Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Anglian Water Services

Location: Thorpe Wood House (with travel to East Anglia areas including Peterborough, Huntingdon, Lincoln, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Norwich & Colchester)

Job Type: Permanent / Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the engineering team and the delivery of the AMP8 capital investment programme to achieve business objectives, focusing on water and water recycling projects.

• Manage projects under the NEC3 contract suite, specifically Options E (Pre-Contract Planning) and A (Priced Contract with Activity Schedule), ensuring robust contractual obligation management.

• Collaborate closely with the Project Manager and delivery teams, including alliance partners (Barhale, Kier, MGroup), to uphold Anglian Water’s governance standards and ensure contractual compliance.

• Drive the delivery of a diverse programme of capital investment projects, fostering professional internal and external networks.

• Uphold business ethics, demonstrate respect for others, and maintain integrity while enhancing the company's reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within a significant capital investment programme (AMP8). The focus on NEC3 contracts, alliance partnerships, and stringent governance indicates a need for strong operational and contractual management skills, extending beyond traditional engineering design oversight. The "IOS Contract" context suggests a specific program delivery model within Anglian Water that requires deep understanding of collaborative project execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Jointly lead the delivery of the AMP8 capital investment programme with the Leadership Team, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational targets.

• Accountable for leading the engineering team, fostering a high-performance culture, and driving the successful execution of design and build projects.

• Manage the design process for multi-disciplinary capital projects within a design & build collaborative environment, ensuring adherence to project scopes and timelines.

• Oversee and ensure compliance with designer's responsibilities under CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations, mitigating risks and ensuring site safety.

• Engage proactively with relevant internal and external stakeholders to drive project delivery on time, with a critical focus on meeting obligation/regulatory dates.

• Champion innovation by challenging existing conventions and implementing new and efficient techniques within the design and delivery processes.

• Foster a collaborative working environment, actively addressing and resolving any performance issues or poor behaviours within the engineering team.

• Grow and leverage professional internal and external networks, particularly with alliance partners, to enhance project delivery and knowledge sharing.

• Ensure robust management of contractual obligations and compliance with Anglian Water’s governance standards throughout project lifecycles.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of operational processes and methodologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness of capital programme delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, operational execution, contract management, and team leadership. The emphasis on CDM, NEC3, and stakeholder engagement points towards a role requiring comprehensive project lifecycle management within a regulated utility environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (or equivalent relevant qualification). Experience:

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

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

• Extensive experience in managing designer's responsibilities under CDM regulations.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing engineering teams.

• Experience working with NEC3 contract suites, particularly Options E and A, is highly desirable.

• Experience within the water utility sector or a similar regulated infrastructure environment is a strong advantage. Required Skills:

• Engineering Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the design process for complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects.

• NEC3 Contract Management: In-depth understanding and practical application of NEC3 contract clauses, particularly Option E (Pre-Contract Planning) and Option A (Priced Contract with Activity Schedule).

• CDM Regulations Compliance: Comprehensive knowledge and experience in managing designer responsibilities under CDM 2015.

• Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including internal teams, alliance partners, and regulatory bodies.

• Project Delivery Leadership: Ability to drive the successful execution of capital investment programmes, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.

• Business Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical conduct, respect for others, and maintaining the company's reputation.

Preferred Skills:

• Capital Investment Planning: Experience in the planning and execution phases of large-scale capital investment programmes (e.g., AMP cycles).

• Alliance Partnership Management: Experience working effectively within alliance structures with multiple delivery partners.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks, particularly those related to design, contracts, and regulatory compliance.

• Innovation Implementation: Ability to drive the adoption of innovative techniques and challenge conventional approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering acumen, strong contractual and regulatory knowledge, and robust leadership capabilities essential for managing large-scale infrastructure projects within a regulated environment. The "10+ Years" experience level indicates a senior role requiring seasoned professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 significant capital projects managed, detailing your role, the project's complexity, and key outcomes. Focus on projects involving multi-disciplinary design and collaborative environments.

• Design Management Documentation: Examples of design process flows, design risk assessments, and quality control procedures you have implemented or managed.

• CDM Compliance Evidence: Documentation demonstrating your experience in managing designer responsibilities under CDM, such as design risk registers or safety review meeting minutes.

• Contractual Management Examples: Illustrate your understanding and application of NEC3 contracts, potentially through anonymized examples of contract administration, change management, or dispute resolution.

• Stakeholder Engagement Plans: Examples of strategies or plans developed to manage communication and engagement with diverse stakeholder groups on complex projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing engineering design workflows, from concept to detailed design. This includes process mapping, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing efficiency improvements.

