Design Manager | Ingeniería Civil hidráulica

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager | Ingeniería Civil hidráulica

Company: AECOM

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: A jornada completa (Full-time)

Category: Engineering / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2025-09-30

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and construction of key hydraulic infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to international quality standards and project deadlines.

• Manage and cultivate strong client relationships, serving as the primary point of contact to understand and meet their needs and expectations.

• Coordinate and technically guide project teams, including mentoring less experienced engineers, to ensure efficient task execution and project success.

• Oversee project planning, progress tracking, and cost control to maintain projects within allocated budgets.

• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, reports, and specifications in English for international stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges technical design leadership with project management, requiring a candidate who can not only execute complex hydraulic engineering designs but also manage client expectations, team dynamics, and project financials. The emphasis on international projects and bilingual communication highlights the global nature of AECOM's operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and construction oversight of hydraulic infrastructure projects, including stormwater management for roads and railways, and flood studies for urban developments.

• Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with clients, ensuring clear communication, understanding of project requirements, and overall client satisfaction.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and project teams, reviewing work and ensuring the correct execution of assigned tasks.

• Develop detailed project plans, monitor progress, and rigorously control costs to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

• Author and review technical documentation, specifications, and reports in English, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with AECOM and client standards.

• Facilitate effective communication in both English and Spanish among international collaborators, clients, and internal teams.

• Contribute to the technical excellence and innovation within AECOM's Civil Infrastructure team, particularly in hydraulic engineering solutions.

• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals and client presentations, showcasing AECOM's capabilities in hydraulic infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level role focused on both technical design execution and the managerial aspects of project delivery within the hydraulic engineering domain. The dual language requirement and international project scope are critical differentiators.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10-12 years of professional experience in the design and engineering of hydraulic infrastructure.

• Proven track record of progressing from a Project Engineer role to a leadership or management position.

Required Skills:

• Hydraulic Infrastructure Design: Deep expertise in designing complex water systems, including supply, sanitation, and stormwater networks.

• Project Management: Ability to lead projects from conception to completion, managing scope, schedule, budget, and resources.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong skills in communicating with clients, understanding their needs, and ensuring satisfaction.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Experience in supervising, guiding, and developing engineering teams.

• Technical Documentation: Proficiency in preparing and reviewing technical reports, specifications, and engineering drawings.

• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluent in both English and Spanish, both written and spoken, for effective communication with international clients and teams.

• Cost Control & Financial Management: Experience in monitoring and controlling project budgets.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve complex technical challenges in hydraulic engineering.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with international engineering standards and best practices.

• Experience with specific hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, EPANET, SWMM).

• Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks and permitting processes for hydraulic projects.

• Experience in managing projects for transportation infrastructure (roads, railways) and urban developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are specific and demanding, emphasizing a deep technical background in hydraulic systems coupled with significant project leadership and client-facing experience. The bilingual requirement is a critical skill for this international role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 complex hydraulic infrastructure projects managed from design through to construction, detailing your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Technical Design Examples: Provide samples of design reports, calculations, and drawings for water supply, sewage, or stormwater systems, demonstrating technical proficiency and adherence to standards.

• Client Management & Communication Samples: Include examples of client communication, project proposals, or presentations that highlight your ability to manage expectations and build strong relationships.

• Budget & Schedule Management: Present evidence of successful project budget and schedule adherence, perhaps through project summaries or performance reports.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design processes, workflow optimization strategies for hydraulic projects, and standard operating procedures for team collaboration.

• Showcase an understanding of how to implement and manage quality assurance processes for engineering designs.

• Provide examples of how you have tracked project progress, managed risks, and implemented corrective actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should emphasize not just technical design capabilities but also the ability to manage projects holistically, from client engagement and team leadership to financial oversight and quality assurance. Bilingual documentation samples would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible work hours, allowing for better work-life integration.

• Hybrid work model, offering a blend of office-based collaboration and remote flexibility.

• Professional growth and development opportunities, including training and career advancement programs.

• Competitive compensation package, reflecting the candidate's experience and the role's responsibilities.

• Access to AECOM's global network and resources for learning and project involvement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model and flexible work hours offer some autonomy in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on market data for similar roles in Madrid and the specified experience level. AECOM is a large, global firm, suggesting a comprehensive benefits package. The hybrid and flexible work arrangements are key selling points for attracting experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM is a global leader in providing professional services for the entire infrastructure lifecycle.

