Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Costain Group

Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design Management & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-21T12:02:53

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design delivery for strategic water infrastructure projects within the Northumbrian Water AMP8 Framework, ensuring alignment with project objectives and regulatory standards.

• Drive the development and implementation of carbon-efficient design solutions, integrating sustainability principles throughout the project lifecycle.

• Oversee and manage design procurement, control, and quality assurance processes to guarantee high-quality outputs and adherence to ISO 19650 BIM standards.

• Foster collaborative relationships with internal teams, design partners, and client stakeholders to achieve project success and optimize operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within an enterprise framework, suggesting a long-term, strategic engagement focused on continuous infrastructure upgrades. The emphasis on "production thinking" and "carbon efficient design" points towards a need for innovative, sustainable, and measurable design processes, aligning with modern GTM operations and asset optimization strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end design lifecycle for water projects, from conceptualization through to detailed design and handover, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.

• Develop and implement robust design management plans, including risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and quality control frameworks.

• Coordinate and liaise with multidisciplinary engineering teams (Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, Civils) and external consultants to ensure integrated and cohesive design solutions.

• Champion the adoption of BIM standards (ISO 19650) throughout the design process, ensuring data integrity, collaboration, and efficient information management.

• Review and approve design submissions, ensuring compliance with client specifications, industry best practices, and relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.

• Facilitate constructability reviews and value engineering workshops to optimize design for cost, performance, and sustainability.

• Manage design procurement activities, including tender evaluation and contractor selection for design services.

• Ensure a thorough understanding and application of the NEC4 suite of contracts in all design-related agreements and processes.

• Proactively identify and implement opportunities for design innovation and process improvement to enhance project delivery efficiency and carbon reduction.

• Maintain strong relationships with Northumbrian Water stakeholders, providing regular updates on design progress, risks, and opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for "design procurement" and "design control" indicates a significant operational oversight role that goes beyond pure design, involving contract management and vendor performance monitoring, which are core to GTM and RevOps functions in managing external service providers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, preferably within the water sector or related infrastructure projects.

• Proven track record in delivering complex capital projects, with a strong understanding of the full project lifecycle from inception to completion.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in planning, executing, and controlling design processes for large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Water Sector Knowledge: In-depth understanding of water infrastructure design principles, challenges, and regulatory requirements.

• BIM Proficiency: Strong knowledge and application of BIM to ISO 19650 standards for collaborative design and information management.

• NEC4 Contractual Understanding: Working knowledge of the NEC4 suite of contracts, particularly as they relate to design services and project delivery.

• Quality Assurance: Experience in implementing and managing quality assurance systems within design and engineering processes.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with clients, design partners, and internal teams.

• Carbon Efficient Design: Ability to integrate and drive sustainable, low-carbon design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer status (e.g., CEng MICE, CEng MIMechE, CEng MIET).

• Experience with project management methodologies beyond NEC4.

• Familiarity with advanced analytics and reporting tools for design performance tracking.

• Experience in leading and mentoring junior design engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "BIM to ISO 19650" and "NEC4 suite of contracts" are critical keywords for operations professionals, indicating a need for structured, process-driven individuals adept at managing complex project frameworks and digital information standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex design processes, showcasing workflow optimization and successful project delivery.

• Case studies detailing the successful implementation of carbon-efficient design solutions, with quantifiable environmental benefits.

• Examples of design control and quality assurance frameworks implemented, highlighting process improvements and defect reduction.

• Documentation showcasing proficiency in BIM (ISO 19650) workflows, including information management strategies and collaborative platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed examples of design management plans, outlining scope, timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.

• Workflows demonstrating the integration of design, procurement, and construction phases, emphasizing efficiency gains.

• Documentation of quality assurance procedures and performance metrics used to track design quality and compliance.

• Case studies on the application of BIM for clash detection, model coordination, and digital handover processes.

• Examples of how design processes were adapted to meet specific client requirements or contractual obligations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, demonstrating not just design capability but also a rigorous approach to process management, quality control, and project delivery efficiency, directly aligning with the core competencies of operations professionals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Senior Design Manager title, 5-10 years of experience, and the location in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, the estimated salary range is £60,000 - £80,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK infrastructure and engineering sector, considering the specific requirements for BIM, NEC4 contracts, and water sector expertise. Regional cost of living and demand for specialized skills have been factored into this estimation.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working model, offering flexibility between office, client sites, and home.

• Membership in the Costain "Living Water Enterprise" with Northumbrian Water, providing stability and long-term project engagement.

• Contribution to leading edge, smart infrastructure solutions across key UK markets.

• Potential for professional development and advanced training in areas like digital optimization and asset management.

• Disability Confident Employer status, ensuring a commitment to inclusive recruitment and support.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility in scheduling, provided project deadlines and collaborative needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from aggregated data for Senior Design Managers in the UK, specifically within the engineering and construction sectors, with adjustments for the mentioned experience level and location. The hybrid model is a significant benefit for operations professionals balancing project demands with personal work preferences.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure, Utilities (Water), Construction, Engineering Consultancy. Costain Group operates within critical national infrastructure sectors, focusing on energy, water, transportation, and defense. Their work involves large-scale, complex projects aimed at improving capacity, resilience, and efficiency for their clients.

