Senior Design Manager - Bioresources

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Bioresources

Company: Egis Group

Location: Coventry, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Project Management (Water Infrastructure Operations)

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 7-12 years (Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design process for bioresources and sludge management projects within a major UK water infrastructure programme (AMP8).

• Drive technical integration and coordination across multidisciplinary teams, including clients, contractors, design partners, and equipment suppliers, ensuring seamless project delivery.

• Uphold high standards of engineering quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainability in all design deliverables and project phases.

• Act as a key client-facing representative, fostering strong relationships and effectively communicating design progress, risks, and solutions.

• Contribute to strategic programme planning, risk mitigation, and the continuous improvement of design and delivery processes within the water sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the critical AMP8 investment cycle for the UK water sector, emphasizing bioresources and sludge management. The "Senior Design Manager" title, coupled with the responsibility for client interfaces and multidisciplinary coordination, strongly suggests a role focused on operational efficiency and project execution within the broader GTM strategy of Egis Group in the water infrastructure domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Coordination:

  • Serve as the primary Design Manager for bioresources and sludge treatment projects throughout their lifecycle.
  • Oversee and facilitate comprehensive design reviews and technical workshops, ensuring alignment with programme objectives.
  • Manage intricate design interfaces among the client, contractors, consultants, and equipment vendors to achieve technical integration.
  • Ensure all design deliverables adhere strictly to programme milestones, rigorous quality standards, and established governance frameworks.
  • Proactively identify, assess, and manage design-related risks and dependencies throughout the design lifecycle.

• Stakeholder Management:

  • Cultivate and maintain robust working relationships with client representatives, delivery partners, and specialist technical teams.
  • Act as the central point of communication for design-related matters between the client and Egis's delivery organizations.
  • Provide clear, concise, and timely updates on design progress, emerging issues, and potential risks to all relevant stakeholders.
  • Actively participate in client meetings, offering expert technical input and strategic insights.

• Technical Assurance:

  • Critically review and challenge proposed engineering solutions to ensure they meet requirements for safety, operability, maintainability, and value for money.
  • Support and execute design assurance activities, verifying compliance with all applicable industry standards, client specifications, and regulatory requirements.
  • Champion and promote best practices in wastewater treatment, sludge management, and bioresources processing methodologies.
  • Facilitate the capture and implementation of lessons learned to drive continuous improvement in engineering and delivery processes.

• Programme & Delivery Support:

  • Diligently monitor design progress against the overarching programme schedule and key performance indicators (KPIs).

  • Actively contribute to risk management, dependency tracking, and change control processes impacting the design phase.

  • Provide input for schedule development, detailed design planning, and delivery forecasting to support overall programme management.

  • Foster seamless collaboration between programme controls, project management functions, and engineering disciplines.

  • Support the effective transition of designs through procurement, construction, and commissioning phases to ensure successful project handover.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior role requiring strong leadership in design management, stakeholder engagement, and technical oversight within a complex program environment. The focus on "bioresources," "sludge management," and "AMP8" aligns this role directly with operational delivery and strategic execution in the water sector, requiring a deep understanding of the entire project lifecycle from concept to commissioning.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree qualified in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Chemical, Environmental) or a closely related technical discipline. Experience:

• Typically 7-12 years of progressive experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects, with a specific emphasis on water, wastewater, bioresources, or sludge management.

• Demonstrable experience in design management within large-scale infrastructure programmes, including managing design interfaces across multiple organizations.

• Proven track record of coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and effectively managing diverse external stakeholders.

• Experience working in a client-facing capacity, preferably with UK water utilities, main contractors, or leading engineering consultancies.

• Familiarity with UK water industry regulations, standards, and common delivery models (e.g., alliance, framework). Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proficient in leading and overseeing the entire design process for complex engineering projects.

• Bioresources & Sludge Management: Deep technical understanding of wastewater treatment processes, bioresources engineering, sludge treatment, and biosolids processing.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to build rapport, communicate effectively, and manage relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Technical Assurance & Review: Skill in reviewing engineering designs for safety, operability, value, and compliance, ensuring adherence to industry best practices.

• Risk Management: Competency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks within a programme context.

• Programme Delivery Processes: Strong understanding of project delivery methodologies, governance, and the transition from design to construction and commissioning.

