Water Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Water Design Manager Company: AECOM Location: Croydon, England, United Kingdom (with potential for Cardiff, UK) Job Type: Full-time Category: Operations - Infrastructure Design Management Date Posted: 2025-08-18 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical and operational delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects from conception through to handover.
• Manage multi-disciplinary design teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring high-quality, value-added solutions for clients.
• Drive project execution, overseeing key work packages, interfacing with internal AECOM teams, clients, and external suppliers to ensure seamless technical integration.
• Contribute to the strategic development of AECOM's Water business in England & Wales, potentially taking on additional team management and development responsibilities.
• Actively participate in the feasibility, options appraisal, concept, outline, and detailed design phases of water and wastewater treatment and network projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Water Design Manager," the description highlights significant operational responsibilities, including managing project lifecycles, client and supplier interfaces, and team development, aligning this role closely with operations management within the infrastructure sector. The mention of potential additional team responsibilities further solidifies its operational scope.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Project Leadership: Lead the technical execution of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, managing multi-disciplinary design teams to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that meet client challenges across the entire design lifecycle.
• Package Management & Delivery: Oversee critical work packages from initial concept development through to final handover, ensuring alignment with project objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships with clients and AECOM partners to secure stakeholder buy-in for proposed solutions, while also actively contributing to the enhancement of AECOM's broader technical capabilities and innovative approaches.
• Line Management & Mentorship: Perform line management duties, supporting the professional development of junior team members, guiding their contributions to projects, and providing effective mentorship to cultivate their skills and career growth.
• Design Lifecycle Management: Manage the full spectrum of design activities, including feasibility studies, options appraisal, concept design, outline design, and detailed design for water company clients and design-and-build contractors.
• Operational Efficiency: Drive continuous improvement in project delivery processes, identifying opportunities for enhanced efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and risk mitigation within project operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical leadership and operational oversight, typical for a manager role in a project-based environment. The focus on "technical delivery," "managing teams," and "overseeing key packages" strongly indicates a need for robust operational planning, execution, and control skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A relevant degree in a related engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical) or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Proven experience in managing the technical delivery of water and wastewater engineering projects, ideally encompassing treatment works and/or pipeline design.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing multi-disciplinary design teams effectively.
• Hands-on experience in designing complex wastewater treatment solutions.
• Experience in undertaking feasibility studies, options appraisal, concept design, outline design, and/or detailed design for water sector clients and design and build contractors.
• Relevant experience in a similar management role within a water company, consultancy, or contracting organization.

Required Skills:

• Water & Wastewater Engineering Design: Comprehensive understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, network design principles, and relevant engineering standards.
• Project & Design Management: Expertise in managing the full lifecycle of engineering design projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing, with a strong emphasis on design coordination.
• Team Leadership & Development: Ability to lead, motivate, and mentor multi-disciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and alignment.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex technical challenges throughout the design and delivery phases.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status (or working towards it) with a relevant professional institution (e.g., ICE, CIWEM).
• Experience with asset management principles and practices within the water sector.
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and their application in water infrastructure.
• Familiarity with digital tools and technologies for design, modeling, and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize both technical engineering knowledge and practical project management skills, underscoring the operational nature of the role in managing project execution and team performance. The mention of "Chartered or Incorporated" suggests a need for professional operational discipline and adherence to industry standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful leadership of multi-disciplinary teams on water/wastewater design projects, highlighting personal contribution to technical delivery and operational oversight.
• Design Process Documentation: Examples of structured design documentation, including feasibility studies, options appraisals, concept designs, and detailed design packages, showcasing adherence to quality and process standards.
• Client Engagement & Solution Delivery: Case studies illustrating effective client collaboration, understanding client needs, and delivering tailored solutions that meet operational requirements and project objectives.
• Team Development & Mentorship: Evidence of mentoring junior engineers or team members, showcasing efforts to develop operational and technical skills within a team context.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Examples of how complex technical or operational challenges were identified, analyzed, and resolved effectively across project lifecycles.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to managing the design process, from initial project scoping and requirements gathering through to detailed design and handover.
• Showcase experience in developing and implementing design quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes to ensure technical accuracy and compliance.
• Provide examples of how project execution plans and workflows were developed and managed to ensure efficient resource allocation and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with strong operational components, a portfolio should showcase not just technical design output, but also the management processes, team leadership, and client interaction strategies employed to achieve successful project delivery. This demonstrates an understanding of operational execution beyond pure technical design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on AECOM's presence in the UK and the seniority of a Design Manager role, with 5-10 years of experience in a specialized engineering field, the estimated salary range for this position in the Croydon/Cardiff area would likely be between £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK engineering consulting sector, considering the company's reputation and the complexity of water infrastructure projects.