• Implementation and Automation: Provide examples of how you have overseen the implementation of design solutions and potentially leveraged technology or automation to improve design processes or outcomes.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Show evidence of how you track and analyze the performance of the design process and engineering team, using key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost, time, quality, safety, and stakeholder satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes, navigate contractual frameworks like NEC3, ensure regulatory compliance (CDM), and lead teams effectively within a collaborative, capital-intensive environment. The focus should be on demonstrable impact and process ownership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The advertised salary is circa £55,212 per annum.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers in the UK utility sector with 10+ years of experience, particularly in large capital programmes, this salary appears to be at the mid-to-lower end of the typical range. A more comprehensive assessment would consider specific regional market rates for East Anglia, the exact scope of responsibilities, and the total compensation package. A realistic range for this role in the current market, considering the experience level and responsibilities, might be between £55,000 and £75,000 GBP annually, with potential for a performance-based bonus.

Benefits:

• Bonus Scheme: Performance-related bonus opportunities.

• Private Healthcare: Access to private medical insurance.

• Competitive Pension Scheme: Contribution towards a pension plan.

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

• Flexible Benefits: A range of flexible benefits to support personal wellbeing and lifestyle choices.

• Discounts:

  • 20% off new EE mobile contracts.
  • Discounted cinema tickets.
  • Cycle2Work scheme participation.

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

• Life Cover: Life insurance coverage equivalent to 8 times your annual salary.

• Personal Accident Cover: Coverage up to 5 times your annual salary.

Working Hours:

• Full-time employment.

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard 40-hour work week is noted, the nature of senior leadership in capital projects may necessitate flexibility and occasional work outside standard hours to meet project deadlines and critical regulatory dates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water and Wastewater Services (Regulated Utility). Anglian Water is one of the largest water and wastewater companies in England and Wales, operating in a highly regulated environment where service delivery, environmental protection, and customer satisfaction are paramount. This industry demands a strong focus on long-term planning, asset management, and compliance with strict regulatory frameworks.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. Anglian Water is a significant employer with a large workforce, indicating a structured environment with established processes and a broad range of career opportunities.

Founded: Anglian Water was formed in 1989 as part of the privatization of the water industry, but its operational history dates back much further through predecessor organizations. This history implies a deep-rooted understanding of infrastructure and service delivery.

Team Structure:

• Leadership Team: The role is part of the Leadership Team, indicating a senior position with strategic input and direct accountability for programme delivery.

• IOS Contract Focus: The role operates within the "IOS Contract," a 5-year programme valued at approximately £444 million, delivering specialist water and water recycling projects. This suggests a dedicated project delivery unit or alliance structure.

• Alliance Partners: Close collaboration with alliance partners Barhale, Kier, and MGroup is a core aspect, requiring strong partnership management and integration skills.

• Reporting: The Senior Design Manager will report to a Project Manager and jointly lead the engineering team and delivery efforts.

Methodology:

• NEC3 Contract Suite: Projects are managed under NEC3 contracts, emphasizing collaboration, clear communication, and defined contractual processes (Options E and A).

• Design & Build Environment: Projects operate within a design & build collaborative setting, requiring integrated approaches between design and construction teams.

• Capital Investment Programme (AMP8): The role is central to delivering Anglian Water's AMP8 capital investment programme, signifying a focus on long-term infrastructure development and upgrades.

• Governance Standards: Adherence to Anglian Water’s governance standards is critical, ensuring robust oversight and control over project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights a large, regulated utility operating within a specific, high-value contract framework (IOS Contract) and an alliance model. This necessitates strong operational leadership, contractual acumen, and a collaborative mindset focused on delivering essential infrastructure projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position, operating at a strategic level within a major capital investment programme. It requires significant experience and leadership to manage engineering teams, complex projects, and key contractual obligations. The role is pivotal in ensuring the successful delivery of critical infrastructure.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager reports to a Project Manager and is a key member of the IOS Contract Leadership Team. This structure implies a direct line of accountability for design and engineering delivery within the programme, with opportunities to influence broader project strategy.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on Anglian Water's ability to deliver its AMP8 capital investment programme, which is crucial for maintaining and upgrading essential water and wastewater infrastructure. Successful delivery ensures regulatory compliance, service reliability, and environmental protection for millions of customers. The effective management of design processes and contractual obligations directly influences project timelines, costs, and overall programme success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Programme Leadership: Potential to advance into broader Programme Management roles within Anglian Water or its alliance partners, overseeing larger scopes of work or multiple programmes.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water and wastewater engineering, asset management, or complex contract management within regulated environments.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to move into areas such as strategic asset planning, capital delivery leadership, or operational strategy, leveraging a strong understanding of project lifecycles and stakeholder management.

