Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Anglian Water Services

Location: Huntingdon, United Kingdom (with travel to Peterborough, Lincoln, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Norwich & Colchester)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations - Capital Investment & Project Delivery

Date Posted: 2026-05-21

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leading the engineering team and the successful delivery of the AMP8 capital investment programme to achieve critical business objectives.

• Managing complex multi-disciplinary capital projects under the NEC3 contract suite, with a strong emphasis on Option E (Pre-Contract Planning) and Option A (Priced Contract with Activity Schedule).

• Collaborating closely with Project Managers and delivery teams to ensure robust management of contractual obligations and unwavering compliance with Anglian Water’s governance standards.

• Driving innovation and implementing new techniques within a collaborative design & build environment, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and challenging the status quo.

• Engaging effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including alliance partners, to ensure timely delivery and achievement of regulatory milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a significant capital investment programme (AMP8) for Anglian Water, suggesting a focus on strategic project execution and infrastructure development within the water industry. The emphasis on NEC3 contracts and collaborative environments indicates a need for strong contractual acumen and partnership management skills. The "Senior" title and 10+ years of experience requirement point to a leadership role with significant responsibility for strategy, team management, and project outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Jointly lead the delivery of the AMP8 capital investment programme as part of the Leadership Team, ensuring alignment with business objectives and strategic goals.

• Accountable for leading and mentoring the engineering team, fostering their professional development and ensuring high performance standards.

• Oversee the design process for multi-disciplinary capital projects, ensuring technical excellence, constructability, and adherence to safety standards.

• Manage designers' responsibilities under CDM (Construction (Design and Management) Regulations), ensuring all legal and safety requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain strong professional networks with internal teams and external alliance partners (Barhale, Kier, MGroup) to facilitate seamless project delivery.

• Proactively engage with stakeholders to drive project delivery on time, with a particular focus on meeting crucial obligation/regulatory dates.

• Champion the implementation of innovative techniques and challenging conventional approaches to enhance project efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

• Ensure robust contractual compliance with NEC3 contract suite (specifically Option E and Option A), managing risks and opportunities effectively.

• Uphold and promote Anglian Water’s values of building trust, doing the right thing, and continuous exploration in all aspects of work.

• Address and resolve any poor behaviours within the team, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, contract administration, and people management. The explicit mention of NEC3 contract options (E & A) and CDM regulations suggests a deep understanding of UK construction project delivery frameworks. The focus on "obligation/regulatory dates" underscores the critical nature of timely delivery in the regulated water industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering and project management, with a significant portion focused on design leadership.

• Proven track record of designing and delivering multi-disciplinary capital projects within a collaborative design & build environment.

• Demonstrable experience in managing designers' responsibilities under CDM regulations.

• Experience working with or managing projects under NEC3 contract suite (specifically Option E and Option A) is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the entire design lifecycle for complex capital projects.

• NEC3 Contract Management: In-depth understanding and practical application of NEC3 contract principles, particularly Option E and Option A.

• CDM Regulations: Comprehensive knowledge and experience managing designer obligations and safety aspects under CDM.

• Capital Investment Planning: Ability to contribute to and manage the planning and execution of significant capital investment programmes.

• Multi-disciplinary Project Design: Skill in coordinating and integrating design elements across various engineering disciplines.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to effectively engage with and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Leadership: Strong leadership capabilities to manage and motivate engineering teams and foster a collaborative culture.

• Engineering Design Principles: Solid understanding of fundamental engineering design principles relevant to water infrastructure.

• Contractual Compliance: Diligence in ensuring all projects adhere to contractual terms and conditions.

• Innovation Implementation: Capacity to identify, champion, and implement innovative solutions and techniques.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification.

• Experience with specific water or wastewater treatment technologies.

• Familiarity with asset management principles within the utilities sector.

• Proficiency in relevant design and project management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong engineering foundation coupled with practical experience in managing complex, regulated projects. The explicit mention of NEC3 and CDM indicates a need for specialized knowledge in UK construction contracts and health & safety legislation. The "10+ years" experience level suggests a need for strategic thinking and proven leadership rather than just technical execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed examples of multi-disciplinary capital projects led or significantly contributed to, showcasing the scope, complexity, and your role in their design and delivery.

• Design Process Documentation: Samples or descriptions of design management processes implemented, including workflow diagrams, design review procedures, and quality assurance mechanisms.

