Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager
Company: Costain Group
Location: Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full time
Category: Engineering Management / Infrastructure Delivery
Date Posted: 2026-02-12
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the delivery of complex engineering solutions at a program level within the water infrastructure sector, focusing on the AMP8 Capital Programme.
• Drive the entire engineering lifecycle from initial concept and optioneering through to detailed design and crucial construction support.
• Manage and mentor multi-disciplinary design teams, ensuring alignment with program objectives for time, cost, and quality.
• Foster a collaborative environment within a joint venture (CMDP+) and with key stakeholders like Southern Water.
• Contribute to Costain's vision of being the UK's leading smart infrastructure solutions company by delivering critical upgrades to water and wastewater assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Senior Design Manager," the context provided by the description (AMP8 Capital Programme, Southern Water, Water and Wastewater delivery, joint venture with MWH Treatment) strongly indicates a role focused on infrastructure engineering project management, specifically within the utilities sector. The role requires a blend of technical design oversight and project leadership, aligning it with the broader "Engineering Management / Infrastructure Delivery" category. The emphasis on "program level" delivery suggests a strategic oversight role rather than a purely technical design function, necessitating strong leadership and strategic planning skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the complete engineering design process for the AMP8 Capital Programme, ensuring all project phases are integrated and aligned.
• Lead the initial definition of project needs, conducting thorough optioneering to identify the most viable and efficient engineering solutions.
• Develop and refine engineering solutions, ensuring they meet technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and program objectives.
• Provide comprehensive technical support and oversight during the construction phase, collaborating closely with site teams to resolve design-related challenges.
• Manage and develop multi-disciplinary design teams, fostering a culture of high performance, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Implement robust risk management and scope management strategies to ensure project predictability and mitigate potential issues.
• Ensure adherence to Costain's quality standards, safety protocols, and sustainability objectives throughout the design and delivery process.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the CMDP+ joint venture partners, Southern Water, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the strategic development and planning of future capital programs, leveraging lessons learned from current projects.
• Champion the use of digital technologies and innovative design approaches to enhance efficiency and deliver smart infrastructure solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been expanded to reflect the strategic and leadership aspects inherent in a "Senior" role managing a "Programme" level of engineering delivery. This includes emphasizing lifecycle management, team leadership, stakeholder collaboration within a joint venture context, and the strategic contribution to Costain's overall goals. The responsibilities are framed using operations-relevant keywords such as "engineering solutions delivery," "optioneering," "solution development," "detail design," "construction support," "risk management," and "scope management."

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering-related discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering).
• Professional Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in engineering project delivery, with a significant portion focused on design management.
• Proven track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects within a design-build environment.
• Specific experience within the Water Treatment Industry (Water and Wastewater) is essential.
• Experience working within a joint venture or complex contractual framework is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience with program-level delivery and managing multiple concurrent projects is a strong plus.

Required Skills:

• Engineering Solutions Delivery: Ability to translate program needs into tangible, effective engineering solutions.
• Optioneering & Solution Development: Expertise in evaluating and selecting optimal technical approaches.
• Detail Design Oversight: Capability to guide and review detailed design documentation.
• Construction Support: Strong understanding of construction methodologies and providing design support on-site.
• Technical Project Management: Proficiency in managing project timelines, budgets, and technical scope.
• Risk & Scope Management: Skill in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks and managing scope creep.
• Team Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate engineering teams.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams, JV partners, and clients.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with offsite manufactured design and modular construction techniques.
• Familiarity with digital design tools and Building Information Modelling (BIM) at a program level.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance within the UK water sector.
• Experience in strategic consultancy or advisory services related to infrastructure investment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been detailed to align with a Senior Design Manager role in a regulated industry like water infrastructure. Specific emphasis is placed on experience within the "Water Treatment Industry" and "design-build environments," which are critical for this position. The inclusion of "Chartered Engineer" as desirable and the distinction between required and preferred skills provides a clearer picture of the ideal candidate profile. The skills list has been populated with keywords directly derived from the job description and inferred from the role's scope, such as "Optioneering," "Solution Development," and "Construction Support."

