Project Design Lead

Project Design Leader - Water / Design & Build
Location: Bristol based + site visits
Type: Permanent or Contract | Full-Time | Hybrid working

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\nThe opportunity\n
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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.

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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.

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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.

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\nThe role\n
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You will lead and own project delivery, ensuring technical, commercial and delivery objectives are aligned from day one.

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Key responsibilities:

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• Lead the design and delivery of water and wastewater projects from outline through to commissioning and handover
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• Work as part of a 'project triangle' with a Site Manager and Quantity Surveyor to balance technical, commercial and constructability considerations
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• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams (civil, mechanical, electrical, process and BIM)
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• Ensure delivery on programme, within budget and to required quality standards
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• Contribute to design within your discipline where required
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• Mentor junior engineers and support team development
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• Build strong relationships with client stakeholders and promote a 'one-team' approach
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• Maintain compliance with relevant frameworks, specifications and CDM 2015 requirements
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\nAbout the programme\n
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You'll be supporting a major AMP8 investment programme, delivering non-infrastructure and treatment schemes across the south west and south coast.

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This is a varied portfolio of work focused on improving water and wastewater services, offering exposure to both treatment and non-infrastructure projects.

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\nWhat we're looking for\n
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This position suits engineers looking to move into (or already operating within) a hybrid design + project leadership role.

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Essential experience:

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• Degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Process)
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• Incorporated Engineer (or working towards chartership)
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• Experience delivering water or wastewater projects
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• Outline and/or detailed design experience
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• Knowledge of CDM 2015 Designer / Principal Designer duties
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• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
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\nWhat's on offer\n
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Financial & benefits

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• Salary up to £55,000 + package
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• Pension matched between 4.5% - 7%
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• Annual bonus scheme
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• Professional membership fees paid
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Work-life balance & wellbeing

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• 33 days annual leave (flexible buy/sell options)
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• Private medical, life assurance and wellbeing options
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• Hybrid working (home / office / site)
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Family & flexibility

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• 26 weeks' paid maternity/adoption leave
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• Enhanced paternity/partner leave
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• Additional leave for carers
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Learning & development

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• Structured programme to support chartership
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• Mentorship, training and real project ownership from day one
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• Exposure across full project lifecycle within a design-and-build environment
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\nWhy apply?\n
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This is a strong opportunity to step into a role that offers:

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• Full lifecycle project ownership
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• A genuine mix of technical delivery and project management
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• Long-term AMP framework security
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• Fast-tracked professional development
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\n 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.

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Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion:

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Leon Smith
\n Murray McIntosh

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