Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: SYSTRA

Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-07-30

Experience Level: 5-10 years (Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design delivery for critical water sector work packages, ensuring adherence to stringent quality, budget, and timeline objectives.

• Drive the coordination of multidisciplinary engineering and design teams, fostering collaboration and efficient information flow for complex infrastructure projects.

• Cultivate and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships within the regulated water utility sector, ensuring alignment on project goals and deliverables.

• Implement and manage robust project controls, including financial forecasting, resource allocation, and progress monitoring, to guarantee successful project outcomes.

• Uphold SYSTRA's core values of excellence, respect, empowerment, and teamwork, promoting high standards of technical delivery and professional conduct.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager with a clear specialization in the water sector, implying a need for deep understanding of the regulated utility environment. The emphasis on leading "complex packages of work" and coordinating "multidisciplinary inputs" suggests a role requiring significant technical oversight and strong project leadership, typical of senior operations and project management functions within engineering consultancies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete design lifecycle for allocated water and wastewater infrastructure projects, from initial concept through to detailed design and technical approval.

• Ensure all design solutions meet required quality, regulatory, and client-specific standards, with a particular focus on safety, sustainability, and accessibility.

• Proactively manage project risks and issues, developing and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure seamless project progression and minimize client impact.

• Coordinate the flow of design information between internal teams, external consultants, contractors, and client representatives, facilitating timely reviews and approvals.

• Contribute significantly to the planning, procurement, and tender preparation phases, providing expert technical input and ensuring value for money and innovation.

• Monitor and report on project performance against programme and budget, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions to maintain project financial health.

• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation, including CDM Regulations, and promote a strong safety culture.

• Support the development and maintenance of resource allocation plans, ensuring optimal utilization of personnel and financial resources across projects.

• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports for Project Managers and senior leadership on programme performance, budget status, and resource requirements.

• Actively participate in stakeholder engagement activities, building and maintaining positive relationships to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership and project management execution. The focus on "value for money and innovation" within client requirements points to a strategic oversight role beyond just technical delivery. Proficiency in managing financial controls and resource allocation is a critical component, underscoring the operational aspects of this design management position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree qualified in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Project Management, or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of demonstrable experience in the design delivery of civil or water engineering work packages. Proven experience working within the regulated water sector is essential.

Required Skills:

• Leadership & Interpersonal: Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage and motivate multidisciplinary teams.

• Commercial Awareness: Good commercial acumen and understanding of project finance, budgeting, and contract management principles.

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with clients, stakeholders, and project partners.

• Design Management: Expertise in leading design delivery for complex engineering projects, with a focus on quality, safety, and innovation.

• Project Controls: In-depth knowledge and practical application of project controls, programming, monitoring, and reporting methodologies.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough understanding of current Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) legislation, particularly CDM Regulations.

• Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of essential design tools and systems including BIM and CAD software, and an understanding of their application in project delivery.

• Process Management: Experience in developing, reviewing, and applying design management documentation and working within Integrated Management Systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Status: Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with a recognised engineering institution (e.g., ICE, IMechE) or actively working towards it.

• Project Management Qualification: A formal project or programme management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) would be highly advantageous.

• Resource Management Systems: Familiarity with specific resource management systems and their application in project planning and execution.

• Overseas Collaboration: Experience working collaboratively with both UK-based and overseas design teams and contract partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Chartered Engineer status" and a preference for project management qualifications indicates that SYSTRA values formal professional development and recognized industry standards for its senior technical roles. The explicit mention of experience with "UK-based and overseas teams" suggests a global company with complex project structures requiring strong cross-cultural and remote team management capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Delivery Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of leading design delivery for water sector projects, highlighting complexity, scale, and successful outcomes.

• Project Control Documentation: Evidence of implementing and managing project controls, including programming, budget tracking, resource allocation plans, and risk management documentation.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Examples of client relationship management strategies and stakeholder engagement plans, demonstrating successful collaboration and communication.

• Technical Standards & Compliance: Documentation illustrating adherence to quality standards, regulatory requirements (CDM, HSE), and the application of BIM/CAD in design processes.