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Program-Level Design Delivery: Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies showcasing their experience in managing engineering design across multiple projects within a larger program. This should highlight the challenges, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved.
• Demonstration of Optioneering Process: Provide examples of how you have led or contributed to optioneering processes, including the criteria used for evaluation and the decision-making framework.
• Examples of Risk & Scope Management: Showcase instances where you effectively managed design-related risks and scope changes within complex projects, including documentation of mitigation strategies.
• Evidence of Team Leadership & Development: Include examples of how you have mentored, developed, and led multi-disciplinary design teams to achieve project goals and foster professional growth.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Present examples of established design workflows, illustrating how you have optimized processes for efficiency, quality, and constructability within the water sector.
• Implementation and Automation: Showcase experience with implementing new design processes or technologies, potentially including automation techniques or digital tools, to improve project delivery.
• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you have tracked and analyzed design performance metrics, such as design completion rates, RFI turnaround times, and constructability feedback, to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a Senior role in infrastructure delivery, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management principles is expected. The requirements are framed around showcasing leadership in process, risk, and team management, with a specific focus on the lifecycle stages mentioned in the responsibilities. The emphasis on "program-level" and "optioneering" is crucial for portfolio content.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• £70,000 - £90,000 per annum (Estimated)
• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Manager roles in the UK engineering and construction sector, particularly within utilities and major capital programs. Factors considered include the required experience level (5-10 years), the strategic importance of the role (AMP8 Capital Programme), the hybrid work arrangement, and the specific location (Brighton, East Sussex). The salary range reflects the blend of technical expertise, leadership, and program management responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Model: 2-3 days per week in the Testwood office, offering a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive company pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Life Assurance: Generous life assurance cover.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and professional development, including support for Chartered Engineer status.
• Annual Leave: Competitive annual leave entitlement.
• Health & Wellbeing Programs: Access to employee assistance programs and wellbeing initiatives.
• Performance Bonus: Potential for performance-related bonuses.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.
• The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in scheduling, balancing office-based collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on UK market data for similar senior engineering management roles in infrastructure. The benefits list is a standard offering for large UK construction/engineering firms, tailored to include elements relevant to a hybrid role and professional development. The working hours are specified as standard, with an acknowledgment of hybrid flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Solutions, Utilities (Water), Construction, Engineering. Costain operates within critical UK sectors, focusing on energy, water, transportation, and defence. Their mission is to improve people's lives through integrated, smart infrastructure solutions. Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 5,000 employees globally). This size indicates a structured organization with established processes, diverse career paths, and significant project portfolios. Founded: 1865. Costain has a long-standing history, suggesting a stable company with deep expertise and a strong reputation in the industry.

Team Structure:

• Joint Venture (CMDP+): The role operates within a joint venture between Costain and MWH Treatment, requiring collaboration and integration across two organizations.
• Program-Specific Teams: Design and delivery teams are structured around specific capital programs, such as the AMP8 framework for Southern Water.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with commercial, project management, site delivery, and client teams (Southern Water).
• Reporting: Likely reports to a Program Director or Head of Design, with direct management responsibility for a team of design engineers and managers.

Methodology:

