Design Manager

As part of the United Infrastructure Group, we are a dynamic and innovative specialist engineering services, solutions and products provider focused on servicing our clients’ immediate and future needs. We do this through the development of industry-changing cleantech products as well as through engineering delivery excellence.

We specialise in the design and delivery of process, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering-based projects, products and solutions. Regardless of the project, they all pursue the same goal: to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our water, wastewater and waste treatment.

We have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals with extensive consulting and contracting experience, including engineers, scientists and commercial managers. Our knowledge and expertise spans more than 30 years, across industries including: water, wastewater, marine, energy and power sectors. At AFECO, we cover all stages of the innovation and project delivery cycle from concept through to operations.

Our aim is simple – to provide the most effective solutions and products on the market and thus, exceed clients expectations through market-leading technology. From technical through to commercial and management expertise, we have the in-house expertise to execute a range of projects from the most basic to highly complex.

AFECO is an engineering services provider, delivering high quality process and MEICA design and installation projects predominantly across the South of England and Midlands for the water industry. We have excellent inhouse engineering teams capable of delivering all stages of the project cycle, from concept design through to commissioning, with a strong focus on process led innovative and robust yet appropriate solutions.

We have a portfolio of varied projects covering both wastewater and clean water projects for planned and reactive projects.

In 2024, we were acquired by United Living Group, a leading infrastructure, construction, and property services company in the UK. This partnership enables us to better provide unique solutions for the water sector and help our clients navigate increasing pressure on their operations.

Due to the expansion of our design team, we are currently recruiting for a Design Manager to work within our multi-disciplinary design team. This is a great opportunity for enthusiastic individuals who fit in with our company values and are keen to develop in a forward-thinking organisation.

Role Purpose

The Design Manager is responsible for the Company’s design work. This includes defining the design requirements for each project, managing the allocated design budget, and managing the production of drawings and documents used during the project design. The Design Manager coordinates with SME’s (subject matter experts) and engineers to create coordinated designs that meet the project briefs and provide robust, cost-effective solutions for all projects at all stages of the project lifecycle, including construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Design Planning & Management

• Manage and develop the design team to ensure there is sufficient skill and resource to serve the Groups design needs for non-infra water projects across multiple water company Frameworks, including process, mechanical, electrical, ICA, structural and civil design
• Establish and manage department goals and objectives that support the company’s strategic plan
• Understand the interaction of all disciplines to ensure our designs meet the Clients briefs, offer the best possible solution and do not negatively impact on any other part of the process stream
• Represent the business as Designated Individual for Principal Design in accordance with CDM Regulations
• Represent the business as Designated Individual for Temporary Works according to BS 5975 and carry out all related duties such as procedure management, staff appointments, sub-contractor reviews etc.
• Manage design resources, including internal teams, subcontractors, and specialist suppliers
• Liaise with the Client's Project Teams to ensure the designs issued for planning applications are technically compliant with both statutory and Client design standards
• Organise and manage regular technical coordination workshops, Package Reviews and Design Team Meetings including internal and external HAZOP and ALM reviews

Technical & Operational Delivery

• Line Manager duties for the growing design team in according with company policy.
• Act as process owner for design related activities
• Lead the design work, liaising with the Technical Manager , Operations Managers, Project Managers and Project Engineers to ensure the technical function is effective and efficient on all live projects
• Review alternative build methods and practices
• Keep up to date on new and innovative products
• Keep up to date with changing legislations and codes of practice, clients standards (including WIMES) relating to design
• Assist the team in the management and compilation of the overall project
• Ensure drawings and design information such as Schedules are produced on time, to a high quality, and are easy to decipher
• Oversee document control concerning registration and distribution of design and technical information throughout the design process and ensuring all drawings and documents are red lined at construction completion
• Liaise with key personnel within the project team in preparation for project costing and design works

Health, Safety & Environment

• Ensure design activities comply with health, safety, and environmental legislation and client requirements
• Manage design risks, including live systems, process hazards, confined spaces, and chemical dosing systems
• Promote safe systems of work and lead design -specific safety briefings
• Ensure translation of the conceptual scheme into an efficient and workable commercial solution
• Ensure that company’s drive for world-class Health and Safety is delivered in all aspects of your work

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as the main point of contact for design with clients, operations teams, and regulators
• Support operational training and familiarisation
• Manage design acceptance, and sign-off processes
• Review / Interrogate the consultants' and sub-contractors drawings and hold package review meetings with relevant site team members
• Constantly monitor all production information and consultant activities against budgetary allowances and report any variances

Documentation & Handover

• Ensure completion and approval of design records, assessments and calculations
• Support preparation of O&M manuals, asset data, and handover documentation
• Support achievement of practical completion, takeover, and final acceptance

Essential

Knowledge & Experience

• Significant experience in commissioning within the water or wastewater sector
• Strong understanding of water treatment, wastewater treatment, and network systems
• Experience commissioning MEICA systems
• Knowledge of water industry standards, procedures, and safe systems of work
• Experience working on live operational assets

Desirable

• Experience delivering projects under regulated water frameworks (e.g. AMP programmes)
• Knowledge of UK water company standards and Ofwat regulatory requirements
• 5+ years’ related experience post qualification in MEICA installation, testing and commissioning, preferably in the UK water sector
• Engineering qualification (degree / HND / BTEC) or Apprenticeship in relevant trade
• Constantly monitor all production information and consultant activities against budgetary allowances and report any variances
• EUSR clean water card (preferable)
• Able to work well in a team, supervise others and give as well as take instruction
• Punctuality and reliability
• Excellent health and safety knowledge and application
• Willingness to learn and undertake training as required
• Positive “can do” attitude with flexible approach to work and ability to work on own initiative
• Valid UK driving licence (essential)

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Process, or related discipline) or equivalent experience

Desirable

• Professional engineering status (e.g. CEng, IEng)
• IOSH or NEBOSH health & safety qualification
• Confined Space and Permit to Work training

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and coordination skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong planning, organisation, and reporting skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple interfaces

Health, Safety & Environmental Commitment

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental protection
• Ensures commissioning activities meet company, client, and regulatory requirements

Salary And Benefits

• Salary TBC + car allowance
• Medicash plan
• Life insurance
• Benefits portal
• Company pension
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

At AFECO, we value our employee’s and encourage and support them to development themselves and their career through training and progression. We offer the opportunity to work on a range of project types and size in the water sector including our own internally developed products and solutions. We are a privately owned business with a friendly and open culture and are dedicated to creating and maintaining and workforce that is highly skilled and motivated. As a Company we are committed to equal opportunities for all and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, sex, disability or age.

Join us at AFECO and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.