Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Severn Trent

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: May 02, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage integrated design teams focused on developing innovative engineering solutions for critical Waste Water Infrastructure programmes.

• Drive project delivery excellence for the AMP8 programme, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards within the Capital River Health Enhancement team.

• Uphold and discharge Principal Designer duties in accordance with CDM regulations, ensuring health and safety compliance throughout the design lifecycle.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and robust leadership within the design and engineering functions.

• Collaborate effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to achieve strategic business objectives and enhance community well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within Severn Trent's Capital Investment Programme, specifically focusing on the vital area of Waste Water Infrastructure and River Health. The emphasis on the AMP8 programme and CDM regulations indicates a complex, regulated environment requiring strong project governance, technical expertise, and leadership in design and engineering. The role demands a blend of technical design management acumen and people leadership skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor an integrated team of designers, fostering a high-performance culture focused on solution design and engineering excellence.

• Oversee the development of engineering solutions for a wide array of Waste Water Infrastructure projects within Severn Trent's Capital Investment Programme.

• Manage project delivery from design through procurement and construction phases, ensuring projects are completed to agreed time, cost, and quality objectives.

• Act as the Principal Designer representative, ensuring full compliance with all aspects of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).

• Cultivate strong relationships with internal departments (e.g., operations, planning) and external stakeholders (e.g., regulatory bodies, contractors, suppliers).

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the design process, identifying and implementing innovative approaches to enhance performance and efficiency.

• Develop and nurture the professional growth and success of team members through effective coaching, performance management, and development planning.

• Proactively identify and mitigate design and project risks, ensuring robust contingency planning and decision-making under ambiguity.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Capital River Health Enhancement team and the broader AMP8 programme.

• Champion a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and community benefit in all design activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical leadership (design, CDM) and people management (team development, stakeholder relations). The mention of "Capital River Health Enhancement team" and "AMP8 programme" suggests a strategic importance and a long-term commitment to environmental and infrastructure improvements, requiring a candidate with a strong understanding of the utility sector's regulatory and operational landscape.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree qualified (desirable) in a related engineering or technical discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering).

Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in engineering design management, with a significant portion focused on the waste/water networks and treatment sectors. Proven experience in a leadership role, managing design teams and projects.

Required Skills:

• Engineering Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage complex engineering design processes for infrastructure projects.

• Waste/Water Infrastructure Expertise: In-depth knowledge and practical experience in the design of waste water networks and treatment facilities.

• Principal Designer Role: Demonstrated experience in fulfilling the role of Principal Designer under CDM regulations, including accountability for design safety.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional skills in building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Project Delivery & Governance: Track record of successfully delivering projects on time and within budget, with a strong understanding of project governance frameworks.

• Team Leadership & Coaching: Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop design teams, with strong coaching and mentoring capabilities.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Capacity to drive innovation, anticipate challenges, and make sound judgments in ambiguous situations.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of budget management and financial control for capital projects.

Preferred Skills:

• CDM Regulations Expertise: Advanced understanding and practical application of CDM regulations and associated health and safety legislation.

• AMP8 Programme Knowledge: Familiarity with the objectives, challenges, and delivery mechanisms of the Anglian Water AMP8 (Asset Management Period 8) programme or similar large-scale utility investment cycles.

• Procurement & Construction Interface: Experience in managing the interface between design, procurement, and construction phases.

• Process Improvement Methodologies: Knowledge of methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma for driving efficiency and continuous improvement.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to grasp the bigger picture and contribute to the wider business agenda.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" experience level, combined with the desire for a degree and specific expertise in waste/water networks and CDM regulations, points towards a senior-level role requiring significant practical and theoretical knowledge. The emphasis on "degree qualified (desirable)" suggests that extensive, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree for exceptional candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: A portfolio showcasing successful waste water infrastructure design projects, detailing the scope, challenges, solutions implemented, and outcomes.

• CDM Compliance Examples: Evidence of how Principal Designer duties were discharged, including examples of risk assessments, design safety documentation, and collaboration with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) where applicable.

• Team Leadership & Development Examples: Documentation or case studies illustrating leadership approach, team development initiatives, and successful team performance outcomes.

• Stakeholder Engagement Documentation: Examples of communication plans, stakeholder management strategies, and successful collaborative outcomes with diverse groups.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Documentation of implemented process improvements within design or project delivery, highlighting efficiency gains, cost savings, or quality enhancements.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Demonstrable experience in documenting, analyzing, and optimizing design workflows to improve efficiency and reduce lead times.

• Engineering Process Standards: Evidence of developing or adhering to robust engineering process standards and best practices within a regulated environment.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for design teams and projects, and to report on performance using data-driven insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, the portfolio should not just showcase completed projects but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage processes, lead teams effectively, and ensure regulatory compliance. Emphasis on process optimization and measurable outcomes will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers in the UK utilities sector with 10+ years of experience and significant leadership responsibilities, an estimated salary range of £65,000 - £85,000 per annum is expected. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and performance during the interview process. Birmingham's cost of living is moderate compared to London, supporting this range.

Benefits:

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with the flexibility to buy or sell up to 5 additional days per year.

