Water & Wastewater Process Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Water & Wastewater Process Design Manager

Company: GHD Group Pty Ltd

Location: Syracuse, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: March 18, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a senior position focused on leading and managing the technical design aspects of water and wastewater treatment projects, acting as a critical bridge between engineering design and project execution within the GHD Group.

• It requires extensive expertise in water and wastewater processes, coupled with strong project management and team leadership skills to ensure successful project delivery from conception through to completion.

• The position emphasizes a blend of technical oversight, client relationship management, and strategic planning, aiming to drive innovation and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

• Success in this role depends on the ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, manage project scopes, budgets, and schedules effectively, and foster a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Manager," the responsibilities and experience requirements suggest a blend of senior technical leadership and project management. The focus on "Process Design" within water and wastewater infrastructure indicates a specialized engineering operations role rather than a general operations management position. The emphasis on technical coordination, design delivery, and regulatory compliance aligns with a specialized engineering operations function within a large engineering consultancy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Design Oversight: Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams in the design of water and wastewater treatment plants, facilities, and infrastructure, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to project specifications.

• Project Execution & Planning: Develop detailed work plans, technical scopes, and schedules in collaboration with Project Managers and Directors, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

• Regulatory Compliance & Standards: Ensure all designs and project execution activities comply with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, environmental standards, and client-specific requirements.

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Act as a key technical point of contact for clients, facilitating design reviews, addressing technical queries, and managing relationships to ensure client satisfaction and project success.

• Team Empowerment & Mentorship: Empower and guide team leads and engineers by providing necessary resources, facilitating critical design decisions, and fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment.

• Quality Assurance & Control (QA/QC): Oversee and implement robust QA/QC processes for all design deliverables, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with engineering best practices.

• Feasibility Studies & Cost Estimation: Conduct complex feasibility studies from technological and organizational perspectives, including cost-benefit analyses, and contribute to engineering and capital cost estimating.

• Procurement & Change Management: Finalize procurement documents for equipment and services, manage change records, and ensure efficient integration of procured components into the design.

• Proposal Development & Business Growth: Contribute to proposal development, leveraging technical expertise and project experience to secure new business opportunities for GHD Group.

• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE): Monitor and review performance against HSE KPIs, ensuring compliance with organizational HSE policies and procedures, and taking proactive measures to mitigate risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are extensive and cover the full lifecycle of design project management. This suggests a role that requires not only deep technical process knowledge but also strong organizational, communication, and leadership capabilities. The inclusion of "Needs Assessment," "Culture of Innovation," and "Knowledge Management" points to a strategic contribution beyond just technical execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Environmental, Chemical) or another relevant technical discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in technical and administrative roles, with a strong emphasis on managing the design delivery for large, multi-discipline projects.

Required Skills:

• Water & Wastewater Process Design: Deep understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, technologies, and design principles.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and resources effectively for complex infrastructure projects.

• Technical Coordination: Proficiency in coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering teams (e.g., civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, SCADA) to achieve integrated design solutions.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of environmental regulations, permitting processes, and compliance requirements for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

• Client Management: Experience in managing client relationships, understanding their needs, and ensuring successful project outcomes.

• Work Plan Development: Ability to develop detailed work plans, task assignments, and resource allocation strategies.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Expertise in implementing and overseeing QA/QC processes for engineering designs and deliverables.

• Engineering Standards & Specifications: Proficiency in developing and applying engineering standards and specifications.

Preferred Skills:

• Process Modeling Software: Experience with process modeling software such as Bio-Win.

• Scheduling Software: Knowledge of project scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project).

• Cost Estimating: Experience with engineering and capital cost estimating techniques.

• Proposal Development: Proven ability to contribute to and develop technical proposals for engineering services.

• Knowledge Management: Experience in developing best practices, case studies, and facilitating knowledge sharing.

• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE): Strong understanding and application of HSE principles in project design and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "7 years" combined with the "Manager" title suggests this is an intermediate to senior level role, likely requiring significant project leadership and technical depth. The preference for a PE license underscores the technical credibility and regulatory responsibility inherent in the position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 significant water or wastewater treatment projects managed from a design perspective. Highlight the project's complexity, your specific role, the challenges encountered, and the innovative solutions implemented.

• Process Design Examples: Include detailed examples of process design documents, flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment specifications, and process calculations that demonstrate your technical expertise.

• Project Management Artifacts: Present examples of work plans, project schedules, budget tracking summaries, and risk registers from past projects to illustrate your project management capabilities.

