Lead Design Engineer

Lead Design Engineer / Design Manager Altera Recruitment Group is partnering with a well established engineering consultancy in the Somerset, operating at the heart of the UK water sector. Our client delivers multi disciplinary design solutions across water and wastewater infrastructure and is recognised for its collaborative culture, technical depth and progressive approach to engineering delivery. We are seeking an experienced Lead Design Engineer or Design Manager with a background in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Process engineering. This opportunity will appeal to individuals who enjoy leading small, capable teams while remaining technically hands on. It will particularly suit those who value professional development, cross discipline exposure and a genuine team environment over corporate hierarchy. Key Responsibilities of Lead Design Engineer * Lead and coordinate multi disciplinary design activity across water and wastewater projects from concept through to delivery and handover * Provide technical oversight of calculations, drawings, reports and specifications, ensuring compliance with UK standards and CDM regulations * Manage and mentor a small team of engineers and technicians, supporting their professional growth and technical capability * Act as a key technical contact for clients, contributing to design reviews, stakeholder meetings and solution development * Support programme, budget and risk management activities to ensure projects are delivered to scope, time and quality expectations Candidate Requirements * Degree qualified in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Process or a related engineering discipline * Chartered Engineer status, or actively working towards professional accreditation * Proven experience delivering infrastructure design within the water sector or a comparable regulated environment * Demonstrated ability to lead or coordinate multi disciplinary teams on complex projects * Strong understanding of UK design standards, health and safety legislation and regulatory frameworks What’s on Offer * Competitive salary in the region of £60,000 to £85,000 depending on experience * Annual bonus scheme of up to 10 per cent, alongside yearly salary review * Flexible working hours with a choice of start and finish times * 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension scheme and health cash plan * Supportive, close knit team culture with ongoing technical training and structured development This is an opportunity to join a consultancy that genuinely invests in its people. The team operates in small, collaborative units, encouraging engineers to broaden their skill sets while developing areas of specialism. Regular technical sessions and knowledge sharing are embedded into the working week, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement rather than box ticking development plans. If you are open to a confidential conversation about your next move, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you