Company Size: Costain Group is a large, established company, typically employing several thousand people globally. This size suggests a structured corporate environment with established processes, a wide range of internal expertise, and opportunities for career progression within a significant organization.

Founded: Costain was founded in 1865, indicating a long history of experience and evolution within the engineering and construction industry. This longevity points to a stable company with deep institutional knowledge and a proven ability to adapt to changing market demands and technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Principal Design Manager within the "Living Water Enterprise," a joint venture or partnership with Northumbrian Water. This implies a collaborative, integrated team structure focused on a specific client and program.

• The team likely comprises specialists across Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, and Civils disciplines, as well as BIM coordinators, project managers, and site engineers.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Focus on data-driven decision-making for design optimization, performance tracking, and carbon footprint analysis.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on structured design processes, leveraging BIM and project management methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploration and implementation of digital tools and technologies to streamline design workflows, improve collaboration, and manage project information effectively.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Living Water Enterprise" structure signifies a deep partnership with Northumbrian Water, suggesting a culture of co-creation and a shared commitment to long-term infrastructure goals, which is a key aspect for operations professionals to understand in terms of client relationship management and strategic alignment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the design management and operations sphere. It requires not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, project oversight, and stakeholder management capabilities. The scope involves managing complex design processes for significant infrastructure programs, indicating a strategic contribution beyond day-to-day task execution.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager reports to the Principal Design Manager. This hierarchical structure suggests a clear chain of command and opportunities for mentorship from a more senior leader. The role also involves managing or influencing the work of junior design engineers and coordinating with external design partners.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the successful, efficient, and sustainable delivery of water infrastructure projects. By ensuring quality design, managing risks, and optimizing processes, the Senior Design Manager directly contributes to Costain's ability to meet client objectives, enhance asset performance, and achieve carbon reduction targets. This operational excellence is critical for Costain's strategic goals in the water sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in advanced BIM (ISO 19650), NEC4 contract management, and carbon-efficient design methodologies.

• Leadership Development: Potential to progress to Principal Design Manager or other senior leadership roles within the Living Water Enterprise or Costain's broader infrastructure divisions.

• Specialization: Possibility to specialize in specific areas such as digital design transformation, sustainable infrastructure, or advanced project controls.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience in project delivery, client relationship management, and business development within the UK infrastructure market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The clear reporting line and the nature of framework projects suggest a structured path for career progression. Operations professionals seeking to move into leadership roles within major infrastructure projects will find this a valuable stepping stone.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role operates under a hybrid working model. This includes working from a dedicated project office in Newcastle, client offices (Northumbrian Water in Durham), design partner offices, and remotely from home. This blended environment aims to balance collaborative needs with personal flexibility.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Project Office: Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. This provides a base for local team coordination and project administration.

• Client Offices: Northumbrian Water offices in Durham, facilitating direct collaboration and integration with the client's team.

• Design Partner Offices: Potential for site visits or collaborative sessions at the offices of external design consultants.

• Remote Work: Flexibility to work from home, enabling focus on individual tasks and administrative duties.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates strong digital collaboration tools and regular in-person meetings at various locations to maintain team cohesion and project momentum.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, BIM platforms (compliant with ISO 19650), project management tools, and communication platforms will be essential.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of professionals including engineers, project managers, client representatives, and subcontractors, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-rich environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility managed through the hybrid arrangement. The focus will be on achieving project milestones and ensuring effective design delivery, rather than strict adherence to a fixed office-based schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, with multiple physical locations, emphasizes the need for strong organizational skills and proactive communication. Operations professionals adept at managing distributed teams and information flow will thrive here.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, focusing on alignment with key skills, experience in the water sector, and familiarity with BIM/NEC4.

• First Interview: Typically with the Principal Design Manager or a senior HR representative. This stage assesses technical qualifications, relevant experience, and understanding of the role's core responsibilities. Questions may focus on design management methodologies and project delivery challenges.

• Second Interview/Assessment: May involve a technical assessment, a case study presentation, or an interview with a panel including client representatives (Northumbrian Water). This stage will delve deeper into problem-solving skills, collaborative approach, and strategic thinking relevant to carbon-efficient design and project execution.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior Costain executive, focusing on cultural fit, leadership potential, and long-term career aspirations within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process & Impact: Showcase specific examples of design processes you managed, emphasizing improvements in efficiency, quality, or carbon reduction. Quantify results wherever possible.

• Demonstrate BIM & NEC4 Expertise: Include examples of BIM implementation (ISO 19650 compliant) and how you've managed design within NEC4 contracts. Explain your role and contribution clearly.

• Carbon Efficiency Focus: Present case studies where you actively contributed to or led carbon-efficient design solutions, detailing the strategies used and their impact.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Provide examples of successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders, illustrating your communication and negotiation skills.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill area, with clear summaries for each item.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage a complex design challenge, mitigate risks, or resolve conflicts within a multidisciplinary team.