• Communication & Negotiation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly and influence outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer status with a relevant professional institution (e.g., CIWEM, ICE).

• Direct experience working with UK water utilities or on AMP7/AMP8 programmes.

• Experience managing design within alliance, framework, or contractor-led delivery models.

• Knowledge of commissioning, operational readiness, and project handover processes.

• Project management certifications such as APM, PRINCE2, or PMP.

• Familiarity with NEC contracts and collaborative delivery models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a degree in Engineering and 7-12 years of experience, along with Chartered Engineer status being "essential," signifies a role demanding significant technical depth and professional accreditation. The emphasis on specific bioresources and sludge management experience, alongside client-facing and programme delivery skills, points towards a need for operational execution expertise within the GTM strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Coordination Case Studies: Examples demonstrating effective management of design interfaces across multiple disciplines and organizations, highlighting how conflicts were resolved and integration achieved.

• Technical Review Documentation: Samples of technical review reports or challenge documentation, showcasing the ability to assess engineering solutions for safety, operability, and value for money.

• Stakeholder Engagement Examples: Evidence of successful client and contractor relationship management, perhaps through project summaries or testimonials detailing collaborative problem-solving.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Demonstrations of how design risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated within past projects, including documentation of risk registers or mitigation plans.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Case studies detailing improvements made to design processes, workflow efficiency, or the implementation of best practices in bioresources or sludge management projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to document and improve design workflows, from initial concept through to detailed design, ensuring clarity and efficiency across all stages.

• Implementation & Automation: Understanding of how to document the implementation of design solutions, including the integration of equipment and systems, and any automation strategies employed.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Competency in documenting the performance metrics of design processes and solutions, and how these were analyzed to inform future projects or drive improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio should showcase not just successful project outcomes but also the candidate's ability to manage complex processes, mitigate risks, and drive efficiency. The emphasis on "design coordination," "technical assurance," and "stakeholder management" implies a need for portfolio pieces that illustrate these specific competencies in action, particularly within the context of water infrastructure projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 7-12 years of experience in the UK water infrastructure sector, and considering the Coventry location and the seniority of the role within a major programme, a competitive salary range is estimated between £65,000 - £85,000 per annum. This estimate considers the critical nature of the AMP8 programme, the required technical expertise, and the responsibilities outlined. Benefits:

• Hybrid and flexible working: Offering a balance between remote work and office presence to support work-life integration.

• 26+ days annual leave plus bank holidays: Generous paid time off to ensure employee well-being and work-life balance.

• Professional development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career advancement.

• Chartership support: Assistance and guidance for achieving or maintaining professional chartership with relevant engineering institutions.

• Global mobility: Potential opportunities for international assignments or collaborations within the Egis Group network.

• Competitive reward package: Comprehensive compensation and benefits structure commensurate with a senior role.

• Pension scheme: Employer-contributed pension plan for long-term financial security.

• Health and well-being programs: Access to resources and initiatives supporting employee health and mental well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role offers hybrid and flexible working arrangements, allowing for some adaptability in scheduling while ensuring programme delivery needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for senior engineering management roles in the UK's infrastructure sector, particularly within the water industry which is undergoing significant investment. The provided benefits align with industry standards for attracting and retaining senior talent, with a particular emphasis on professional growth and work-life balance, crucial for roles demanding high levels of responsibility and expertise.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Infrastructure Consulting (Water Sector Specialist)

Company Size: Large (Egis Group: 23,500+ global employees)

Founded: Egis Group has a long history, evolving over decades, with a significant presence and expansion in the UK.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Context: This role operates within Egis's growing UK Water business, specifically within a Project Management Consultancy (PMCM) team supporting a major client's infrastructure programme.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Programme Director or a senior leader within the Water Business Unit, working closely with Project Managers, multidisciplinary engineers, and commercial teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role demands extensive collaboration with client teams, main contractors, specialist design partners, equipment suppliers, and internal Egis specialists across various disciplines (e.g., project controls, commercial, health & safety).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Egis emphasizes leveraging data and technical insights to inform design and delivery decisions, ensuring optimal project outcomes.

• Sustainable Infrastructure Focus: A core methodology involves designing and delivering solutions that are environmentally sound, resilient to climate change, and contribute positively to community well-being.

