Senior Hydraulic Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Hydraulic Design Manager

Company: Ramboll

Location: Singapore, Singapore

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Water Infrastructure & Climate Adaptation Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-24

Experience Level: 8+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical and project management aspects of complex water infrastructure, flood resilience, and climate adaptation projects within Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region.

• Drive the translation of advanced hydrological and hydraulic analyses into practical, integrated, and sustainable design solutions for urban and coastal environments.

• Spearhead multidisciplinary design processes, from initial feasibility studies and master planning through to detailed design, client engagement, and construction support.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with clients, authorities, and a diverse range of internal and external specialists to enhance urban resilience and liveability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Water Infrastructure & Climate Adaptation Operations, reflecting its focus on the strategic planning, design, and execution of water-related projects that build resilience against climate change impacts. The emphasis on leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects positions it as a senior operational leadership role within the engineering consultancy domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the comprehensive planning and design lifecycle for water infrastructure, flood resilience, and climate adaptation initiatives.

• Oversee and orchestrate multidisciplinary design processes, from initial feasibility assessments and master planning to detailed design stages and implementation support.

• Provide expert technical leadership in core areas including hydrology, hydraulics, urban drainage, stormwater management, and flood-risk assessment.

• Guide the development, rigorous review, and strategic application of both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) hydrological and hydraulic models.

• Effectively translate complex modelling outputs and risk assessments into actionable design requirements, robust adaptation measures, and clear investment recommendations for clients.

• Lead the preparation, quality assurance, and finalization of all technical reports, design documentation, calculations, drawings, and client deliverables.

• Ensure seamless coordination and integration of inputs from various disciplines, including water engineering, coastal engineering, urban planning, landscape architecture, environmental science, and economics.

• Proactively manage project scope, timelines, budgets, resource allocation, identified risks, and overall quality assurance to ensure project success.

• Serve as the primary client-facing representative, fostering strong relationships and maintaining clear communication channels with clients, authorities, project partners, and other key stakeholders.

• Facilitate and lead technical workshops, critical design reviews, and effective stakeholder-engagement processes to drive consensus and project alignment.

• Support and coordinate directly with key Singapore authorities and public-sector clients such as PUB, HDB, NParks, and JTC, ensuring alignment with their objectives and requirements.

• Manage the authority submission process, ensuring that all designs strictly adhere to relevant Singaporean guidelines, codes of practice, and approval requirements.

• Provide essential technical guidance, mentorship, and quality assurance to junior and mid-level engineers and modellers within the team.

• Actively contribute to tender preparation, proposal development, project scoping, fee estimation, and broader business development activities to secure new opportunities.

• Champion the integration of nature-based solutions, blue-green infrastructure, and water-sensitive urban design principles into conventional water and drainage infrastructure projects.

• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing initiatives and the continuous development of Ramboll's methodologies, digital tools, and technical capabilities both locally and globally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical leadership in hydraulic design and project management, requiring the candidate to not only understand complex engineering principles but also manage client relationships, regulatory compliance, and team performance. The explicit mention of Singaporean authorities and guidelines highlights the need for localized expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience:

• Approximately 8 or more years of progressive, relevant professional experience specifically within water infrastructure, urban drainage, flood-risk management, or climate adaptation sectors.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading complex, multidisciplinary design projects from inception through to completion.

• Proven experience in coordinating and managing diverse technical teams to achieve project objectives.

• Hands-on experience taking projects from early-stage analysis and planning through concept design, detailed design, and into implementation or construction support phases. Required Skills:

• Strong, in-depth knowledge of hydrology, hydraulics, urban drainage principles, stormwater management strategies, and flood-risk assessment methodologies.

• Practical experience in developing, applying, and interpreting results from both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic modelling software.

• Proficiency in preparing and critically reviewing comprehensive technical reports, detailed design documents, engineering calculations, and project specifications.

• Robust project management capabilities, including demonstrated success in managing project scope, program timelines, budgets, resource allocation, risk identification, and quality control.

• Proven experience in effectively engaging directly with clients, government agencies, regulatory authorities, technical partners, and other key stakeholders.

• Solid understanding of Singapore's water management landscape, drainage systems, and urban development context.

• Strong written and spoken English communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, coach, and develop engineers and technical staff at various career stages.

