Freelance Design Manager - Water Infrastructure Projects

Freelance Design Manager - Water Infrastructure Projects

Rate: -500 per day (CIS)

Location: Falmer (East Sussex), Chatham (Kent), or Chichester (West Sussex)
Working Arrangement: Hybrid - site visits, office collaboration, and home working
Core Hours: 10:00am - 3:00pm

We are looking for an experienced freelance Design Manager to support the delivery of major water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the South East.

Working alongside Project Managers and Project Directors, you will take ownership of engineering design coordination, ensuring design partners deliver compliant, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions in line with programme requirements.

This is a long-term opportunity within a busy capital delivery environment, ideal for professionals with experience in regulated utilities or infrastructure sectors.

• Lead and coordinate engineering design delivery across multiple projects
• Manage design assurance processes for outline, tender, and construction-stage designs
• Monitor and report on design progress, programme risks, and deliverables
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive efficient project delivery
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation
• Ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and manage design-related H&S risks
• Support projects through design, procurement, and construction phases

• Chartered Engineer status
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline
• Previous experience within water, wastewater, utilities, or regulated infrastructure sectors
• Strong understanding of design management and engineering assurance processes
• Excellent stakeholder coordination and communication skills
• Full UK driving licence

• -500 per day CIS
• Hybrid working flexibility
• Long-term infrastructure programme
• Opportunity to work on high-profile capital delivery projects
• Supportive and collaborative project environment

Applications are welcome from professionals with transferable infrastructure experience across utilities, civil engineering, or major projects.