Design Manager - (Water Civil Engineering)

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

We have a number of opportunities for Design Managers to join our Water team supporting on key projects in our Asset Design discipline.

A little more about your role…

As a Design Manager at WSP you will lead and manage design projects within the Water sector. Working alongside the Project Director and Project Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing engineering design work and ensuring compliance with best practices and UK regulations.

With WSP you have the exceptional opportunity to take the next step in your career, build on your experience and qualifications and achieve your ambitions. We offer excellent support in personal development and growth as part of our local teams and across the wider WSP business.

What makes this role exciting..

• Lead on significant, technically challenging projects and influence how design is delivered across disciplines.
• Be the central connector between clients, technical specialists, and project teams.
• Shape better delivery processes, championing Safety by Design, CDM compliance, and efficient ways of working.
• Grow as a leader, representing WSP in client meetings and guiding multiple work packages with confidence.
• Join a supportive, collaborative environment where quality and improvement are always at the forefront.

What your day-to-day looks like...

• Manage the design process, resources, timelines, budgets and risks across mid‑scale and complex projects.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality standards, including UK CDM regulations.
• Lead client and design team meetings, providing clear progress reporting and resolving design issues.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs, ensuring integration, quality, and timely delivery.
• Handle change control, RFIs, design transmittals, and project communications to reduce risk.
• Maintain and update design programmes and ensure deliverables align with scope and client requirements.
• Support Senior Project Leads with package management and team coordination.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• MEng/BEng/BSc or HND/HNC in an Engineering, Environmental or numerate science related subject.
• A member of an appropriate professional institute (Chartered or working towards).
• Experience in an infrastructure programme and project delivery environment, with experience of delivering complex projects.
• Significant experience in Project and contract management including knowledge of H&S standards and regulations.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

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