Senior Water Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Water Design Manager

Company: Arcadis

Location: Dallas, TX, US; Houston, TX, US; Austin, TX, US; El Paso, TX, US; Fort Worth, TX, US; San Antonio, TX, US

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering & Operations Management

Date Posted: December 03, 2025

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and development of critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to Arcadis' high standards of engineering excellence.

• Drive project success through meticulous management of design deliverables, from initial reports and drawings to final specifications and cost estimates, aligning with client expectations and regulatory compliance.

• Cultivate and maintain robust client relationships within the Texas market, identifying new business opportunities and driving proposal development for complex infrastructure initiatives.

• Mentor and guide a team of engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in water resource management and design practices.

• Leverage extensive technical expertise in pump station design and water treatment processes to deliver high-impact solutions for municipal and industrial clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly positioned within a senior engineering management capacity, focusing on the strategic oversight and execution of large-scale water infrastructure projects. While the title is "Manager," the emphasis on technical depth (10+ years in pump station design) and client management suggests a blend of technical leadership and business development, aligning with GTM (Go-to-Market) operations principles for service-based organizations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, including treatment plants and pump stations, from conceptualization through to detailed design.

• Manage the preparation, rigorous review, and timely approval of all final design deliverables, ensuring technical accuracy, compliance with industry standards (AWWA, TCEQ, Hydraulic Institute), and client satisfaction.

• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation, for complex water infrastructure projects, ensuring profitable and on-time delivery.

• Cultivate and nurture strong, long-term relationships with key clients across Texas, understanding their evolving needs and identifying opportunities for Arcadis to provide value-added engineering solutions.

• Lead the development of compelling proposals and technical presentations to secure new projects, meticulously outlining project scope, methodology, team qualifications, and cost estimates.

• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and design staff, promoting best practices in water resource engineering, design innovation, and project execution.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including construction, environmental, and project management, to ensure seamless project integration and successful outcomes.

• Actively contribute to business development efforts, identifying market trends, client needs, and strategic growth opportunities within the Texas water sector.

• Ensure all design activities comply with relevant local, state, and federal regulations and standards.

• Maintain and enhance proficiency in MS Office applications for reporting, documentation, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong bias towards project delivery and client acquisition within the Texas market. This indicates a need for skills in managing complex workflows, ensuring quality control of technical documentation, and driving revenue through effective client engagement and proposal management, which are core to GTM Operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the engineering and design of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

• A minimum of 10 years of specialized, hands-on experience in pump station design.

• Proven track record in delivering large and complex water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional technical expertise in the design of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, including treatment plants and pump stations.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability for clear and concise technical writing.

• Proven experience managing the preparation, review, and approval of final design deliverables (reports, drawings, specifications, schedules, cost estimates).

• Excellent client relationship management skills, with a proven ability to develop proposals and deliver engineering projects that exceed client expectations.

• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Skills:

• Texas PE (Professional Engineer) License.

• Familiarity with project management software and methodologies.

• Experience with advanced hydraulic modeling software.

• Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities.

• Business development acumen and experience in market analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Texas PE License or the ability to obtain one within 6 months, coupled with 15+ years of experience and a Master's degree preference, strongly indicates a senior-level role with significant responsibility. The emphasis on client relationships and proposal development underscores the business development and GTM aspects of this engineering leadership position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing successful delivery of complex water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, demonstrating scale, technical challenge, and client impact.

• Documented examples of managing the full lifecycle of design deliverables, including detailed reports, technical specifications, construction drawings, project schedules, and comprehensive cost estimates.

• Case studies detailing client relationship management successes, highlighting how proposals were developed and projects were executed to meet and exceed client expectations.

• Evidence of team leadership and mentorship, demonstrating the ability to guide and develop engineering staff in delivering high-quality design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Proficiency in documenting and optimizing design workflows, from initial client consultation and conceptual design through detailed engineering and construction support.

• Experience in establishing and maintaining quality control processes for design deliverables, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and adherence to project requirements.

• Ability to articulate and demonstrate processes for managing project schedules, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure profitable and timely project completion.

• Documentation of processes for client engagement, proposal development, and new business acquisition within the engineering consulting sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Manager role focused on design and client delivery, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase technical achievements but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage processes, client relationships, and project financials. This aligns with the need for operations professionals to demonstrate tangible results and process efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Water Design Managers with 15+ years of experience in major Texas metropolitan areas (Dallas, Houston, Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, San Antonio), the estimated annual salary range is $140,000 - $200,000. This estimate accounts for the high demand for specialized engineering talent, the complexity of the role, and the cost of living in these major Texas cities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Leave.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.

• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities.

