Programme Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Programme Design Manager

Company: Southern Water

Location: Falmer, United Kingdom

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Category: Infrastructure Design & Programme Management (Revenue Operations, GTM Strategy Support)

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: Senior / 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with regular meetings in London)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and delivery of a significant portion of a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) portfolio, valued at over £1 billion.

• Drive innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective design solutions while ensuring paramount health and safety standards within the project lifecycle.

• Oversee complex technical processes from feasibility optioneering through to outline design, ensuring alignment with quality, cost, and time objectives.

• Champion continuous improvement by integrating new approaches and technologies from industry partners and the broader market to enhance project delivery and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Programme Design Manager," the scope of responsibilities, particularly concerning infrastructure programs delivered under regulated financing models (DPC/SIPR) and Ofwat oversight, indicates a strong connection to GTM strategy support and revenue operations. This role is critical in shaping the foundational infrastructure that enables future service delivery and revenue generation for Southern Water. The emphasis on whole-life cost, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement directly impacts the financial viability and market positioning of the company's long-term plans.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the design delivery for a substantial segment of the Major Projects portfolio, ensuring adherence to stringent health and safety protocols and fostering innovative, sustainable engineering solutions.

• Collaborate proactively with Programme Managers and the Major Projects Technical Manager to embed transformative changes, drive operational improvements, and maximize value realization through strategic supply chain engagement.

• Provide comprehensive technical oversight, managing the entire design lifecycle from initial feasibility studies and optioneering to detailed outline design, ensuring all deliverables meet rigorous quality, cost, and time targets.

• Actively champion innovation and the adoption of best practices, integrating novel approaches and advanced systems from external partners and across the wider industry to elevate design and project execution standards.

• Coach and mentor Senior Project Design Leads and Project Design Leads, cultivating a high-performance team culture that encourages innovation, constructive challenge, and continuous professional development.

• Manage financial and commercial aspects of design delivery, aiming for the lowest whole-life cost solutions by assisting in budgetary accounting and engaging in sophisticated negotiations with senior internal and external stakeholders.

• Advocate for and enforce rigorous project delivery processes, ensuring strict compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including those set by RAPID, Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), and the Environment Agency.

• Lead and present findings to key leadership and stakeholder groups, strategically raise Southern Water's profile at industry conferences, and provide essential support to operational teams to ensure seamless transition from project design to operational deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level strategic role. The emphasis on "whole life cost solutions" and "budgetary accounting" strongly aligns with revenue operations principles, as these directly influence the long-term financial performance and investment strategy. The requirement to support "operational teams" underscores the GTM aspect, ensuring that infrastructure designs translate into efficient and effective service delivery, a key component of customer value and market competitiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• MEng, BEng, BSc in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related numerate science subject.

Experience:

• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale infrastructure design programmes, with a strong preference for experience within the water industry or similarly regulated environments.

• Proven ability to lead and mentor multi-disciplinary design teams and drive strategic initiatives.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership: Ability to guide and inspire design teams for complex infrastructure projects.

• Infrastructure Programme Management: Expertise in overseeing large-scale, multi-faceted infrastructure development.

• Technical Oversight & Optioneering: Proficient in feasibility studies, solution selection, and detailed design management.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Management: Skilled in influencing and collaborating with senior internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies.

• Financial & Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of cost management, budgetary accounting, and whole-life cost analysis.

• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of frameworks such as Ofwat, DPC, SIPR, DCO, RAPID, DWI, and Environment Agency regulations.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks effectively.

• Change Management: Proven capability to drive and embed significant organizational and process changes.

• Mentoring & People Development: Experience in coaching and developing engineering and design professionals.

Preferred Skills:

• Deep understanding of the UK water industry's regulatory landscape and investment cycles.

• Experience with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).

• Familiarity with innovative financing models like DPC (Direct Procurement for Customers) and SIPR (Strategic Investment Programme Route).

• Proficiency in advanced project management and design software relevant to large-scale infrastructure.