• Client Deliverables: Showcase examples of technical reports, design review summaries, or client presentation materials that highlight your ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.

• QA/QC Documentation: Provide evidence of your involvement in QA/QC processes, such as checklists, review reports, or documentation of design verification activities.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate your ability to design and document efficient workflows for the design process, from conceptualization to detailed engineering, ensuring clear handoffs between disciplines.

• Standards & Procedures: Include examples of how you have contributed to or developed engineering standards, design guides, or standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality in design delivery.

• Knowledge Sharing Mechanisms: Illustrate how you have captured and shared project learnings, best practices, and innovative solutions through documentation, presentations, or internal training sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate practical application of skills. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects and their deep understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes. Quantifiable achievements (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, efficiency gains) are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $112,800 - $188,000 USD per year

Explanation of Range: This salary range is highly competitive for a Water & Wastewater Process Design Manager position in the Syracuse, NY area, reflecting the required 7+ years of specialized experience, professional licensure, and the significant responsibilities involved in managing complex infrastructure projects. The upper end of the range is appropriate for candidates with extensive experience, a strong track record of successful project delivery, and advanced technical or leadership skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar plan with potential company matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, certifications, and professional development support.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-sponsored life insurance and long-term/short-term disability coverage.

• Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) Potential: As an employee-owned company, GHD may offer opportunities for employees to participate in ownership.

• Wellness Programs: Initiatives and resources to support employee well-being.

• Relocation Assistance: May be available for candidates relocating to the Syracuse area.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or client needs.

• Flexibility may be offered, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent availability during core business hours for team coordination and client interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and directly stated in the job description. The benefits listed are typical for a large professional services firm like GHD and are tailored to appeal to experienced engineers and managers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, Construction, and Consulting Services. GHD operates within sectors critical to sustainable development, including water, energy, and urban environments.

Company Size: Over 11,000 employees globally, with a significant presence across 200+ offices on five continents.

Founded: GHD was founded in 1928, bringing a long history of expertise and stability to its operations.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Engineering Design Organization," suggesting a large, structured department focused on delivering technical solutions.

• The candidate will likely work within a project-based matrix structure, reporting to a Project Manager or Director for specific projects, while also having a functional reporting line within the engineering discipline.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes the use of data and analytical tools (like process modeling) to inform design decisions and optimize performance.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Fosters an environment where teams work together to tackle complex engineering challenges, encouraging input from all disciplines.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encourages the recommendation and implementation of innovative technical developments and best practices to enhance project quality and efficiency.

• Client-Centric Approach: Focuses on understanding and meeting client needs through tailored solutions and strong relationship management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's identity as a global, employee-owned firm with a strong focus on sustainability and addressing critical infrastructure needs provides significant context for this role. The "Power of Commitment" brand promise suggests a culture that values dedication, impact, and long-term vision.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, likely considered a "Principal" or "Lead" engineer within the water and wastewater process design discipline. It requires significant technical expertise, project management experience, and leadership capabilities. The role is crucial for driving the technical success of major infrastructure projects.

Reporting Structure:

• The Water & Wastewater Process Design Manager will report to senior project leadership (e.g., Project Director, Senior Project Manager) for assigned projects.

• There may be a functional reporting relationship to a Discipline Lead or Operations Manager within the Engineering Design Organization for career development, performance reviews, and adherence to company-wide standards.

Operations Impact:

• Directly influences the technical success, quality, and efficiency of critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects that serve public health and environmental sustainability.

• Contributes to GHD's reputation for technical excellence and client satisfaction, directly impacting the firm's ability to secure future work and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific advanced water/wastewater treatment technologies or emerging areas like digital water or circular economy principles.

• Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more complex, or multiple concurrent projects, potentially taking on Program Management roles.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop into a key client account manager, responsible for nurturing long-term relationships and driving significant business development.

• Leadership Development: Transition into higher management roles within GHD’s regional or global operations, focusing on strategic direction, business unit growth, and operational excellence.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer: Become a recognized expert and mentor within the firm, shaping the next generation of water and wastewater engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for this role is clearly defined within a large engineering consultancy. Growth opportunities are tied to increasing project complexity, client responsibility, and leadership scope, aligning with typical progression for senior engineers in the infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based at GHD's Syracuse office, located at 5788 Widewaters Parkway, Suite 2A. The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, typical of a consulting engineering firm.

