Water Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Water Design Manager
Company: AECOM
Location: Croydon, England, United Kingdom (with flexibility for Cardiff, Wales, UK)
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Operations | Engineering | Project Management
Date Posted: August 18, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary technical teams for water and wastewater infrastructure projects from conception through to handover, ensuring value-added solutions.
• Oversee the technical delivery of key project packages, ensuring seamless integration across AECOM teams, clients, and suppliers.
• Collaborate closely with clients and partners to gain stakeholder buy-in and contribute to AECOM's broader technical capabilities and innovative approaches.
• Execute line management duties, supporting the professional development and project input of junior team members through effective mentoring.
• Drive innovative and sustainable solutions within the water and wastewater sector, contributing to AECOM's mission of delivering a better world.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Water Design Manager", the responsibilities described lean heavily into project leadership and technical delivery management, aligning with a Senior Project Manager or Technical Lead role within the water infrastructure sector. The emphasis on client-facing responsibilities and team leadership suggests a significant operational and strategic component beyond pure design management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure and treatment projects, managing multi-disciplinary technical teams to deliver client solutions throughout the design lifecycle.
• Manage key packages of work from conception to handover, ensuring seamless technical solutions by interfacing effectively with AECOM teams, clients, and suppliers.
• Collaborate with clients and AECOM partners to ensure stakeholder buy-in for proposed solutions, contributing to AECOM's wider technical capability and innovative approach to water challenges.
• Perform line management duties, supporting the development of junior team members by managing their project input and providing mentorship.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of feasibility studies, options appraisals, concept designs, and outline and detailed designs for water company clients and design-and-build contractors.
• Ensure the quality and technical integrity of design deliverables, adhering to AECOM's standards and client requirements.
• Actively participate in business development activities, including client engagement and proposal development, to secure future projects and opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, promoting knowledge sharing and best practices within the water engineering discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and people management. The role is expected to drive technical excellence while also nurturing team talent and ensuring client satisfaction. The mention of "part time opportunities to take on additional team responsibilities alongside this Project Management/ Project Director role" suggests potential for career advancement into broader leadership or business management functions within the water sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree or equivalent in a related engineering subject (e.g., Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental).
• Professional registration as Chartered or Incorporated Engineer with a relevant institution (e.g., ICE, CIWEM) or demonstrable progress towards achieving this status.

Experience:

• Proven experience in managing the technical delivery of water and wastewater engineering projects, encompassing treatment schemes and/or pipeline design.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary design teams on complex infrastructure projects.
• Hands-on experience in the design of complex wastewater treatment solutions.
• Substantial experience in a similar role within a water company, consultancy, or contractor environment.
• Experience in undertaking feasibility studies, options appraisals, concept design, and/or outline and detailed design for water sector clients and design-and-build contractors.

Required Skills:

• Technical Project Leadership: Ability to lead and manage the technical aspects of water and wastewater projects.
• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing design processes for infrastructure projects, ensuring quality and adherence to standards.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop multi-disciplinary engineering teams and junior staff.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective client liaison and stakeholder management.
• Water & Wastewater Engineering Principles: In-depth understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, hydraulics, and infrastructure design.
• Contract Management: Familiarity with project delivery frameworks and client/contractor engagements.

Preferred Skills:

