Coffey
Design Manager

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Role Summary
As a Design Manager, you will lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team to deliver engineering design solutions for a portfolio of works across waste and clean water. The design management role encompasses overseeing internal and external design consultant teams, controlling the development of the design concept into construction design, build and operation and managing the installation information.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing design and technical resources to meet project requirements, standards and budgets, including both internal and external design resources
- Managing the design process using commercial, contractual, programme/time awareness and technical expertise
- Supporting, and advising the Head of Design and Director of Engineering as to the requirements and obligations in the development of a project design
- Ensuring the design process recognises current legislation, standards and codes of practice where appropriate
- Ensuring the designers comply with their duties in relation to Health and Safety in design, under the (Ireland - Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, or (UK - Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations)
- Ensuring design information is of the right quality and keeps pace with project timescales
- Striving to eliminate health, safety and environmental risks in the design and financial risks during construction and/or operation
- Consider Environmental Aspects and the Life-cycle perspective during the design process
- Mentoring of staff, undertaking performance reviews and identification and justification of resource requirements
- Assist in continuous improvement of group wide design and project quality assurance processes
- Lead the improvement and development of standard design templates for Coffey internal designs
- Promote continual improvement within Coffey
- Manage internal compliance of relevant design standards, championing a best in industry approach
- Support the development and management of the Group BIM strategy and implementation plan
- Working with contracts and project managers to deliver value engineering across civil and MEICA works elements
- Maintaining awareness of industry best standards, equipment, and technology with incorporation of same into the company business
- Liaise with clients and suppliers, promoting Coffey business development and strategy
- Attendance and reporting at meetings of senior management
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
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Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Essential Criteria
- Bachelor's engineering degree to support your competency in the role. Master’s Degree
- Minimum 10 years industry experience, with minimum 5 years fulfilling design management role
- Strong technical knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes preferred
- Proven track record of successfully leading design teams and managing complex projects.
- Proficiency in Autodesk software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and other design tools.
- Strong understanding of civil engineering principles, codes, and standards.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritise tasks effectively.


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Desirable Criteria
- Membership or eligibility for membership with a relevant professional body is desirable.
- Having Chartered Engineer status or on the pathway to obtaining professional Accreditation
About us
Coffey is a water infrastructure and civil engineering specialist operating in every major construction sector throughout Ireland and the UK. Passionate about quality and efficiency, this passion drives our belief in delivering projects with the best workforce. The hallmarks of our work are innovative solutions, engineering ingenuity, professional construction management and the highest level of safety and quality. We pride ourselves in nurturing an environment that empowers critical thinking, creative problem-solving, customer focus, efficiency and flexibility.
Coffey values are at the heart of everything we do – Do the right thing, Do it better, Do it together.
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