• Innovation & Value Engineering: Examples of how innovation and value-for-money principles were integrated into design solutions, with quantifiable benefits where possible.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing engineering design workflows for multidisciplinary teams.

• Information Management: Showcase processes for managing the flow of design information, ensuring timely reviews, approvals, and effective collaboration.

• Performance Measurement: Evidence of establishing metrics and processes for monitoring design team performance, project progress, and budget adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, the portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate a strategic approach to managing the design process, controlling project variables, and achieving client objectives. The emphasis on "process documentation" suggests that candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies for managing complex design projects and teams, not just present final outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the seniority of the role (Senior Manager), the location (Manchester, UK), and the specialist industry (regulated water sector), a competitive salary range is estimated between £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This estimation considers industry benchmarks for similar roles in engineering consultancies within the UK, factoring in the required experience level and specialist knowledge.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working: Flexible hybrid work arrangement allowing for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.

• Pension Scheme: Company-contributory pension scheme to support long-term financial security.

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

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous professional development, including training, certifications, and support for maintaining Chartered Engineer status.

• Health & Wellbeing: Access to health and wellbeing programs, potentially including private medical insurance and employee assistance programs.

• Life Assurance: Company-paid life assurance benefit.

• Travel Opportunities: Potential for involvement in diverse projects across the UK and internationally.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working arrangement. Specific daily hours may vary based on project demands and team coordination needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on current market data for senior engineering management roles in the UK, specifically within the infrastructure and water sectors. Factors considered include the required experience (5-10 years), professional qualifications (Chartered Engineer), and the specialist nature of the work. Benefits are typical for a company of SYSTRA's size and industry, with a focus on professional development and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: SYSTRA operates within the global transportation and infrastructure design sector, focusing on mass transit, mobility solutions, and related engineering services. Their work directly impacts urban development, sustainability, and the daily lives of millions, making it a sector with significant societal relevance.

Company Size: SYSTRA is a large global organization with over 10,300 employees worldwide, approximately 1,000 of whom are in the UK & Ireland. This size indicates a well-established company with robust processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: Founded over 60 years ago, SYSTRA has a long history and a deep well of expertise in engineering and project management, particularly in complex infrastructure projects. This longevity suggests stability, a commitment to long-term vision, and a culture built on sustained excellence and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Context: The Senior Design Manager will likely be part of a larger engineering or project management division, within which a dedicated water sector team operates. This team would comprise various engineering disciplines, project managers, and support staff.

• Reporting Structure: The role will report to a Project Director or a higher-level Project Manager, with direct management responsibility for a team of engineers, designers, and potentially assistant project managers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring constant collaboration with other engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, mechanical, electrical), procurement, commercial teams, site teams, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: SYSTRA emphasizes data analysis and performance metrics to inform project decisions and drive efficiency.

• Process Optimization: A core focus is on refining and improving engineering and project management processes to enhance delivery, quality, and client satisfaction.

• Automation & Technology Adoption: The company actively seeks to leverage technology, including BIM and advanced project control tools, to streamline operations and improve project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: SYSTRA's global presence and long history suggest a culture that values both technical rigor and international collaboration. The emphasis on "sustainability, accessibility, and innovation" in their mission statement indicates these are likely key pillars of their company culture and operational ethos, which candidates should align with.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a significant level of responsibility and autonomy. A Senior Design Manager is expected to manage complex, high-value projects and teams, acting as a key technical and project leader within their specialized domain (water sector). This role often serves as a stepping stone to more senior leadership positions such as Principal Design Manager, Project Director, or Head of Technical Delivery.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will typically report to a Project Director or Programme Manager, who oversees a portfolio of projects. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of junior engineers, designers, and possibly Assistant Design Managers or Project Coordinators. This structure allows for clear lines of accountability and efficient project oversight.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on the success of SYSTRA's projects. Their leadership in design delivery ensures that projects are completed safely, efficiently, on time, and within budget, directly contributing to client satisfaction, revenue generation, and the company's reputation for technical excellence. Effective design management also influences long-term project sustainability and operational efficiency for the client.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise within the water sector or expand into related infrastructure areas.

• Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more complex, and strategically important projects, potentially at a national or international level.

• Management & Leadership: Transition into roles with broader managerial responsibilities, such as managing entire divisions or business units.

• Professional Development: Pursue further qualifications, attend industry conferences, and take on roles that enhance leadership and strategic planning skills.

• Mentorship: Become a mentor to junior team members, contributing to the development of future talent within SYSTRA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Design Manager in a firm like SYSTRA is typically focused on increasing project complexity, team size, and strategic influence. The emphasis on "leading the way in infrastructure design" suggests a culture that rewards innovation and proactive problem-solving, offering clear avenues for advancement for high performers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: SYSTRA operates a hybrid work model, meaning the role will involve a combination of working from the company's Manchester office and working remotely. This setup aims to provide flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is 5th floor, 4 Hardman Street, Manchester, M33HF, UK. This is a central Manchester location, likely offering good transport links and access to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Manchester office is expected to provide a collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork. This includes meeting rooms, project discussion areas, and desk spaces that encourage interaction among multidisciplinary teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to SYSTRA's established technology stack, including high-performance computing for design software (BIM, CAD), project management platforms, and communication tools essential for a hybrid and globally distributed workforce.

• Team Interaction: Hybrid work schedules are designed to balance remote focus with in-office collaboration sessions, team meetings, and client interactions when necessary.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in how these hours are structured, with expectations for core working hours for team collaboration and availability during project-critical periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at SYSTRA is a key aspect for operations professionals. It implies a need for strong self-management skills, effective digital communication, and the ability to transition seamlessly between independent work and collaborative team settings, a common characteristic of modern operations roles.

📄 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 the water sector and relevant engineering disciplines.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely focus on your technical expertise in civil/water engineering design, your understanding of project controls, and your experience with CDM regulations. Expect in-depth questions about past projects and problem-solving scenarios.

• Managerial/Team Interview: An assessment of your leadership style, team management capabilities, client relationship skills, and cultural fit with SYSTRA's values. This may involve behavioral questions and discussions about your approach to managing multidisciplinary teams.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your experience in leading design delivery, managing projects within the water sector, and implementing effective project controls.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or director, to confirm suitability for the role and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Water Sector: Prioritize case studies directly related to water and wastewater projects, highlighting your specific contributions and leadership.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate the design and project management processes you followed, including how you managed information flow, risks, and stakeholder communications.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work, such as budget adherence, timeline achievements, cost savings, or improvements in design efficiency and safety.

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase your experience in leading, mentoring, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams, emphasizing your ability to foster collaboration.

• Address CDM Compliance: Include examples of how you ensured compliance with CDM Regulations and other relevant HSE legislation in your projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions asking how you would handle specific project challenges, such as scope creep, budget overruns, or stakeholder conflicts.

• Technical Problem Solving: Review common technical challenges in water engineering design and be ready to discuss your approach to solving them.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage team performance, resolve interdisciplinary conflicts, and motivate a team to achieve challenging deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Portfolio Presentation" suggests that candidates should prepare a concise and impactful presentation that visually showcases their project experience and management methodologies. This is a critical differentiator for operations and project management roles, moving beyond a simple CV to demonstrate practical application of skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM (Building Information Modeling) Software: Proficiency in BIM platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for integrated design, coordination, and visualization is essential.

• CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software: Strong command of CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD) for detailed design and drafting.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms for scheduling, task management, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

• Design & Analysis Tools: Familiarity with specialized civil and water engineering design and analysis software relevant to the water sector.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize data from project management and design tools for analysis and reporting.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and interpreting project performance dashboards to communicate progress, budget status, and resource utilization.

CRM & Automation:

• Integrated Management Systems (IMS): Knowledge of and experience working within comprehensive IMS that integrate quality, safety, and environmental management.

