Lead Design Engineer / Design Manager, Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Design Engineer / Design Manager, Water

Company: AECOM

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom (with flexible hybrid working options across North & Midlands offices including Leeds, Chesterfield & Birmingham)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Design Management (Water Infrastructure)

Date Posted: October 6, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (implied by "Lead" and "Manager" titles, and 5-10 years AI estimate)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical and multidisciplinary design delivery for critical water, wastewater, and flood infrastructure projects.

• Manage key work packages from conceptualization through to project handover, ensuring seamless integration of AECOM teams, clients, and suppliers.

• Drive innovative, value-added solutions by collaborating closely with clients and AECOM partners to secure stakeholder buy-in.

• Contribute to AECOM's broader technical capabilities and foster a culture of innovation within the Water business.

• Perform line management duties, including mentoring and developing junior engineers, and supporting their project input.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role clearly sits within the Water Infrastructure sector, requiring a strong blend of technical engineering expertise and project/design management capabilities. The emphasis on leading multidisciplinary teams and client collaboration suggests a Senior Engineer or emerging Design Manager profile, focused on driving project success from a technical and delivery perspective.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Spearhead the technical execution of water, wastewater, and flood defense projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative and efficient design solutions across the entire project lifecycle.

• Project & Package Management: Oversee specific work packages from initial concept development, feasibility studies, and options appraisal through to detailed design, construction support, and final handover, ensuring alignment with client objectives and AECOM standards.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key point of contact for clients and internal AECOM partners, fostering strong working relationships, ensuring alignment on technical solutions, and facilitating stakeholder buy-in for project strategies.

• Team Development & Mentoring: Fulfill line management responsibilities by overseeing the work of junior engineers and designers, providing constructive feedback, mentoring their professional development, and ensuring their effective contribution to project deliverables.

• Innovation & Best Practice: Champion the adoption of new technologies, sustainable design principles (e.g., SuDS), and innovative approaches within water infrastructure projects, contributing to AECOM's reputation as a leader in the field.

• Risk Management & Quality Assurance: Ensure all designs meet rigorous quality standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols, proactively identifying and mitigating technical risks throughout the design process.

• Business Development Support: Contribute to the preparation of technical proposals and bids, leveraging project experience and technical expertise to support AECOM's business development efforts within the water sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to reflect a senior role requiring both deep technical knowledge in water engineering and strong leadership/management skills. The inclusion of "line manager duties" and "mentoring" indicates a significant focus on people development alongside project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering).

• Further academic qualifications or relevant certifications in project management or water engineering are advantageous. Experience:

• Proven experience in managing the technical delivery of water and wastewater engineering projects, ideally encompassing treatment schemes and/or pipeline design.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary design teams effectively.

• Hands-on experience in the design of complex wastewater treatment solutions.

• Experience with feasibility studies, options appraisal, concept design, and both outline and detailed design phases for water utility clients and design & build contractors.

• Experience working within the UK water sector, with consultancy, contractor, or water company backgrounds. Required Skills:

• Water & Wastewater Engineering: Deep understanding of potable water and sewage networks, treatment processes, and associated infrastructure design principles.

• Design Management: Ability to lead, coordinate, and manage complex design projects from inception to completion, ensuring technical integrity and timely delivery.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Proven capability to lead, motivate, and manage diverse engineering teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring high performance.

• Technical Delivery: Strong track record of successfully delivering engineering designs that meet client requirements, regulatory standards, and project objectives.

• Client & Stakeholder Liaison: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, build rapport, and influence outcomes.

• Chartership: Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with a relevant professional institution (e.g., ICE, CIWEM), or actively working towards achieving it.

Preferred Skills:

• Flood Mitigation & SuDS: Experience with flood defense schemes and the design and implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

• Asset Management: Familiarity with asset management principles within the water sector.

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of project commercial aspects, contract management, and financial oversight.

• Digital Engineering Tools: Proficiency with advanced design software and digital engineering workflows relevant to water infrastructure.

• International Project Experience: Exposure to international water projects, though not essential for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications strike a balance between technical depth in water engineering and managerial competencies. The emphasis on chartership with relevant bodies like ICE or CIWEM is a strong indicator of the expected professional standing and expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase examples of projects where you successfully led multidisciplinary teams through the entire design lifecycle, highlighting your role in technical decision-making and problem-solving.

