Overall Purpose of the Role

At Aptus Utilities, we’re looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead our Design team and deliver high-quality utility designs for residential and commercial developments across the UK.

Reporting to the Head of Design & Estimation, you’ll manage Designers and CAD Technicians, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. Working closely with key internal teams and utility partners, you’ll support the successful delivery of projects from tender through to construction while driving continuous improvement across the department.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your leadership career with one of the UK’s leading independent multi-utility providers.

What you will be doing

• Lead, motivate and develop a multidisciplinary Design Team, including apprentices and trainees.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews and personal development discussions.
• Manage workloads, resources and contract allocation to the appropriate designers and estimators, ensuring efficient project delivery.
• Promote a positive, collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Ensure all utility designs are technically compliant, buildable and delivered to agreed quality standards.
• Manage the delivery of all live contracts and redesigns until formal handover to the Operations Team.
• Monitor design progress, identify delivery risks and implement solutions to maintain programme commitments.
• Oversee design handover meetings, ensuring all required documentation is complete, accurate and are presented consistently
• Manage CAD production activities and ensure accurate record drawings and As-Laid information are produced.
• Build strong relationships with clients, DNOs, IDNOs, NAVs and other statutory undertakers.
• Attend client meetings to provide design updates and manage expectations.
• Work closely with Operational Managers to resolve design challenges and improve project delivery.
• Support the Estimation Team during tender review and priority planning meetings.
• Support the Head of Design & Estimation in developing departmental KPIs and performance reporting.
• Monitor individual and team performance against agreed objectives.
• Ensure all design trackers, legal logs and departmental reports remain accurate and up to date.
• Identify opportunities to improve design processes, quality and efficiency.