Associate Design manager

Design Lead / Associate Civil Engineer

65,000 - 70,000 (dependent on experience)

Croydon

Permanent | Hybrid

Our client is seeking an experienced Design Lead / Associate Civil Engineer to drive the design and delivery of complex water and infrastructure schemes across London and the South East.

You'll be responsible for leading multidisciplinary design teams, overseeing project delivery, and ensuring technical excellence at every stage - from concept through to construction support. This is a leadership role for a technically strong Chartered Engineer who can combine design delivery with project management and client engagement.

Our client is a specialist advisory and technical consultancy operating across the built and natural environment. Their work spans buildings, infrastructure, and regeneration, with a strong presence across the South East.

Guided by their ethos of "Excellence Through Innovation," they deliver forward-thinking engineering solutions that go beyond compliance, improving outcomes for communities and the environment.

• Lead and coordinate civil design across multiple water and infrastructure projects in London and the South East.
• Manage multidisciplinary design delivery (civil, structural, geotechnical, and MEICA).
• Oversee feasibility, outline, and detailed design stages, ensuring quality, compliance, and value.
• Act as a technical authority and client-facing design lead.
• Provide mentoring and leadership to engineers and technicians.
• Conduct design reviews, technical appraisals, and risk assessments.
• Champion innovation and digital engineering to enhance project outcomes.
• Manage budgets, resources, and delivery milestones effectively.

• Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng MICE or equivalent).
• Degree qualified in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Significant experience in water, wastewater, or infrastructure design.
• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary design teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proficient in relevant design and modelling software (AutoCAD, QGIS, InfoWorks, ProjectWise, etc.).
• Preference for Civil Engineers, though strong M&E candidates with relevant experience will also be considered.

• Competitive salary up to 70,000, depending on experience.
• Hybrid working model with flexibility between office and home.
• A collaborative culture built around technical excellence and innovation.
• Opportunities to work on major South East infrastructure and water schemes.
• ICE-accredited professional development and mentoring.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.