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to structured career progression pathways, training programs, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: The ability to balance work between AECOM offices and a remote location, promoting work-life integration.
• Technical Practice Networks: Involvement in AECOM's internal communities of practice, facilitating knowledge sharing and professional development across specialized engineering disciplines.
• AECOM University: Access to a comprehensive learning platform offering a wide range of courses and development resources.
• Volunteering Days: Paid time off to engage in community service and contribute to social impact initiatives.
• Comprehensive Health & Well-being Programs: Support for employee well-being, potentially including private medical insurance, mental health support, and wellness initiatives.
• Pension Scheme: Employer-contributed pension plan to support long-term financial security.
• Life Assurance: Coverage providing financial support in the event of death during employment.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid working model offers flexibility in how and where these hours are fulfilled, allowing for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical UK market rates for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in engineering consultancy, acknowledging AECOM's standing. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided text and are presented to highlight the comprehensive support offered to employees, which is a key aspect of operational attractiveness for talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM is a global leader in providing professional services across the entire project lifecycle, from planning and design to program and construction management. They operate in sectors like transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment. Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded company with over 50,000 employees globally. This scale offers vast opportunities for career development, exposure to diverse projects, and access to extensive resources and expertise. For operations professionals, this means operating within established frameworks while having the potential to influence processes within a significant global entity. Founded: AECOM's history traces back to the early 20th century, evolving through various mergers and acquisitions to become the global firm it is today. This long-standing presence signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Water Solutions team in England & Wales, which comprises approximately 700 experts. This suggests a substantial, specialized unit within the broader AECOM organization.
• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior manager or director within the Water business, with direct line management responsibilities for a team of engineers and designers.
• Collaboration is expected to be extensive, involving cross-functional teams (civil, mechanical, electrical, process engineers) and external clients, contractors, and suppliers, reflecting a highly integrated operational approach.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach and the delivery of sustainable solutions. Operations professionals are expected to leverage data analytics for project planning, execution, and performance monitoring.
• The company promotes an innovative mindset and the transformation of "bold ideas into reality," suggesting a culture that encourages creative problem-solving and continuous improvement in design and delivery processes.
• There is a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and a commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities, which are integrated into their operational strategies and project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context provides crucial background for understanding the operational environment. AECOM's size and global reach suggest structured processes and a need for adaptability within those frameworks. The emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and EDI indicates cultural drivers that influence operational decision-making and team dynamics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations management track for engineering professionals. It signifies a transition from individual technical contribution to leading teams and managing project execution. The scope includes technical leadership, people management, and client interface, indicating a move towards broader operational responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Water Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within AECOM's Water business for England & Wales. They will also have direct line management responsibilities for a team of engineers and designers, forming a core operational unit. Collaboration with project directors, program managers, and client representatives will be integral to success.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on AECOM's revenue and client satisfaction by ensuring the successful, timely, and cost-effective delivery of water infrastructure projects. Effective design management translates directly into project profitability, client retention, and AECOM's reputation for delivering quality solutions that address critical societal needs (clean water, efficient wastewater management). The potential for additional operational responsibilities (managing team development, driving culture) amplifies this impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water/wastewater treatment or network design, potentially leading to Principal Engineer or Technical Director roles.
• Operations Management Progression: Advance into broader project management, program management, or business unit leadership roles, taking on greater commercial and operational responsibility.
• Client Relationship Management: Develop into a key client account manager or business development role, leveraging technical and project experience to secure new work.
• Leadership Development: Through line management duties and potential additional responsibilities, develop leadership capabilities, team building skills, and strategic thinking for operational growth.
• Industry Influence: Contribute to industry best practices, potentially through professional bodies like ICE or CIWEM, and engage in thought leadership on sustainable water infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on how this role fits into a typical operations management progression within a large engineering consultancy. The emphasis is on the development of both technical and managerial competencies, leading to increased operational scope and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM likely operates modern, professional office spaces designed to support collaborative work. Given the "flexible hybrid working model," these offices will serve as hubs for team meetings, client interactions, and focused work requiring specific office-based resources. The Croydon office is a primary location, with Cardiff also mentioned, suggesting a distributed but coordinated operational presence.