• CDM Compliance Examples: Evidence of how you have managed designer responsibilities under CDM, potentially including risk assessments, method statements, or safety plans.

• NEC3 Contractual Experience Showcase: Specific examples demonstrating your understanding and application of NEC3 contract options (E & A), including how you managed contractual obligations, change control, or dispute resolution.

• Innovation Implementation Examples: Documentation of innovative techniques or process improvements you have introduced and their impact on project outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, improved safety).

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Case studies illustrating how you have successfully engaged with and managed diverse stakeholders to achieve project milestones.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Examples of how you have analyzed and improved design workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce lead times.

• Collaborative Environment Processes: Documentation of processes established to foster effective collaboration between internal engineering teams and external alliance partners.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Methods used to track and report on design team performance, project progress, and contractual compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate a deep understanding of process, risk management, and collaborative delivery within the specified contractual frameworks (NEC3, CDM). The emphasis should be on showcasing leadership in driving design excellence and achieving project objectives within a regulated environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: circa £55,212 per annum.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Based on research for Senior Design Manager roles within the UK utilities and construction sectors, particularly in regions like East Anglia, a salary of circa £55,212 is competitive and aligns with industry benchmarks for a role requiring 10+ years of experience, an engineering degree, and significant leadership responsibilities. This figure reflects the specialized nature of the role, including NEC3 contract management and CDM compliance.

Benefits:

• Bonus Scheme: Performance-related bonus opportunities.

• Private Healthcare: Comprehensive private medical insurance.

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

• Annual Leave: Up to 26 days of annual leave, with increases based on length of service.

• Flexible Benefits: A flexible benefits package allowing employees to tailor benefits to their lifestyle and wellbeing needs.

• Discounts:

  • 20% off new EE mobile contracts.
  • Discounted cinema tickets.
  • Cycle2Work scheme for sustainable commuting.

• Free Parking: Available at all offices, operational sites, and leisure parks.

• Life Cover: Substantial life insurance coverage at 8 times your annual salary.

• Personal Accident Cover: Protection of up to 5 times your annual salary in case of personal accident.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard 40-hour week is noted, the nature of capital investment programmes and leadership roles often necessitates flexibility. The "on-site" requirement suggests a primary working location at one of the specified offices, with potential for site visits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water and Waste Water Utilities. Anglian Water is one of the largest water and wastewater companies in England and Wales, operating in a highly regulated environment with a strong focus on customer service, environmental protection, and infrastructure investment.

Company Size: Large (typically 5,000+ employees). This scale implies structured processes, extensive resources, and a wide network of internal and external stakeholders.

Founded: 1989 (as Anglian Water PLC). The company has a long-standing history in providing essential services and has undergone significant transformations and investments over the decades, particularly in its capital programmes.

Team Structure:

• Leadership Team: The Senior Design Manager will be a key member of the IOS (Integrated Operational Solutions) Contract Leadership Team. This implies a collaborative leadership style and shared responsibility for programme delivery.

• Engineering Team: Direct management of an engineering team responsible for the design aspects of capital investment projects. This team likely comprises various engineering disciplines.

• Alliance Partners: Close collaboration with alliance partners (Barhale, Kier, MGroup) indicates a matrixed reporting structure and a need for strong partnership management skills.

Methodology:

• NEC3 Contract Framework: Projects are managed under the NEC3 suite, emphasizing collaboration, fair treatment, and clear contractual processes.

• Design & Build Environment: A focus on integrated design and construction processes, requiring close coordination between design and delivery teams.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, operating within a regulated utility sector necessitates a strong reliance on data for planning, performance monitoring, and regulatory compliance.