• Collaborative Delivery Models: The company promotes collaborative approaches, working closely with clients and partners to achieve shared objectives and overcome complex challenges.

Company Website: https://www.egis-group.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Egis Group's global scale and UK growth in the water sector, particularly during AMP8, signify a dynamic environment. The "Senior Design Manager" role is central to executing projects within this expanding business, requiring a blend of technical leadership and collaborative project execution. The company's focus on sustainability and green infrastructure is a key cultural driver.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineer

This role represents a senior position within the engineering and project management hierarchy. It requires significant technical expertise combined with robust leadership and stakeholder management capabilities. The scope includes influencing design strategy, managing complex project interfaces, and contributing to the overall success of a major infrastructure programme.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will report to a Programme Director or a senior lead within the Egis Water business unit. They will be responsible for guiding and coordinating the efforts of design teams, both internal and external. Operations Impact:

• This role has a direct and significant impact on the successful delivery of critical water infrastructure projects. Effective design management ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality and sustainability standards. The decisions made by the Senior Design Manager influence the long-term performance, efficiency, and environmental impact of vital water and wastewater assets. Growth Opportunities:

• Programme Leadership: Potential to advance into Programme Management roles, overseeing larger, more complex infrastructure programmes.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific bioresources or sludge management technologies, becoming a recognized subject matter expert within Egis and the industry.

• Business Development Support: Contribute to winning new projects by leveraging expertise and providing technical input for proposals and bids.

• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training and mentorship programs within Egis, preparing for broader management responsibilities.

• International Opportunities: Potential to engage with Egis's global projects and teams, broadening international experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the critical nature of the role within the AMP8 programme suggest a clear path for career progression. Egis's emphasis on global reach and professional development offers substantial growth potential for individuals who excel in this position, aligning with typical career trajectories for senior operations and project management professionals in the infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Environment

The role is based in Coventry, with a hybrid working model that combines office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s):

• Coventry, England, United Kingdom. This location serves as a hub for key project activities and client interactions within the region. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, project hubs, and open-plan areas suitable for multidisciplinary team discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and potentially specialized engineering and design software required for project delivery.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with fellow project managers, engineers, design teams, and other Egis professionals, promoting knowledge sharing and team cohesion.

Work Schedule:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in managing workdays, balancing office attendance with remote work, provided project and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key aspect of the work environment, reflecting modern professional expectations. For a role involving significant coordination and client interaction, the balance between remote flexibility and in-office presence is crucial for effective team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess suitability against the essential and desirable criteria.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience in design management, bioresources, stakeholder engagement, and leadership capabilities. Expect questions related to past project challenges and how you navigated them.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve a deeper dive into your technical expertise, design management methodologies, and understanding of UK water sector regulations. You might be asked to present a brief overview of a relevant project from your portfolio.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader or director, focusing on cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and strategic alignment with Egis's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Select case studies that clearly demonstrate your leadership in design management, successful coordination of multidisciplinary teams, and effective stakeholder engagement.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to illustrate the impact of your work. For instance, highlight cost savings achieved through design optimization, schedule adherence, or risk mitigation successes.

• Showcase Process: Include examples that illustrate your approach to design reviews, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Detail the processes you followed and the outcomes.

• Tailor to Bioresources: Emphasize projects and responsibilities directly related to wastewater treatment, bioresources, and sludge management to align with the role's core focus.

• Conciseness is Key: Prepare a concise presentation or summary of your portfolio, focusing on the most relevant achievements for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to manage conflicting design requirements or a critical design delay. Outline your approach to problem-solving, stakeholder communication, and decision-making.

• Stakeholder Management Challenge: Expect questions about how you would handle a difficult client or contractor relationship, or how you would ensure buy-in for a particular design solution.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss technical challenges related to bioresources or sludge treatment and how you would approach finding solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical competence but also leadership potential and the ability to operate effectively within a large, client-focused organization. Portfolio preparation should focus on showcasing practical application of skills in complex project environments relevant to the water industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools such as MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme scheduling, tracking, and reporting.

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

• Design Review Tools: Familiarity with software used for annotating and managing design documents (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Acrobat Pro).

• Risk Management Software: Experience with tools or systems for logging, tracking, and managing project risks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, reporting, and creating dashboards.

• Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): Desirable for creating visualizations and insightful reports on design progress and programme performance.

