Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Mace

Location: Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Design Management / Engineering Management / Operations Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-09-18T03:27:58

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a significant £50 million per annum programme of repair, maintenance, and capital works within the Utilities and Water sector.

• Provide technical leadership and governance across multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring all design solutions align with client needs, regulatory obligations, and industry standards.

• Oversee the full project lifecycle, from scope definition and feasibility through to detailed design, construction support, and handover.

• Drive innovation, improve programme certainty, and ensure designs are safe, buildable, efficient, and operationally effective by collaborating closely with operational teams and delivery partners.

• Champion Safety in Design principles and ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and other relevant industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, implying a high level of responsibility and strategic oversight. The focus on a £50m p.a. programme and managing multidisciplinary teams suggests a need for strong leadership, project management, and deep technical expertise within the water and utilities sector. The emphasis on operational integration and stakeholder management indicates a critical GTM-aligned function, ensuring design outputs directly support business objectives and client satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Assurance: Manage the design management function for a portfolio of water and wastewater projects, ensuring all design outputs meet client requirements, regulatory obligations, engineering standards, and programme objectives.

• Design Governance & Technical Assurance: Establish and implement robust design assurance processes, stage gate reviews, and technical governance arrangements to ensure designs are safe, compliant, buildable, and fit for purpose.

• Multidisciplinary Design Management: Coordinate and manage internal and external design teams across civil, mechanical, electrical, process, instrumentation, and operational disciplines to ensure effective integration.

• Operational Integration: Collaborate closely with Anglian Water operational teams, programme delivery teams, construction partners, and supply chain organizations to align designs with operational needs, asset performance, and future maintenance requirements.

• Programme Performance & Delivery: Support successful programme outcomes by ensuring timely design development, reducing delivery risk, and improving programme certainty regarding safety, quality, cost, and schedule.

• Design Risk & Change Management: Manage the identification, mitigation, and control of design-related risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle, overseeing technical change control processes.

• Safety in Design & Compliance: Ensure adherence to CDM Regulations, industry standards, client specifications, and regulatory requirements, actively championing Safety in Design principles.

• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain effective relationships with client representatives, operational stakeholders, delivery partners, regulators, and design consultants to foster collaboration and achieve successful programme outcomes.

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Drive innovation, best practices, and lessons learned across the programme, identifying opportunities for standardization, efficiency, sustainability, and enhanced whole-life asset performance.

• Leadership & Capability Development: Provide leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to design management and engineering teams, ensuring adequate capability, capacity, and governance structures are in place, while promoting a positive, high-performing, and safety-led culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities clearly outline a strategic and operational role focused on the entire design lifecycle within a major infrastructure program. The emphasis on "Operational Integration" and "Stakeholder Management" highlights the critical link between design and the business's operational success, aligning with GTM objectives of delivering value and efficiency. The inclusion of "Safety in Design" and "Regulatory Compliance" underscores the importance of risk management and adherence to standards, crucial for any infrastructure-focused operations role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree qualified in Engineering, Design Management, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in design management and leadership roles.

• Significant experience leading multidisciplinary design teams within the Utilities and Water sector.

• Proven track record of design management and design assurance across major infrastructure, maintenance, or capital delivery programmes.

• Experience delivering projects within AMP programmes and UK regulated water environments.

• Experience managing design consultants, contractor design teams, and supply chain partners.

• Familiarity with digital engineering, BIM, and information management requirements.

• Experience of NEC contracts and collaborative delivery models. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing and directing the design process for complex infrastructure projects.

• Technical Assurance: Proven ability to establish and implement robust design governance and technical review processes.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Demonstrated success in leading and coordinating diverse engineering and design teams.

• Utilities and Water Sector Expertise: Strong understanding of water and wastewater assets, networks, and treatment infrastructure.

• Infrastructure Project Management: Experience managing design aspects across large-scale infrastructure programmes.

• CDM Regulations: In-depth knowledge and practical application of CDM Regulations and Safety in Design principles.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to build rapport and influence across client, operational, and delivery organizations.

• Risk Management: Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks and opportunities.

• Design Governance: Ability to establish and enforce clear design governance and technical approval processes.

• Engineering Standards: Comprehensive understanding of relevant engineering standards and best practices in the water sector.

• Change Control: Proficiency in managing technical change control processes and ensuring proper documentation.

