Senior Project Design Lead

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Leading water utility design/construction projects for our esteemed client hybrid working from Brighton office as a Permanent Senior Project Design Lead.  This is an opportunity to work within a forward-thinking private utilities firm renowned for innovation and excellence. Be part of a team committed to delivering critical infrastructure solutions with a strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, and technical mastery. Enjoy the benefits of a collaborative environment, working alongside industry experts dedicated to shaping the future of utility infrastructure. This role provides excellent career progression avenues, a competitive salary package, and a culture that values your expertise and professional growth.

The Senior Project Design Lead position itself is a dynamic and influential role where you will take ownership of complex infrastructure projects. You will spearhead technical design input, develop sustainable solutions, and oversee the delivery of technically robust, cost-effective designs. Key responsibilities include managing multidisciplinary teams, driving design efficiencies, and ensuring projects meet safety, environmental standards, and stakeholder expectations. Your expertise will directly influence project success, from feasibility to detailed design and construction phases, with the autonomy to make pivotal decisions that impact the organisation's infrastructure development.

NB A full job description will be provided (in confidence) to shortlisted candidates prior to interview :)

To be successful as Senior Project Design Lead you will have a healthy mix of the following:

• Significant experience within a water industry infrastructure environment, with a proven track record in delivering complex projects.
• Extensive background perhaps as a Design Manager or in a similar technical leadership role, demonstrating your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Academic qualifications: a BEng/BSc or HND/HNC in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related numerate field.
• Membership of a relevant professional institute (Chartered status or actively working towards it, e.g., ICE, CIWEM, or similar).
• Strong expertise in project and contract management, health & safety regulations, and water/utilities regulatory standards.
• Experience in risk assessment, value engineering, and procurement strategies, ideally within framework contracting environments.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and articulate technical ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven capability in managing design costs, scope changes, and programme timelines effectively.
• Desirable: APM Project Professional Qualification, Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), or NEC certification.

NB We are also recruiting for a Project Design Lead at £60K-£64K, so if you don't quite have all qualifications/experience above, do still apply!

As a Senior Project Design Lead, you will enjoy a competitive salary aligned with your expertise, comprehensive benefits, and bonus potential. The role offers a structured career development pathway, generous leave entitlement, and a commitment to your continual professional development. You’ll operate in a collaborative and innovative environment, with opportunities to lead green initiatives and digital design advancements. Our client recognises the importance of work-life balance and provides a supportive culture that values your input and fosters your growth within the organisation.

to the Senior Project Design Lead position by pushing the button on this job posting (recommended), or by sending your CV in confidence to (url removed). We look forward to discussing how your skills and experience can contribute to shaping vital infrastructure projects and progressing your career in a supportive, expert environment.

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