• A collaborative, proactive, and results-oriented working style, capable of driving progress in technically complex and multidisciplinary project environments. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Singapore's PUB requirements and established local approaches such as the ABC Waters Design Guide.

• Experience with nature-based solutions, blue-green infrastructure, or water-sensitive urban design principles.

• Experience with specific modelling and spatial analysis platforms such as MIKE, InfoWorks ICM, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, XPSWMM, or GIS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation in hydraulics and hydrology, coupled with significant project leadership and client-facing experience. While specific software proficiency is mentioned as desirable, the core focus is on modeling judgment and design leadership, aligning with a senior operational role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful leadership in the planning and design of complex water infrastructure, flood resilience, or climate adaptation projects.

• Include case studies that highlight the successful translation of hydrological and hydraulic analyses into practical, implementable design solutions.

• Present examples of managing multidisciplinary design processes, illustrating coordination and integration across various engineering and planning disciplines.

• Showcase experience in client and authority engagement, providing evidence of successful communication and stakeholder management in project delivery. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case study examples that detail your approach to managing the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and concept development through to detailed design and implementation support.

• Illustrate your process for quality assurance of technical reports, design documents, calculations, and drawings, emphasizing accuracy and compliance.

• Detail your methodology for coordinating inputs from diverse technical teams and ensuring seamless integration of their contributions into the overall design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior operations role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage complex processes, lead teams, ensure quality, and achieve tangible results in water infrastructure and climate adaptation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Hydraulic Design Managers in Singapore with 8+ years of experience, and considering the specialized nature of climate adaptation and flood resilience consulting, the estimated annual salary range is SGD 120,000 - SGD 180,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Generous annual leave and public holiday entitlement, aligning with Singaporean labor laws and company policy.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and support for relevant certifications.

• Contribution to a robust retirement savings plan (e.g., Central Provident Fund - CPF, if applicable).

• Access to employee assistance programs offering confidential counseling and support services.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and project incentives.

• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration within Ramboll's global network. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility may be offered based on project demands and team needs, with a focus on achieving project milestones and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for senior engineering roles in Singapore's specialized consulting sector, particularly within water and environment. Benefits are typical for a multinational engineering firm operating in Singapore.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture & Consultancy. Ramboll operates globally, with a strong focus on sustainable solutions across various sectors including Buildings, Transport, Water, Environment & Health, Energy, and Management Consulting.

Company Size: Over 18,000 employees globally. This size indicates a large, established organization with extensive resources, a global reach, and a diverse range of expertise available to support complex projects.

Founded: Founded in Denmark in 1945. This long history suggests stability, a deep-rooted engineering heritage, and a commitment to long-term development and client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within Ramboll Water's Global Competence Center on Climate Adaptation, indicating a specialized, cross-border team focused on cutting-edge climate resilience solutions.

• The reporting structure likely involves a direct line to a regional Water Director or Head of Water Infrastructure, with significant autonomy in managing projects and technical leadership.

• Collaboration is inherently cross-functional, requiring close working relationships with hydraulic modellers, water engineers, urban planners, landscape architects, environmental specialists, and economists. Methodology:

• Ramboll emphasizes combining local expertise with global knowledge to create sustainable cities and societies. This approach involves rigorous data analysis, leveraging advanced modeling tools, and strategic planning.

• The company's methodology focuses on driving positive change through implementable ideas, integrating engineering excellence with strategic planning, governance, and sustainability considerations.

• A commitment to blue-green infrastructure and nature-based solutions is evident, reflecting a modern, integrated approach to water management and urban development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ramboll's culture is characterized by a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, leveraging its global network to solve complex challenges. For operations professionals, this means working in a structured yet dynamic environment that values technical excellence, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach to environmental and societal issues.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineer. This role represents a significant step into leadership, requiring not only technical mastery but also the ability to manage projects, teams, and client relationships at a strategic level. It's a position that bridges technical expertise with operational execution and business development.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Hydraulic Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the Ramboll Water division, potentially the Head of Water Infrastructure or Climate Adaptation for the region. They will lead project teams and potentially mentor junior engineers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the resilience and sustainability of urban environments by leading the design of critical water infrastructure. The successful execution of projects influences public safety, environmental quality, and long-term urban development strategies, contributing significantly to Ramboll's reputation and business growth in the region.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in niche areas of hydraulic engineering, climate modeling, or specific types of resilient infrastructure.

