Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Costain Group

Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-05-20T10:27:22

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic delivery of engineering solutions for large-scale water and wastewater infrastructure programs, focusing on optimization and efficiency in design and execution.

• Manage multi-disciplinary design teams through the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept and optioneering to detailed design and construction support, ensuring alignment with program objectives.

• Drive innovation and best practices in design-build environments, leveraging advanced technologies and methodologies to deliver complex infrastructure projects for Southern Water's AMP8 Capital Programme.

• Oversee risk management, scope definition, and resource allocation to ensure successful project outcomes within a joint venture framework, fostering collaboration and high performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for the CMDP+ joint venture, a strategic delivery partner for Southern Water's AMP8 Capital Programme. The Senior Design Manager will not only oversee design but also influence the strategic direction of engineering solutions for essential water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades, requiring a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and long-term asset management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of engineering solutions at a program level, encompassing initial definition of need, optioneering, solution development, detailed design, and construction support.

• Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, technical excellence, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

• Develop and implement robust design management processes, including scope definition, risk assessment, and change control, to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required specifications.

• Collaborate closely with project management, construction teams, and client stakeholders (Southern Water) to ensure seamless integration of design activities with broader program delivery objectives.

• Drive efficiency and best practices in design, including the adoption of digital tools, offsite manufactured design principles, and sustainable engineering solutions to meet program targets and environmental goals.

• Manage relationships with external design consultants and suppliers, ensuring their outputs meet Costain's and Southern Water's quality and delivery expectations.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the CMDP+ joint venture, identifying opportunities for innovation and cost savings.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for "initial definition of need" and "optioneering" suggests a significant strategic input into project initiation, moving beyond traditional design management to include early-stage solution shaping and feasibility assessment. This requires strong conceptual engineering and business case development skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental) or a related technical field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering design and project management, with a significant portion within the water and wastewater infrastructure sector.

Required Skills:

• Technical Project Delivery: Demonstrated ability to manage the full lifecycle of engineering projects, from concept to construction support.

• Water Treatment Industry Expertise: In-depth understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, infrastructure assets (treatment works, pumping stations, reservoirs), and regulatory frameworks (e.g., AMP8 requirements).

• Multi-disciplinary Design Management: Expertise in coordinating and leading diverse engineering disciplines to deliver integrated design solutions.

• Engineering Design Principles: Strong foundation in engineering design, problem-solving, and technical specification development.

• Risk Management: Proficient in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks throughout the design and delivery phases.

• Scope Management: Ability to define, control, and manage project scope effectively to prevent scope creep and ensure project objectives are met.

• Optioneering: Skilled in evaluating and recommending the most viable engineering solutions based on technical, economic, and environmental factors.

• Construction Support: Experience in providing essential technical support to construction teams to ensure designs are implemented as intended.

• Design-Build Environment: Familiarity and experience working within integrated design-build project delivery models.

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

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with offsite manufactured design and modular construction techniques.

• Knowledge of digital engineering tools and BIM (Building Information Modelling) for infrastructure projects.

• Experience working within joint ventures or complex contractual frameworks.

• Public procurement processes and utility sector regulations.

• Contract management and commercial acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority of the role and the strategic nature of the AMP8 program, a Chartered Engineer status is a strong indicator of the expected technical depth and professional standing. Experience with joint ventures is also critical due to the CMDP+ structure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 significant infrastructure projects where you managed the design process from inception to completion, detailing your specific role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Design Management Frameworks: Examples of design management plans, risk registers, scope definition documents, and change control procedures you have developed or implemented.

• Optioneering & Solution Development: Illustrate your process for evaluating multiple design options, including the criteria used (e.g., cost, constructability, environmental impact, lifecycle cost) and the rationale for selecting a preferred solution.

• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: Evidence of how you have effectively managed diverse stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and internal teams, to achieve design consensus and project buy-in.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of how you have mapped, analyzed, and optimized design workflows to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and enhance quality.

• Implementation & Automation: Demonstrate your experience in implementing new design processes, tools, or technologies, including any automation initiatives that have led to measurable improvements.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Detail how you have established key performance indicators (KPIs) for design processes and used data to monitor performance, identify bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, the portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate a deep understanding of process, methodology, and the ability to drive efficiency and improvement. Specific examples of documentation used in managing complex design programs are essential.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in the UK infrastructure sector, particularly within water utilities and joint ventures, the estimated salary range is £70,000 - £95,000 per annum. This estimate considers the hybrid working model, the strategic importance of the role, and the specific location in Southampton.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Model: Opportunity to work remotely 2-3 days per week, promoting work-life balance.

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive company pension plan with employer contributions.

• Health & Wellbeing: Access to private medical insurance, employee assistance programs, and wellness initiatives.

• Life Assurance: Company-provided life insurance cover.

