Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Costain Group

Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-24

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Estimated 5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design delivery of critical water infrastructure projects within the Northumbrian Water AMP8 Framework, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and sustainable solutions.

• Manage and coordinate design partners, project teams, and multidisciplinary stakeholders to achieve project objectives within scope, budget, and timeline constraints.

• Champion the integration of modern design methodologies, including BIM to ISO 19650, DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly), and low-carbon design principles, to meet client affordability and environmental targets.

• Oversee design risk management, technical assurance, and compliance with all relevant industry standards, legislation, and client-specific requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities like managing design partners, scope, budget, and programme, points towards a role deeply embedded in project execution and operational oversight within a large infrastructure framework. The emphasis on BIM, DfMA, and carbon efficiency suggests a forward-thinking operations approach focused on modern construction and project delivery standards. The experience level is estimated based on the "Senior" designation and the breadth of responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Scope & Deliverables: Define, develop, and agree upon the detailed design scope, programme, and budget for water projects, ensuring alignment with the overall framework objectives.

• Design Partner & Team Management: Effectively manage allocated design partners and internal project teams, ensuring timely and quality delivery of all design outputs against agreed-upon metrics.

• Contract & Reporting Management: Oversee the management of design contracts, ensuring adherence to terms and coordinating comprehensive reporting aligned with the Northumbrian Water AMP8 Framework requirements.

• Compliance & Standards Assurance: Ensure all designs strictly comply with Northumbrian Water (NWL), industry, and Costain standards, proactively securing necessary derogations when required and challenging solutions for safety, efficiency, buildability, and carbon reduction.

• Risk & Workshop Coordination: Lead and coordinate crucial workshops, including design risk, buildability assessments, carbon footprint analysis, and DfMA integration, to optimize project outcomes.

• Technical & CDM Reviews: Manage and coordinate design reviews, technical assurance processes, and CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations compliance to ensure project safety and quality.

• BIM Strategy Implementation: Ensure design is implemented and managed in strict alignment with the project's BIM strategy and ISO 19650 standards.

• Stakeholder & Interface Management: Act as a key liaison, fostering strong professional working relationships with the design team, delivery team, commercial team, employer team, and supply chain partners to ensure seamless collaboration and informed procurement decisions.

• Health & Safety Legislation: Maintain a thorough understanding of current health and safety legislation relevant to the tasks being carried out, promoting a safe working environment.

• Business Promotion: Represent Costain in a professional manner, upholding the company's reputation with all internal and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a blend of technical oversight, project management, and stakeholder engagement, characteristic of a senior operations role within a large infrastructure project. The focus on "production thinking," "carbon efficient design," and "DfMA" indicates a move towards lean and sustainable construction operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Essential: Civil engineering qualification.

• Desirable: Chartered Engineer of a relevant institution. Experience:

• Essential: Practical delivery experience in civil engineering, with a strong understanding of design delivery, design procurement, design management, design control, and quality assurance.

• Essential: Previous experience in management roles on complex or sensitive infrastructure programmes.

• Essential: Practical experience working with NEC4 contracts.

• Desirable: Specific experience working within the water industry (Mechanical, Electrical, ICA, or Civils disciplines in maintenance, design, or capital delivery roles). Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage the end-to-end design process for complex infrastructure projects.

• BIM & ISO 19650: Thorough understanding and practical application of BIM standards, specifically ISO 19650.

• NEC4 Contracts: Working knowledge and practical experience with the NEC4 suite of contracts.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships across diverse teams.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks effectively.

• Quality Assurance: Commitment to ensuring high standards of quality in all design outputs.

• Safety & Compliance: Understanding of CDM regulations and a strong commitment to health and safety best practices.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to challenge design solutions to ensure safety, efficiency, buildability, and cost-effectiveness.

Preferred Skills:

• Water Sector Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the water industry's operational and capital delivery landscape.

• DfMA & Sustainability: Experience in implementing Design for Manufacture and Assembly principles and driving low-carbon design solutions.

• Financial Acumen: Ability to support the development and agreement of design programmes and budgets.

• Organizational Skills: Good organizational skills to manage multiple workstreams and priorities.

• Driving License: Full UK driving licence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in civil engineering, complemented by essential project management and contractual competencies. The inclusion of BIM to ISO 19650 and DfMA highlights the role's focus on modern, efficient, and digitally integrated design operations. The "passionate about improving performance" and "care about doing a great job" points suggest a culture that values proactive engagement and a high standard of operational excellence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Delivery Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of managing the design lifecycle for significant infrastructure projects, highlighting scope definition, team coordination, and successful delivery outcomes.