• Experience in presenting to executive leadership and at industry forums.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Chartered Engineer status signifies a high level of technical expertise and professional commitment. The emphasis on regulated environments and specific UK water industry frameworks (Ofwat, DPC, SIPR) is crucial for candidates to highlight in their applications, demonstrating direct relevance to Southern Water's operational and strategic landscape. This role demands not just technical design capability but also strategic business understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of successfully managed large-scale infrastructure design programmes, showcasing end-to-end process ownership from concept to approval.

• Case studies detailing innovative design solutions that delivered significant cost efficiencies, enhanced sustainability, or improved operational resilience.

• Examples of process optimization within design delivery, including workflow improvements, risk mitigation strategies, and stakeholder alignment mechanisms.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in developing and implementing robust design governance processes, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements (e.g., Ofwat, DWI, Environment Agency).

• Provide examples of how you have integrated new technologies or methodologies into design workflows to improve efficiency and quality.

• Illustrate your approach to managing design risk, quality assurance, and ensuring compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this senior level, a portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical application of skills. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that not only highlight technical design achievements but also the strategic and commercial impact of their work, particularly in relation to cost management, regulatory adherence, and innovation adoption. This aligns with the need for candidates to prove their capability in driving GTM enablement through robust infrastructure design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and professional accreditation.

• Personal Growth Opportunities: Access to challenging projects and leadership development programs.

• Flexible Working: Hybrid working model offering a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive company pension plan.

• Health and Wellness: Potential for private health insurance and wellness programs.

• Generous Annual Leave: Standard holiday allowance with potential for increases based on tenure.

Working Hours:

• The role is advertised with approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time permanent position. Flexibility will likely be a feature, given the hybrid nature and senior responsibilities, but core working hours and meeting schedules will need to be adhered to.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is intentionally vague, common for senior, strategic roles where compensation is heavily influenced by candidate experience and negotiation. The estimated range is based on UK market data for similar senior engineering and programme management roles in regulated industries, with adjustments for the scale of responsibility and location. The benefits listed are standard for such positions, with an emphasis on professional growth reflecting the company's investment in its senior talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Utilities (Water and Wastewater Services)

Company Size: Large (Southern Water is a major UK utility provider with thousands of employees).

Founded: Southern Water's origins trace back to the early 20th century, with its current structure evolving through various privatizations and reorganizations. The company has a long history of serving its region.

Team Structure:

• The Programme Design Manager will likely be part of the Major Projects division, a specialized unit responsible for significant capital investments.

• This team typically comprises experienced project and programme managers, technical specialists, engineers, and commercial professionals.

Methodology:

• Southern Water operates within a highly regulated environment, emphasizing data-driven decision-making, robust process adherence, and stringent quality control.

• The company's approach to infrastructure development is shaped by Ofwat's price control periods and performance targets, requiring a focus on long-term planning, efficiency, and customer service.

• Emphasis is placed on sustainability, environmental protection, and resilience, particularly in light of climate change and population growth.

Company Website: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Southern Water is a critical infrastructure provider in the UK, operating under strict regulatory oversight. This means its operational and strategic decisions are heavily influenced by Ofwat's mandates and price control frameworks. The culture likely values stability, compliance, long-term vision, and a commitment to public service, alongside the drive for innovation required by ambitious infrastructure programs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the engineering and project delivery functions. It is a strategic role focused on the foundational design of assets that directly support the company's service delivery and revenue generation capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Programme Design Manager will report to a senior executive within the Major Projects or Engineering division, likely a Director or Head of Department. They will, in turn, manage a team of Project Design Leads, providing direct leadership and mentorship. This position requires significant cross-functional collaboration with other operational departments, finance, and commercial teams.

Operations Impact: The Programme Design Manager has a profound impact on Southern Water's operational efficiency, service resilience, and long-term financial performance. By ensuring optimal design of infrastructure, this role influences capital expenditure, operational expenditure (whole-life cost), regulatory compliance, and the company's ability to meet customer demand and environmental standards. Successful design delivery is foundational to achieving GTM objectives related to service provision and investment returns.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Programme Director, Head of Major Projects, or similar senior executive roles within the company's engineering and operations divisions.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to influence the company's long-term capital investment strategy and technological roadmap for infrastructure development.

