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Project Design Lead
full-timeLewes, Chatham

Summary

Location

Lewes, Chatham

Type

full-time

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About this role

Closing Date

03/02/2026

Job Title: Project Design Lead          

Location: Falmer (hybrid working + site visits, driving licence is required)

Contract Type: Perm, Full time

Salary: Salary and package are to be discussed at the screening stage.

About the role

Are you someone who enjoys working in a collaborative environment and is eager to learn from experienced professionals? Do you have a keen interest in engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects and want to build your career in a supportive, team-focused setting?

Southern Water is looking for a Project Design Lead to join our Engineering and Technical Solutions team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone early in their career or looking to step into the infrastructure sector, with plenty of scope to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful projects.

 What you will be responsible for:

  • Team Support: Assist in coordinating engineering and project teams, helping to keep tasks on track and organised.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Help maintain clear communication across departments including Operations, Environmental Enabling, and Engineering & Construction.
  • Design Administration: Support the review and tracking of design documentation, timelines, and compliance requirements.
  • Health & Safety Awareness: Promote safe working practices and help ensure design activities align with H&S standards.
  • Project Coordination: Assist project managers with planning and tracking design-related activities and budgets.

             

What you’ll bring to the role:

We’re looking for someone enthusiastic, organised, and eager to learn. You might have a degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field, or you may be looking to transition into this area from another role. What matters most is your willingness to grow, collaborate, and contribute to a team.

Experience in infrastructure or construction is helpful but not essential. Familiarity with tools like MS Project, BIM, or NEC contracts is a bonus, but training and support will be provided

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

Purpose-Driven

"Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference."

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.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-SC1

Other facts

Tech stack
Engineering,Construction,Infrastructure,Project Coordination,Stakeholder Communication,Health & Safety Awareness,Design Administration,Team Support,MS Project,BIM,NEC Contracts,Organized,Enthusiastic,Collaborative,Eager to Learn,Environmental Science

About Southern Water

We are one of the largest water and wastewater companies in the South East of England and thrive on the passion and hard work of more than 2,000 employees.

Together we supply 532 million litres of drinking water every day to more than two million customers and treat and recycle 717 million litres of wastewater for more than four million customers in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Water is essential to every aspect of our lives and we're proud to be at the heart of managing water and wastewater services. We drink it, cook with it and use it to clean. Our water supply faces big challenges - the population of the South East is growing fast, and climate change is bringing greater risk of droughts and more extreme weather. It’s a future of more people needing water and wastewater services, with less water to go around.

So, together with our customers and communities, we aim to provide a sustainable, high-quality water and wastewater service that helps us create a resilient future for water in the South East.

Find out more about us:

Website: www.southernwater.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthernWater

Twitter: @SouthernWater

Instagram: @southernwatermedia

We use market research tools to improve our service. For more info, visit: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/our-customers/privacy

Team size: 1,001-5,000 employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Utilities

What you'll do

  • The Project Design Lead will assist in coordinating engineering and project teams, ensuring tasks are organized and on track. They will also support project managers with planning and tracking design-related activities and budgets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Project Design Lead do at Southern Water?

As a Project Design Lead at Southern Water, you will: the Project Design Lead will assist in coordinating engineering and project teams, ensuring tasks are organized and on track. They will also support project managers with planning and tracking design-related activities and budgets..

Why join Southern Water as a Project Design Lead?

Southern Water is a leading Utilities company.

Is the Project Design Lead position at Southern Water remote?

The Project Design Lead position at Southern Water is based in Lewes, England, United Kingdom and Chatham, England, United Kingdom. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Project Design Lead position at Southern Water?

You can apply for the Project Design Lead position at Southern Water directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Southern Water on their website.