• Annual Bonus Scheme: Potential to earn an annual bonus of up to £2,250, contingent on company performance.

• Exceptional Pension Scheme: Severn Trent offers a leading pension scheme, matching employee contributions up to 15% when the employee contributes 7.5% (a 2:1 match).

• Sharesave Scheme: Opportunity to purchase Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate.

• Comprehensive Training & Development: Access to dedicated training and development programs through the 'Academy'.

• Electric Vehicle Scheme: An attractive scheme for employees looking to lease electric vehicles.

• Retail Offers: Discounts and special offers from a range of retailers.

• Family-Friendly Policies: Support for work-life balance with comprehensive family-friendly policies.

• Volunteering Opportunities: Two paid days per year dedicated to volunteering in the community.

Working Hours: This is a full-time role, typically involving 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and project needs, allowing for effective management of design processes and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from research on similar Senior Design Manager roles in the UK utilities sector, factoring in Birmingham's regional economic standing and the specified experience level. The benefits package is detailed as provided in the job description, highlighting its comprehensive nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water and Wastewater Utilities. Severn Trent is one of the largest utility companies in the UK, providing essential water and wastewater services to millions of households and businesses. This industry is heavily regulated, capital-intensive, and plays a critical role in public health and environmental protection.

Company Size: Severn Trent is a large organization, part of the top 5% of utility companies globally by employee engagement. With over 10,000 employees, it offers stability and significant opportunities for career development.

Founded: Severn Trent was formed in 1974 through the merger of regional water boards. Its long history in the utility sector signifies a deep understanding of infrastructure management and customer service.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will lead an integrated team of designers within the Capital River Health Enhancement team.

• This team is a key component of Severn Trent's Capital Investment Programme, likely working closely with project managers, construction teams, operational asset managers, and external consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes using data to drive design decisions, optimize processes, and measure performance, aligning with modern operations management practices.

• Collaborative Design Process: Emphasis on an integrated approach, working across disciplines and with external partners to develop robust engineering solutions.

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: A commitment to constantly seeking better ways to deliver projects, improve efficiency, and enhance environmental outcomes.

• Regulatory Compliance: Strict adherence to industry regulations, particularly CDM, is fundamental to the design and delivery process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Severn Trent's culture is described as people-centric, emphasizing employee engagement, inclusivity, and making a positive impact. The "do more, because you care" ethos suggests a mission-driven organization focused on community and environmental well-being, which should resonate with candidates seeking purpose-driven work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management. This role sits at a senior level within the engineering and design function, responsible for leading a team, managing significant capital projects, and ensuring compliance with critical regulations. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise and strong leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to a higher-level director within the Capital Delivery or Engineering function, likely overseeing multiple projects and teams. They will, in turn, manage a team of designers and potentially technical specialists.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on Severn Trent's ability to deliver its strategic objectives for the AMP8 programme, which focuses on improving river health, reducing flooding, and enhancing water quality. Successful design management directly translates into improved environmental outcomes, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency for the company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into roles such as Head of Design, Director of Capital Delivery, or Programme Director, managing larger portfolios and teams.

• Specialization & Technical Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific areas of waste water infrastructure, environmental engineering, or asset management through ongoing projects and development.

• Strategic Contribution: Opportunity to influence the broader strategic direction of Severn Trent's capital investment and environmental strategy.

• Industry Recognition: Potential to become a recognized expert within the water industry, contributing to industry best practices and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Design Manager in a large utility company like Severn Trent typically involves progression into broader directorial roles or specialization into highly technical advisory positions. The emphasis on the AMP8 programme suggests a multi-year strategic focus, offering stability and deep project involvement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based at the Edgbaston office, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setting is conducive to team collaboration, face-to-face stakeholder meetings, and focused design work.

Office Location(s): Edgbaston, Birmingham. This location offers good accessibility within the West Midlands region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Edgbaston office is likely equipped to support team-based work, with meeting rooms, collaborative spaces, and access to necessary IT infrastructure.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be essential for the role.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the integrated design team, project management, and other key departments involved in the Capital Investment Programme.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 per week, with an on-site presence required. While core hours will likely be maintained for team collaboration and operational needs, some flexibility might be possible to accommodate project demands or personal commitments, subject to management approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Birmingham suggests a preference for direct team engagement and a hands-on approach to managing the design process within a structured office environment. This reflects the critical nature of infrastructure projects and the need for close coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's core requirements, particularly in engineering design, leadership, and CDM experience.

• First Interview: Likely a panel interview with hiring managers and senior members of the Capital Delivery or Engineering team. Focus on behavioral questions, technical expertise in waste water design, and leadership philosophy.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: A potential assessment or presentation where candidates are asked to discuss a past project, a design challenge, or a strategic approach to managing a design team under CDM regulations. This is where portfolio elements would be crucial.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership, focusing on strategic alignment, cultural fit, and long-term vision for the role and team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership & Impact: Showcase projects where your leadership directly led to successful outcomes, improved efficiency, or resolved complex challenges.

