As a Senior Design Project Manager, you will lead the delivery of complex multidisciplinary design programmes across our United Utilities framework, working on a range of infrastructure and non-infrastructure water and wastewater projects. You will manage design performance, resources, governance and stakeholder relationships, ensuring engineering solutions are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with programme, budget and quality objectives.
Responsibilities...
- Lead multidisciplinary design teams to deliver complex water and infrastructure projects safely, on time, and within budget.
- Manage multiple design workstreams, ensuring quality, programme, and commercial objectives are met.
- Provide technical leadership and ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and safe-by-design principles.
- Build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and operational teams to support successful project delivery.
- Lead design assurance activities, manage risks, and drive continuous improvement across programmes.
- Plan and coordinate engineering resources, including external design partners and consultants.
- Mentor and develop engineers and Design Project Managers, promoting a high-performing and collaborative culture
About you...
- Degree-qualified in Engineering (or equivalent experience) with Chartered Engineer status.
- Extensive experience delivering complex water and wastewater projects, including major non-infrastructure programmes.
- Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing multiple projects or programmes simultaneously.
- Strong experience working with clients, external design partners, and geographically dispersed teams.
- Demonstrable expertise in design governance, technical assurance, risk management, and programme delivery.
- Commercially aware, with experience operating within NEC contracts and AMP programmes.
- Knowledge of CDM regulations, including experience acting as Principal Designer.
Experienced in developing engineering capability, growing teams, and supporting wider business growth initiatives.
What’s in it for you...
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Company car allowance
- Company pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Private GP Helpline & Health Cash Plan
- Avove Discount Scheme
- Family friendly policies
- A selection of lifestyle benefit options
- Financial wellbeing programme
- Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing and onsite mental health first aiders to support our colleagues
- We love to give back so we offer you volunteering days in your community and charity matched giving where we will boost your fundraising.
This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa process. Applicants must therefore have, and maintain, an alternative right to work for the duration of employment.
About Avove...
Avove is a leading infrastructure services provider, delivering critical utility and energy solutions across the UK. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation, we specialise in the design, maintenance, and renewal of essential infrastructure for water, energy, and telecoms networks. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to long-term investment in training, development, and modern equipment to support our teams in delivering high-quality, reliable services for our clients and communities.
We are an equal opportunities employer...
At the heart of what we do is a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate what makes each of us unique and are building a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the application or interview process, please let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can support you. #AVO1
Skills Required
- Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
- Chartered Engineer status
- Extensive experience delivering complex water and wastewater projects
- Experience delivering major non-infrastructure programmes
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Experience managing multiple projects or programmes simultaneously
- Experience working with clients, external design partners, and geographically dispersed teams
- Expertise in design governance and technical assurance
- Experience with risk management and programme delivery
- Commercial awareness and experience operating under NEC contracts and AMP programmes
- Knowledge of CDM regulations
- Experience acting as Principal Designer
- Experience developing engineering capability and growing teams
What We Do
Avove is a UK infrastructure services and engineering company that designs, builds and maintains utilities infrastructure. Formed as an independent business in April 2022 after the sale of Amey’s utilities division, it develops sustainable solutions across water, wastewater, telecoms, power and vegetation management. Its work aims to improve communities, support economic growth and deliver long-term infrastructure outcomes for utility-sector customers.