• Regulatory Compliance: Strong knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., Ofwat, DWI, Environment Agency).

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or actively working towards chartership.

• Knowledge of Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), the Environment Agency, and relevant water industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize deep technical and sector-specific knowledge, alongside leadership and process management skills. The "10+" years of experience and requirement for chartership (or progress towards it) indicate a senior-level role demanding significant expertise and credibility within the engineering and design management domain. The inclusion of specific regulatory bodies and contract types (NEC) are critical keywords for operations professionals targeting this sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Assurance Frameworks: Showcase experience in developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive design assurance frameworks, including stage gate reviews and technical approval processes.

• Risk & Change Management Case Studies: Provide examples of how you've identified, assessed, and mitigated design-related risks and managed technical change controls within complex projects.

• Multidisciplinary Integration Examples: Present evidence of successful coordination and integration of diverse design disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, process, instrumentation) to achieve project objectives.

• Operational Alignment Documentation: Demonstrate instances where designs were successfully aligned with operational needs, asset performance, and maintenance requirements through collaboration with operational teams.

• Safety in Design Implementation: Detail your experience in championing and implementing Safety in Design principles and ensuring compliance with CDM Regulations, backed by project examples.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Illustrate your approach to designing and optimizing workflows for design management and assurance processes, ensuring efficiency and compliance.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you've implemented design processes and utilized digital tools (like BIM, digital engineering) to enhance delivery and information management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase how you track and report on design performance, linking it to programme objectives like safety, quality, cost, and schedule, and how you use data for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate a deep understanding of how design processes are managed, assured, and integrated with operational outcomes. The emphasis should be on process documentation, risk mitigation, and the successful application of technical governance, particularly within the regulated water sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The salary for this Senior Design Manager position in Peterborough, UK, with 10+ years of experience and specialized sector knowledge, is estimated to be in the range of £70,000 - £95,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering and design management roles in the UK's construction and utilities sector, considering the program value (£50m p.a.), the required expertise, and the location.

Benefits:

• Flexible working options: Opportunities to adjust working hours to accommodate personal needs.

• Hybrid working options: A blend of on-site and remote work, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

• Part-time working options: Potential for discussing adjusted working arrangements where feasible for the role.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and support towards professional chartership (e.g., CEng).

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive company pension plan.

• Health and Wellbeing Programs: Access to employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement within Mace's project and programme management structure.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid and potential part-time arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on UK market rates for similar senior roles in construction/infrastructure management, factoring in the specified program size and sector expertise. The benefits listed are derived from the "Our values" section, which explicitly mentions flexibility and continuous improvement, and general corporate benefits expected for this level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Consultancy (with a strong focus on infrastructure, particularly within the Utilities and Water sector).

Company Size: Mace is a large global company, employing thousands worldwide. This scale suggests robust organizational structures, established processes, and significant project opportunities, but also a need for strong individual initiative to navigate.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990, indicating a well-established presence and wealth of experience in the industry.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role operates within a programme managing repair, maintenance, and capital works, likely involving close collaboration with client operational teams (e.g., Anglian Water) and Mace's own project delivery and consultancy divisions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect to work closely with civil, mechanical, electrical, process, and instrumentation engineers, as well as construction partners, supply chain organizations, and client representatives.

• Reporting: The Senior Design Manager will likely report into a Programme Director or Head of Design, with direct management of internal design teams and oversight of external consultants and contractors.

Methodology:

• Integrated Project Delivery: Mace emphasizes a collaborative approach, integrating construction expertise with consultancy services. This role requires a holistic view of the project lifecycle.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The emphasis on "programme performance," "risk management," and "continuous improvement" suggests a reliance on data and analytics to inform decisions and drive efficiency.

• Process Optimization: The role is tasked with improving "standardisation, efficiency, sustainability," indicating a focus on refining and optimizing operational and design processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Mace's global reach and established reputation, particularly in infrastructure. The explicit mention of client operational teams (Anglian Water) and the £50m programme value points to a significant operational remit. The company's values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) are key indicators of the expected work culture and professional conduct.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management. This role is a critical leadership position responsible for a substantial programme's design output. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic oversight, and strong people management skills. The scope involves high-value projects and significant stakeholder interaction.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Programme Director or a senior executive within Mace's consultancy or project management division. They will have direct reports within the design management team and influence over design consultants and contractor design teams. This structure provides visibility and impact across the programme.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is direct and substantial. By ensuring designs are safe, buildable, efficient, and operationally effective, the Senior Design Manager directly influences:

• Programme Success: Meeting safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.