• Industry Recognition: Leading a high-profile NSIP can lead to recognition within the engineering and utility sectors, potentially opening doors to broader industry leadership roles or advisory positions.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in regulated infrastructure, DPC/SIPR financing models, and sustainable engineering practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step up in strategic responsibility, moving beyond project execution to programme-level design leadership and GTM enablement. The growth opportunities are substantial, focusing on executive leadership and shaping the future of a critical utility provider. Successful candidates will demonstrate a clear understanding of how infrastructure design directly impacts service delivery and revenue streams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with a primary base likely in Falmer, East Sussex, and regular required attendance at meetings in London. This suggests a mix of collaborative office environments and independent work.

Office Location(s): Falmer (near Brighton) and London, United Kingdom. The Falmer location offers access to the South Coast region, while London provides proximity to key stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and regular London meetings emphasize collaboration. Expect a dynamic environment where interaction with Programme Managers, Technical Leads, and external partners is frequent, both in person and virtually.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced project management software, CAD/BIM tools, and potentially specialized systems for simulating infrastructure performance and environmental impact.

• Operations Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with operational teams to understand their needs and ensure designs are practical, efficient, and aligned with service delivery requirements. This cross-functional interaction is key to successful GTM strategy execution.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours per week) with flexibility expected for a senior role, particularly when managing critical project phases or stakeholder engagements. The hybrid nature allows for some autonomy in structuring the work week, but adherence to project timelines and key meeting schedules is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature with London meetings points to a need for strong self-management and communication skills. Candidates should be comfortable navigating both independent work and intensive collaborative sessions. The exposure to London indicates engagement with broader industry trends and potentially higher-level decision-making bodies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with core qualifications (Chartered Engineer status, infrastructure programme experience, regulatory knowledge).

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager and potentially a senior technical peer. Focus on experience, leadership style, technical expertise, and understanding of regulated environments. Expect questions about managing large-scale projects and teams.

• Second Interview / Assessment Centre: This may involve a more in-depth technical discussion, a presentation of a portfolio case study, or a scenario-based exercise designed to assess problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management abilities.

• Final Interview: Typically with a Director-level executive to assess strategic fit, cultural alignment, and overall suitability for the senior leadership role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Select 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your ability to lead complex infrastructure design programmes. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, risk reduction, sustainability improvements).

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate the design processes you implemented, emphasizing how you ensured quality, compliance, and stakeholder buy-in. Showcase your approach to optioneering and feasibility studies.

• Showcase Leadership: Provide examples of how you mentored teams, managed conflicts, and fostered collaboration.

• Address Regulatory Nuances: Demonstrate your understanding of Ofwat, DPC/SIPR, and other relevant regulatory frameworks and how they influenced your design decisions.

• Tailor to Southern Water: Research Southern Water's current challenges and strategic priorities (e.g., resilience, sustainability, investment plans) and frame your experience in relation to these.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing conflicting priorities, stakeholder demands, and technical challenges within a regulated environment.

• Anticipate questions about innovation adoption, sustainability integration, and risk management in large infrastructure projects.

• Practice articulating complex technical and commercial concepts clearly and concisely, as if presenting to senior executives or external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case study presentation suggests that candidates need to move beyond a standard CV. They must be able to visually and verbally articulate their experience, demonstrating not just what they did, but how they did it and the impact it had. This is critical for roles involving strategic GTM enablement and revenue operations support, where demonstrating tangible results is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for programme scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• CAD/BIM Software: Familiarity with platforms like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or Bentley Systems software for design visualization and collaboration. While not necessarily a hands-on user, understanding their application and integration is key.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for document sharing, communication, and virtual team management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret and utilize data from various sources for decision-making, potentially including SQL, Excel (advanced), or BI tools like Tableau/Power BI for performance analysis and reporting.

• Risk Management Software: Familiarity with tools used for risk assessment and tracking within large projects.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design outputs integrate with asset management systems and operational platforms is beneficial. Awareness of how project data feeds into broader enterprise systems that support service delivery and customer management is advantageous.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust systems for managing large volumes of technical documentation and design revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core of this role is strategic and managerial, a strong understanding of the technology stack used in large-scale infrastructure design and programme management is essential. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with tools that facilitate collaboration, data analysis, risk management, and regulatory compliance within complex project environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: An unwavering commitment to health and safety in all aspects of design and project delivery.