• BIM Implementation Examples: Provide evidence of applying BIM to ISO 19650 standards, demonstrating proficiency in collaborative workflows, data management, and information exchange.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Include case studies demonstrating how design risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated, leading to improved project safety and efficiency.

• Stakeholder Engagement Documentation: Present examples of communication plans, meeting minutes, or reports that illustrate effective stakeholder management and collaboration across diverse teams.

• Contractual Adherence Examples: Illustrate practical application of NEC4 contract principles in design management, including change management and dispute resolution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Documented processes for streamlining design workflows, from initial concept to detailed design, emphasizing efficiency gains and potential for automation.

• Quality Assurance Frameworks: Evidence of implementing quality assurance processes within design delivery, including review cycles, compliance checks, and continuous improvement feedback loops.

• Design Review Protocols: Examples of structured processes for conducting design reviews, technical assurance, and CDM compliance checks, ensuring all critical aspects are covered.

• Carbon & DfMA Integration: Demonstrated processes for embedding carbon efficiency and DfMA principles into the design development stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate a strategic approach to design operations. The emphasis should be on quantifiable improvements in efficiency, safety, cost, and sustainability, directly linked to the candidate's management and process implementation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated: £60,000 - £85,000 per annum.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager role in the UK infrastructure sector, particularly in the North East of England, with the specified experience level and responsibilities. Factors influencing this include the complexity of the Northumbrian Water AMP8 Framework, the seniority of the position, and the specific skills required (e.g., NEC4, BIM, water sector experience). Research was conducted using reputable UK salary data providers for engineering and construction management roles.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pension Scheme: Comprehensive employer contributions to a pension plan, ensuring long-term financial security.

• Life Assurance: Provision of life assurance cover, offering peace of mind for employees and their families.

• Health and Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance programs and health and wellbeing initiatives.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and professional accreditation (e.g., supporting Chartered Engineer status).

• Hybrid Working Flexibility: A hybrid working model that balances office-based collaboration with remote working flexibility.

• Annual Leave: Generous annual leave allowance, with potential for additional days based on service.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Opportunities to save money on bicycles and cycling equipment.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered within the hybrid working arrangement, subject to project demands and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Benefits are tailored to a typical offering for a senior role in a large UK infrastructure company, focusing on financial security, health, and professional growth, which are highly valued by operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Solutions (Energy, Water, Transportation, Defence). Costain is a major player in the UK's essential infrastructure markets.

Company Size: Large (Over 1,000 employees, based on Costain Group's typical profile). This suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact.

Founded: Costain Group has a long history, founded in 1865. This signifies stability, extensive experience, and a deeply ingrained understanding of project delivery in the UK.

Team Structure:

• Framework-Centric: The role operates within the "Living Water Enterprise" framework for Northumbrian Water, indicating a dedicated team structure focused on a specific client and programme.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The design manager will work closely with a Principal Design Manager, design partners, project managers, commercial managers, MEICA leads, and supply chain partners, emphasizing cross-functional integration.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Reports to the Principal Design Manager, indicating a clear line of accountability within the design function.

Methodology:

• Integrated Solutions: Costain focuses on providing integrated, leading-edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the entire asset lifecycle.

• Data-Driven Optimization: Emphasis on using digital technology and data to optimize asset performance, increase capacity, enhance resilience, and deliver efficiency.

• Client-Centric Approach: Focus on blue-chip clients with needs underpinned by strategic national requirements, regulatory commitments, and legislation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's reputation as a leading UK infrastructure provider suggests a company with robust operational frameworks and a commitment to technical excellence. The "Living Water Enterprise" implies a significant, long-term partnership with Northumbrian Water, offering stability and the chance to work on impactful, strategic projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management role within the design operations function. It requires significant experience in managing complex design processes, teams, and external partners, with a focus on delivering tangible infrastructure projects. The role is pivotal in translating strategic client needs into buildable, efficient, and compliant designs.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager reports to a Principal Design Manager, indicating a clear career progression path within the design management hierarchy. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance from more experienced leaders while providing autonomy in managing specific project streams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on project success, cost-effectiveness, and client satisfaction. By ensuring high-quality, efficient, and carbon-conscious design, the Senior Design Manager contributes directly to Costain's ability to meet client objectives, secure future frameworks, and uphold its reputation for delivering complex infrastructure solutions. The focus on DfMA and low-carbon solutions also aligns with broader industry and governmental sustainability goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Principal Design Manager: Progression to a Principal Design Manager role, overseeing larger or multiple framework streams, and taking on more strategic leadership responsibilities.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like BIM implementation, DfMA, or sustainable design, becoming a subject matter expert within the organization.