• Demonstrate CDM Proficiency: Clearly articulate your experience as a Principal Designer, providing specific examples of risk management, safety planning, and regulatory compliance.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work – e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, reduction in design errors, or environmental impact metrics.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, functional area (e.g., design, CDM, team management), or by key responsibilities outlined in the job description.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio examples in detail, explaining your role, the context, the actions taken, and the results achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• CDM Regulations: Refresh your knowledge of the latest CDM regulations and common challenges in applying them to large infrastructure projects.

• Waste Water Infrastructure: Be prepared to discuss current trends, challenges, and best practices in waste water design, treatment technologies, and asset management.

• Leadership Scenarios: Think about how you would handle common leadership challenges such as motivating a team, resolving inter-team conflicts, managing underperforming individuals, or driving change.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Prepare specific examples of how you have successfully managed difficult stakeholders or navigated complex relationships to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role will be rigorous, focusing on both technical competence and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared candidate will use their portfolio to provide concrete evidence of their experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar platforms for infrastructure design.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools and workflows (e.g., Revit) for integrated design and project delivery, especially relevant for complex infrastructure.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and project tracking.

• Design Review Tools: Software for collaborative design reviews and mark-ups.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance data.

• Reporting Systems: Experience with company-specific or industry-standard reporting frameworks for project status, HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment, Quality), and financial performance.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for managing project finances, procurement, and resources.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

• CDM-Specific Software: Potential familiarity with specialized software for managing health and safety documentation and compliance tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the nature of the role heavily implies a need for proficiency in standard engineering design software, project management suites, and data analysis tools common in large infrastructure projects. Familiarity with BIM is increasingly becoming a standard requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Care & Community Focus: Severn Trent's core value of "doing more because you care" is central, emphasizing a commitment to serving communities and protecting the environment.

• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding high ethical standards, ensuring accountability for actions, and taking ownership of project outcomes.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to challenge the status quo, seek better solutions, and continuously enhance processes and performance.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Valuing diverse minds, experiences, and backgrounds to foster a rich and collaborative working environment.

• Safety & Well-being: Prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of employees, customers, and the public in all operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers, engineers, project managers, and other specialists work closely together.

• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Strong emphasis on building effective working relationships across different departments within Severn Trent and with external supply chain partners.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, feedback exchange, and knowledge sharing to drive collective success and problem-solving.

• Proactive Engagement: A culture that values proactive participation, contribution to discussions, and a willingness to get involved in wider company initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Severn Trent, as described, leans heavily into a purpose-driven, employee-centric approach. Candidates who align with these values, particularly the "care" aspect and commitment to environmental improvement, will likely find a strong cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of AMP8 Programme: Navigating the scale, interdependencies, and long-term objectives of the AMP8 programme, which involves significant capital investment and complex environmental goals.

• Regulatory Landscape: Ensuring continuous compliance with evolving CDM regulations and other environmental legislation in a highly scrutinized industry.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing the diverse and sometimes competing interests of numerous internal and external stakeholders to ensure project success.

• Team Development & Retention: Attracting, developing, and retaining skilled design professionals in a competitive market.

• Driving Innovation: Fostering a culture of innovation within a traditionally conservative industry and ensuring new technologies are effectively integrated.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to Severn Trent's 'Academy' for ongoing professional development, including courses on leadership, project management, and technical specializations.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend industry events, learn about emerging trends in water infrastructure and environmental engineering, and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Severn Trent or to mentor junior team members, enhancing leadership and strategic thinking skills.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Gaining invaluable experience through direct involvement in some of the UK's largest and most impactful infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large, regulated infrastructure projects. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for career advancement and skill enhancement within a leading utility company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully led a design team through a complex infrastructure project with significant regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., CDM). What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure success?" (Focus on leadership, technical expertise, process management, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach stakeholder management when dealing with diverse groups (e.g., regulators, community groups, internal operations) on a critical project? Provide a specific example." (Focus on communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Severn Trent's mission and values, particularly our 'do more because you care' ethos, and how do you see yourself contributing to that?" (Focus on cultural alignment and personal motivation.)

• "How do you ensure your team's work aligns with broader company objectives and impacts, such as environmental improvement and public health?" (Focus on strategic alignment and understanding of the company's mission.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: Structure your project examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear, concise, and impactful narratives.

• Visual Aids: Use slides or diagrams to illustrate project complexities, design solutions, and process flows. Keep them clean and professional.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, decisions, and leadership actions within each project.

• Quantify Impact: Emphasize measurable outcomes – cost savings, efficiency gains, risk reductions, environmental benefits, or quality improvements.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, risk assessments, stakeholder interactions, and team management strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and alignment with Severn Trent's core values. A well-structured portfolio presentation is key to substantiating your experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position at Severn Trent:

• Submit your application through the official Severn Trent careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV prominently features your experience in engineering design management, waste water infrastructure, CDM regulations, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects that showcase your leadership, technical skills, and experience in managing design processes and regulatory compliance. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Research Severn Trent: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, the AMP8 programme, and recent environmental initiatives. Understand their commitment to community and sustainability.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions using the STAR method and rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure a confident and compelling delivery.

⚠️ 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.