Design Manager
- Hiring from
- United Kingdom
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Posted
- Sep 28, 2026
The Anglian Water Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA) project currently involves the planning, design and construction of circa 320km of new strategic, large diameter, clean water interconnector pipelines and associated infrastructure across Anglian Water’s region. The SPA Alliance is also taking on responsibility for the future interconnector pipelines, a further 260km of strategic interconnector pipelines and associated infrastructure.
You will take a lead on design delivery of the Infra or Non-Infra element of major potable water transfer projects (project value up to £200M). Work collaboratively with the Head of Engineering, Design Manager and Senior Designers to understand design needs, then manage the design team relating to your section of the SPA delivery programme from feasibility through to construction and commissioning.
The role would be hybrid with attendance at the Peterborough office 2-3 days/month (to be agreed).
At Costain, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.
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Key Responsibilities
Plan, forecast and resource design activities across their element/s of the project, monitoring workload and leading the design teams to output design in a timely and efficient manner.
Collaborate across the wider project delivery team, working closely with project management, construction, enabling, planning, commercial and procurement teams.
Cognisant of the Framework Contract promote collaborative working and encourage value-for-money decisions and investments for the benefit of all partners.
Develop close working relationships with AW Operational stakeholders to support design decision making and Client sign-off.
Keep an open mind to challenge the status quo and drive continuous improvement.
Identify opportunities to do things deliberately differently and introduce change as necessary.
Keep abreast of innovations in the water industry and in other industries.
Promote an inclusive and open working culture where everyone feels valued and can provide their best contribution.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Essential
Technical expertise
Leading multi-disciplinary teams
Problem-solving and lateral thinking
Communication and presentation skills
Stakeholder management
Experienced of working in multi-disciplinary teams and have a track record of managing a section of the design works.
Experienced in managing throughout the Design Phase a section of a project, including for example civil, mechanical, process, electrical and control aspects; and experienced in delivering with a production methodology mindset, including modular designs.
Desirable
Working in collaborative environments
Understanding of the importance of design interactions throughout the project lifecycle.
Knowledge of, and previous experience, working within the water industry
Essential
- Educated to degree level in an engineering or related subject.
- Bachelor’s degree / Engineering or management apprenticeship with industry experience
Desirable
- Chartered member of professional institute (MICE/IMechE/MCIOB etc)
- Related Project Managment or Risk Managment training