• Design Delivery Excellence: Present evidence of successfully managed design packages, demonstrating your ability to deliver complex water, wastewater, or flood mitigation solutions on time and within budget.

• Client Collaboration & Problem Solving: Include case studies illustrating your approach to client engagement, stakeholder management, and how you navigated and resolved technical challenges to achieve project success.

• Process Optimization & Innovation: Demonstrate instances where you implemented process improvements, adopted new technologies, or championed innovative design approaches (e.g., SuDS integration) that led to tangible benefits.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your methodologies for designing and optimizing engineering workflows, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance within the design process.

• Technical Review & QA Procedures: Articulate your approach to conducting technical reviews, implementing quality assurance measures, and ensuring design integrity throughout project phases.

• Collaboration & Communication Protocols: Explain how you establish and maintain effective communication channels and collaboration protocols within multidisciplinary teams and with external stakeholders.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Detail your experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating technical and project risks associated with complex infrastructure design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio should emphasize leadership and successful project outcomes. It needs to demonstrate not just technical capability but the ability to manage processes, teams, and client relationships to achieve tangible results in water infrastructure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on AECOM's global presence, the typical salary for a Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager in the UK Water sector, with the required experience and chartership, would likely range from £60,000 to £85,000 per annum. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for similar roles in major engineering consultancies in the UK, considering the seniority and specific expertise required. Benefits:

• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: Offers adaptability for work-life balance, allowing for a blend of office-based and remote work.

• Continuous Learning & Development: Access to extensive training programs, professional development courses, and support for chartership.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Likely includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and a pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Competitive Salary: Reflecting the candidate's experience, skills, and the importance of the role.

• Support for Work-Life Balance: Encouragement of healthy work-life integration through flexible arrangements and supportive management.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Cycle to Work Scheme & Other Perks: Potential for additional benefits such as cycle-to-work schemes, discounted gym memberships, and retail discounts.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, inclusive of lunch breaks. The hybrid working model offers flexibility in how these hours are structured, with discussion and agreement with the line manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical UK market rates for chartered engineers in senior design management roles within large infrastructure consultancies. Benefits are drawn directly from the job description and common industry offerings for such positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (Global Leader in Water, Transportation, Buildings, New Energy, Environment). AECOM operates within the global engineering and construction services sector, with a significant focus on public and private infrastructure development.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 professionals globally). This scale offers extensive resources, global project opportunities, and structured career paths.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with its origins tracing back to 1910, evolving through mergers and acquisitions to become the global entity it is today. This longevity suggests stability and deep-rooted expertise.

Team Structure:

• Water Business Unit: The role is situated within AECOM's dedicated Water business unit, which comprises approximately 700 experts across the UK and Ireland.

• North & Midlands Focus: The team has a strong presence in the North and Midlands of the UK, with offices in Manchester, Leeds, Chesterfield, and Birmingham.

• Reporting Structure: The Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager will likely report to a Senior Manager or Director within the Water business line, potentially overseeing a team of Design Engineers, Technicians, and other specialists.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Extensive collaboration is expected with other AECOM business lines (e.g., transportation, environmental) and project management functions, as well as external clients (water companies, contractors, government bodies).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: AECOM emphasizes leveraging data and digital tools for informed design decisions and performance optimization.

• Lifecycle Approach: Projects are managed with a comprehensive understanding of the entire infrastructure lifecycle, from advisory and planning to design, construction, operation, and asset management.

• Sustainable Engineering: A strong commitment to delivering sustainable solutions and prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

• Client Partnership: Focus on building long-term partnerships with clients through trusted advisory and collaborative delivery.

Company Website: AECOM Website

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description highlights its global reach, commitment to sustainability, and its role as a trusted advisor. The Water business unit's size suggests a robust and specialized team, offering ample opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing within the sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into senior engineering leadership or early-stage management within the water infrastructure sector. It combines technical specialization with the responsibility of leading teams and managing project deliverables. It's a crucial position for individuals looking to transition from senior technical roles into management or to deepen their expertise in managing complex design processes.