• Programme Management: Transitioning into broader programme management roles, overseeing multiple projects within the framework or across different sectors.

• Leadership Development: Participation in Costain's leadership development programs, preparing for senior executive positions within the company.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training and development to stay abreast of the latest industry standards, technologies, and regulations in design and construction operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for advancement within a structured project delivery environment. Growth is likely to be focused on increasing scope of responsibility, strategic input, and leadership within the operations and engineering functions, particularly within the water sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, combining office-based work with remote and site visits. This suggests a dynamic work environment that caters to different needs.

Office Location(s): The role involves working from the Newcastle project office, NWL Durham offices, design partner offices, NWL sites, and home. This requires flexibility and adaptability.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: The Newcastle project office and NWL Durham offices will likely serve as hubs for team meetings, design reviews, and collaborative planning sessions.

• On-Site Engagement: Regular site visits are essential for understanding constructability, verifying design against actual conditions, and fostering closer collaboration with delivery teams.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Expect the use of advanced digital tools for communication, project management, and design collaboration, facilitating effective work across dispersed locations.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a broad range of professionals, from engineers and designers to commercial and site teams, fostering a rich learning environment.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour week is complemented by the hybrid model, offering some flexibility in managing personal time and work commitments. However, project deadlines and site requirements may necessitate occasional adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role reflects a modern approach to work, emphasizing flexibility while ensuring essential on-site and collaborative presence. Candidates should be comfortable managing their schedule and working across various locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on CVs that highlight relevant experience in design management, civil engineering, and water sector projects, with emphasis on NEC4 and BIM.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager or Principal Design Manager to assess technical knowledge, understanding of design processes, risk management, and familiarity with standards like ISO 19650 and CDM. Expect questions about specific project challenges and how you overcame them.

• Case Study Presentation/Discussion: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio piece or discuss a hypothetical scenario related to managing a design scope, resolving a design conflict, or implementing a process improvement. This will assess problem-solving abilities and communication skills.

• Stakeholder/Team Fit Interview: Interaction with other members of the framework team (e.g., Project Manager, Commercial Manager) to evaluate collaborative abilities, communication style, and cultural fit within the Costain and NWL teams.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Quantifiable Achievements: For each project, focus on measurable outcomes – e.g., "Reduced design iteration by 15% through proactive DfMA workshops," "Ensured 100% compliance with ISO 19650 standards on X project," "Managed design budget of £Y, delivering 5% under target."

• Showcase Process Ownership: Demonstrate your role in defining, implementing, or improving design processes, quality assurance, and risk management. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Provide examples of how you successfully managed diverse stakeholder groups, resolved conflicts, and fostered a collaborative design environment.

• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio clearly addresses the requirements for water sector projects, NEC4 contracts, BIM to ISO 19650, and DfMA.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically and present information clearly and concisely. Be prepared to walk through key elements during the interview.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scope Management: Be ready to discuss how you would approach defining the scope for a new water infrastructure project, including key considerations and potential challenges.

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Prepare to identify typical design risks in water projects and outline your strategies for managing them, particularly concerning safety, buildability, and carbon impact.

• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Practice articulating how you would handle disagreements or conflicting priorities among design partners, clients, and delivery teams.

• BIM Compliance: Be prepared to explain how you ensure adherence to BIM standards like ISO 19650 throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, assessing technical competence, project management skills, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases practical application of the required skills and methodologies will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and team coordination.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint, Aconex, or similar for storing, sharing, and version control of project documentation.

• CAD/BIM Software: While not directly operating the software, a strong understanding of the outputs and workflows of AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks, and BIM 360 is essential.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in interpreting data from project reports, potentially using Excel for analysis and visualization.

• Reporting Dashboards: Familiarity with creating or interpreting project dashboards for tracking KPIs related to design progress, budget, and compliance.

• Cost Management Software: Understanding of how design impacts cost tracking and reporting, potentially involving systems like Costain's internal tools or standard industry platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Costain Systems: Likely to use Costain's proprietary systems for project management, HR, and finance.