• Project/Business Management: Progress into broader project director roles, managing larger portfolios of work or taking on significant business development responsibilities for the water sector in Southeast Asia.

• Leadership Development: Transition into formal leadership positions, managing larger teams, departments, or even regional business units within Ramboll Water.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or transfer to other Ramboll offices globally, leveraging specialized skills.

• Thought Leadership: Contribute to industry publications, conferences, and the development of new methodologies and standards within climate adaptation and water management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Hydraulic Design Manager at a firm like Ramboll is typically one of increasing responsibility, moving from project-specific leadership to broader operational and strategic management, with potential for significant impact on both the company's business and the communities it serves.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a modern, professional office environment located at 100 Amoy Street, Singapore. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and client meetings.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in Singapore, a major hub for engineering and consultancy in Southeast Asia. This location offers excellent connectivity and access to regional markets and talent.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be dynamic and collaborative, encouraging interaction among engineers, planners, and other specialists.

• Access to advanced software, modeling tools, and digital platforms will be integral to the role, supporting complex design and analysis tasks.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with project teams, senior management, and clients, both within the office and potentially at project sites or external meetings.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. However, project deadlines and client needs may occasionally require flexibility, including extended hours or weekend work, which is common in project-driven engineering environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Singapore office location implies a professional, well-equipped environment typical of a leading international consultancy, with an emphasis on collaboration and access to necessary technological resources for complex engineering projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements and experience. Be sure to highlight specific projects and achievements relevant to hydraulic design, flood resilience, and project leadership.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve detailed discussions about your technical expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, and stormwater management. Expect questions probing your experience with modeling software, design principles, and problem-solving approaches for complex water challenges.

• Project Leadership & Management Interview: Focus on your experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing project scope, budget, and timelines, and your approach to stakeholder engagement and client relations. Behavioral questions assessing your leadership style and conflict resolution skills are probable.

• Case Study Presentation/Technical Challenge: You may be asked to present a past project from your portfolio, detailing the challenges, your role, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes. Alternatively, a hypothetical design or problem-solving scenario might be presented for you to analyze and propose solutions for.

• Final Interview: This may involve meeting with senior leadership or regional directors to discuss your strategic vision, cultural fit with Ramboll, and long-term career aspirations within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your leadership in hydraulic design, flood resilience, and climate adaptation.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and responsibilities, the technical solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., reduction in flood risk, cost savings, improved environmental performance, successful authority approvals).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading multidisciplinary teams, managing client relationships, and navigating complex stakeholder environments.

• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to design management, quality assurance, and risk mitigation.

• Tailor to Ramboll: Where possible, align your presented projects with Ramboll's focus areas, such as sustainability, blue-green infrastructure, and climate adaptation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, ensure you fully grasp the project's objectives, constraints, and geographical context.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your problem-solving methodology: problem definition, data requirements, analysis steps, design considerations, and risk assessment.

• Focus on Practicality: Demonstrate an understanding of real-world implementation challenges, regulatory requirements, and cost-effectiveness.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice explaining your thought process and recommendations concisely and logically, as if presenting to a client or senior management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess technical depth, project management acumen, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio and clear articulation of past successes are critical for demonstrating suitability for this senior operational role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Hydraulic & Hydrological Modeling Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as MIKE (e.g., MIKE 21, MIKE FLOOD), InfoWorks ICM, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, XPSWMM, or similar platforms for simulating water flow, flood inundation, and drainage system performance.

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for spatial analysis, data visualization, and integrating geospatial data into design processes.

• CAD & Design Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar CAD packages for creating engineering drawings and design documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret and analyze data from models, field surveys, and historical records. Experience with spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for data manipulation and analysis is essential.

• Reporting & Documentation Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for preparing technical reports, presentations, and project deliverables.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how project data is managed and how workflows are streamlined is beneficial. Experience with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) for tracking progress, resources, and budgets.

• Familiarity with digital collaboration platforms and document management systems used within large engineering consultancies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes advanced modeling and analysis tools critical for hydraulic design and flood risk assessment. The role requires strong judgment in selecting and applying these tools rather than deep expertise in any single software package, reflecting a senior technical leadership perspective.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A core value, driving the integration of environmentally sound and resilient solutions in all projects. This means prioritizing approaches that minimize environmental impact and enhance ecological function.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork across disciplines and geographical boundaries. Operations professionals are expected to actively share knowledge and work cohesively towards common project goals.