Reporting Structure: The position typically reports to a Senior Design Manager, Principal Engineer, or Operations Director within the Water business. Direct reports would likely include Design Engineers, CAD Technicians, and potentially early-career engineers, depending on the specific project structure.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on AECOM's success in the water sector. By leading the technical delivery of high-profile projects for key clients (e.g., Wessex Water, Thames Water, Network Rail), the individual contributes directly to revenue generation, client satisfaction, and AECOM's reputation for technical excellence and innovation in water infrastructure. Successful project delivery is critical for securing future work and maintaining long-term client relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water/wastewater treatment, flood mitigation, or pipeline engineering, potentially becoming a subject matter expert (SME) within AECOM.

• Design Management Progression: Advance into more senior Design Management roles, overseeing larger and more complex projects or multiple project portfolios.

• Operational Leadership: Transition into broader operational leadership roles, managing larger teams, business units, or regional operations within the Water sector.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop skills in key account management and business development, leading client engagement strategies.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for further training, certifications, and participation in industry conferences, supported by AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined from technical leadership to broader management responsibilities, leveraging the substantial project pipeline and client relationships AECOM maintains.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, indicating a blend of office-based work and remote working. AECOM offices provide professional environments with collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and necessary technical infrastructure.

Office Location(s): The role is based in AECOM's North & Midlands offices, specifically mentioning Manchester, Leeds, Chesterfield, and Birmingham. Candidates are expected to work from one of these locations, with flexibility to travel between them as needed.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: AECOM offices are designed to foster teamwork, with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and potentially open-plan workstations to facilitate interaction among team members.

• Technical Resources: Access to industry-standard engineering software, IT infrastructure, and potentially specialized design and modeling tools within the office environment.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues, project teams, and management, crucial for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and building team cohesion. The hybrid model allows for strategic office days focused on collaboration and in-person meetings.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement offering flexibility. This structure aims to balance project demands with personal well-being, allowing individuals to manage their work schedule effectively while ensuring project milestones are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a hybrid model suggests a modern work environment that values flexibility while ensuring the essential collaborative aspects of engineering design are maintained.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on relevant experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on engineering expertise, project experience (especially in water/wastewater/flood), and technical problem-solving abilities. Expect questions related to design methodologies, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.

• Management & Leadership Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management experience, client interaction skills, and approach to mentoring. This may involve behavioral questions (STAR method).

• Portfolio Presentation (potential): Candidates may be asked to present specific projects from their portfolio, detailing their role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is a key opportunity to showcase technical and managerial capabilities.

• Final Interview: May involve senior management or directors to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, managing design processes, and driving technical delivery. Use project examples to demonstrate your impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to quantify the success of your projects – e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, risk reduction, project completion times, environmental benefits.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail specific technical or managerial challenges you encountered and the systematic approach you took to resolve them, emphasizing your decision-making process.

• Focus on Water Sector Relevance: Prioritize projects directly related to water, wastewater, and flood infrastructure, demonstrating your specialized knowledge and experience.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing key competencies (e.g., leadership, technical design, client management). Prepare concise summaries for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss hypothetical design challenges or analyze case studies related to water infrastructure projects. This might involve options appraisal or concept design for a given scenario.

• Process Improvement Discussions: Prepare to talk about how you would approach improving a design process, managing a challenging client relationship, or mentoring a junior engineer.

• Company & Industry Knowledge: Research AECOM's recent projects, values, and strategic goals, particularly within the Water sector. Understand current industry trends and challenges in UK water infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, assessing both technical depth and leadership potential. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates both aspects is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Bentley MicroStation for creating detailed engineering drawings and models.

• 3D Modeling & BIM: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools and workflows (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) for integrated design and collaboration.

• Design Calculation Software: Familiarity with specialized engineering software for hydraulic calculations, structural analysis, and process design relevant to water and wastewater systems (e.g., Bentley WaterCAD, HEC-RAS, various process simulation packages).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Data Analysis Tools: Competency in using spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for data analysis, reporting, and potentially basic statistical analysis. Familiarity with business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for dashboard creation and performance monitoring would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing project documentation, drawings, and technical reports (e.g., SharePoint, AECOM's internal systems).

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in using communication and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for team communication and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in standard engineering design tools, project management software, and common office productivity suites. BIM adoption is increasingly standard in infrastructure, making it a likely requirement or strong preference.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings, ensuring trust with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging proactive problem-solving, innovation, and taking initiative to drive projects forward and identify new opportunities.