• Carbon Reduction Strategy: Expect questions about how you would approach embedding carbon reduction targets into a design process and measure its effectiveness.

• NEC4 Application: Prepare to discuss your understanding of NEC4 principles and how you would apply them to design management and procurement.

• BIM Implementation: Be ready to explain your approach to implementing and managing BIM workflows according to ISO 19650 for a large infrastructure project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case study suggests that candidates will be evaluated not just on their experience, but on their ability to articulate and demonstrate their operational methodologies and their impact on project outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation) will be expected.

• BIM Platforms: Experience with BIM authoring and collaboration tools (e.g., Autodesk BIM 360/ACC, Navisworks, Synchro) is critical for ISO 19650 compliance.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with tools for analyzing project data, performance metrics, and design progress (e.g., Excel advanced functions, Power BI, Tableau).

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise reports on design status, risks, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for various stakeholders.

• Carbon Footprint Calculators: Familiarity with tools or methodologies used to calculate and track the carbon footprint of designs.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Client Relationship Management): While not a primary sales role, understanding CRM principles for managing client communications and project stakeholder engagement may be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Experience with or an understanding of how workflow automation can streamline design processes, information sharing, and approvals.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different software platforms (e.g., BIM, project management, ERP) can be integrated to ensure seamless data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of BIM to ISO 19650 and NEC4 contracts highlights the need for candidates with strong digital process management skills and contractual awareness, crucial for efficient operations in large-scale projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the infrastructure sector, expecting all team members to prioritize health and safety in all design and operational decisions.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding high standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all dealings with clients, partners, and colleagues.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where open communication, mutual support, and shared problem-solving are encouraged across multidisciplinary teams.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Driving a culture that embraces new ideas, challenges existing processes, and seeks opportunities for efficiency and sustainability enhancements.

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of clients like Northumbrian Water, delivering value and quality throughout the project lifecycle.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Working closely with client teams (Northumbrian Water) and design partners in a unified manner to achieve common goals.

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly connecting design efforts with procurement, construction, and asset management functions to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback and open dialogue among team members to identify areas for improvement in processes and design outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across the team and wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on integrated partnerships and cross-functional collaboration within the "Living Water Enterprise" suggests a culture that values unified effort and shared responsibility, crucial for effective GTM and operations alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Demands: Balancing the varied requirements and expectations of Northumbrian Water, design partners, and internal Costain teams.

• Driving Carbon Efficiency in Legacy Systems: Integrating modern, carbon-efficient design principles into existing infrastructure frameworks and potentially older assets.

• Navigating Contractual Nuances: Ensuring meticulous adherence to the NEC4 contract suite while managing design delivery and procurement.

• Digital Transformation Adoption: Encouraging and managing the adoption of BIM (ISO 19650) and other digital tools across all project stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Digital Construction: Opportunities to deepen expertise in cutting-edge BIM applications, digital twins, and related technologies.

• Sustainability & Decarbonization: Training and development in advanced sustainable design practices and carbon accounting for infrastructure projects.

• Contract Management: Further development in managing complex contracts like NEC4, potentially leading to recognized certifications.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Access to Costain's leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities to hone management and strategic planning skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for operations professionals to hone their skills in areas critical to modern infrastructure development, particularly in sustainability and digital integration, while managing complex contractual frameworks.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed the design delivery of a large-scale infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and outcomes.)

• "How would you approach embedding carbon-efficient design principles into a project that has established technical specifications?" (Assess your strategic thinking on sustainability integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Costain's vision and values, particularly in relation to smart infrastructure and sustainability?" (Showcase research and alignment with company mission.)

• "How would you foster collaboration between diverse teams (client, design partners, internal) in a hybrid working environment?" (Assess your team-building and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each portfolio item, clearly state the project scope, your role, the specific processes you managed, and the quantifiable results (e.g., % reduction in carbon, % improvement in efficiency, reduction in defects).

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to highlight a challenge, your approach (detailing the operational processes and tools used), and the successful outcome.

• Focus on Operations: Emphasize your role in process optimization, quality control, risk management, and stakeholder coordination rather than just technical design details.

• BIM/NEC4 Integration: Explicitly demonstrate how you leveraged BIM (ISO 19650) and navigated NEC4 contracts within your portfolio examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating operational methodologies, demonstrating a deep understanding of key frameworks like BIM and NEC4, and showcasing the tangible impact of your design management skills on project success and client objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Tailor your CV and cover letter: Highlight experience relevant to water infrastructure, design management, BIM (ISO 19650), and NEC4 contracts. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in design delivery, carbon-efficient design, quality assurance, and stakeholder management. Be ready to discuss your specific contributions and the operational processes you implemented.

• Research Costain Group: Understand their company values, recent projects (especially in the water sector), and their vision for smart infrastructure. Familiarize yourself with the "Living Water Enterprise" initiative.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare to answer strategic, technical, and behavioral questions, focusing on how you apply operational principles to achieve project success. Be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

⚠️ 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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