Senior Project Design Lead

Closing Date

28/01/2026

Job Title: Senior Project Design Lead

Location: Falmer. Hybrid Working

Contract Type: Perm

Salary: Salary to be discussed at the screening stage

Are you ready to shape the future of water infrastructure across the South?

Southern Water is looking for a Senior Project Design Lead to play a pivotal role in driving innovative, sustainable engineering solutions across some of our most critical major projects.

This is your chance to influence multi‑million‑pound programmes that will directly improve environmental outcomes, resilience, and customer service—while helping us deliver our Water for Life vision.

About the role

As a Senior Project Design Lead, you’ll be the technical authority behind our most complex infrastructure and non‑infrastructure projects. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, guide design strategy from concept to commissioning, and ensure we deliver top‑quality, low‑TotEx solutions that keep us ahead of regulatory and customer expectations.

You will be the go‑to expert for design excellence—driving improvements, challenging norms, and embedding innovation across the programme.

What you will be responsible for:

Lead Design & Technical Delivery

• Take ownership of all design quality and technical integrity
• Drive lowest whole‑life cost (TotEx) design solutions
• Manage design scope, timelines, budgets and resource allocation
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Asset Strategy & Planning, contractors and supply chain partners

Innovation & Best Practice

• Challenge existing processes to improve design efficiency
• Introduce digital, standardised and modern design approaches
• Apply industry best practice to drive continual improvement
• Work closely with contractor partners to enhance delivery methods

People & Culture

• Mentor and support Project Design Leads and Assistant Design Leads
• Help create a positive, open and innovative team environment
• Encourage learning, creativity and continuous improvement

Financial & Programme Accountability

• Ensure design solutions outperform budget expectations
• Produce accurate design cost estimates and monthly forecasts
• Maintain programme delivery and flag potential delays early
• Support the removal of blockers and assist in resolving key issues

Safety, Environment & Customers

• Embed safety, sustainability and environmental responsibility into all designs
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental standards
• Deliver design solutions that meet customer and regulatory expectations

What you’ll bring to the role:

• A strong background in water (or utilities) infrastructure design and project delivery.
• Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary design work.
• Strong communication skills, able to engage both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• MEng/BEng/BSc or HND/HNC in Engineering, Environmental or another relevant technical discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution (Chartered or working towards).

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation

“Your potential matters more than a perfect checklist. If this role excites you and you believe you can make an impact, we want to hear from you! Skills can be learned—passion, drive, and fresh perspectives are what truly set candidates apart. Don’t hesitate—take the leap and apply!”

If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)

Our Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

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