• Pioneering Mindset: Fostering a culture of forward-thinking, embracing new technologies, and developing innovative solutions to complex infrastructure challenges.

• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and has the opportunity to contribute their unique talents. AECOM actively celebrates diversity, including neurodiversity.

• Sustainability: Embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into all aspects of work, aiming to deliver sustainable legacies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between different engineering disciplines and business units within AECOM to deliver comprehensive solutions.

• Client-Centric Approach: Working closely with clients as partners, understanding their needs, and ensuring their active involvement and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where expertise is shared freely, and best practices are disseminated across teams to foster continuous improvement and collective growth.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and open lines of communication, encouraging feedback, and fostering a supportive environment for discussing challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values emphasize innovation, integrity, and inclusivity. The culture appears to be one that supports professional growth within a structured, yet dynamic, global organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Designs: Coordinating diverse engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental) to ensure cohesive and optimized designs for large-scale water infrastructure projects.

• Navigating Client & Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the technical requirements with the diverse needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, community groups, and commercial clients.

• Adapting to Evolving Regulations & Technologies: Keeping abreast of changes in environmental regulations, water quality standards, and adopting new digital engineering tools and sustainable design practices.

• Mentoring and Developing Junior Talent: Effectively guiding and developing less experienced engineers, ensuring they gain the necessary skills and contribute effectively to project success while managing their own workload.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops in areas like advanced hydraulic modeling, wastewater treatment technologies, or flood risk management.

• Leadership & Management Development Programs: AECOM offers programs designed to enhance leadership, project management, and people management skills for its employees.

• Professional Chartership Support: Guidance and support for achieving and maintaining professional chartership with institutions like ICE or CIWEM.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, technical forums, and networking events to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in the water sector.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Potential to work on projects that involve collaboration with other AECOM business lines, broadening understanding of different engineering sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior engineering management role in a complex infrastructure sector, offering significant opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Strategy: "Describe a complex water infrastructure project you led from a design perspective. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you approach solving them using a multidisciplinary team?" (Focus on your leadership, problem-solving process, and technical decision-making.)

• Management & Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration within a multidisciplinary design team, especially when working remotely or with team members across different locations?" (Highlight your communication strategies, conflict resolution skills, and experience with collaboration tools.)

• Client Engagement: "Tell me about a time you had to manage difficult client expectations or a challenging stakeholder situation. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your client management skills, diplomacy, and ability to find mutually agreeable solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• AECOM Values: "How do your personal values align with AECOM's commitment to integrity, innovation, and sustainability? Provide an example of how you've applied these principles in your work." (Research AECOM's values and prepare specific examples.)

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster a positive and productive culture among your team members." (Focus on inclusivity, respect, and collaborative spirit.)

• Impact & Vision: "Where do you see the future of water infrastructure design heading, and how can AECOM continue to lead in this space?" (Showcase your forward-thinking perspective and understanding of industry trends.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your leadership, technical expertise in water engineering, and successful project delivery.

• STAR Method: Structure your project narratives using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Clearly define the context, your specific responsibilities, the actions you took, and the measurable outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to showcase the tangible benefits of your work (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, environmental improvements, risk mitigation).

• Highlight Leadership Role: Explicitly detail your role in leading teams, managing processes, and making critical decisions.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with diagrams, flowcharts, or key metrics to support your presentation. Avoid overwhelming text.

• Focus on Process: Explain your design processes, risk management strategies, and how you ensured quality and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical acumen and strong leadership capabilities. Candidates should be ready to articulate their project experience using structured methods and showcase their understanding of AECOM's strategic direction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Design Engineer / Design Manager, Water position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal or the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Tailor Your CV: Customize your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to water/wastewater/flood engineering, multidisciplinary team leadership, and design management. Use keywords from the job description and AECOM's stated values.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your most impactful projects, focusing on your leadership role, technical solutions, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present specific case studies using the STAR method.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for behavioral and technical questions using the STAR method. Practice articulating your experience and problem-solving approaches clearly and concisely.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects in the water sector, its company culture, values, and strategic goals. Understand their approach to sustainability and innovation.

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

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