• Customer Focus: Driving designs that ultimately enhance service delivery and customer experience.

• Sustainability & Environment: Prioritizing environmentally responsible and sustainable solutions in infrastructure development.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest ethical standards and adhering strictly to regulatory requirements.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented approach across departments and with external partners.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with Programme Managers, Technical Managers, operational teams, commercial departments, and external consultants/contractors.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture where designs and processes are openly reviewed, and constructive feedback is actively sought and given to drive improvements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Southern Water's values likely mirror those of a responsible utility provider: safety, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and customer service. For a Programme Design Manager, this translates to ensuring designs are not only technically sound and cost-effective but also environmentally conscious and aligned with the company's public service mission. A collaborative approach is essential for navigating the complexities of NSIPs.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Managing programmes of over £1 billion involves immense complexity, numerous stakeholders, and significant risk.

• Regulatory Landscape: Navigating and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations from Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and others requires constant vigilance and expertise.

• Balancing Stakeholder Interests: Reconciling the needs and demands of various internal departments, external partners, regulators, and the public.

• Driving Innovation: Implementing new technologies and approaches in a traditionally conservative, highly regulated industry.

• Talent Management: Attracting, developing, and retaining skilled design and project management professionals in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Regulatory Expertise: Gaining unparalleled insight into the UK water industry's regulatory and financial frameworks (DPC/SIPR).

• Strategic Leadership: Developing skills in high-level strategic planning, investment appraisal, and executive stakeholder management.

• Industry Influence: Opportunity to become a thought leader in infrastructure design and development within the utility sector.

• Advanced Project Management: Mastering sophisticated programme management techniques for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

• Sustainability & Resilience: Focusing on cutting-edge solutions for water resource management, climate adaptation, and environmental protection.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are also ripe for professional growth. Successfully navigating these complexities will position the candidate for highly influential roles within the infrastructure and utilities sector. The opportunity to shape national-level infrastructure is a key differentiator.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed the design delivery of a large-scale infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure success against cost, time, and quality targets?" (Focus on process, risk management, and stakeholder engagement).

• "How would you approach integrating new technologies or sustainable practices into a multi-billion-pound infrastructure programme within a regulated environment like Ofwat's?" (Highlight innovation adoption process, cost-benefit analysis, and regulatory considerations).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about Southern Water's current strategic priorities and challenges, particularly concerning infrastructure investment and resilience?" (Demonstrate research into their business, e.g., AMP7/AMP8, environmental performance targets).

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and innovation within your design teams?" (Align your leadership style with Southern Water's stated values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically. Start with an overview of Southern Water's context and the role's strategic importance. Then, present 2-3 detailed case studies.

• Quantify: Use numbers and data to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Reduced design costs by 15%," "Improved project timeline by 6 months," "Achieved 20% reduction in carbon footprint for the design").

• Process-Oriented: Clearly explain your methodology, decision-making process, and how you managed risks and stakeholders.

• Visuals: Use clear diagrams, charts, and minimal text on slides to support your narrative.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your experience, approach, and any potential challenges you foresee in this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, deep technical expertise, and a strong understanding of regulated environments and large-scale project delivery. Candidates must be able to articulate their value in terms of both technical outcomes and business impact, particularly concerning efficiency and long-term financial viability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link for job code JR8118.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your CV and any supplementary portfolio documents to highlight experience in large-scale infrastructure design, programme management, regulated environments, and financial/commercial oversight. Tailor your examples to showcase impact relevant to Southern Water's goals (e.g., resilience, sustainability, regulatory compliance).

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your Chartered Engineer status, years of experience managing significant programmes, and specific knowledge of UK water industry regulations (Ofwat, DWI, etc.). Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering strategy and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating your leadership, technical depth, and commercial acumen. Prepare a concise overview of your most relevant portfolio projects, ready to be elaborated upon.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Southern Water's current business objectives, recent performance reports, and any public statements regarding their investment plans (e.g., AMP7/AMP8), environmental targets, and resilience strategies. Understand their position within the UK utilities sector.

⚠️ 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.