• Resource Management Systems: Familiarity with systems used for planning and tracking resource allocation and utilization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of BIM, CAD, and project controls tools indicates that practical, hands-on experience with these technologies is crucial. For a Senior Design Manager, the expectation is not just to use these tools but to understand how they integrate to optimize the overall design and project delivery process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and innovative design solutions that exceed client expectations.

• Respect: Fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and colleagues are treated with dignity and professionalism.

• Empowerment: Encouraging team members to take ownership of their work, develop their skills, and contribute to decision-making processes.

• Teamwork: Promoting a collaborative approach where individuals work together effectively across disciplines and geographical boundaries to achieve common goals. SYSTRA's "signature team" concept underscores this collaborative spirit.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between design engineers, project managers, commercial teams, and external partners to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and frequent communication channels to share updates, address challenges proactively, and ensure all team members are aligned.

• Knowledge Sharing: Cultivating a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared openly to drive continuous improvement across projects and the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: SYSTRA's stated values (Excellence, Respect, Empowerment, Teamwork) are central to their identity and operational approach. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their personal work ethic and collaboration style align with these values, particularly as they relate to managing teams and client interactions in a complex project environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Projects: Coordinating diverse technical inputs from various engineering disciplines, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to project objectives.

• Navigating Regulated Environments: Working within the strict regulatory framework of the water sector, ensuring compliance with all applicable standards, safety legislation (CDM), and client-specific requirements.

• Balancing Client Demands with Project Constraints: Effectively managing client expectations for scope, quality, and innovation while adhering to budget and timeline limitations.

• Leading Geographically Dispersed Teams: Collaborating effectively with both UK-based and potentially overseas design teams, requiring strong remote management and communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to gain further certifications or training in advanced project management methodologies and tools.

• Sector Specialization: Deepen expertise within the water sector, potentially exploring areas like asset management, water resource planning, or wastewater treatment technologies.

• Leadership Development: Participate in leadership programs designed to enhance strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and team-building skills.

• Industry Exposure: Engage with industry bodies, attend conferences, and contribute to technical publications to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in infrastructure design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in senior roles within major engineering consultancies. SYSTRA's commitment to "leading the way in infrastructure design" suggests a proactive approach to addressing these challenges through continuous learning and development, with a focus on innovation and best practice.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Leadership: "Describe a complex water sector project where you led the design delivery. What were the key challenges, how did you coordinate the multidisciplinary team, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and team management.)

• Project Controls & Financial Management: "How do you approach developing and managing project budgets and resource allocation plans for large-scale engineering projects? Provide an example." (Highlight your understanding of financial oversight and operational efficiency.)

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: "Discuss a time you had to manage difficult client expectations or a stakeholder conflict. What was your strategy, and how did you achieve a positive resolution?" (Emphasize your communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with Values: "How do SYSTRA's values of Excellence, Respect, Empowerment, and Teamwork resonate with your own professional approach?" (Be specific with examples of how you embody these values.)

• Hybrid Work Approach: "How do you ensure effective collaboration and project momentum in a hybrid work environment?" (Demonstrate your adaptability and proactive communication strategies.)

• Innovation in Design: "Can you give an example of how you've introduced innovation or value engineering into a design process to benefit a client or project?" (Showcase your forward-thinking and problem-solving capabilities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your approach (process and tools), your leadership role, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable results.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, charts, and relevant project visuals to support your presentation. Avoid overly dense text.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the business impact of your work – how you delivered value for money, ensured safety, met client objectives, and contributed to SYSTRA's success.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, risk management strategies, and team dynamics illustrated in your portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can not only articulate technical expertise but also demonstrate strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of project management and operational efficiency within the context of the water infrastructure sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to specifically highlight your experience in the water sector, design management, project controls, and leadership of multidisciplinary teams. Prepare a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects that best exemplify your qualifications.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with CDM regulations, BIM/CAD tools, budget management, and client relationship management. Use action verbs and quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples for your portfolio presentation, focusing on your leadership and problem-solving skills.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SYSTRA's recent projects, values, and commitment to sustainability. Understand their role in the UK infrastructure landscape, particularly within the water sector.

⚠️ 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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