Project Design Lead
CV-LibraryBristolpermanentPosted: 9 July 2026
Apply NowProject Design Leader - Water / Design & Build
Location: Bristol based + site visits
Type: Permanent or Contract | Full-Time | Hybrid working
The opportunity
A strong opportunity for a Project Leader / Design Manager / Project Engineer to join a long-term AMP8 programme delivering water and wastewater infra and non-infra schemes across the South West.
This role offers something different to a traditional Project Manager position - combining project management and hands-on design engineering, with full ownership from outline design through to construction and handover.
With secured framework funding through to 2030 (and likely further extension), it offers both long-term stability and genuine career progression, including a clear pathway to chartership.
The role
You will lead and own project delivery, ensuring technical, commercial and delivery objectives are aligned from day one.
Key responsibilities:
Lead the design and delivery of water and wastewater projects from outline through to commissioning and handover
Work as part of a "project triangle" with a Site Manager and Quantity Surveyor to balance technical, commercial and constructability considerations
Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams (civil, mechanical, electrical, process and BIM)
Ensure delivery on programme, within budget and to required quality standards
Contribute to design within your discipline where required
Mentor junior engineers and support team development
Build strong relationships with client stakeholders and promote a "one-team" approach
Maintain compliance with relevant frameworks, specifications and CDM 2015 requirements
About the programme
You'll be supporting a major AMP8 investment programme, delivering non-infrastructure and treatment schemes across the south west and south coast.
This is a varied portfolio of work focused on improving water and wastewater services, offering exposure to both treatment and non-infrastructure projects.
What we're looking for
This position suits engineers looking to move into (or already operating within) a hybrid design + project leadership role.
Essential experience:
Degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Process)
Incorporated Engineer (or working towards chartership)
Experience delivering water or wastewater projects
Outline and/or detailed design experience
Knowledge of CDM 2015 Designer / Principal Designer duties
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
What's on offer
Financial & benefits
Salary up to £55,000 + package
Pension matched between 4.5% - 7%
Annual bonus scheme
Professional membership fees paidWork-life balance & wellbeing
33 days annual leave (flexible buy/sell options)
Private medical, life assurance and wellbeing options
Hybrid working (home / office / site)Family & flexibility
26 weeks' paid maternity/adoption leave
Enhanced paternity/partner leave
Additional leave for carersLearning & development
Structured programme to support chartership
Mentorship, training and real project ownership from day one
Exposure across full project lifecycle within a design-and-build environment
Why apply?
This is a strong opportunity to step into a role that offers:
Full lifecycle project ownership
A genuine mix of technical delivery and project management
Long-term AMP framework security
Fast-tracked professional development
If you're working in the water sector and want a more integrated role where you can lead projects and stay close to the engineering, this is worth exploring.
Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion:
Leon Smith
Murray McIntosh
Location: Bristol based + site visits
Type: Permanent or Contract | Full-Time | Hybrid working
The opportunity
A strong opportunity for a Project Leader / Design Manager / Project Engineer to join a long-term AMP8 programme delivering water and wastewater infra and non-infra schemes across the South West.
This role offers something different to a traditional Project Manager position - combining project management and hands-on design engineering, with full ownership from outline design through to construction and handover.
With secured framework funding through to 2030 (and likely further extension), it offers both long-term stability and genuine career progression, including a clear pathway to chartership.
The role
You will lead and own project delivery, ensuring technical, commercial and delivery objectives are aligned from day one.
Key responsibilities:
Lead the design and delivery of water and wastewater projects from outline through to commissioning and handover
Work as part of a "project triangle" with a Site Manager and Quantity Surveyor to balance technical, commercial and constructability considerations
Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams (civil, mechanical, electrical, process and BIM)
Ensure delivery on programme, within budget and to required quality standards
Contribute to design within your discipline where required
Mentor junior engineers and support team development
Build strong relationships with client stakeholders and promote a "one-team" approach
Maintain compliance with relevant frameworks, specifications and CDM 2015 requirements
About the programme
You'll be supporting a major AMP8 investment programme, delivering non-infrastructure and treatment schemes across the south west and south coast.
This is a varied portfolio of work focused on improving water and wastewater services, offering exposure to both treatment and non-infrastructure projects.
What we're looking for
This position suits engineers looking to move into (or already operating within) a hybrid design + project leadership role.
Essential experience:
Degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Process)
Incorporated Engineer (or working towards chartership)
Experience delivering water or wastewater projects
Outline and/or detailed design experience
Knowledge of CDM 2015 Designer / Principal Designer duties
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
What's on offer
Financial & benefits
Salary up to £55,000 + package
Pension matched between 4.5% - 7%
Annual bonus scheme
Professional membership fees paidWork-life balance & wellbeing
33 days annual leave (flexible buy/sell options)
Private medical, life assurance and wellbeing options
Hybrid working (home / office / site)Family & flexibility
26 weeks' paid maternity/adoption leave
Enhanced paternity/partner leave
Additional leave for carersLearning & development
Structured programme to support chartership
Mentorship, training and real project ownership from day one
Exposure across full project lifecycle within a design-and-build environment
Why apply?
This is a strong opportunity to step into a role that offers:
Full lifecycle project ownership
A genuine mix of technical delivery and project management
Long-term AMP framework security
Fast-tracked professional development
If you're working in the water sector and want a more integrated role where you can lead projects and stay close to the engineering, this is worth exploring.
Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion:
Leon Smith
Murray McIntosh