Digitalisation: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies and methodologies, particularly in digital design (BIM, 3D) and innovative construction techniques, to drive efficiency and performance.
• Collaboration & Partnership: The @one Alliance model inherently promotes a culture of working together, building trust, and sharing knowledge across multiple organizations to achieve common goals.
• Customer Focus: Ensuring designs meet the needs of end-users and operational teams, contributing to the delivery of reliable and affordable water services.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated and Cross-Functional: The alliance structure necessitates a highly integrated and collaborative approach, breaking down traditional silos between design, procurement, and construction.
• Open Communication: A culture that values transparent and frequent communication, with regular meetings, shared platforms, and a willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback.
• Problem-Solving Orientation: A collective focus on identifying challenges early and working together to find effective, efficient solutions through shared expertise and diverse perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and aligning with these values is crucial. For an operations professional, demonstrating how you embody these principles in your daily work—especially in collaboration, process improvement, and safety—will be key to a successful application.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multidisciplinary Complexity: Coordinating diverse engineering disciplines, each with its own standards and priorities, to achieve a cohesive and optimal design.
• Integrating Digital Tools: Driving the adoption and effective use of advanced digital design technologies (BIM, 3D) across teams that may have varying levels of proficiency.
• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Implementing innovative solutions while ensuring strict compliance with CDM regulations, environmental standards, and Anglian Water's operational requirements.
• Alliance Dynamics: Navigating the complexities of working within a multi-company alliance, ensuring alignment, trust, and efficient knowledge transfer between partner organizations.
• Delivering Value: Constantly seeking opportunities to optimize designs for cost-effectiveness, whole-life value, and sustainability without compromising quality or safety.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Digital Design Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in BIM, parametric design, and other cutting-edge digital tools.
• Sustainability Certifications: Support for obtaining certifications or further training in sustainable design practices, low-carbon engineering, and circular economy principles.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to leadership and management training tailored for complex project environments and collaborative alliances.
• Industry Exposure: Engagement with industry forums, conferences, and working groups related to water infrastructure, digital engineering, and project delivery best practices.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Anglian Water or the @one Alliance, and to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying these challenges and framing them as opportunities for growth demonstrates foresight and problem-solving capabilities, which are highly valued in operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multidisciplinary design team through a complex infrastructure project. What were the key challenges and how did you ensure successful integration and delivery?" (Focus on your leadership, process management, and problem-solving)
• "How have you incorporated digital design tools like BIM or 3D modeling into your design management process? What were the benefits and any challenges encountered?" (Highlight your understanding of technology's impact on operations and efficiency)
• "Discuss your approach to embedding sustainability and low-carbon design principles into project execution. Can you provide an example?" (Showcase your commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative operational practices)
• "How do you ensure compliance with CDM regulations and health & safety standards within a design team? Describe your process." (Emphasize your commitment to operational safety and regulatory adherence)
• "What is your experience working within collaborative alliance models like the @one Alliance? How do you foster trust and effective communication across different partner organizations?" (Demonstrate your ability to navigate complex operational structures and stakeholder relationships)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Anglian Water's @one Alliance and AMP8 investment programme?" (Show your research and understanding of the business context)
• "How do you align with Anglian Water's core values, particularly 'Being Safer Every Day' and 'Always Exploring'?" (Connect your personal values and work ethic to the company's culture)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive collaborative culture." (Assess your fit within their team dynamics and operations philosophy)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Clearly: For each case study, follow a logical flow: Project Context -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Challenges Faced -> Design Process & Solutions -> Key Decisions & Rationale -> Outcomes & Impact (quantified where possible).
• Focus on Process: Emphasize the operational processes you managed or improved (e.g., design review cycles, risk management protocols, stakeholder engagement workflows, digital tool integration).
• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate success, such as percentage reduction in design errors, cost savings achieved through value engineering, improvements in project timelines, or specific environmental benefits realized from design choices.
• Visual Aids: If possible, use visual aids (e.g., simplified diagrams of workflows, screenshots of BIM models if permitted) to enhance understanding. Ensure any proprietary information is handled appropriately.
• Connect to Role: Explicitly link the lessons learned and achievements from your portfolio examples to the requirements of the Project Design Manager role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing to articulate your operational processes, demonstrate data-driven decision-making, and showcase your ability to manage complex workflows are key to excelling in interviews for operations-focused roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Anglian Water Services careers portal via the provided URL.
• Curate a targeted CV: Ensure your CV highlights your engineering qualifications, extensive design management experience, leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and specific experience in the water/environmental infrastructure sectors. Use keywords from the job description, such as "design management," "BIM," "CDM," "sustainability," and "collaborative delivery."
• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects. For each, prepare a concise summary that details the project scope, your specific responsibilities, the design challenges, the processes you implemented or managed, the solutions developed, and the quantifiable outcomes. Focus on demonstrating your operational approach to design delivery.
• Research Anglian Water and the @one Alliance: Understand their strategic goals, current projects (especially related to AMP8), and core values. Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience align with their mission and operational philosophy.
• Practice your presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear communication, logical structure, and the ability to answer questions about your process and decision-making.

⚠️ 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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