• Professional Development: Access to internal and external training, certifications, and development programs focused on leadership, project management (e.g., advanced NEC training), and engineering best practices.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and design managers, contributing to the development of future talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential within a large, established organization focused on essential infrastructure. Career progression is likely tied to successful delivery within the AMP8 programme and the development of leadership and strategic planning skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary location is Thorpe Wood House, likely a significant administrative or operational hub for Anglian Water. The role also requires travel to various East Anglia locations (Peterborough, Huntingdon, Lincoln, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Norwich & Colchester). This suggests a hybrid approach where the employee is based at a primary office but frequently visits project sites and regional offices.

Office Location(s): Thorpe Wood House is the main base, with significant travel required across the East Anglia region. This means employees should be prepared for a mix of office-based work and on-site visits, which are common in the utility and construction sectors.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: As part of a Leadership Team and working with alliance partners, expect a highly collaborative workspace that encourages open communication and joint problem-solving.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and potentially specialized design and engineering software relevant to water infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with engineering teams, project managers, alliance partner representatives, and other stakeholders. The role involves both leading and working alongside these groups.

• Field Visits: The role necessitates regular site visits to project locations across East Anglia, providing exposure to operational environments and construction progress.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of managing capital investment programmes and meeting regulatory deadlines, flexibility in working hours may be required to attend critical meetings, site visits, or address urgent project issues.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess qualifications, experience, and fit with the role's core requirements, particularly regarding engineering degree, CDM, NEC3, and leadership experience.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (Project Manager) and potentially a senior member of the engineering or delivery team. This stage will focus on your technical expertise, leadership style, understanding of CDM and NEC3 contracts, and previous project experience. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your portfolio.

• Assessment/Case Study: A potential exercise might involve reviewing a design challenge, a contractual scenario, or a stakeholder management problem relevant to the IOS Contract or AMP8 programme. This assesses problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and approach to complex operational issues.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership within Anglian Water or the IOS Contract leadership team. This stage typically assesses cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your experience in multi-disciplinary design management, NEC3 contracts, CDM compliance, and team leadership within a collaborative environment.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk reduction, safety improvements). Use metrics where possible.

• Highlight Process: Explain your approach to design management, risk mitigation under CDM, and contract administration under NEC3. Detail your methodologies for stakeholder engagement and team leadership.

• Focus on Collaboration: Emphasize your experience working within design & build environments and with alliance partners. Showcase how you fostered collaboration and managed diverse teams.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, explaining decisions, challenges, and lessons learned. Anticipate questions about your leadership philosophy, handling of difficult stakeholders, and approach to regulatory compliance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand NEC3: Refresh your knowledge of NEC3 contract principles, particularly Option E (Pre-Contract Planning) and Option A (Priced Contract with Activity Schedule). Be ready to discuss common issues and how to manage them.

• CDM Regulations: Review key duties and responsibilities for designers under CDM 2015. Be prepared to discuss risk management strategies and how you ensure compliance.

• Utility Sector Context: Research Anglian Water's current strategic priorities, AMP8 programme goals, and any recent news or challenges in the water utility sector. Understand the importance of regulatory compliance and service delivery.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for behavioral questions by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe how you have handled leadership challenges, conflict resolution, and team development in past roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on both technical and leadership competencies. A well-prepared portfolio and a deep understanding of NEC3 and CDM are crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• NEC3 Contract Management Software: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with platforms that facilitate NEC3 contract administration, communication, and record-keeping would be beneficial.

• Project Management Software: Experience with industry-standard project management tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).

• Design & Engineering Software: Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit), BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools, and potentially specialized hydraulic modeling or process design software relevant to water and wastewater systems.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for team communication and document sharing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Slack).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Dashboards: Experience with or ability to interpret data from dashboards that track project progress, budget adherence, safety metrics, and regulatory compliance.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and analyze reports from project and financial systems to inform decision-making and stakeholder updates.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: Familiarity with Anglian Water's internal systems for project management, finance, and HR would be advantageous.

• Workflow Automation: While not a primary focus, an understanding of how design processes can be streamlined through automation or improved workflows would be valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role will likely involve a combination of project management, design, and collaboration tools, with a strong emphasis on managing complex projects within a regulated framework. A candidate's ability to adapt to specific company systems will be key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Build Trust: Demonstrated through honest communication, transparency in project dealings, and reliable delivery of commitments. For operations professionals, this means being dependable and clear in reporting and execution.

• Do the Right Thing: Upholding ethical standards, prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility, and acting with integrity in all project-related decisions and stakeholder interactions. This is paramount in a regulated utility.

• Always Exploring: Encouraging innovation, seeking continuous improvement in design processes and project delivery methodologies, and being open to new techniques and technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Alliance-Focused: A highly collaborative approach is essential, working seamlessly with internal teams and external alliance partners (Barhale, Kier, MGroup) to achieve shared goals. This involves open dialogue, mutual respect, and joint problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close integration with project management, construction delivery, procurement, and potentially regulatory affairs teams to ensure a holistic approach to project execution.