• Workflow Automation Concepts: Understanding of how design workflows can be automated or streamlined using digital tools and BIM processes.

• Integration Concepts: Awareness of how different systems (e.g., BIM, project management, cost control) need to integrate to provide a cohesive project view.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is management-focused, a strong understanding of the digital tools and technologies used in modern infrastructure design and project delivery is crucial. The ability to leverage these tools for efficiency, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to health and safety in all operations, reflecting Costain's industry-leading safety culture.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards and representing the company professionally in all interactions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, process improvements, and the adoption of smart technologies to enhance efficiency and outcomes.

• Sustainability & Carbon Reduction: A dedication to developing and implementing designs that minimize environmental impact and contribute to carbon efficiency goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly integrated approach, with close working relationships between design, commercial, project management, and delivery teams.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open dialogue, feedback, and the sharing of best practices across all levels and disciplines.

• Proactive Engagement: A preference for proactive engagement with stakeholders, anticipating needs and addressing potential issues before they escalate.

• Client-Focused Partnership: Working collaboratively with Northumbrian Water as a partner, aligning design efforts with their strategic objectives and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's culture emphasizes a strong ethical foundation, a commitment to safety and sustainability, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values to succeed in this role and within the broader enterprise.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of Northumbrian Water, design partners, internal teams, and supply chain partners.

• Adhering to Tight Deadlines: Delivering complex design solutions within demanding project timelines and budget constraints.

• Integrating New Technologies: Effectively implementing and managing BIM to ISO 19650 and DfMA principles within established project workflows.

• Ensuring Carbon Efficiency: Driving meaningful reductions in the carbon footprint of designs while meeting client affordability requirements.

• Navigating Contractual Complexities: Managing design delivery within the framework of NEC4 contracts, which require precise adherence and proactive management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in BIM management, data analytics, and digital twins.

• Sustainability in Infrastructure: Access to training and resources focused on sustainable design practices and carbon accounting in the construction sector.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Development programs tailored for senior managers, focusing on strategic thinking, team leadership, and advanced project governance.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge methodologies and best practices through conferences, workshops, and internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Costain or the Living Water Enterprise, gaining insights into strategic operations and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges common in large-scale infrastructure projects, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in areas critical to the future of the construction industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design delivery for a complex water infrastructure project, from initial scope definition to final handover." (Focus on your process, risk management, and team coordination.)

• "How would you ensure compliance with BIM to ISO 19650 standards across multiple design partners and disciplines?" (Highlight your understanding of collaborative workflows and data management.)

• "Discuss a time you had to challenge a design solution due to buildability, safety, or carbon efficiency concerns. What was the outcome?" (Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative working relationship with external design partners and internal delivery teams, especially when working within a framework agreement?" (Showcase your stakeholder management and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Costain and our role in the UK infrastructure sector?" (Research Costain's recent projects, values, and strategic goals.)

• "How do your personal values align with Costain's core values of safety, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability?" (Provide specific examples.)

• "Describe your experience working within a framework agreement or with a key client like Northumbrian Water." (Demonstrate understanding of long-term partnerships and client-centric operations.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by skill demonstrated (e.g., Design Management, BIM Implementation, Risk Mitigation).

• Storytelling: For each case study, tell a clear story: the challenge, your approach/actions, and the quantifiable results. Use visuals where possible.

• Quantify Impact: Emphasize metrics – time saved, cost reductions, efficiency gains, carbon reduction percentages, safety improvements.

• Highlight Process: Explain the processes you implemented or managed, particularly those related to quality, risk, and compliance.

• Engage: Be prepared for questions about your specific contributions and be ready to discuss alternative approaches you might have considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in detail, linking it directly to the requirements of the role and the operations context of Costain and Northumbrian Water. A strong understanding of the company's values and strategic direction will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Tailor Your CV: Customize your resume to highlight experience in design management, civil engineering, water sector projects, NEC4 contracts, BIM to ISO 19650, DfMA, and stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather relevant case studies and documentation that showcase your project management skills, process improvements, and quantifiable achievements in design operations. Ensure it aligns with the requirements mentioned.

• Research Costain & NWL: Understand Costain's business, values, and recent projects, as well as Northumbrian Water's AMP8 objectives and the Living Water Enterprise.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer strategy, technical, and behavioral questions, focusing on providing specific examples and demonstrating your operational approach. Practice presenting 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.