Associate Design Manager

Job description

Shape complex projects. Lead exceptional design. Make a lasting impact.

At Tetra Tech, you'll help shape the future of UK infrastructure and development, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex engineering projects and innovative design solutions. If you thrive on technical challenges, enjoy bringing people together and want to influence projects from concept to completion, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As an Associate Design Manager, you'll provide technical and strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects, ranging from £100k to £100m+. Working across the full project lifecycle, you'll coordinate multidisciplinary design delivery, manage programme, risk and commercial performance, and ensure solutions are safe, buildable and aligned with client objectives. You'll also contribute to client development, business growth and the continued evolution of our Design Management capability.

Your Impact in this position

You'll be instrumental in turning complex engineering challenges into successful project outcomes. By combining technical expertise, commercial awareness and collaborative leadership, you'll build trusted client relationships, develop high-performing teams and drive quality, innovation and continuous improvement across our projects.

Core Capabilities

• Design Leadership & Delivery - Lead multidisciplinary design teams to deliver integrated, compliant and buildable solutions that meet project requirements and client expectations.
• Stakeholder & Client Management - Build strong partnerships with clients, consultants, contractors and project teams, resolving interfaces and driving shared success.
• Programme & Risk Management - Maintain delivery certainty through effective programme coordination, proactive risk management and practical mitigation strategies.
• Commercial & Financial Management - Support project performance through resource planning, budget control, forecasting and effective change management.
• Team Leadership & Development - Coach and mentor Design Managers, strengthen technical capability and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

A degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or a related discipline is required. Chartered status, or progress towards chartership, is desirable. You'll bring proven UK experience leading multidisciplinary design on complex construction or engineering projects, with strong programme, commercial and stakeholder management skills. The ability to obtain Security Clearance is essential.

Working Environment

Based in either our London or Bristol office, you'll benefit from hybrid working, with office attendance agreed around team collaboration and project needs. Projects span the UK, so occasional site visits, travel and flexibility in working hours will be required. The role offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients while balancing office-based, site-based and remote working where project requirements allow.

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.

We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients' most complex problems.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role