Office Location(s):

• Croydon, England: A key office location, likely well-connected and part of a business district.
• Cardiff, Wales: An alternative or additional location, offering geographic reach within the England & Wales business unit.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on leading multi-disciplinary teams necessitate an office environment that facilitates communication, brainstorming, and team cohesion. Expect open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and potentially project-specific team spaces.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (e.g., CAD, BIM, hydraulic modeling tools), project management platforms, and communication tools will be readily available to support design and operational tasks.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with fellow engineers, designers, project managers, and senior leadership, fostering a supportive and knowledge-sharing culture.

Work Schedule:

• The standard 40-hour work week is complemented by a flexible hybrid working model. This allows employees to manage their schedules to balance office presence with remote work, accommodating personal needs while ensuring project and team requirements are met. This flexibility is crucial for operations professionals to manage project flows and personal productivity effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description aims to provide a tangible sense of the daily operational setting, emphasizing the blend of physical office presence and remote flexibility, and the collaborative nature required for managing complex engineering projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team reviews applications for basic qualifications and alignment with the role.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with Jay Hewitt (Hiring Manager) to assess technical experience, leadership approach, and cultural fit. This stage will likely delve into project management methodologies and team leadership examples.
• Technical/Team Interview: Meeting with senior engineers, design leads, or potential team members to evaluate technical depth, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team. Portfolio review may occur here or in a subsequent stage.
• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a case study from their portfolio demonstrating their approach to managing a complex water design project, highlighting technical solutions, operational challenges, and team leadership.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or Director within the Water business to confirm suitability and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership & Operational Oversight: Focus on projects where you led teams, managed design processes, and oversaw project execution from start to finish. Quantify your impact where possible.
• Showcase Process & Problem-Solving: Include examples that demonstrate your structured approach to design management, client engagement, and how you resolved complex technical or operational challenges.
• Demonstrate Team Collaboration: Present instances where you effectively collaborated with diverse teams (internal and external) and mentored junior staff.
• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to illustrate project success, such as delivery timelines met, budget adherence, efficiency improvements, or client satisfaction scores.
• Tailor to AECOM's Values: Align your portfolio examples with AECOM's emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and client-centric solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Project Management Scenarios: Be prepared for questions about how you would manage project risks, allocate resources, resolve conflicts within a team, or handle scope changes.
• Technical Design Challenges: Anticipate questions related to common water/wastewater design issues, regulatory compliance, and innovative design approaches.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you motivate teams, provide feedback, and support the development of your team members.
• Client Interaction: Think about how you manage client expectations, communicate technical information effectively, and build strong working relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their experience and prepare for the specific stages of AECOM's interview process, with a strong emphasis on showcasing operational management capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, Bentley MicroStation) for design creation and documentation.
• Hydraulic Modeling Software: Experience with specialized software for water and wastewater network analysis and design (e.g., InfoWorks WS Pro, InfoWorks ICM, EPANET, SWMM, Bentley WaterGEMS).
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management platforms for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to use tools for data analysis and interpretation, potentially including Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, Power Query), Power BI, or Tableau for creating reports and dashboards.
• Reporting Platforms: Experience in generating project status reports, performance dashboards, and technical summaries for internal and external stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not explicitly stated for this role, familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems (e.g., Salesforce) used for client management and business development can be beneficial.
• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in collaboration suite tools like Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) for communication, document sharing, and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are essential for a Design Manager in the water sector, covering the technical design aspects as well as the operational management of projects. Proficiency in these tools is directly linked to the efficiency and quality of project delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all professional dealings, project execution, and client interactions.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging initiative, innovation, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and business development within the operational framework.
• Pioneering Mindset: Driving forward new ideas, technologies, and methodologies in design and project delivery to create transformative outcomes.
• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and delivering exceptional service and value through effective operational execution and collaboration.