• Process Review and Feedback: An environment where processes are regularly reviewed, and constructive feedback is exchanged to drive continuous improvement in design and delivery practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are central to its operational ethos. Candidates should demonstrate how their professional conduct and approach align with building trust, ethical decision-making, and a forward-thinking mindset, particularly in the context of managing large infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Alliance Partnerships: Effectively coordinating efforts, managing expectations, and resolving potential conflicts among multiple alliance partners to ensure unified project delivery.

• Meeting Regulatory Deadlines: The critical nature of water and wastewater infrastructure means strict adherence to regulatory and obligation dates, requiring robust planning and proactive risk management.

• Complex Multi-disciplinary Design: Integrating and managing diverse engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental) to deliver cohesive and compliant designs for complex projects.

• Innovation Adoption: Driving the adoption of new design techniques or technologies within a traditionally conservative sector and ensuring they deliver tangible benefits while maintaining compliance.

• Balancing Cost, Time, and Quality: Navigating the inherent trade-offs to achieve optimal project outcomes within budget and schedule constraints while meeting high-quality standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced NEC Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in NEC contract management through specialized courses and certifications.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Anglian Water's leadership development initiatives to enhance strategic thinking, team management, and executive presence.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in key industry events and conferences related to water infrastructure, engineering design, and project management.

• Mentorship from Senior Leaders: Guidance and support from experienced leaders within Anglian Water and its alliance partners.

• Exposure to AMP Cycles: Gaining comprehensive experience across multiple Asset Management Periods (AMPs), understanding the long-term strategic planning and delivery cycles in the utility sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects within a regulated industry. However, these challenges are coupled with substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing multi-disciplinary design projects within a collaborative design & build environment. Walk me through a specific example, detailing the key challenges and how you ensured successful integration and delivery."

  • Preparation: Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio, focusing on how you managed different engineering teams, coordinated their efforts, and ensured the design met all project requirements. Highlight your role in problem-solving and decision-making.

• "How have you applied the principles of NEC3 contracts, specifically Option E and Option A, in your previous roles? Can you provide an example of a time you had to manage a contractual issue or dispute?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss your practical understanding of NEC3 clauses, particularly those related to planning, programming, pricing, and communication. Prepare a scenario where you successfully navigated a contractual challenge, demonstrating your knowledge and approach.

• "Given the importance of regulatory compliance for Anglian Water, how do you ensure that designer responsibilities under CDM are fully met throughout a project lifecycle?"

  • Preparation: Outline your approach to CDM compliance, including risk assessment, design reviews, and coordination with site teams. Be prepared to discuss specific actions you take to ensure safety and legal compliance.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Anglian Water's values are 'Build trust, do the right thing, and always exploring.' How do these values resonate with your professional approach, and how have you demonstrated them in your past roles?"

  • Preparation: Reflect on specific instances where you've actively built trust, made ethically sound decisions, or championed innovation. Connect these examples to the company's values.

• "This role involves working closely with alliance partners. Describe your experience collaborating with external organizations and managing diverse stakeholder expectations."

  • Preparation: Prepare examples of successful cross-organizational collaboration. Discuss your strategies for building relationships, ensuring clear communication, and achieving shared objectives with partners.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project you present, follow a clear structure: Project Overview (scope, value, client), Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges (technical, contractual, stakeholder), Your Solutions & Actions, and Outcomes/Results (quantified where possible).

• Emphasize Process and Impact: Don't just describe what you did; explain how you did it and why. Focus on the processes you implemented (e.g., design reviews, risk management, stakeholder engagement) and the tangible impact they had on project success.

• Highlight NEC3 and CDM: Explicitly call out where your experience with NEC3 contracts and CDM regulations played a crucial role in project delivery or risk mitigation.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your projects, your decision-making process, and your approach to problem-solving. Be prepared to discuss both successes and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's comprehensive understanding of project delivery in a regulated utility sector, their leadership capabilities, and their ability to navigate complex contractual and stakeholder environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor your CV: Ensure your CV prominently highlights your experience with engineering design management, multi-disciplinary projects, NEC3 contracts, CDM regulations, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best showcase your relevant experience. Be ready to discuss these in detail, focusing on your specific contributions, methodologies, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Research Anglian Water: Familiarize yourself with the company's values, AMP8 programme, and the importance of infrastructure delivery in the water sector. Understand the role of alliance partners.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to leadership, contract management (NEC3), regulatory compliance (CDM), and collaborative working. Use the STAR method for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your portfolio in depth.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description has been created by analyzing the provided information and applying industry standards for senior engineering and operations management roles. Specific details regarding the interview process, portfolio requirements, and compensation should be confirmed directly with Anglian Water.

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