• Integrated Project Delivery: Costain emphasizes integrated solutions covering the entire asset lifecycle, from strategic consultancy to complex program delivery.
• Digital Optimization: A strong focus on leveraging digital technologies for efficiency and smart solutions.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data for performance analysis and strategic planning.
• Safety & Sustainability: Core values integrated into all project methodologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context has been enriched with details about Costain's history, industry position, and operational methodology, framing the role within the broader organizational strategy. The team structure highlights the unique joint venture aspect and the cross-functional nature of infrastructure project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into senior engineering leadership. It moves beyond managing individual projects to overseeing design strategy and delivery for an entire capital program. It requires a blend of deep technical understanding and strong strategic management capabilities. Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a senior program leader (e.g., Program Director) and will manage a team of design engineers and potentially other design managers. The role involves reporting progress, risks, and strategic insights to both the joint venture leadership and the client (Southern Water). Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on the successful delivery of Southern Water's AMP8 Capital Programme. Their leadership in design directly influences project timelines, cost-effectiveness, technical quality, safety, and ultimately, the operational performance and resilience of critical water and wastewater infrastructure. Effective design management contributes to Costain's reputation and future business opportunities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Program Directorship: Progression to Program Director or similar roles, with responsibility for larger, more complex capital programs.
• Head of Design/Engineering: Advancement into leadership positions overseeing design functions across multiple programs or business units.
• Specialized Technical Leadership: Deepening expertise in specific areas like advanced water treatment technologies or digital infrastructure solutions.
• Commercial/JV Leadership: Opportunities to move into roles with broader commercial or joint venture management responsibilities.
• Client-Side Engagement: Potential to move into roles with more direct client advisory or strategic partnership responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section analyzes the career trajectory and impact of the Senior Design Manager role, positioning it within Costain's strategic framework. Growth opportunities are mapped out, considering typical career progression in large infrastructure firms. The "Operations Impact" is specifically tied to the company's mission and the importance of infrastructure delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Testwood, with a hybrid working arrangement requiring 2-3 days per week in the office. This suggests a professional office environment conducive to collaboration, team meetings, and focused work. Office Location(s): Testwood, Southampton (primary office for hybrid work). Occasional travel to other sites may be required, indicating potential for site visits to operational facilities or other project locations within the Southern Water region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a central point for team collaboration, design reviews, and stakeholder engagement, particularly important for the joint venture structure.
• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to necessary design software, communication tools, and potentially BIM platforms to support design activities.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with fellow design managers, engineers, project managers, and potentially client representatives.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour week, with the hybrid model offering flexibility in how these hours are structured between office and remote work. The nature of program delivery may require occasional flexibility to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to the "hybrid" nature of the role and the specific location mentioned, providing an operational context for where the work will be performed and the expected interaction levels.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications and CVs against essential criteria.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on technical expertise, leadership experience, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss your approach to design management, team leadership, and problem-solving.
• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve a panel of senior engineers, project managers, or JV representatives. Expect questions related to your experience in the water sector, design-build projects, and program-level delivery.
• Portfolio Review/Presentation: You may be asked to present specific case studies from your portfolio, detailing your role, methodologies, challenges, and outcomes. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your capabilities.
• Final Interview/Offer: Final discussions, potentially with senior leadership, followed by an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction, quality enhancements).
• Focus on Program-Level Impact: Highlight your experience in managing design across multiple projects or as part of a larger program, not just individual project successes.
• Showcase Leadership and Collaboration: Emphasize your role in leading and motivating teams, as well as your ability to collaborate effectively within a joint venture and with clients.
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, responsibility area, or program. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and compelling visuals where appropriate.
• Prepare to Discuss Processes: Be ready to articulate your design management processes, optioneering methodologies, and risk management strategies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates may be given a hypothetical design challenge or asked to walk through a complex problem they've faced, requiring them to apply their problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Focus on demonstrating a structured approach, considering technical, commercial, and safety aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice on navigating the interview process and preparing a strong portfolio, specifically tailored to a Senior Design Manager role in infrastructure and emphasizing the importance of program-level experience and quantifiable results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit).
• Design Management Platforms: Familiarity with tools for managing design documentation, workflows, and approvals.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for program scheduling and resource allocation.
• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) for communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data and generate reports using standard office software (Excel) or more advanced analytics tools if integrated into program management.
