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Design Manager - (Water Civil Engineering)

WSP
March 17, 2026
Full-time
On-site
Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
Engineering & Design
Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

We have a number of opportunities for Design Managers to join our Water team supporting on key projects in our Asset Design discipline.

A little more about your role…

As a Design Manager at WSP you will lead and manage design projects within the Water sector. Working alongside the Project Director and Project Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing engineering design work and ensuring compliance with best practices and UK regulations. 

With WSP you have the exceptional opportunity to take the next step in your career, build on your experience and qualifications and achieve your ambitions. We offer excellent support in personal development and growth as part of our local teams and across the wider WSP business.

What makes this role exciting..

  • Lead on significant, technically challenging projects and influence how design is delivered across disciplines.
  • Be the central connector between clients, technical specialists, and project teams.
  • Shape better delivery processes, championing Safety by Design, CDM compliance, and efficient ways of working.
  • Grow as a leader, representing WSP in client meetings and guiding multiple work packages with confidence.
  • Join a supportive, collaborative environment where quality and improvement are always at the forefront.
     

What your day-to-day looks like...

  • Manage the design process, resources, timelines, budgets and risks across mid‑scale and complex projects.
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality standards, including UK CDM regulations.
  • Lead client and design team meetings, providing clear progress reporting and resolving design issues.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs, ensuring integration, quality, and timely delivery.
  • Handle change control, RFIs, design transmittals, and project communications to reduce risk
  • Maintain and update design programmes and ensure deliverables align with scope and client requirements.
  • Support Senior Project Leads with package management and team coordination
     

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

  • MEng/BEng/BSc or HND/HNC in an Engineering, Environmental or numerate science related subject.
  • A member of an appropriate professional institute (Chartered or working towards) 
  • Experience in an infrastructure programme and project delivery environment, with experience of delivering complex projects
  • Significant experience in Project and contract management including knowledge of H&S standards and regulations
     

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.

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