• Operational Efficiency: Ensuring new or refurbished assets perform optimally and are maintainable.

• Risk Mitigation: Preventing design-related issues that could lead to delays, cost overruns, or safety incidents.

• Client Satisfaction: Delivering on client requirements and exceeding expectations through robust design solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Programme Director roles, managing larger or more complex programmes within the water sector or other infrastructure areas.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific areas of water infrastructure design, assurance, or digital engineering.

• Cross-sector Mobility: Leveraging experience in a regulated utility environment to move into other complex infrastructure sectors managed by Mace.

• Mentorship & Training: Access to Mace's structured development programs, potentially including advanced leadership training or specialized technical certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career step, offering substantial operational leadership. The growth opportunities are geared towards managing larger programs, deepening specialized expertise, or transitioning into broader infrastructure leadership roles, aligning with typical career paths for senior operations professionals in large consultancies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, indicating a mix of office-based work and remote working. The office is likely a professional environment within Mace's Peterborough location, equipped for project collaboration and team meetings.

Office Location(s): Peterborough, England, United Kingdom. This location is significant for its proximity to operational areas and client sites within the Anglian Water region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment will likely support collaborative working sessions, design reviews, and team meetings, fostering interaction among design managers, engineers, and project stakeholders.

• Technology Enabled: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and potentially specialized design and BIM software, supporting digital engineering initiatives.

• Client Integration: Opportunities to engage directly with client representatives and operational teams, fostering a strong understanding of real-world operational challenges and requirements.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 per week, but the hybrid nature of the role and explicit mention of flexible and part-time options suggest a focus on output and efficiency rather than strict adherence to a rigid schedule, provided programme objectives are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect for modern operations professionals, balancing focused work with team collaboration. The Peterborough location suggests a connection to specific regional infrastructure projects, which is valuable context for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application against core requirements, particularly sector experience and leadership qualifications.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion on design management principles, technical assurance processes, CDM regulations, water sector specific challenges, and risk management strategies. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of a portfolio demonstrating experience in leading multidisciplinary design teams, managing design assurance, and integrating designs with operational needs. Focus on tangible results and process improvements.

• Stakeholder/Leadership Interview: Assessment of leadership style, stakeholder management capabilities, and ability to drive a positive, safety-led culture. This may involve meeting with senior leadership or client representatives.

• Final Stage: Potential final interview with a Programme Director or senior executive to discuss strategic fit and long-term contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key responsibility areas (e.g., Design Governance, Multidisciplinary Management, Operational Integration, Safety & Compliance).

• Case Studies: For each area, provide 1-2 detailed case studies. For example, a case study on how you implemented a design assurance framework, managed a complex design risk, or successfully integrated operational feedback into a design.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For instance, "Reduced design iterations by X%," "Achieved Y% compliance rate in technical reviews," or "Contributed to Z% cost savings through efficient design."

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the processes you implemented or managed, not just the outcomes. Explain the 'how' behind your successes.

• Visuals: Include diagrams, flowcharts, or examples of documentation (redacted for confidentiality) to illustrate your processes and methodologies.

• Tailor: Highlight experience most relevant to the water/utilities sector and CDM regulations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Governance Exercise: You might be asked to outline how you would establish a design governance framework for a new project or improve an existing one.

• Risk Scenario: Present a hypothetical design risk scenario and ask how you would manage it, including communication strategies.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Prepare to discuss how you would ensure alignment between design teams and operational stakeholders, especially when there are conflicting priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience, process knowledge, and leadership capability. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases concrete examples of managing design processes and delivering results is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Management Software: Experience with project management platforms that facilitate design tracking, document control, and collaboration (e.g., Aconex, Procore, BIM 360).

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools and workflows is increasingly standard (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for 3D modeling, clash detection, and information management.