• Business Development Acumen: Experience in contributing to proposals and client relationship management.
• Digital Design Tools Proficiency: Familiarity with advanced BIM, digital twins, or other relevant digital design and collaboration platforms.
• Risk Management: Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks.
• Financial Management: Understanding of project budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Sustainability & Environmental Design: Knowledge of sustainable design principles and environmental considerations in water infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical engineering background coupled with significant project leadership and management experience. The preference for chartered status indicates a focus on professional development and industry recognition. The mention of transferable skills suggests that candidates with strong project management and engineering leadership experience, even if not directly in water, may be considered.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful leadership of multi-disciplinary teams on water or wastewater projects, highlighting problem-solving and decision-making processes.
• Technical Delivery Examples: Evidence of managing the end-to-end technical delivery of complex design packages, showcasing process adherence and quality assurance.
• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Examples of effective engagement with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to achieve project objectives and resolve conflicts.
• Process Improvement Initiatives: Documentation of instances where you identified and implemented improvements in design processes, workflow efficiency, or team collaboration.
• Mentorship & Team Development Examples: Evidence of guiding and developing junior engineers, including specific feedback mechanisms or training provided.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to document and present clear workflows for design project delivery, from inception to completion, including phases for feasibility, concept, outline, and detailed design.
• Implementation & Automation: Showcase understanding of how design processes are implemented and where opportunities for automation or digital tool integration exist to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrate how project performance, team productivity, and design quality are measured and analyzed, with examples of using data to drive improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, for a role of this nature, a portfolio demonstrating successful project delivery, leadership capabilities, and process management is highly advantageous. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their approach to managing complex projects, leading teams, and ensuring technical excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Mid-Senior Level" experience (5-10 years), the location (Croydon/Cardiff, UK), and the nature of the role as a Design Manager at a large infrastructure consultancy like AECOM, a realistic estimated salary range would be £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK engineering consultancy sector, taking into account the responsibility level and the demand for specialized water engineering expertise.

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to training, professional development programs, and pathways for advancement within AECOM.
• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: The opportunity to balance work between home and the office, promoting work-life balance.
• Technical Practice Networks: Engagement with communities of practice to share knowledge and best practices across AECOM's technical disciplines.
• AECOM University: Resources for continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Volunteering Days: Paid time off to contribute to community initiatives.
• Comprehensive Health and Well-being Programs: Benefits designed to support employee health and wellness.
• Pension Scheme: Employer-sponsored retirement savings plan.
• Life Assurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Option to purchase bicycles and cycling equipment tax-efficiently.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional issues.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time professional role in the UK. The hybrid working model offers flexibility in how these hours are structured and where they are performed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in the UK engineering sector and should be considered an approximation. AECOM is known for offering a comprehensive benefits package to attract and retain talent, and the listed benefits are typical for a large, publicly traded firm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of services across transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment. The Water Solutions team specifically focuses on water and wastewater infrastructure. Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established, and globally recognized organization. This size offers significant resources, opportunities for diverse project exposure, and a structured career progression framework. Founded: While the exact founding year isn't in the provided text, AECOM has a long history, evolving through various acquisitions and mergers to become the global entity it is today. This longevity suggests stability and deep-rooted expertise in the infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• The Water Solutions team in the UK & Ireland comprises around 700 experts, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and process engineers.
• This role involves leading multi-disciplinary technical teams, implying a collaborative environment where different engineering specialisms are integrated.
• The Design Manager will work closely with other project managers, technical leads, and potentially subject matter experts within the water business.
• Reporting lines would typically be to a Senior Project Manager, Project Director, or Business Unit Leader within the Water division.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes delivering "a better world" through its projects, suggesting a focus on sustainable, innovative, and impactful solutions.
• The company culture champions integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a pioneering mindset.
• Data-driven decision-making and a commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities are likely integral to their operations.
• Collaboration is key, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork and client partnerships.