• Opportunities for bonus and performance-based incentives.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Potential for stock purchase plans or employee ownership programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and client demands, with potential for occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on current market data for senior engineering management roles in the specified Texas locations, considering Arcadis's status as a large, global engineering and consulting firm. Benefits are typical for a company of this size and industry. The role is on-site, necessitating standard working hours with potential for overtime aligned with project lifecycles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Consulting (specifically focused on Water Resources)

Company Size: Arcadis is a global leader in sustainable solutions, employing over 30,000 people worldwide. This large scale offers significant resources, diverse project opportunities, and a broad professional network.

Founded: Arcadis has roots dating back to 1888, signifying a long history of expertise, stability, and evolution in the engineering and consulting landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Water Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of water engineers, designers, and technicians within a regional Texas operations hub.

• This role will report to a senior leadership position, such as a Director of Water Resources or Vice President of Operations, within the Texas or US operations structure.

Methodology:

• Arcadis emphasizes a data-driven approach to engineering, utilizing advanced modeling, analytics, and digital tools to inform design decisions and optimize project outcomes.

• The company promotes a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovative solutions and efficient project execution methodologies.

• A strong focus on sustainability and client-centricity guides their project delivery processes, ensuring solutions are environmentally responsible and meet specific client objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis's global presence and long history suggest a structured yet innovative environment. For an operations-focused role, this implies established processes, a commitment to quality, and a focus on delivering measurable results for clients, often within large-scale, complex projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level engineering management role. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise, extensive project management experience, and leadership capabilities. The scope includes direct responsibility for project design quality, client satisfaction, and potentially team growth, placing it at a strategic operational level within the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Water Design Manager will typically report to an executive or director-level leader responsible for the Water business unit or regional operations. They will likely manage a team of engineers and designers, overseeing their technical output and professional development.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on Arcadis's revenue generation and client satisfaction within the critical Texas water market. Successful project delivery, strong client relationships, and effective proposal development directly contribute to the company's financial performance and market reputation. The quality of designs managed influences public health, environmental protection, and the efficiency of essential water services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Director-level positions overseeing larger business units or broader geographic regions.

• Transition into senior project executive roles for major, multi-disciplinary infrastructure programs.

• Opportunities to specialize in niche areas of water engineering or lead dedicated research and development initiatives.

• Potential to move into broader operational management roles within Arcadis, focusing on business strategy, process improvement, or organizational development.

• Mentorship and leadership development programs designed to cultivate future leaders within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step in an engineering career, moving from technical execution to strategic oversight and business leadership. The growth path emphasizes both deeper technical specialization and broader management responsibilities within a global consulting firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring regular presence at one of Arcadis's Texas offices (Dallas, Houston, Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, or San Antonio). The office environment is likely professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary technical resources for engineering design.

Office Location(s): The role is open to multiple major metropolitan areas in Texas, offering candidates flexibility in choosing a work location that suits their preferences. These locations are hubs for significant infrastructure development and offer access to major clients and projects.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will facilitate collaboration with a team of engineers, designers, and project managers, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and problem-solving.

• Access to advanced engineering software, hardware, and digital collaboration tools will be provided to support complex design tasks and virtual teamwork.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior leadership, clients, and project stakeholders will be frequent, encouraging professional networking and strategic alignment.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule is expected, with the understanding that project deadlines may necessitate occasional overtime. Arcadis typically supports a results-oriented work environment where efficient time management and dedication to project success are valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major Texas city highlights the importance of local market presence and client accessibility. The collaborative office environment is key for a management role that relies on team synergy and cross-functional interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will conduct an initial review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and fit.

2. Technical Interview: Expect a deep dive into your water infrastructure design experience, pump station design expertise, and familiarity with relevant engineering standards. This may involve discussing specific projects from your portfolio.

3. Managerial/Leadership Interview: This stage will focus on your leadership style, team management experience, approach to problem-solving, and ability to manage client relationships and proposals.

4. Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present and discuss specific projects from your portfolio, highlighting your technical contributions, project management approach, client engagement strategies, and the outcomes achieved. Be prepared to discuss challenges and how you overcame them.

5. Final Interview: This may involve meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall vision for the role and the business unit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your experience in water, wastewater, and stormwater design, with a strong emphasis on pump stations. Showcase projects of significant scale and complexity.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the technical challenges, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, capacity increases, regulatory compliance achieved).

• Showcase Process: Be ready to walk through your design process, quality control measures, and project management approach. Highlight how you managed deliverables, schedules, and budgets.

• Client Focus: Include examples of successful client engagement, proposal development, and how you fostered strong relationships.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific design elements, engineering calculations, and the rationale behind key design decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical water infrastructure design challenge and asked to outline your approach, key considerations, and potential solutions.

• Client Management Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a challenging client situation, manage scope creep, or resolve a project dispute.

• Team Leadership Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would motivate a team, address performance issues, or foster a collaborative work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both technical acumen and leadership/client management skills. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates process, impact, and client success is paramount for this senior role. It serves as tangible evidence of operational capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation (for drafting and design).

• Hydraulic Modeling Software: EPANET, HEC-RAS, InfoWorks WS Pro, SWMM (for analyzing water flow, pressure, and system performance).

• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com (for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking).

• BIM Software: Revit (increasingly used for infrastructure design and coordination).

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, cost estimation, and report generation.

• Power BI / Tableau: Familiarity with data visualization tools for creating dashboards and performance reports is a plus.

• Specialized Engineering Analysis Tools: Software for structural analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), etc., depending on project specifics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): Experience with CRM systems for managing client interactions, tracking leads, and proposal development is highly beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint, Bentley ProjectWise (for organizing and collaborating on project documentation).

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems for project costing and financial management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and hydraulic modeling software is a baseline requirement. The ability to leverage project management and CRM tools demonstrates an understanding of the operational and business development aspects of engineering project delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations through high-quality, reliable, and innovative engineering solutions.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings, ensuring transparency and accountability in project execution and client interactions.

• Excellence: Striving for superior technical performance, design quality, and project delivery, driven by a passion for engineering and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional cooperation is encouraged to achieve shared goals.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental responsibility and long-term viability into all design considerations and project recommendations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with project managers, discipline leads, and business development teams to ensure cohesive project execution and client satisfaction.

• Open Communication: Encouraging an environment where feedback is readily shared, technical challenges are discussed openly, and innovative ideas are welcomed.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in the development of junior staff through guidance, training, and the sharing of best practices and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis's values emphasize client-centricity, technical rigor, and collaborative problem-solving. For a Senior Manager, embodying these values means driving operational excellence through effective team leadership and a commitment to delivering measurable value.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Projects: Overseeing multiple complex water infrastructure projects simultaneously, each with unique technical challenges, client requirements, and regulatory landscapes.

• Navigating Market Competition: Differentiating Arcadis's services and securing new business in a competitive Texas engineering market.

• Talent Development and Retention: Attracting, developing, and retaining top engineering talent in a high-demand field.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of and integrating new design tools, modeling techniques, and sustainable engineering practices.

• Client Expectation Management: Ensuring client satisfaction through meticulous project delivery, effective communication, and proactive problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops in areas like advanced hydraulics, treatment technologies, and digital engineering.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training in management, strategic planning, financial acumen, and client relationship building.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend and present at key water industry events (e.g., WEFTEC, AWWA conferences) to stay current and expand professional networks.

• Professional Licensure Support: Continued support for maintaining and enhancing professional engineering licenses and certifications.

• Mentorship: Pairing with senior leaders within Arcadis for guidance on career progression and strategic development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the strategic and operational complexities of leading in a major engineering firm. The growth opportunities are designed to build both technical depth and leadership prowess, aligning with a career trajectory focused on impact and advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex water infrastructure project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key design challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on technical problem-solving, process management, and outcomes.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with municipal or industrial clients in the Texas market? Provide an example of a successful client engagement or proposal win." (Highlight client management skills, business development acumen, and understanding of the Texas water landscape.)

• "Walk me through your process for preparing, reviewing, and approving final design deliverables like reports, drawings, and specifications. How do you ensure quality and compliance?" (Demonstrate your understanding of design quality control, project workflows, and attention to detail.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Arcadis and our commitment to sustainable solutions? How do you see your role contributing to our mission?" (Research Arcadis's values, recent projects, and sustainability initiatives.)

• "How do you stay current with evolving engineering standards, technologies, and best practices in the water sector?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and industry engagement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio around projects that best showcase your expertise in water, wastewater, and stormwater design, with a clear emphasis on pump stations.

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a compelling story: the client's need, the challenge, your strategic approach, the technical execution, the collaborative effort, and the successful outcome (quantified where possible).

• Visual Aids: Use clear drawings, schematics, and impactful charts to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much text.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate your personal contribution, the project's impact on the client and the community, and any cost savings or efficiency gains achieved.

• Practice: Rehearse your presentation thoroughly to ensure smooth delivery, clear articulation, and confident responses to questions. Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions and presentation strategies will allow candidates to showcase not only their technical qualifications but also their operational leadership, client engagement capabilities, and strategic thinking, which are critical for a senior role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Water Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Arcadis careers portal via the provided URL: https://jobs.arcadis.com/careers/job/563671529151844-senior-water-design-manager-dallas-tx-united-states

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 15+ years of experience, specifically emphasizing your 10+ years in pump station design and your track record in managing complex water infrastructure projects. Use keywords from the job description such as "water, wastewater, stormwater infrastructure," "treatment plants," "pump stations," "technical writing," "client relationship management," "proposal development," and "Texas PE License."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects that showcase your technical design skills, project management capabilities, and client engagement successes. Be ready to discuss these in detail, quantifying achievements and outlining your process.

• Research Arcadis: Familiarize yourself with Arcadis's core values, recent projects, sustainability initiatives, and their presence in the Texas market. Understand their approach to engineering and client service.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions based on the likely interview process, focusing on your leadership, technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and client management skills.

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