Office Location(s): Syracuse, NY (specific address provided). The company also has a global presence, indicating potential for future opportunities or collaboration with international teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated project war rooms to facilitate team collaboration and design reviews.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and specialized engineering software required for design and project management.

• Team Interaction: The role requires frequent interaction with engineering teams, project managers, and support staff within the Syracuse office. Opportunities for cross-functional and cross-office collaboration exist, especially for larger projects.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with standard office hours (likely 8 hours per day, 5 days a week).

• The emphasis on "on-site" and the nature of project deadlines mean that flexibility to work beyond standard hours may be necessary to meet project demands.

• While not remote, the company's global reach might offer opportunities for virtual collaboration with international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature of the role is clearly stated. The description of the workspace and schedule aligns with expectations for a senior engineering management position in a consulting firm, emphasizing collaboration and project delivery needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications, focusing on experience with water/wastewater treatment projects, project management, and relevant technical qualifications.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth discussions about your experience with process design, project delivery, regulatory compliance, and specific technologies (e.g., Bio-Win). Be prepared to discuss case studies from your portfolio.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on leadership style, team management, client relationship skills, and how you align with GHD's culture and values.

• Team/Peer Interviews: You may meet with other senior engineers or project managers to assess technical fit and collaborative potential.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or Director to discuss strategic fit and long-term career aspirations within GHD.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best demonstrate your expertise in water/wastewater process design and project management for municipal/industrial applications.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the project's objectives, the challenges, your solutions, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, compliance achieved).

• Showcase Technical Depth: Include examples of P&IDs, process flow diagrams, design calculations, and technical reports that highlight your engineering acumen.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. A good structure might be by project type, by skill (design, project management, client interaction), or by specific technology.

• Be Ready to Present: Prepare a concise presentation (15-20 minutes) that walks the interviewers through 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your contributions and impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical water or wastewater treatment challenge and asked to outline your approach to designing a solution, including key considerations, potential technologies, and steps.

• Project Management Problem: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common project management issues, such as scope creep, budget overruns, or team conflicts.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would troubleshoot a specific process issue or optimize an existing treatment system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific interview stages highlights the importance of demonstrating practical experience and technical problem-solving skills. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their experience with concrete examples and discuss their approach to complex engineering and project management challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Process Modeling Software: Proficiency with tools like Bio-Win is a significant plus. Familiarity with other process simulation software (e.g., HYSYS, Aspen Plus, but more specific to water/wastewater) is beneficial.

• CAD/Design Software: Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar platforms for creating P&IDs, PFDs, and facility layouts.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with scheduling tools like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project for developing and managing project timelines.

• Cost Estimating Software: Experience with tools used for engineering and capital cost estimation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from process simulations, pilot studies, and operational performance to inform design decisions.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating technical reports, design summaries, and performance analyses.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal GHD Systems: While not explicitly stated, expect to use GHD's internal project management, document control, and collaboration platforms.

• Automation Concepts: Understanding of SCADA systems and automation principles in water/wastewater treatment is crucial for modern plant design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Bio-Win" and "scheduling software" points to specific technical proficiencies expected. The role requires a strong command of design and project management software typical in the engineering consulting industry.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment: GHD's core value, "The Power of Commitment," translates to dedication to client success, project delivery, and sustainable outcomes. Expect a culture that values hard work and long-term vision.

• Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on rigorous engineering principles, innovation, and delivering high-quality, reliable solutions.

• Collaboration: Encouragement of cross-disciplinary teamwork and open communication to solve complex challenges.

• Sustainability: A commitment to developing solutions that address environmental and social needs, making water, energy, and urbanisation sustainable for future generations.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Project-Centric: Collaboration is primarily driven by project needs, requiring engineers from different disciplines to work closely together.

• Cross-Functional Integration: A need to integrate with project managers, client relationship managers, and HSE specialists to ensure holistic project success.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches through internal sessions, documentation, and mentorship.

• Client Engagement: A collaborative approach to client interactions, working together to understand needs and co-create solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's "Power of Commitment" brand is central to its culture. This suggests a company that values employee dedication, impactful work, and long-term relationships, which will influence how team members collaborate and approach their responsibilities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Balancing technical demands, client expectations, regulatory constraints, and team coordination across large, multi-disciplinary water and wastewater projects.

• Driving Innovation: Encouraging and implementing novel process designs and technologies in a traditionally conservative industry, while ensuring feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

• Regulatory Navigation: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations and permitting requirements, which can be complex and time-consuming.

