Design Manager - Water (PFAS)

Design Manager - Water (PFAS) - AMP8 Location: East of England (hybrid working) Working Pattern: 3 days per week on site for first 3 months, reducing to approx. 2-3 days per fortnight based on performance Type: Permanent preferred | Contract considered Lead the design of a flagship AMP8 portfolio tackling PFAS ('forever chemicals') removal across multiple Water Treatment Works. This is a high-impact leadership role managing a multidisciplinary team delivering complex treatment solutions centred on two-stage Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) systems, with a combined portfolio value of approximately £155m. You will lead design excellence, innovation and sustainable engineering outcomes across projects spanning Grimsby to Colchester, helping protect water quality and the natural environment for future generations. The Role As Design Manager, you will lead a team of 15-20 engineers delivering detailed design solutions across a portfolio of PFAS treatment projects. Working collaboratively across project management, construction and supply chain partners, you will drive high-quality, safe and cost-effective engineering outcomes aligned with AMP8 priorities. Key Responsibilities Design Leadership Lead multidisciplinary design delivery across water treatment capital projects Develop and manage Engineering Project Plans covering scope, programme, cost, risk and resources Direct Process, Mechanical, Electrical and Civil engineering design activities Ensure design quality processes support a right-first-time approach Coordinate supplier and subcontractor design integration Support optioneering and solution development activities Project Delivery Collaborate across integrated project teams to deliver joined-up project outcomes Drive affordability, programme certainty and value engineering Embed sustainability and carbon reduction principles into designs Identify and manage risks, opportunities and design improvements Ensure stakeholder engagement and design acceptance Health & Safety (CDM) Support delegated Principal Designer duties under CDM Regulations Ensure design risk assessments, pre-construction information and H&S files are produced Promote a strong safety culture across engineering teams Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team Identify capability gaps and support recruitment and resource planning Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing team environment Innovation & Transformation Promote digital engineering and fully attributed 3D modelling Support product standardisation and design innovation Drive continuous improvement in engineering efficiency and sustainability About You Qualifications & Experience Degree-qualified in Engineering or related discipline Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) Experience delivering design for water or infrastructure capital projects Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams Experience working within Design & Build environments beneficial Understanding of CDM designer responsibilities Benefits (Permanent option) Employer pension contribution Potential company car or car allowance (partner dependent) Structured salary progression within banding Long-term AMP8 programme visibility Flexible hybrid working arrangement after initial onboarding period Apply now to secure a key role delivering critical water treatment infrastructure and environmental improvements