• Excellence: Commitment to high technical standards, quality assurance, and delivering innovative solutions that meet client needs and societal expectations.

• Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all dealings with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building long-term relationships based on trust and reliable delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Integration: A collaborative approach that actively seeks input and integrates perspectives from diverse technical experts (engineers, planners, environmental scientists, economists).

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving within project teams and with external stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across teams and projects to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ramboll's values strongly align with those of a forward-thinking engineering consultancy, emphasizing sustainability, technical rigor, and collaborative problem-solving. Operations professionals are expected to embody these values in their daily work and project execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Regulatory Environments: Navigating the diverse and evolving regulatory landscape in Singapore and across Southeast Asia for water management and development approvals.

• Climate Change Uncertainty: Designing for future climate scenarios, including sea-level rise and increased extreme weather events, requires robust methodologies and innovative solutions.

• Balancing Stakeholder Interests: Effectively managing the competing demands and expectations of various stakeholders, including government agencies, developers, communities, and environmental groups.

• Integration of Nature-Based Solutions: Successfully integrating novel approaches like blue-green infrastructure into conventional engineering projects, which may require overcoming traditional design mindsets.

• Geotechnical and Environmental Constraints: Addressing specific site conditions, soil types, and environmental sensitivities that can impact design feasibility and cost.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops in cutting-edge areas of hydraulic modeling, climate adaptation strategies, and sustainable water management.

• Project Leadership Skills: Opportunities to develop and hone skills in managing large, complex projects, including financial management, risk assessment, and team leadership.

• Business Development: Training and mentorship in proposal writing, client relationship management, and identifying new business opportunities within the water sector.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in key industry conferences, forums, and working groups to stay abreast of the latest trends and build professional networks.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders within Ramboll for guidance, career advice, and professional development support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to the complexity of climate adaptation and urban development, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth in technical leadership, project management, and strategic business development within a leading global consultancy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex hydraulic design project you led where you had to integrate multiple disciplines. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful coordination and delivery?" (Focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills).

• "How do you approach translating complex hydrological and hydraulic modeling results into practical, implementable design solutions for clients and authorities?" (Highlight your ability to bridge technical analysis and real-world application).

• "Walk me through your process for managing project scope, budget, and timeline on a major water infrastructure project. How do you identify and mitigate risks?" (Demonstrate your project management rigor and proactive approach). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Ramboll, how do you see your skills and experience contributing to our mission of creating sustainable cities and societies?" (Research Ramboll's sustainability goals and values).

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders with differing opinions on a project. How did you build consensus and move forward?" (Showcase your communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities).

• "How do you stay current with advancements in hydraulic engineering, climate adaptation, and water-sensitive urban design?" (Emphasize continuous learning and professional development). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each selected project, use a clear narrative: Problem Statement -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Technical Approach/Solutions -> Key Challenges & How You Overcame Them -> Measurable Outcomes/Impact -> Lessons Learned.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, maps, model outputs, and photos to illustrate your points. Ensure visuals are professional and easy to understand.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "reduced flood risk by X%", "managed a budget of $Y million", "coordinated a team of Z engineers").

• Focus on Leadership: Clearly articulate your leadership contributions, decision-making processes, and how you mentored your team.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your projects, your design choices, and your project management approach. Practice delivering your presentation concisely and engagingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, project management capabilities, and a strategic understanding of climate adaptation challenges, aligning with Ramboll's values and the role's operational focus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Ramboll careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in hydraulic design, flood resilience, climate adaptation, project management, and multidisciplinary team leadership. Use keywords from the job description and integrate quantifiable achievements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your leadership and technical contributions. Prepare a concise presentation or summary document for each, focusing on impact, process, and outcomes.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Articulate your motivation for applying, your understanding of Ramboll's work in sustainability and climate adaptation, and how your unique skills and experience align with the Senior Hydraulic Design Manager role.

• Research Ramboll: Familiarize yourself with Ramboll's recent projects, particularly in Singapore and Southeast Asia, their approach to sustainability, and their values. Understand their work in the Water sector and climate adaptation.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions by rehearsing your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and practicing your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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.