Company Website: AECOM Website

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global presence and large employee base suggest a professional and structured work environment with opportunities for international collaboration and exposure to diverse projects. The company's commitment to sustainability and innovation aligns with current trends in the water infrastructure sector. The specific mention of major water companies as clients (Wessex Water, Thames Water, etc.) provides strong context for the types of projects this role will encounter.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level, typically requiring 5-10 years of relevant experience. It signifies a transition from individual contributor or junior project roles to a leadership position responsible for managing significant technical workstreams and teams. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Manager or Project Director within the Water Solutions business unit. They will, in turn, manage and mentor junior engineers and potentially lead specific design teams or work packages. This structure allows for clear lines of responsibility and development opportunities. Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a crucial role in the successful technical delivery of water and wastewater projects. Their ability to lead teams, manage design processes, and ensure client satisfaction directly impacts project outcomes, client relationships, AECOM's reputation, and ultimately, the company's revenue and profitability in the water sector. They influence the technical quality, efficiency, and sustainability of critical infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership Progression: Opportunity to advance to Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, or Technical Director roles, leading larger and more complex projects.
• Operational Management: Potential to take on broader operational responsibilities, such as managing specific client accounts, developing team capabilities, or contributing to business unit strategy, as hinted by the mention of additional team responsibilities.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure, such as advanced treatment technologies, digital water solutions, or resilience planning.
• Client Relationship Management: Develop strong client relationships, leading to opportunities in business development and account management.
• Professional Development: Access to AECOM University, technical practice networks, and support for chartered status, facilitating continuous learning and career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within AECOM's robust Water business. The emphasis on developing junior talent and the potential for broader operational roles indicate a supportive environment for career progression and skill diversification.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in AECOM's England & Wales offices, with a flexible hybrid working model. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support collaboration, client meetings, and focused individual work. It's likely to be a professional setting with access to necessary office amenities and technology. Office Location(s): The primary location mentioned is Croydon, England. However, the description also explicitly mentions flexibility for Cardiff, Wales, indicating that candidates in or willing to relocate to either of these regions would be considered. Proximity to major client hubs or project sites might also influence team presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and team-based responsibilities necessitate interaction with colleagues, both in person and virtually. Office spaces will likely include meeting rooms, breakout areas, and potentially hot-desking facilities.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's standard engineering design software, project management platforms, communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams), and IT support will be available.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design reviews, client presentations, and informal knowledge sharing with peers and senior staff.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in structuring these hours and choosing the work location (office or remote), allowing for better integration of personal and professional commitments, which is beneficial for deep work and focused analysis often required in operations roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid working model is a key feature, offering flexibility. Candidates should be prepared for a mix of office-based collaboration and remote work, requiring strong self-management and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process for a role like this at AECOM typically involves multiple stages:

1. Initial Screening: Application review by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and fit.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A focused discussion with Jay Hewitt (or another hiring manager) to delve into technical experience, project leadership, team management, and career aspirations. This stage often includes behavioral questions.
3. Technical/Team Interview: An interview with senior members of the Water Solutions team or peers to assess technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. This may involve a technical discussion or a presentation.
4. Challenge/Case Study (Potential): Candidates might be asked to prepare a presentation on a past project, a hypothetical design challenge, or a strategy for managing a specific project scenario.
5. Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion to confirm suitability, discuss terms, and potentially meet with a senior leader.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, role, or key skill area.
• Content: Select 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in water/wastewater design management, team leadership, and technical delivery.
• Detail: For each project, clearly outline your role, responsibilities, the project's objectives, challenges faced, your approach to solving them, the technical solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, successful handover).
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics wherever possible to highlight the scale of projects (e.g., budget, team size, project value) and the impact of your contributions (e.g., percentage improvement in design efficiency, reduction in errors, client satisfaction scores).
• Process Focus: Explain your design management processes, how you lead teams, manage stakeholders, and ensure quality.
• Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio concisely and confidently, tailoring your narrative to the specific requirements of the Water Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of water and wastewater engineering principles, design standards, and current industry best practices.
• Project Management Skills: Review project lifecycle phases, risk management, scope control, and stakeholder communication strategies.
• Leadership & Teamwork: Prepare examples of how you have led teams, resolved conflicts, mentored junior staff, and fostered collaboration.
• Company Research: Understand AECOM's values, mission, recent projects, and its position in the market. Tailor your responses to align with the company culture.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for common behavioral questions related to leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and dealing with challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be ready to articulate their experience with specific examples and demonstrate their understanding of the full project lifecycle within the water sector. A well-prepared portfolio and clear communication of technical and leadership capabilities will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation (for design and drafting).
• 3D Modeling & BIM: Revit, Navisworks, Bentley OpenBuildings Designer (for integrated design, clash detection, and visualization).
• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com (for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and task tracking).
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Slack (for communication, file sharing, and team collaboration).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, Power Query), potentially SQL for database queries.
• Business Intelligence/Dashboarding: Power BI, Tableau (for creating visual reports on project progress, team performance, and key metrics).
• Cost Management Software: CostX, Costbase, or similar (for financial tracking and reporting).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365 (for client management, opportunity tracking, and sales pipeline visibility).
• Automation Tools: Potentially workflows within project management software or specific automation scripts for repetitive tasks.
• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different software systems (e.g., CAD, PM, CRM) can be integrated to streamline data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM software is essential. Experience with project management and collaboration tools is critical for managing teams and projects effectively. Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools will be beneficial for reporting and performance tracking.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Conducting all work with honesty and ethical standards, crucial for client trust and project success in the infrastructure sector.
• Pioneering Mindset: Encouraging innovation, creativity, and the adoption of new technologies and approaches to solve complex engineering challenges.
• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and delivering exceptional service to build long-term relationships and ensure project satisfaction.
• Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and open communication across disciplines and departments to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated solutions.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Valuing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and contributions, creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into design and project delivery to create lasting positive impacts.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with various engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, process), project managers, and potentially environmental specialists to deliver comprehensive project solutions.
• Client Partnership: Engaging clients as partners, involving them in key decision-making processes and ensuring their requirements are understood and met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and frequent communication within the team and with stakeholders to address issues proactively and maintain alignment.
• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in technical practice networks and team discussions to share best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values are central to its operations. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and working style align with these principles, particularly regarding collaboration, integrity, and a forward-thinking approach to engineering.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Coordinating multiple disciplines, managing diverse stakeholder expectations, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality technical solutions for large infrastructure projects.
• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in digital design tools, data analytics, and sustainable engineering practices within the water sector.
• Client Relationship Management: Maintaining strong relationships with key water utility clients amidst project pressures and evolving client needs.
• Team Development and Mentoring: Effectively guiding and developing junior engineers, ensuring their growth while meeting project demands.
• Balancing Technical Excellence with Commercial Requirements: Ensuring designs are technically sound, cost-effective, and meet project deadlines and client budgets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops in water engineering, treatment technologies, and digital design.
• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or relevant industry-specific qualifications.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to participate in AECOM's leadership training to enhance management and strategic planning skills.
• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Participation in events to stay abreast of industry trends, network with peers, and gain insights into new technologies and methodologies.
• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within AECOM to guide career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a demanding sector like water infrastructure. AECOM's commitment to learning and development provides ample opportunities for professionals to overcome these challenges and advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Leadership & Project Management:
  • "Describe a complex water/wastewater project you managed from concept through to handover. What were the key challenges, and how did you lead your team to overcome them?"
  • "How do you ensure the technical quality and integrity of design deliverables for multi-disciplinary projects?"
  • "What is your approach to managing project risks and scope changes in a fast-paced environment?"
  • "How do you balance technical innovation with cost-effectiveness and project timelines?"
• Team Management & Mentoring:
  • "Describe your experience in line management and mentoring junior engineers. How do you foster professional development and team cohesion?"
  • "How do you motivate a multi-disciplinary team to achieve common project goals?"
  • "Share an example of a time you had to manage conflict within your project team."
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement:
  • "How do you ensure effective communication and buy-in from clients and stakeholders throughout a project lifecycle?"
  • "Describe a situation where you had to manage difficult client expectations or feedback."
• Problem-Solving & Innovation:
  • "Walk me through a challenging technical problem you encountered in a water project and your solution."
  • "How do you stay updated on the latest advancements in water engineering and incorporate them into your designs?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and this specific role?"
• "How do your personal values align with AECOM's company values?"
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture."
• "How do you approach collaboration with different engineering disciplines and external partners?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Narrative: Focus on 3-4 key projects that best showcase your leadership, technical delivery, and problem-solving skills.
• STAR Method: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your project examples, highlighting your specific contributions and the outcomes achieved.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the scale of your projects and the impact of your work (e.g., team size, budget, efficiency gains).
• Process Explanation: Clearly articulate your methodology for managing design processes, teams, and stakeholders.
• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional slides or documents that highlight key project details, diagrams, and results.
• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your portfolio and engage in a discussion about your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating specific examples of leadership, technical management, and problem-solving, ideally using the STAR method. Understanding AECOM's values and how your experience aligns will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the AECOM careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any supplementary portfolio documents to highlight your experience in water/wastewater project leadership, multi-disciplinary team management, and technical delivery. Select project examples that best demonstrate your capabilities relevant to AECOM's client base and project types.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, key responsibilities in previous roles, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description such as "Water Design Manager," "technical delivery," "multi-disciplinary teams," "wastewater treatment," and "project management."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project experience using the STAR method. Prepare specific examples for leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management scenarios. Be ready to discuss your approach to design management processes and team development.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM, its Water Solutions business, recent projects, and its company culture. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to sustainability and innovation to align your responses 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.