• Internal Reporting Systems: Familiarity with Egis's or client-specific reporting templates and systems.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): While not a primary sales role, understanding CRM principles for client relationship management and tracking project interactions is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied to design processes or project management workflows for increased efficiency.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust document control systems for managing design deliverables and project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is not purely IT-focused, a strong command of project management and collaboration tools is essential for effective design management and programme delivery. Familiarity with tools that support data analysis and reporting will be highly valued for demonstrating programme performance and driving informed decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A deep commitment to designing and delivering infrastructure solutions that are environmentally responsible and contribute to long-term community resilience.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving are paramount.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance project delivery and sustainability outcomes.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards of technical quality, safety, and project execution in all aspects of work.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all dealings with clients, partners, and colleagues.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration across various disciplines within Egis and with external partners, ensuring a unified approach to project delivery.

• Proactive Communication: An emphasis on proactive, clear, and consistent communication to manage expectations, resolve issues, and maintain alignment among all stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging an environment where feedback is welcomed and used constructively to improve processes, designs, and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of expertise and lessons learned across teams and projects to build collective knowledge and enhance overall capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Egis's stated values, particularly around sustainability and collaboration, are central to its operations. The Senior Design Manager must embody these values, fostering a team culture that prioritizes both technical excellence and responsible infrastructure development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs of clients, contractors, and suppliers in a high-stakes programme environment.

• Navigating Technical Integration Hurdles: Ensuring seamless integration of various design elements, equipment, and systems from different suppliers within a large-scale project.

• Driving Continuous Improvement: Implementing and embedding new processes or best practices within established project structures and potentially resistant teams.

• Adapting to Evolving Regulations & Technologies: Staying abreast of changes in UK water industry regulations, environmental standards, and emerging technologies in bioresources and sludge management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Access to training and workshops on cutting-edge design management strategies and tools.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend and present at leading water industry events, staying current with trends and networking.

• Leadership Development Programs: Egis offers programs to enhance leadership skills, strategic thinking, and people management capabilities.

• Specialized Technical Training: Further development in specific bioresources or sludge management technologies, potentially leading to subject matter expert status.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced senior leaders within Egis Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in major infrastructure programmes, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are robust, reflecting Egis's commitment to employee development and career progression within a growing sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed conflicting design requirements from multiple stakeholders. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, communication, and resolution)

• "How do you ensure technical integration and alignment across diverse design disciplines and external suppliers in a complex infrastructure project?" (Highlight methodologies, coordination, and risk mitigation)

• "Walk me through your process for identifying and mitigating design risks on a large-scale bioresources project. Provide a specific example." (Emphasize proactive risk management and problem-solving) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Egis Group and our work in the UK water sector, particularly the AMP8 programme?" (Research Egis's sustainability initiatives and UK water strategy)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, especially within a hybrid working model?" (Discuss your leadership style and experience with team dynamics)

• "How do you ensure that sustainability principles are integrated into the design process for water infrastructure projects?" (Connect to Egis's core values and your experience) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each key project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the actions you took (processes, tools, collaborations), and the measurable results (efficiency, cost savings, quality improvements, risk reduction).

• Highlight Design Management & Coordination: Focus on examples demonstrating your ability to manage complex interfaces, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure successful technical integration.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to showcase the positive outcomes of your work. For instance, mention schedule adherence, budget performance, or safety improvements.

• Showcase Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare to discuss how you built relationships, managed expectations, and resolved issues with clients, contractors, and suppliers.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: While focusing on management, be prepared to discuss technical aspects of bioresources or sludge treatment where relevant to your design management decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical understanding, strong leadership, and sophisticated stakeholder management skills, all within the context of complex infrastructure delivery and Egis's operational values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager - Bioresources position:

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

• Tailor your CV: Highlight experience directly relevant to design management, bioresources, sludge management, stakeholder engagement, and UK water infrastructure projects. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Curate a selection of case studies that best demonstrate your capabilities in managing design interfaces, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, technical assurance, and stakeholder management. Focus on quantifiable achievements.

• Research Egis Group: Familiarize yourself with Egis's projects, values (especially sustainability), and recent achievements in the UK water sector. Understand their approach to AMP8.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Be ready to present your portfolio highlights concisely.

⚠️ 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.