Company Size: Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established, and resource-rich organization.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990 (as a result of a merger), with a long history of delivering complex infrastructure projects globally.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Civil Infrastructure team, specifically focusing on hydraulic engineering.

• This team likely comprises project managers, senior engineers, design engineers, CAD technicians, and potentially specialists in related fields.

• The reporting structure would typically involve reporting to a higher-level Director or Vice President of Civil Infrastructure, with direct management of project teams.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach to project delivery, leveraging advanced digital tools and analytics for design, modeling, and risk assessment.

• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial, especially in managing complex, multi-disciplinary international projects.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated through digital tools and standardized processes to enhance project delivery and cost-effectiveness.

Company Website: https://aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is characterized by a commitment to delivering a "better world" through infrastructure. For operations professionals, this translates to a focus on technical excellence, innovation, and impactful projects, supported by robust processes and a global network. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion is also a core tenet.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a senior leadership role within the engineering and project management track, often referred to as a "Design Manager" or "Project Director" level. It requires significant technical expertise combined with strong management and client-facing skills.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leadership figure within AECOM's Civil Infrastructure division, likely a Director or Vice President. They will, in turn, lead and mentor project engineers and design teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct impact on AECOM's revenue and client satisfaction through the successful delivery of high-value hydraulic infrastructure projects. Their ability to manage projects efficiently and effectively contributes directly to profitability and AECOM's reputation as a trusted consultancy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced hydraulic engineering techniques, sustainable drainage systems, or specific niche areas within water infrastructure.

• Project Management Expansion: Progress to managing larger, more complex, or multi-disciplinary international programs with greater strategic oversight.

• Leadership Development: Transition into senior management roles, such as Practice Lead, Sector Director, or Vice President, focusing on business strategy, client acquisition, and overall divisional performance.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on projects in different regions or relocate to other AECOM offices globally.

• Continuous Learning: Access to AECOM's extensive training programs, certifications, and industry conferences to stay at the forefront of engineering and project management practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-minded candidate, this role offers a clear path for advancement from technical leadership to broader project and business management. The emphasis on international projects and AECOM's global scale provides ample opportunities for diverse career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM typically maintains modern, professional office environments designed to foster collaboration and provide necessary resources for engineering work. The role is described as hybrid.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Madrid, Spain. AECOM has multiple offices globally and within Spain, so specific office details would be clarified during the hiring process.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a flexible workspace, balancing dedicated office time for team collaboration, client meetings, and access to office resources with remote work for focused individual tasks.

• The office environment is expected to be equipped with necessary technical software, hardware, and collaborative spaces to support complex engineering design and project management.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time roles, the "Flexibility in the development of the jornada laboral" suggests some adaptability in daily scheduling, provided project deadlines and client needs are met. This is crucial for managing international project timelines across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model at a global firm like AECOM offers a balance between structured work and personal flexibility. The operational aspect involves leveraging office resources for collaboration and remote work for deep focus, underpinned by clear communication protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, focusing on hydraulic engineering experience, project management credentials, and bilingual capabilities.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with senior engineers or technical leads to assess depth of knowledge in hydraulic design principles, specific project experience, and problem-solving skills. Candidates may be asked about challenging projects and how they were overcome.

• Project Management & Client Relations Interview: Conversation with a hiring manager or director to evaluate project management methodologies, client communication strategies, team leadership experience, and financial acumen.

• Bilingual Assessment: Evaluation of fluency and professional communication skills in both English and Spanish through conversation and potentially written exercises.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare a presentation on a past project from their portfolio, showcasing their role, technical solutions, project outcomes, and lessons learned.

• Final Interview: Meeting with a senior leader to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role and AECOM's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, improved efficiency, environmental benefits).

• Showcase Bilingualism: Include documentation samples or case studies that explicitly demonstrate your ability to work and communicate effectively in both English and Spanish.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by skill demonstrated (e.g., technical design, project management, client relations). Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

• Technical Depth: Ensure your technical examples are detailed enough to showcase your engineering expertise but also explained in a way that non-specialists can understand the core challenges and solutions.

• Process Focus: For project management examples, detail the methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, hybrid) and tools you used for planning, execution, monitoring, and control.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to managing difficult clients, resolving technical design disputes within a team, or addressing unexpected project delays or budget overruns.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts and project management strategies clearly and concisely in both English and Spanish.