• Excellence: Commitment to high standards of quality in design, project delivery, and team performance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively fostering collaboration between diverse engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, process) and operational support functions to achieve integrated project solutions.
• Open Communication: Promoting transparent and honest communication channels within the team and with clients, encouraging feedback and constructive dialogue.
• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of technical expertise, project learnings, and best practices across the team and wider AECOM network to drive collective growth and efficiency.
• Team Empowerment: Creating an environment where team members feel empowered to contribute their best work, take ownership of their responsibilities, and grow professionally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values highlight the behavioral expectations for operations professionals at AECOM. Understanding these values is key to demonstrating cultural alignment during the interview process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Successfully coordinating multiple design disciplines, managing client expectations, and adhering to stringent project timelines and budgets on large-scale water infrastructure projects.
• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Keeping abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations, design standards, and client-specific requirements in the water sector.
• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Integrating cutting-edge design and technology while ensuring solutions are practical, cost-effective, and deliverable within real-world constraints.
• Hybrid Team Management: Effectively leading and motivating a geographically dispersed and hybrid team, ensuring consistent performance, communication, and team cohesion.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in water/wastewater engineering, design software, and emerging technologies.
• Leadership & Management Skills: Development programs focused on project management, people management, financial acumen, and strategic leadership.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to work on high-profile projects, engage with leading clients, and attend industry conferences and events to stay current with best practices.
• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship initiatives, both as a mentee and potentially as a mentor to junior staff, fostering continuous learning and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and growth opportunities provides candidates with a realistic view of the role and how they can leverage it for career advancement and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex water infrastructure project you managed from a design perspective. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you lead your team to overcome them?" (Focus on process, team leadership, problem-solving).
• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication across multi-disciplinary teams and with clients, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Focus on collaboration style, stakeholder management).
• "Walk me through your process for managing project risks and quality control in the design phase of a major water treatment plant project." (Focus on operational processes, risk management, quality assurance).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM's work in the water sector, and how do your values align with AECOM's stated values of Integrity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Pioneering Mindset?" (Focus on company research, cultural fit).
• "How would you foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment for your direct reports, considering AECOM's commitment to diversity?" (Focus on team dynamics, leadership style).
• "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts, and what KPIs do you typically track?" (Focus on performance metrics, impact measurement).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project presented, clearly outline the problem, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, the operational processes used, and the quantifiable results.
• Emphasize Leadership & Process: Focus on how you managed the team and the design process, not just the technical outcome. Use your portfolio to demonstrate your operational management skills.
• Quantify Impact: Utilize data and metrics wherever possible to showcase achievements in terms of efficiency, cost savings, timeline adherence, or technical performance.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Select examples that clearly illustrate your ability to identify, analyze, and resolve technical or operational issues effectively.
• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to discuss your work interactively, answer detailed questions about your methodology, and articulate your thought process clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: This preparation guide is tailored to the specific demands of a Water Design Manager role at AECOM, emphasizing the blend of technical and operational skills required and providing concrete examples of questions and presentation strategies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Water Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature case studies demonstrating your leadership in water/wastewater design projects, your approach to managing multi-disciplinary teams, and your project execution processes. Prioritize examples that highlight operational efficiency and client collaboration.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in managing technical delivery, leading design teams, and working within the water sector. Use keywords such as "Water Engineering," "Wastewater Design," "Project Management," "Team Leadership," "Design Lifecycle Management," and "Stakeholder Engagement." Quantify achievements with specific metrics where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), especially for questions related to project management, team leadership, and problem-solving. Prepare a compelling presentation of a key project from your portfolio.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's Water business, recent projects, and company culture. Understand their approach to sustainability, innovation, and client partnerships to effectively answer questions about your fit and motivation.

⚠️ 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.