• Digital Engineering Platforms: Understanding and experience with digital engineering tools and methodologies that enhance design efficiency, collaboration, and data utilization.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency in platforms like Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint) for communication, document sharing, and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Dashboards: Experience with tools that provide visibility into project progress, design status, risk registers, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in Excel or similar for data manipulation and reporting on design metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader project management and potentially client relationship management systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools for design review processes or approval chains might be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the job description implies a need for proficiency in modern digital engineering practices, BIM, and robust project management/collaboration platforms common in large-scale infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A non-negotiable priority. Expect a culture that actively promotes safety in all design and operational considerations, with a strong emphasis on reporting and proactive hazard identification.

• Client Focus: A commitment to delivering on promises and building long-term relationships. This means understanding client needs deeply and ensuring design solutions directly support their operational goals and business outcomes.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and compliance obligations in all dealings, influencing positive outcomes within the industry.

• Create Opportunity: A drive for continuous improvement, fostering personal and team development. This includes embracing innovation, sharing knowledge, and supporting career growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design teams work hand-in-hand with client operations, project delivery, and construction partners. Open communication and mutual respect are key.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on processes and designs, with mechanisms for continuous improvement and lessons learned.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing best practices, technical knowledge, and project insights across teams and the wider organization to elevate overall capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are clearly articulated and should guide how candidates present themselves and their experience. They emphasize a proactive, ethical, and improvement-oriented approach, essential for success in a senior operations and management role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing diverse requirements from client operations, project delivery, and regulatory bodies to ensure cohesive and optimal design solutions.

• Driving Innovation in a Regulated Environment: Introducing new technologies or methodologies (like advanced digital engineering) while adhering to stringent regulatory and safety standards.

• Managing Design Risk on Large Programmes: Proactively identifying and mitigating complex design risks across a £50m programme with multiple interdependencies.

• Ensuring Operational Readiness: Guaranteeing that designs translate seamlessly into efficient, maintainable, and safe operational assets for the client.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Engineering: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of water infrastructure, asset management, or emerging design technologies.

• Leadership & Programme Management: Access to Mace's leadership development programs, potentially leading to roles with greater strategic responsibility and larger programme oversight.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications relevant to engineering, design management, or project management.

• Networking: Engaging with a vast network of industry professionals within Mace and its client/partner organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to managing large, complex infrastructure projects in a regulated sector. Overcoming them requires strong technical acumen, excellent communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, all of which are opportunities for professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing and managing a robust design governance framework for a large infrastructure programme in the water sector." (Focus on process, stakeholder involvement, and risk mitigation.)

• "How would you ensure effective collaboration and alignment between multidisciplinary design teams and client operational teams to meet project objectives and operational needs?" (Highlight communication strategies, conflict resolution, and understanding of operational constraints.)

• "Walk me through a complex design challenge you faced on a water infrastructure project. How did you identify the problem, what steps did you take to solve it, and what was the outcome?" (Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving methodology, decision-making process, and quantifiable results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Mace's values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) align with your professional approach and how would you embed them within your team?" (Research the values thoroughly and provide specific examples.)

• "Describe your experience working within a hybrid or flexible working environment and how you ensure team productivity and collaboration." (Connect your experience to the role's work arrangement.)

• "How do you measure the success of design outputs beyond technical specifications, considering operational effectiveness and whole-life asset performance?" (Demonstrate an understanding of the broader business impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around key themes relevant to the role (e.g., Governance, Risk, Integration, Leadership).

• STAR Method: For each case study, use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to clearly articulate your contributions and the impact.

• Visual Aids: Utilize slides with clear diagrams, flowcharts, and key metrics. Avoid dense text.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize the how – your methodology, processes, and decision-making.

• Engage: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your presented work and demonstrate deep understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence but also leadership, strategic thinking, and alignment with Mace's core values and operational focus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Mace careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your extensive experience in design management, technical assurance, and leadership within the UK water and utilities sector. Quantify achievements and emphasize your understanding of CDM regulations and infrastructure delivery.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your experience in managing multidisciplinary design teams, implementing design governance, and integrating designs with operational requirements. Include specific case studies demonstrating problem-solving, risk management, and adherence to safety and compliance standards.

• Research Mace & Anglian Water: Understand Mace's values, project portfolio, and approach to consulting and construction. Familiarize yourself with Anglian Water's operational context and regulatory environment.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer questions using the STAR method, focusing on your leadership style, technical expertise, and ability to drive operational efficiency through design. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ 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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