• Safety First Culture: Adherence to strict health and safety protocols, particularly concerning CDM regulations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Anglian Water's operational context as a regulated utility means that reliability, compliance, and long-term asset performance are paramount. The IOS contract and alliance model suggest a modern approach to delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, emphasizing collaboration and integrated working.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management. This role sits at a crucial junction, bridging technical depth in engineering design and multi-disciplinary project leadership with strategic programme delivery. It requires not only technical authority but also strong leadership, contractual acumen, and stakeholder management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report into a higher-level Programme or Project Director within the IOS Contract structure. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and designers. Collaboration with Project Managers and other functional leads within the alliance is also key.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Anglian Water's ability to deliver its AMP8 capital investment programme. Successful design management ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, to the required quality and safety standards, and meet regulatory obligations. This directly contributes to maintaining and improving essential water and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring service continuity, and meeting environmental targets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Programme Leadership: Potential to advance into Programme Director or Head of Engineering roles, overseeing larger portfolios of capital investment projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as water treatment technologies, asset management, or advanced construction methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into broader project management, commercial management, or operational leadership roles within Anglian Water or its alliance partners.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to industry best practices through participation in professional bodies and forums, leveraging experience gained from large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Mentorship and Development: The role provides opportunities to mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of the next generation of leaders within the operations and engineering functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a strategic leadership role with clear pathways for career progression within a major utility company and its project delivery ecosystem. The experience gained in managing complex, regulated projects under specific contract frameworks is highly transferable and valuable.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid office-based role with significant on-site presence required. The primary office location is Thorpe Wood House, with travel expected to various operational sites and offices across East Anglia.

Office Location(s): Thorpe Wood House (primary), with travel to Peterborough, Huntingdon, Lincoln, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Norwich & Colchester.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The geographical spread of the project locations indicates that flexibility and willingness to travel are essential. Anglian Water's offices are generally modern, offering professional working environments equipped for project teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Offices are likely equipped with meeting rooms, project war rooms, and collaborative spaces to facilitate interaction between design teams, project managers, and alliance partner representatives.

• Technology Access: Access to necessary design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided.

• Site Visits: Regular site visits will be a key component, requiring adaptation to dynamic construction environments and adherence to site-specific safety protocols. This provides direct exposure to the practical application of designs.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard schedule is in place, the demands of capital project delivery, especially when meeting regulatory deadlines, may require flexibility and occasional extended working hours. The role's on-site nature means consistent availability during core working periods is expected.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and CV against the essential requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, leadership style, and understanding of the role's core responsibilities, particularly around design management, NEC3, and CDM.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: This may involve a presentation of a portfolio, a technical challenge related to design coordination or problem-solving on a complex project, or a scenario-based discussion. Expect questions on how you've managed design risks, stakeholder conflicts, or driven innovation.

• Leadership/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of leadership capabilities, values alignment with Anglian Water, and ability to work effectively within a collaborative alliance structure. This might involve senior members of the Leadership Team or HR.

• Final Offer: Subject to satisfactory references and any other pre-employment checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. Group projects by type or by the skills you want to highlight (e.g., NEC3 projects, CDM management examples, innovation initiatives).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule improvements, safety record, environmental benefits). Use numbers and data wherever possible.

• Highlight NEC3 & CDM: Dedicate specific sections or clearly mark examples that showcase your expertise in NEC3 contract management and CDM compliance. Detail your approach to risk management, stakeholder communication, and contractual adherence.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you’ve led teams, mentored colleagues, and fostered collaboration, especially within a design & build or alliance environment.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently. Focus on the most relevant and impactful projects for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• NEC3 Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach common NEC3 contractual situations, such as managing compensation events, programme submissions, or resolving disputes.

• CDM Risk Management: Prepare to outline your process for identifying and mitigating design risks under CDM.

• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Think about a time you had to navigate conflicting stakeholder interests and how you achieved a positive outcome.

• Innovation Pitches: Practice articulating how you would introduce and gain buy-in for innovative design or construction techniques within a large organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical competence but also leadership potential and cultural fit within Anglian Water's collaborative alliance model. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates practical application of NEC3 and CDM, along with leadership and innovation, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms such as MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme and project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D), BIM (Building Information Modelling) platforms (e.g., Revit), and potentially specialized hydraulic modelling or process design software relevant to water/wastewater.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in using tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Slack, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and project collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating reports from project management systems to track KPIs, budget adherence, and schedule performance.

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• Contract Management Systems: Familiarity with systems or processes for managing NEC3 contracts, including document control, communication logs, and change management.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document control systems for managing vast amounts of project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a Senior Design Manager would be expected to be proficient with standard industry tools for project planning, design, collaboration, and contract administration. The emphasis will be on leveraging these tools to drive efficiency and ensure contractual compliance within the complex Anglian Water project environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Building Trust: Demonstrating integrity, transparency, and reliability in all interactions with team members, stakeholders, and alliance partners. This translates to honest communication about project status, risks, and challenges.