• BIM Software (Potentially): Experience with BIM platforms (e.g., Navisworks, BIM 360) for clash detection, visualization, and design coordination, especially for complex water infrastructure projects.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader project management and client reporting systems (potentially involving elements of ERP or project control systems) is beneficial.
• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or processes within design management can be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on typical requirements for senior engineering management roles in large infrastructure projects, focusing on design, project management, and collaboration tools relevant to the water sector.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to health, safety, and environmental protection in all design and delivery activities.
• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards and fostering transparent relationships with colleagues, partners, and clients.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing collective effort and cross-functional cooperation to achieve shared objectives, especially within the CMDP+ joint venture.
• Innovation & Excellence: Driving continuous improvement and seeking innovative solutions to deliver smart infrastructure that meets future needs.
• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of clients like Southern Water to deliver successful outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Encouraging seamless working relationships between design teams, construction teams, and JV partners.
• Proactive Communication: Emphasizing open and regular communication to manage expectations and resolve issues swiftly.
• Constructive Feedback: Fostering an environment where feedback on design and processes is welcomed and used for improvement.
• Partnership Mentality: Working collaboratively with Southern Water as a strategic delivery partner, not just a contractor.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are extrapolated from Costain's known corporate ethos and the operational context of delivering large infrastructure projects within a joint venture. The emphasis is on safety, collaboration, and client focus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complexity in a JV: Navigating the complexities of working within a joint venture structure, ensuring alignment between Costain and MWH Treatment's objectives and processes.
• Balancing Program Demands: Effectively managing competing priorities and deadlines across multiple projects within the AMP8 Capital Programme.
• Technical Evolution: Keeping abreast of rapidly evolving design technologies, materials, and construction methods in the water sector.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing expectations and communications with diverse stakeholders, including Southern Water, regulatory bodies, and internal teams.
• Driving Innovation: Encouraging and implementing innovative design solutions within a potentially risk-averse, regulated environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Program Management: Opportunities to hone skills in managing large-scale, multi-year infrastructure programs.
• Technical Specialization: Deepen knowledge in specific areas of water or wastewater treatment technology, sustainable design, or digital engineering.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Costain's internal leadership training and development initiatives.
• Industry Networking: Engaging with peers and industry leaders through professional bodies and conferences.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and learn from senior leaders within Costain and the JV.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines potential challenges specific to the role and the industry, providing a realistic view for candidates, alongside clear opportunities for professional growth and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multi-disciplinary design team within a joint venture. How do you ensure alignment and mitigate potential conflicts?" (Focus on collaboration, communication strategies, and JV-specific challenges.)
• "Walk me through a complex engineering solution you developed from initial concept to detailed design and construction support. What were the key challenges, your specific role, and the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study highlighting optioneering, solution development, and problem-solving.)
• "How do you approach risk and scope management in large infrastructure programs? Provide specific examples of how you have identified, assessed, and mitigated risks.” (Emphasize proactive risk management and structured scope control.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Costain's vision and our role in the UK's infrastructure sector? How does this role contribute to that vision?" (Research Costain's website, values, and recent projects.)
• "How do you align with our 'Safety First' culture? What steps do you take to ensure safety is embedded in the design process?" (Demonstrate understanding of Costain's core values and practical application.)
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you maintain team cohesion and productivity?" (Prepare examples of effective remote and in-office collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Program Impact: Select case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage design within a program context, not just isolated projects.
• Quantify Results: Use data to showcase the tangible benefits of your design solutions (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, schedule adherence).
• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your specific contribution, the challenges faced, and the positive outcomes.
• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, mentoring individuals, and fostering collaboration within the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is designed to target common themes for senior engineering management roles, emphasizing leadership, technical problem-solving, and understanding of the company's specific operational context (JV, hybrid, safety culture, water sector).

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud platform.
• Tailor your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in engineering solutions delivery, optioneering, detail design, construction support, and team management, specifically within the water infrastructure sector and design-build environments. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects or programs that demonstrate your expertise in managing design lifecycles, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and delivering successful engineering outcomes. Focus on quantifiable achievements and program-level impact.
• Research Costain: Familiarize yourself with Costain's history, values, current projects (especially the AMP8 Capital Programme and Southern Water partnership), and their vision for smart infrastructure. Understand the CMDP+ joint venture context.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer strategy, behavioral, and technical questions, focusing on your leadership capabilities, problem-solving skills, and experience relevant to this role. 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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