• Team Dynamics: Effectively leading and motivating diverse engineering teams, resolving conflicts, and ensuring consistent performance and quality across all disciplines.

• Client Expectations: Meeting high client expectations for technical solutions, project delivery timelines, and budget adherence, often in public sector environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in emerging water and wastewater treatment technologies, process optimization techniques, and advanced modeling software.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional engineering licenses and pursuing industry-specific certifications.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance project management, team leadership, and business development skills through internal and external programs.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in major water and wastewater industry events to stay current with trends, network, and share knowledge.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders and subject matter experts within GHD for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in large engineering firms, focusing on complexity, leadership, and staying current. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with career progression in the engineering sector, offering pathways for both technical and managerial advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex water or wastewater treatment project you managed from a design perspective. What were the key challenges, your specific contributions, and the ultimate outcome?"

  • Preparation: Prepare 1-2 detailed case studies from your portfolio. Focus on the technical problem, your design approach, how you managed the team and stakeholders, and quantifiable results. Highlight your understanding of process engineering principles.

• "How do you ensure regulatory compliance and HSE standards are met throughout the design process for municipal projects?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your knowledge of relevant environmental regulations (e.g., EPA standards, state-specific requirements). Detail your process for incorporating compliance checks, conducting reviews, and ensuring safety protocols are embedded in design documents.

• "Imagine a project is facing significant scope creep. How would you manage this situation while balancing client satisfaction and project budget/schedule?"

  • Preparation: Outline your approach to scope management, including change order processes, impact assessment, client communication strategies, and negotiation tactics. Emphasize your ability to make data-driven decisions.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about GHD and our commitment to sustainability?"

  • Preparation: Research GHD’s sustainability initiatives, recent projects, and their "Power of Commitment" brand. Connect your own values and career aspirations to their mission and work.

• "How do you foster innovation and collaboration within an engineering team?"

  • Preparation: Provide examples of how you have encouraged new ideas, facilitated brainstorming sessions, promoted cross-disciplinary communication, and supported team members in problem-solving.

• "Describe your experience with client management, particularly in the municipal sector."

  • Preparation: Discuss your approach to building client relationships, understanding their needs, managing expectations, and delivering successful project outcomes. Highlight any experience working with public sector clients.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2 Key Projects: Choose projects that best showcase your process design expertise, project management skills, and leadership capabilities.

Aim for variety if possible (e.g., one municipal, one industrial, or different technologies).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear story arc:

  1. Project Overview: Client, location, scope, key objectives.
  2. Your Role & Responsibilities: Clearly define your contributions.
  3. Technical Challenge(s): What was the core engineering problem?
  4. Your Solution(s): Detail the process design, technology choices, and engineering decisions.
  5. Key Outcomes & Impact: Quantify achievements (cost savings, efficiency, compliance, schedule adherence).
  6. Lessons Learned: What did you learn, and how would you apply it?

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with diagrams (PFDs, P&IDs), photos, and key data points. Avoid overwhelming text.

• Be Concise: Practice your presentation to fit within the allocated time (typically 15-20 minutes), leaving ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating deep technical knowledge of water/wastewater processes, strong project management capabilities, and effective leadership and communication skills, all supported by concrete examples from a well-curated portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Water & Wastewater Process Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the GHD Group careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume:

  • Highlight your 7+ years of experience in water and wastewater treatment project design delivery.
  • Emphasize your experience with municipal/industrial facilities and multi-discipline projects.
  • Clearly list any professional engineering licenses (PE) and relevant technical skills (e.g., Bio-Win, scheduling software).
  • Use keywords from the job description such as "Process Design," "Project Management," "Regulatory Compliance," "Design Delivery," and "Technical Coordination."

• Prepare Your Portfolio:

  • Curate a selection of your strongest projects that best exemplify your process design expertise, project management skills, and leadership.
  • Ensure it includes clear case studies with quantifiable achievements, relevant design documents (PFDs, P&IDs), and examples of project plans.
  • Be ready to present your portfolio concisely and effectively during the interview process.

• Research GHD:

  • Familiarize yourself with GHD's company mission, values, and recent projects, especially in the water and wastewater sector.
  • Understand their commitment to sustainability and their "Power of Commitment" brand promise.
  • Identify key individuals in their Engineering Design Organization if possible.

• Practice Interview Questions:

  • Prepare to answer technical, behavioral, and situational questions, drawing heavily on your portfolio and experience.

  • Practice articulating your problem-solving approach and leadership style.

⚠️ 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.