Design Manager

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Job Description

Design Manager

Location: London, Manchester, Chester, Leeds, or Newcastle (Hybrid Working)

Lead Design Excellence Across Sectors with GHD

GHD is a global professional services company that leads through engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction services. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Design Manager to join our UK team. This hybrid role can be based in any of our London, Manchester, Chester, Leeds, or Newcastle offices.

While the primary focus will be on water sector projects-including clean water, wastewater, and sludge treatment-you'll also have the opportunity to contribute to building structures, industrial engineering, and infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally.

Role Purpose

As a Design Manager at GHD, you will lead multidisciplinary design teams, manage complex project portfolios, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and sustainable solutions. You'll play a key role in shaping project strategy, driving performance, and fostering collaboration across teams and sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Project & Design Leadership: Manage the design process across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with client expectations, regulatory standards, and GHD's quality benchmarks.
• Water Sector Expertise: Lead design delivery for water-related infrastructure including treatment plants, pumping stations, and sludge systems.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Support design delivery in other sectors such as buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure.
• Team Management: Supervise and mentor front-line managers and technical teams, setting performance objectives and supporting professional development.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to business planning and project strategy, aligning design outputs with broader organisational goals.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements in design workflows, tools, and methodologies.
• Client Engagement: Manage key client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business through effective communication and delivery.
• Budgeting & Reporting: Support project budgeting, cost control, and performance reporting.
• Internal Communication: Drive effective communication across teams and stakeholders to ensure clarity, alignment, and collaboration.

What You Will Bring

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline - preferred but not essential.
• 10-15 years of experience in design and project delivery, with a strong background in the water sector.
• 1-3 years of experience managing teams or leading multidisciplinary design functions.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-sector projects and portfolios.
• Strong understanding of UK water industry standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in design and project management tools (e.g., BIM, AutoCAD, Revit, MS Project).

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Accountability: Inspires teams and ensures delivery of high-quality outcomes.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligns design delivery with business goals and client needs.
• Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships across disciplines and geographies.
• Communication: Delivers clear, compelling messages to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Process Optimisation: Continuously improves design workflows and project efficiency.
• Organisational Savvy: Navigates complex structures and builds influence across teams.

Why GHD?

At GHD, we believe in creating lasting community benefit through engineering and design excellence. You'll join a collaborative, inclusive environment where innovation thrives and your contributions make a real impact. We offer:

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• A supportive and inclusive team culture
• Opportunities to work on transformative projects across sectors
• Career development and global collaboration

Equal Opportunity Statement

GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Ready to lead design innovation across the water and infrastructure sectors?
Apply now and help shape the future with GHD.