Design Manager - Water Experience
CV-LibraryManchester, Greater ManchesterpermanentPosted: 16 March 2026
Apply NowDesign Manager - Water
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to work for our growing engineering design consultancy. You will lead and deliver multidisciplinary design projects within the water industry. This is a key leadership role, responsible for managing design teams, ensuring high-quality technical delivery, and meeting programme and safety expectations across regulated infrastructure projects.
THE ROLE CAN BE PERMANENT OR CONTRACT (OUTSIDE IR35), FULL TIME AND BASED MAINLY FROM THE MANCHESTER OFFICE, HOWEVER HYBRID WORKING ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE DISCUSSED.
Key Responsibilities
Manage, mentor, and develop engineers, CAD technicians, and graduate staff
Grow the design team while fostering a positive, collaborative working culture
Lead the design process on complex, multidisciplinary water industry projects
Shape, challenge, and continuously improve design processes and procedures
Ensure all design work is undertaken in line with agreed processes and standards
Drive the adoption of appropriate software tools, including BIM and 3D modelling
Ensure design deliverables meet all safety, quality, and integration requirements
Deliver design outputs within agreed timescales and budgeted hours
Ensure best practice, relevant standards, and suitable software tools are used
Accurately record and manage design changes
Assist with estimating design hours and resource requirements
Required Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 10 years' experience in the engineering design industry within a regulated sector, such as:
Water (essential)
Rail
Oil & Gas
Nuclear
Highways
Bridges
Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in an engineering discipline
Strong IT capability and familiarity with modern design tools
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
Demonstrated success managing multidisciplinary design teams and projects
Experience developing junior engineers and building team capability
Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to work for our growing engineering design consultancy. You will lead and deliver multidisciplinary design projects within the water industry. This is a key leadership role, responsible for managing design teams, ensuring high-quality technical delivery, and meeting programme and safety expectations across regulated infrastructure projects.
THE ROLE CAN BE PERMANENT OR CONTRACT (OUTSIDE IR35), FULL TIME AND BASED MAINLY FROM THE MANCHESTER OFFICE, HOWEVER HYBRID WORKING ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE DISCUSSED.
Key Responsibilities
Manage, mentor, and develop engineers, CAD technicians, and graduate staff
Grow the design team while fostering a positive, collaborative working culture
Lead the design process on complex, multidisciplinary water industry projects
Shape, challenge, and continuously improve design processes and procedures
Ensure all design work is undertaken in line with agreed processes and standards
Drive the adoption of appropriate software tools, including BIM and 3D modelling
Ensure design deliverables meet all safety, quality, and integration requirements
Deliver design outputs within agreed timescales and budgeted hours
Ensure best practice, relevant standards, and suitable software tools are used
Accurately record and manage design changes
Assist with estimating design hours and resource requirements
Required Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 10 years' experience in the engineering design industry within a regulated sector, such as:
Water (essential)
Rail
Oil & Gas
Nuclear
Highways
Bridges
Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in an engineering discipline
Strong IT capability and familiarity with modern design tools
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
Demonstrated success managing multidisciplinary design teams and projects
Experience developing junior engineers and building team capability
Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants