Design Manager - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: Bristol, United Kingdom (with flexibility for Exeter, Swansea, Derby, Birmingham)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Design Management (Water Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-05-26T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days per week office/site based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary engineering teams in the delivery of technical design for critical water infrastructure projects, including hydraulics, wastewater, and clean water systems.

• Drive the production, review, and consistency of technical deliverables such as design reports, calculations, and scopes of work, ensuring high-quality output aligned with national and project-specific standards.

• Collaborate closely with project management teams to ensure successful delivery of projects within defined timeframes and budgets, integrating technical expertise with commercial awareness.

• Foster professional development by mentoring less experienced colleagues and contributing to the growth of engineering capabilities within the local team, promoting a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice, indicating a strong focus on technical excellence and innovative solutions. The emphasis on client-side and construction-phase support suggests a need for robust stakeholder management and understanding of the full project lifecycle. The "Water market" preference highlights the importance of domain-specific experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage engineering design teams to deliver technical design work on multi-disciplinary projects, adhering to relevant national and project-specific design codes and standards (e.g., hydraulics, wastewater, clean water infrastructure, water reuse, pipelines).

• Drive the production and review of technical deliverables, including design reports, drawings, calculations, and scopes of work, ensuring consistency and quality across all outputs.

• Provide critical technical input into project design deliverables for complex multi-disciplinary projects, collaborating with the project management team to manage time and budgets effectively against key project milestones and programmes.

• Collaborate effectively with clients, operational teams, project stakeholders, and other AtkinsRéalis teams to deliver integrated design solutions across the UK and potentially internationally.

• Mentor less experienced engineers, fostering their technical growth and contributing to the development of engineering capabilities within the local team.

• Exercise independent judgment to solve complex design problems with minimal guidance and provide direction to junior team members.

• Provide technical and delivery support for bid proposals, contributing to business development efforts.

• Adhere strictly to quality assurance standards in design processes, including the thorough check and review of both personal and peer work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical leadership, project delivery, team management, and business development support. The need to "work closely with a multi-disciplinary team in the UK and overseas" points to strong collaboration and communication skills being paramount, alongside an understanding of international project delivery nuances.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent relevant engineering discipline.

Experience:

• Proven experience in coordinating or managing an engineering design delivery team within a design consultancy environment.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver across the full project lifecycle, including experience collaborating with contractors and understanding client-side requirements.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in managing multi-disciplinary engineering design delivery teams.

• Strong knowledge of current design codes and standards, industry best practices, including CDM Regulations, Eurocodes, and relevant water utility standards.

• Proficiency in applicable analytical software and related tools, such as AutoCAD, CDE platforms, MS Office Suite, and Power BI.

• Demonstrated ability to take a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions to design problems.

• Strong communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts clearly to diverse, multi-disciplinary teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Practical experience in hydraulics, wastewater and clean water infrastructure, water reuse, and pipelines.

• Familiarity with MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control, and Automation), structures, and geotechnics disciplines within water projects.

• Experience with NEC (New Engineering Contract) forms of contract.

• Experience within the Water market sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status signifies a need for a professional engineer with a proven track record and commitment to professional development. The emphasis on "CDM Regulations" and "NEC" points to a need for a strong understanding of UK construction and project management frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful management of engineering design teams, showcasing project scope, team size, and delivery timelines.

• Provide evidence of technical deliverables produced under your management, highlighting quality assurance processes and adherence to standards.

• Showcase examples of problem-solving for complex design challenges in water infrastructure, detailing the innovative solutions implemented.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design and optimization for engineering design processes, particularly within multi-disciplinary water projects.

• Documentation illustrating the implementation of design management systems and quality assurance protocols.

• Case studies detailing how design processes were measured, analyzed, and improved to achieve project objectives and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to present tangible examples of their team management, design review processes, and problem-solving methodologies. A portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to design delivery, quality control, and risk management within the water sector will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Salaries.

• Comprehensive Employee Rewards program.

• Opportunities for extensive Training and Professional Development, supporting career progression and skill enhancement.

• Hybrid Working model, offering flexibility and a balance between remote and office-based work.

• Flexible Holiday Allowances, allowing for personalized leave arrangements.

• Access to modern office facilities and collaborative workspaces.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with 3 days per week expected to be office/site based, accommodating work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for chartered civil engineers with 5-10 years of experience in design management roles within the UK engineering consultancy sector. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain talent, emphasizing professional growth and work-life integration, crucial for senior operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Infrastructure Development, Nuclear, Consulting. AtkinsRéalis operates across a broad spectrum of critical sectors, with a strong presence in the Water market, focusing on sustainable infrastructure and environmental solutions.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This indicates a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and opportunities for career mobility across diverse projects and geographies.

Founded: The company has a long history, with Atkins (now part of AtkinsRéalis) founded in 1938. This heritage suggests stability, established processes, and a deep well of expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice within AtkinsRéalis is a specialized unit focused on delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions. The Water team within this practice is likely structured to support major water utility clients and infrastructure projects.

• Reporting structures are expected to be hierarchical, with Design Managers reporting to Senior Design Managers, Practice Leads, or Project Directors, and managing teams of engineers and technical specialists.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and analysis are integral, utilizing advanced software and tools to inform design choices and project planning.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, focusing on efficient design delivery, quality assurance, and risk mitigation throughout the project lifecycle.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed where feasible to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and improve project outcomes.

Company Website: https://www.atkinsrealis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established international firm, AtkinsRéalis likely adheres to rigorous project management methodologies and quality standards. The D&AT practice suggests a forward-thinking culture that embraces innovation and advanced engineering techniques.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the engineering and operations framework. It requires substantial technical expertise, proven leadership in managing design teams, and a strong understanding of project delivery within the water sector. The role involves significant autonomy and responsibility for technical outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a Senior Design Manager, Technical Director, or Project Director. The Design Manager is responsible for leading and mentoring a team of engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a crucial role in shaping the technical integrity and feasibility of water infrastructure projects. Their effective management directly impacts project success, cost control, schedule adherence, client satisfaction, and the overall quality and sustainability of the delivered solutions. This role is pivotal in translating client needs into robust engineering designs that form the backbone of essential public services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Progression to Senior Design Manager, Technical Lead, or Project Director roles, with increased responsibility for larger, more complex projects and strategic client relationships. Specialization in niche areas of water engineering or advanced technology adoption.

• Industry Leadership: Opportunities to represent AtkinsRéalis at industry forums, contribute to the development of design standards, and mentor the next generation of engineering talent.

• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training programs, opportunities to manage larger teams, and potentially move into broader operational management roles within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Water" specialization within the D&AT practice suggests a clear career path for individuals passionate about this sector. Growth opportunities are likely tied to successful project delivery, client relationship management, and demonstrated leadership capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with a mix of office-based collaboration and remote flexibility. The specific offices mentioned (Bristol, Birmingham, Exeter, Swansea) are likely modern, equipped with the necessary technology and collaborative spaces.

Office Location(s):

• Bristol, UK (The Hub)

• Exeter, UK

• Swansea, Wales, UK

• Derby, UK

• Birmingham, UK

This offers candidates flexibility in choosing a location that best suits their needs, with a consistent expectation of 3 days per week in the office or on-site for project-related activities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, encouraging interaction between design teams, project managers, and other technical specialists.

• Access to industry-standard operations tools and technology, including CAD software, project management platforms, and data analytics tools like Power BI, is expected.

Work Schedule:

• The role operates on a standard full-time schedule, estimated at 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, allowing for effective management of personal and professional commitments, crucial for demanding project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, indicating a modern approach to work that balances productivity with employee well-being. The availability of multiple office locations enhances accessibility for candidates across different regions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications, focusing on aligning experience with core requirements (e.g., Chartered status, design management experience, water sector familiarity).

• Technical Interview: Conducted by hiring managers and senior engineers. Expect questions on technical design challenges, project management methodologies, team leadership, risk management, and your experience with specific codes and standards (CDM, Eurocodes, etc.). Be prepared to discuss your approach to quality assurance and design reviews.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A significant component will likely involve presenting a past project or a hypothetical scenario. This will demonstrate your ability to manage design delivery, solve complex problems, and communicate technical information. Focus on your role, the challenges, the solutions, and the outcomes.

• Cultural Fit/Team Interview: Discussion with potential team members to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with AtkinsRéalis's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 key projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, team leadership, and impact on water infrastructure projects.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your approach (including team structure and processes), the specific solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, quality enhancements).

• Highlight Process & Tools: Detail the design management processes you followed, quality assurance measures you implemented, and the specific software and tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Power BI, CDEs) you utilized effectively.

• Emphasize Collaboration & Mentorship: Showcase instances where you successfully collaborated with diverse teams and mentored junior engineers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for behavioral questions assessing leadership, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

• Prepare to discuss a challenging technical problem you encountered and how you approached its resolution, emphasizing your analytical and decision-making process.