• Professional Development: Support for ongoing training, certifications, and professional body memberships.

• Annual Leave: Generous holiday entitlement, with options to purchase additional days.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-related bonuses based on individual and company success.

• Employee Share Scheme: Opportunities to invest in the company's future.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, specific days in the office (Testwood) are expected to be 2-3 days per week. Flexibility may be possible, but core hours will likely be dictated by program needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in the UK, adjusted for the specific industry (infrastructure, utilities) and the seniority level. Benefits are typical for large UK engineering firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering Services, focusing on Smart Infrastructure Solutions for UK's energy, water, transportation, and defence markets.

Company Size: Costain Group is a large, established company, with its employee count typically in the thousands (often cited as 4,000-5,000+ employees). This indicates a structured environment with established processes and career pathways.

Founded: Costain was founded in 1865, highlighting a long history and deep experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will likely be part of a larger engineering or design department within the CMDP+ joint venture, which itself is a partnership between Costain and MWH Treatment.

• The role will involve managing a team of design engineers, CAD technicians, and potentially specialists across various disciplines.

• Direct reporting is likely to a Head of Design, Programme Director, or a similar senior leadership role within the joint venture.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on using data to inform design decisions, optimize performance, and track project progress. This includes analyzing technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and lifecycle impacts.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Structured approaches to designing and managing workflows, ensuring efficiency, quality, and timely delivery of design packages.

• Automation & Efficiency: A drive towards leveraging technology and innovative methods to automate repetitive tasks, improve collaboration, and enhance overall project delivery efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's emphasis on "smart infrastructure solutions" and "digitally optimised" services suggests a forward-thinking approach to engineering, where technology and data play a central role in design and delivery. The joint venture aspect implies a need for strong collaboration and integration skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, indicating significant responsibility and requiring extensive experience (10+ years) in managing complex engineering design programs. It sits at a pivotal point where strategic decision-making, team leadership, and technical oversight converge.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to a higher-level director within the CMDP+ joint venture or Costain, likely overseeing a significant portion of the design workstream for the Southern Water AMP8 program. They will, in turn, manage a team of design professionals.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the successful delivery of critical water and wastewater infrastructure. Effective design management is fundamental to meeting regulatory requirements, ensuring public health and environmental protection, and achieving Costain's strategic objectives with Southern Water. The quality of design directly influences construction costs, project timelines, and the long-term performance and resilience of vital assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into more senior leadership roles such as Head of Design, Director of Engineering, or Programme Director within Costain or the joint venture, managing larger and more complex programs.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of water/wastewater engineering, digital design, or sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to move into related roles focusing on project management, commercial strategy, or operational asset management within the broader Costain Group.

• Mentorship & Development: A platform to mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of the next generation of design leaders within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned for individuals looking to make a significant impact on national infrastructure and advance into strategic leadership within a major engineering firm. The CMDP+ joint venture provides a unique platform for gaining experience in large-scale collaborative delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as hybrid, requiring attendance at the Testwood office 2-3 days per week. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support collaborative work, team meetings, and focused individual tasks. The remaining days can be worked remotely.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Testwood, Southampton. Travel to other sites may be required, indicating potential visits to project locations, client offices, or other Costain/MWH Treatment facilities across the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Office days will likely involve team meetings, design reviews, workshops with project stakeholders, and cross-functional planning sessions. The environment will support interaction between design teams and other project functions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard engineering design software, BIM platforms, project management tools, and communication technologies will be provided to facilitate effective design management and collaboration, both in-office and remotely.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with a diverse team of engineering professionals, project managers, and client representatives, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-sharing atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, but the need for on-site collaboration 2-3 days a week means that team availability and project demands will influence the specific daily schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates a modern approach to work, balancing the need for in-person collaboration essential for complex design management with the flexibility and autonomy of remote working. This environment is likely geared towards efficient project delivery and employee well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in water infrastructure and design management.

• First Interview (likely with Hiring Manager/Senior Team Member): Focus on your technical experience, leadership style, and understanding of the water/wastewater sector. Expect questions on your approach to managing design programs, teams, and risks.

• Second Interview (potentially with a panel including client representatives): This stage might involve a more in-depth discussion of your portfolio, a case study presentation, and assessment of your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the CMDP+ joint venture.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussions on terms, conditions, and offer presentation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects that showcase your ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary design programs in the infrastructure sector, ideally with water/wastewater experience.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction, efficiency gains). Use metrics wherever possible.

• Process Focus: Highlight the design management methodologies, tools, and processes you employed. Explain how you managed scope, risk, changes, and team collaboration.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or visual representations of your design processes or project structures to enhance understanding. Keep it concise and professional.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to the CMDP+ joint venture and Southern Water's AMP8 program, such as optioneering, design-build, and infrastructure upgrades.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge, such as managing conflicting stakeholder requirements, a significant design change request, or a risk that threatens project delivery.