• Research AECOM's recent projects, values, and strategic goals to demonstrate your understanding of the company and how your skills align with their objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, client-facing skills, and bilingual proficiency. A well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates these capabilities, especially through bilingual examples, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software for drafting and design (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D).

• Hydraulic Modeling Software: Experience with specialized tools for water systems analysis (e.g., HEC-RAS, EPANET, SWMM, Bentley WaterGEMS/OpenFlows).

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management platforms for scheduling, tracking, and reporting (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to use Excel for data analysis and potentially BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for reporting on project performance and costs.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating standard and custom reports for clients and internal management.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles for client management and communication tracking (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) can be beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external communication.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and sharing project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, BIM 360).

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of hydraulic modeling and CAD software is essential. Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is also key for effective team coordination and project execution in a hybrid and international environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and project execution.

• Technical Excellence: Commitment to high-quality engineering solutions and continuous improvement of design methodologies.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building long-term partnerships.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and knowledge is shared freely across disciplines and geographies.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and approaches to solve complex infrastructure challenges and deliver sustainable outcomes.

• Safety: Prioritizing the safety of all individuals involved in projects, from design to construction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with various engineering disciplines, project controls, and client representatives to ensure cohesive project delivery.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture of constructive feedback on designs and project processes to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in internal forums, technical reviews, and mentorship to disseminate best practices and foster a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of integrity, client focus, and technical excellence align well with the core tenets of successful operations and project management in engineering. A collaborative approach, especially across international teams, is vital for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of multiple clients, internal teams, and regulatory bodies across different countries and cultures.

• Complex Technical Problems: Addressing intricate hydraulic engineering challenges that require innovative and robust solutions.

• Global Project Coordination: Overcoming logistical and communication barriers inherent in managing international projects with teams in different time zones and speaking different languages.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Keeping pace with advancements in hydraulic engineering technology, sustainable design practices, and digital tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops in cutting-edge hydraulic engineering and modeling techniques.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications (e.g., PMP, Chartered Engineer).

• Leadership Programs: Participation in AECOM's leadership development initiatives designed to cultivate future leaders within the organization.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend and present at international conferences, staying abreast of industry trends and expanding professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in global engineering firms, requiring adaptability, strong communication, and a commitment to continuous learning. AECOM's investment in employee development provides ample avenues for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe a time you had to develop a hydraulic design strategy for a complex project with conflicting requirements. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, decision-making process, and how you balanced technical, financial, and client needs.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with international clients and project teams who speak different languages? Provide an example." (Highlight your bilingual communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and strategies for managing diverse stakeholders.)

• Problem-Solving: "Walk us through a challenging technical problem you encountered in a hydraulic infrastructure project. How did you diagnose the issue, what solutions did you propose, and what was the resolution?" (Demonstrate your analytical skills, technical depth, and ability to drive solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to AECOM, and how do your professional values align with our company's mission to 'Deliver a Better World'?" (Research AECOM's recent projects, sustainability initiatives, and stated values.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration, especially in a hybrid and international setting." (Showcase your understanding of team dynamics and your ability to build cohesive teams.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your contributions and the impact of your work.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., cost savings achieved, efficiency improvements, reduction in flood risk).

• Highlight Bilingual Capability: Clearly indicate which parts of your portfolio were developed or managed in English and which in Spanish, and be ready to discuss your experience using both languages professionally.

• Showcase Process: Detail the methodologies and tools you employed in project management, design, and team coordination. Explain why you chose certain approaches.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the technical intricacies of your projects and answer detailed questions about your engineering decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Your preparation should strongly emphasize your bilingual fluency, your ability to manage complex projects end-to-end, and your understanding of AECOM's global operations context. A portfolio that visually and narratively demonstrates these aspects will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume prominently highlights your 10-12+ years of experience in hydraulic infrastructure design, your bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, and any project management certifications or experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "Hydraulic Infrastructure," "Project Management," "Client Relationship Management," and "International Projects."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects that showcase your technical design skills, project leadership, client management, and cost control abilities. Ensure examples clearly demonstrate your experience with water supply, sewage, and stormwater networks. Include documentation samples in both English and Spanish.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting a key project from your portfolio, focusing on clear articulation, concise delivery, and demonstrating your problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and leadership capabilities in both languages.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's global infrastructure projects, its commitment to sustainability, and its company values. Understand how your skills and experience align with their strategic objectives.

⚠️ 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.

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