• Doing the Right Thing: Upholding ethical standards, prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility, and making decisions that align with Anglian Water's long-term objectives and regulatory commitments. This includes fair contract management and proactive problem-solving.

• Always Exploring: Encouraging a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and embracing new technologies and methodologies to improve design processes, project delivery, and operational efficiency. This means being open to new ideas and challenging conventional approaches.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals are paramount, especially within the multi-partner IOS alliance.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, delivering on commitments, and driving results for the engineering team and the capital investment programme.

Collaboration Style:

• Alliance-Based Partnership: The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working seamlessly with internal Anglian Water teams and external alliance partners (Barhale, Kier, MGroup). This involves shared decision-making, open communication channels, and a focus on collective success.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with Project Managers, Commercial Teams, Delivery Teams, and Operations are essential to ensure designs are practical, constructible, and meet operational needs.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging a continuous feedback loop within the design team and with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Anglian Water's stated values are central to its operational ethos. A successful candidate will need to embody these values, demonstrating strong ethical conduct, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to collaborative delivery within a complex stakeholder landscape.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Effectively managing the diverse interests and expectations of internal Anglian Water departments, multiple alliance partners, and regulatory bodies.

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Implementing innovative design solutions while ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements, safety standards (CDM), and contractual obligations (NEC3).

• Driving Efficiency in a Large Programme: Identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance design delivery speed and cost-effectiveness within the substantial AMP8 capital programme.

• Managing Geographically Dispersed Teams/Projects: Coordinating design efforts and site engagement across multiple locations in East Anglia.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of and integrating new design tools, BIM technologies, and construction methodologies into the project delivery process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced NEC3/Contractual Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in complex contractual management and commercial aspects of large infrastructure projects.

• Leadership Development Programmes: Access to Anglian Water's leadership training initiatives to enhance strategic planning, team management, and executive presence.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Support for attending relevant industry events to stay updated on best practices in engineering design, construction, and water management.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Anglian Water or its alliance partners, and to mentor junior engineers.

• Specialized Technical Training: Access to training in emerging areas such as advanced BIM, sustainable design practices, or specific water treatment technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects within a regulated environment, coupled with structured development pathways.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multi-disciplinary engineering team to deliver complex capital projects under NEC3 contracts, focusing on Option E and A." (Preparation: Emphasize your leadership style, team-building strategies, and how you ensure contractual adherence and project milestones are met).

• "How have you managed designer responsibilities under CDM regulations on a large-scale project? Provide a specific example of a challenge you faced and how you resolved it." (Preparation: Focus on your understanding of CDM duties, risk management processes, and proactive safety measures).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Anglian Water's values – Build Trust, Do the Right Thing, Always Exploring – translate into your day-to-day management of engineering projects?" (Preparation: Research the company values thoroughly and have specific examples ready of how you've embodied similar principles).

• "How would you approach introducing an innovative design technique or process to a team and stakeholders who may be resistant to change?" (Preparation: Focus on communication strategies, data-driven arguments, pilot programs, and stakeholder engagement).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Start with a concise overview of your most relevant projects, highlighting your leadership and impact.

• Deep Dive on Key Projects: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your experience with multi-disciplinary design, NEC3, CDM, and leadership. For each, clearly outline:

  • Project context and objectives.
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • Key challenges (technical, contractual, stakeholder).
  • Solutions implemented (especially any innovations).
  • Measurable outcomes and impact (ROI, efficiency, safety).

• Highlight Process Excellence: Be prepared to discuss your design management processes, quality assurance, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Interactive Q&A: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your portfolio items and your approach to operations challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will assess your ability to integrate technical expertise with strong leadership, contractual knowledge, and alignment with Anglian Water's collaborative and values-driven culture. A well-structured portfolio and thoughtful preparation for scenario-based questions will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Anglian Water careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to highlight experience in multi-disciplinary design management, NEC3 contracts (specifically Options E & A), CDM regulations, capital investment programmes, and leadership within collaborative environments. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a professional portfolio showcasing relevant projects. Focus on demonstrating your design leadership, contractual management skills, stakeholder engagement, and any implemented innovations. Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Anglian Water, its AMP8 programme, the IOS Contract, its alliance partners, and its core values. Understand the challenges and opportunities within the UK water industry.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioural and situational interview questions, particularly those related to leadership, problem-solving, contract management, and stakeholder engagement. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

⚠️ 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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