Senior Design Manager

CompanyUnited Utilities

LocationWarrington, England, United Kingdom

Posted At1/8/2026

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics

Occupation Type

Research and development (r&d) managers

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£54,400 (£27.90 per hour)

Occupation rate applies

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Description

The role:

As a Senior Design Manager, you’ll be responsible for leading the design development of multiple high-value, complex capital projects within United Utilities Enterprise Programme. You’ll provide technical and strategic leadership to ensure designs are safe, efficient, innovative, and fully aligned with regulatory, operational, and sustainability goals. You’ll also be a key advisor to senior stakeholders and play a crucial role in shaping our approach to design governance and delivery during AMP8 and beyond.

What you’ll do:

People management in a project environment, where formal line management does not exist.
Being the champion for the project within the business and from time to time representing the business externally
Positively support the transition of new ways of working across the community
Building and maintaining relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
As required, to deputise for Regional Delivery Manager (RDM)
Develop and maintaining proactive empathetic enduring relationships and creating a healthy, inclusive and diverse environment for their team to flourish.

Responsible for delivering the project or portfolio through the asset lifecycle in accordance with approved processes and systems.

Responsible for writing technical reports and acting as the single point of contact for technical assurance throughout the lifecycle

Managing multi-disciplinary teams across the matrix organisation to Delivery to time, cost, carbon and quality drivers.

Carry out project reviews, recommend / take action as appropriate and report on a monthly basis

Responsible for writing project documentation and technical reports. Acting as the single point of contact for technical assurance throughout the lifecycle

Risk management to drive the delivery of opportunities or threat reduction, including adequate escalation of issues outside of your control

Embed standardisation into all aspects of the AMP8 project delivery.

What we’re looking for:

Significant post graduate experience and Professionally Qualified (or equivalent professional experience)
Proven experience of leadership of complex projects in a project management role, including the ability to integrate input from different technical areas and other departments

Proven communication skills with an ability to engage with stakeholders and colleagues to develop solutions to complex problems

Proven experience of schedule management

Proven experience of risk management

Proven ability to manage budget and direct project controls

Proven demonstration of adopting innovation, particularly with emerging technologies and/or environmental solutions

Proven experience of health, safety and well-being requirements relating to delivery of projects (e.g. CDM Principal Designer or Client roles)

Ability to think more strategically about how problems are solved, working collaboratively across different directorates at UU

What we offer:

A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
A 20% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
A £5,000 car allowance to support your travel needs

A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

About United Utilities:

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society. We are proud to be ranked #11 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.

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