• Optioneering Case Study: You might be asked to walk through an example of how you identified and evaluated multiple design options for a specific infrastructure element, detailing your decision-making process.

• Team Leadership & Conflict Resolution: Prepare examples of how you have led diverse teams, managed performance, and resolved conflicts within a design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a crucial part of the interview process for this role. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that demonstrate not just what they achieved, but how they achieved it, focusing on process, methodology, and quantifiable results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, Bentley MicroStation (depending on specific engineering disciplines).

• BIM Software: Autodesk BIM 360, Navisworks, Synchro (for model coordination, clash detection, and project planning).

• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com (for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking).

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint, Confluence (for communication, document sharing, and knowledge management).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), Power BI, Tableau (for performance reporting, dashboards, and data visualization).

• Reporting Tools: Custom reporting within project management software, or dedicated business intelligence platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, familiarity with CRM principles for client relationship management and project tracking (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics 365) can be beneficial for understanding client needs.

• Automation Tools: Experience with workflow automation tools or scripting (e.g., Python for data analysis, custom scripts for CAD tasks) would be advantageous.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different software platforms integrate to create seamless data flows (e.g., APIs, middleware).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and project management software is a baseline expectation. Experience with BIM and data visualization tools is increasingly important for demonstrating efficiency and providing clear reporting to stakeholders.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to health, safety, and environmental protection in all design and delivery activities. This is a core value in the construction and infrastructure sector.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all business dealings.

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to continuously improve, embrace new technologies, and deliver high-quality, smart infrastructure solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative spirit, valuing diverse perspectives, and working effectively across teams and with external partners.

• Customer Focus: A dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of clients like Southern Water, delivering value and exceeding expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly integrated approach where design teams work hand-in-hand with project management, commercial, procurement, and construction teams from the outset.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for reviewing design processes, providing constructive feedback, and collectively identifying areas for improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across disciplines and projects to foster continuous learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's stated vision of being the UK's leading smart infrastructure solutions company implies a culture that values innovation, technology adoption, and a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving, all within a framework of strong ethical and safety standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of AMP8 Program: Managing multiple, interconnected projects within a large capital program, each with unique technical requirements and timelines.

• Integration of Joint Venture Partners: Effectively aligning the design processes and objectives of Costain and MWH Treatment within the CMDP+ framework.

• Evolving Regulatory Landscape: Staying abreast of and adapting to changes in environmental regulations, water quality standards, and other legislative requirements impacting infrastructure design.

• Technological Adoption: Championing and integrating new digital tools and methodologies within a traditional engineering environment to drive efficiency and innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to attend specialized training in areas like BIM, digital twins, sustainable design, or advanced project management techniques.

• Industry Conference & Certification: Support for attending relevant industry conferences (e.g., CIWEM, ICE events) and pursuing advanced certifications to enhance expertise.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Costain and potentially within Southern Water, and development programs focused on leadership and strategic management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large infrastructure projects, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing leaders who can drive the company's smart infrastructure vision.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a design management plan for a large-scale water infrastructure program like AMP8. What are the key components and how do you ensure buy-in?"

• "How do you balance the need for innovation and new technologies with the constraints of budget, schedule, and established regulatory requirements in your design processes?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Costain's vision for smart infrastructure, and how would your role as Senior Design Manager contribute to it?"

• "How would you foster collaboration between the Costain and MWH Treatment design teams within the CMDP+ joint venture?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key projects, clearly stating the objective, your role, the challenges, your process/methodology, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., % cost saving, % schedule improvement, risk reduction metrics).

• Focus on Process: For each project, highlight the specific design management processes you utilized (e.g., risk registers, optioneering frameworks, change control, stakeholder engagement plans).

• Visual Storytelling: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, charts, photos if appropriate) to illustrate complex points or project progress. Ensure your presentation is engaging and easy to follow.

• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to dive deeper into any aspect of your portfolio, particularly regarding technical details, problem-solving, and team management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of strategic thinking, robust process management, strong leadership, and a clear understanding of the infrastructure sector, particularly water utilities. Be prepared to articulate your decision-making process and the impact of your work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in water/wastewater infrastructure, multi-disciplinary design management, and program-level delivery. Emphasize your 10+ years of experience and any relevant chartership status.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your responsibilities and achievements in previous design management roles, using keywords like "optioneering," "design-build," "AMP8," "program management," and "stakeholder engagement." Quantify your achievements with metrics.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for potential interview questions by reviewing the "Interview Preparation" section above. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Costain's recent projects, its strategic vision, and its commitment to sustainability and smart infrastructure. Understand the CMDP+ joint venture and its role with Southern Water.

⚠️ 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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