Associate Director - Design Manager - Water

Associate/ Associate Director - Design Manager – Water Infrastructure Location: London or Leeds (hybrid working) Level: Design Manager / Senior Design Manager / Associate Director Sector: Water & Wastewater Infrastructure The Opportunity We’re supporting a well-known, top-tier consultancy within the UK water sector as they continue to strengthen their design management capability across major water and wastewater infrastructure programmes. With a strong national presence and long-standing relationships across multiple water company frameworks, this consultancy is delivering some of the most complex and high-profile water projects in the UK. They are now seeking an experienced Design Manager to play a key role in coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams and ensuring successful project delivery. This role is open up to Associate Director level for the right individual and can be based in London or Leeds, with flexible hybrid working. The Role You will lead design management activities across water and wastewater infrastructure projects, taking responsibility for the coordination, assurance, and delivery of technical design outputs. Key responsibilities include: * Leading and coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams on water and wastewater infrastructure projects * Managing the design process from optioneering through to detailed design and construction support * Ensuring compliance with water industry standards, asset owner requirements, and regulatory frameworks * Managing design interfaces between civil, process, MEICA, and delivery partners * Controlling design risk, change, and governance processes * Acting as a key point of contact for water company clients and framework partners * Supporting bids, framework submissions, and work-winning activity * At Associate Director level: contributing to team leadership, mentoring, and strategic growth within the water business About You This position requires proven, hands-on experience in the water sector. Candidates without direct water or wastewater infrastructure experience are unlikely to be suitable. You will have: * Demonstrable experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager on water and/or wastewater infrastructure projects * Strong understanding of UK water industry standards, design governance, and delivery models * Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary technical teams * Confidence working in a consultancy or framework environment with water company clients * Strong communication and stakeholder management skills At Associate Director level, you will also bring: * Experience leading design management teams or functions within water frameworks * Commercial awareness and involvement in bids or client growth * A track record of mentoring and developing design managers Why Join? * Opportunity to work with a top-tier, well-established consultancy in the water sector * Clearly water-focused role with long-term AMP workload * Strong progression opportunities within a nationally recognised water team