• Review current trends and challenges in the UK water sector (e.g., regulatory changes, sustainability goals, asset management).

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should anticipate a rigorous interview process that tests both technical acumen and leadership potential. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates past successes and demonstrates a structured approach to design management will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (or similar CAD platforms) for design visualization and drafting.

• CDE (Common Data Environment): Platforms for managing project information and collaboration.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For general productivity, reporting, and presentations.

• Power BI: For data visualization, reporting, and performance analytics, likely used for project tracking and client updates.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Data Analysis Tools: Beyond Power BI, potentially other tools for hydraulic modeling or structural analysis depending on project specifics.

• Reporting Dashboards: For presenting project status, risks, and performance metrics to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, understanding client relationship management principles is key for client-facing aspects.

• Workflow Automation: Potential use of tools or scripting for automating repetitive design tasks or data processing.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different software systems (e.g., CAD, BIM, project management) can be integrated for seamless data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Power BI is explicitly mentioned. Familiarity with CDE platforms is also crucial for collaborative project environments. The ability to leverage these tools for efficient design delivery and insightful reporting is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and with clients to achieve shared goals. Teamwork is paramount.

• Innovation: Encouraging the development and application of new ideas and technologies to solve complex engineering challenges and improve project outcomes.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards, honesty, and transparency in all dealings and project execution.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work, exceeding client expectations, and continuously improving processes and technical capabilities.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental considerations and sustainable practices into design solutions for long-term impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Characterized by open communication, mutual respect, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Expectation of active participation in design reviews, team meetings, and cross-functional workshops.

• A culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in processes and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis promotes a culture where diverse perspectives are valued, and collaboration is a cornerstone of success. This implies a need for strong interpersonal skills and an ability to integrate effectively within a team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multi-disciplinary Projects: Balancing the needs and inputs of various engineering disciplines while ensuring project objectives, timelines, and budgets are met.

• Navigating Evolving Regulations: Staying abreast of and implementing changes in UK water industry regulations, environmental standards, and health & safety legislation (e.g., CDM).

• Driving Innovation: Encouraging and integrating new technologies and design methodologies within a traditional sector while managing associated risks and training needs.

• Client Relationship Management: Effectively managing client expectations, communicating technical complexities, and ensuring satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to advanced training in water engineering, project management, and leadership development programs.

• Professional Certifications: Support for maintaining and enhancing Chartered Engineer status and pursuing further relevant qualifications.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders and to mentor junior staff, fostering leadership skills and knowledge transfer.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in conferences, workshops, and industry working groups to stay at the forefront of engineering practices and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle significant infrastructure challenges and contribute to sustainable development. The company's commitment to learning and development suggests a supportive environment for career advancement and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex multi-disciplinary water infrastructure project you managed from design concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on your role, team management, problem-solving, and outcomes).

• "How do you ensure quality assurance and adherence to design codes (e.g., CDM, Eurocodes) within your engineering teams? Provide an example." (Highlight your process, review methods, and risk mitigation strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AtkinsRéalis and our work in the Water sector specifically?" (Research recent projects, company values, and sustainability initiatives).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our D&AT practice and the broader company culture?" (Align your skills and values with the company's stated values and team structure).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: When presenting case studies, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., % reduction in design time, % cost savings achieved, improvements in project schedule adherence).

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, charts, project photos) to illustrate design concepts, team structures, and project progress.

• Storytelling: Frame your experiences as compelling narratives, highlighting challenges, your strategic approach, and the positive outcomes.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how you leverage tools like AutoCAD and Power BI to enhance design processes, improve collaboration, and provide insightful reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your leadership experience, technical expertise in water infrastructure, and understanding of project delivery processes. Demonstrating a proactive, problem-solving mindset and alignment with AtkinsRéalis's values will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Water position:

• Submit your application through the AtkinsRéalis careers portal via the provided link. Be sure to attach your most up-to-date CV and a compelling cover letter.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight specific experiences in design management, team leadership, water infrastructure projects, and familiarity with UK design codes and standards (CDM, Eurocodes, NEC).

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results. Include keywords from the job description, such as "Design Management," "Civil Engineering," "Water Infrastructure," "Hydraulics," "Wastewater," "CDM Regulations," "Autocad," and "Power BI."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience through STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to walk through a selected project from your portfolio, emphasizing your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AtkinsRéalis, focusing on their Water sector projects, their D&AT practice, company values, and recent news. Understand their approach to sustainability and innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.