Senior Water Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Water Design Manager

Company: Arcadis

Location: Plantation, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Water Infrastructure Design & Management (Operations)

Date Posted: 2026-09-15T15:16:28

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical execution and design management of complex water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on treatment plants and pump stations.

• Drive project success through expert engineering judgment, detailed hydraulic calculations, and precise equipment sizing, ensuring adherence to industry best practices and client expectations.

• Foster strong client relationships and actively participate in business development efforts, including proposal preparation and pursuit support for pump station projects.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of engineers, enhancing regional capabilities in South Florida's process mechanical practice.

• Uphold Arcadis' commitment to quality by conducting rigorous quality assurance and control reviews throughout all project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Arcadis' "Resilience Water Team," indicating a strategic focus on sustainable infrastructure solutions and climate resilience. The emphasis on both technical design leadership and client relationship management suggests a hybrid role blending deep technical expertise with business development acumen, common in senior operations roles within engineering consultancies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead designer and/or design manager for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, encompassing treatment plants, pump stations, and hydraulic structures (e.g., intakes, gates).

• Develop comprehensive project deliverables, including detailed layout plans, thorough hydraulic calculations, accurate equipment sizing, and meticulously crafted contract drawings and specifications.

• Exercise sound engineering judgment to devise innovative and effective solutions for intricate water infrastructure challenges, ensuring technical feasibility and operational efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with clients, Project Managers, and diverse multidisciplinary teams throughout all project lifecycle stages, from initial schematic design through to final construction oversight.

• Actively contribute to Arcadis’ national process mechanical practice, serving as a subject matter expert and technical resource for the region, while actively mentoring junior engineers to elevate the team's collective expertise.

• Implement and champion Arcadis’ quality culture by performing comprehensive quality assurance and control (QA/QC) reviews on water infrastructure designs and deliverables.

• Cultivate and nurture client relationships, actively supporting pump station marketing initiatives and pursuit efforts to secure new project opportunities.

• Accurately scope project tasks and develop detailed budgets for water infrastructure projects, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design, project management, and business development. The emphasis on "exercising engineering judgement to develop solutions" and "establishing client relationships and supporting pump station marketing and pursuit efforts" points to a senior role requiring strategic thinking and client-facing skills, typical of a Senior Manager in a consultancy environment focused on delivering operational excellence for clients.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.

• Master’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering, or an MBA, is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of dedicated pump station design experience.

• Preferred: 15+ years of overall relevant experience.

• Experience managing the preparation, review, and approval of project drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates.

• Proven track record in client management, including successful proposal development and delivery of engineering projects to client satisfaction.

• Experience with large and complex water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects. Required Skills:

• Proficient technical engineering expertise in the design of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, with a specialization in treatment plants and pump stations.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a strong emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and technical writing proficiency.

• Demonstrated ability to manage the preparation and review of project drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates.

• Strong client relationship management skills, including experience in proposal development and client management with a successful track record.

• Functional proficiency with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Florida PE License or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with complex pumping systems, such as diesel-driven pumps.

• Familiarity with pump station design standards including Hydraulic Institute Standards and USACE Engineering Manuals.

• Established relationships with key clients in the South Florida region.

• Experience in leading and mentoring junior engineering staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a Florida PE License or the ability to obtain it within six months underscores the role's direct client-facing and project accountability nature within the state. The preference for a Master's degree or MBA, alongside 15+ years of experience, signals a path towards leadership and strategic contribution beyond pure technical design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful project execution in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, with a clear emphasis on pump station and treatment plant design.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to perform complex hydraulic calculations, select appropriate equipment, and develop detailed design documents.

• Provide examples of your project management approach, illustrating how you've managed project scope, schedule, and budget effectively.

• Showcase evidence of your client relationship management skills, potentially through testimonials or descriptions of successful client engagements and proposal wins. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to technical design processes, including workflow design for concept development, detailed engineering, and construction documentation phases.

• Illustrate your methods for quality assurance and control within design processes, highlighting how you ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.

• Present examples of how you've managed project coordination with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders, emphasizing communication protocols and issue resolution strategies.

• Document your experience in scoping and budgeting tasks for water infrastructure projects, demonstrating a systematic approach to resource allocation and cost estimation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's strategic approach to process optimization, quality control, and client engagement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the methodologies behind their design choices and project management strategies, demonstrating a deep understanding of operational efficiency in engineering design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $180,000 per year. This range is based on the provided information and represents a typical compensation structure for a Senior Water Design Manager in the Florida region, considering experience level, responsibilities, and industry benchmarks. Actual salaries will vary based on specific experience, education, internal equity, project scope, and location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.

• 401K retirement savings plan.

• Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance.

• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Paid Parental Leave to support new parents.

• Reward & Recognition Program to acknowledge outstanding contributions.

• Optional benefits including Wellbeing benefits, Adoption Assistance, and Tuition Reimbursement for continued professional development.

• Nine paid holidays annually.

• 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) that accrues per year. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work arrangement suggests flexibility, with potential for remote work days balanced with in-office collaboration and client meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed salary range is highly competitive for a Senior Water Design Manager role in Florida. The extensive benefits package reflects Arcadis' commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is a significant draw for experienced professionals seeking long-term career stability and comprehensive support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting, Design, and Project Management for Natural and Built Assets. Arcadis operates globally, focusing on sustainable solutions.

Company Size: Over 34,000 employees across more than 30 countries. This signifies a large, established organization with significant resources and a global reach.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, Arcadis has a long history and is a well-established leader in its field. Its current structure and global presence suggest a mature corporate culture that values innovation and sustainability.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Resilience Water Team," indicating a specialized group focused on water infrastructure and its resilience to environmental challenges.

• Likely involves collaboration with other engineering disciplines (civil, environmental, mechanical, electrical), project managers, and client representatives.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager (e.g., a Director or VP of Water Services) and potentially matrixed reporting for project-specific leadership. Methodology:

• Emphasis on delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions.

• Focus on solving complex challenges through collaboration and innovation ("power of many curious minds").

• Commitment to quality assurance and control in all project phases.

• Data-driven decision-making and performance measurement are implied through the nature of engineering consulting.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis' global presence and commitment to sustainability suggest a culture that values forward-thinking solutions and professional development. For operations roles, this often translates to a focus on process improvement, efficiency, and leveraging technology to achieve impactful results for clients and the environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Manager / Principal Engineer. This role represents a significant step in an engineering career, moving from primarily technical execution to leadership, client management, and business development.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a higher-level manager within the Water practice, likely a Director or Vice President. The candidate will also manage and mentor junior engineers and collaborate with Project Managers.

Operations Impact: The Senior Water Design Manager has a direct impact on client satisfaction, project profitability, and the successful delivery of critical infrastructure. Their technical leadership and client relationship skills directly influence Arcadis' reputation and market share in the water sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced pump station design, hydraulic modeling, or emerging water technologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to Director-level roles, managing larger teams, P&L responsibility, and broader strategic initiatives.

• Business Development: Develop into a key client account manager or lead pursuit manager for major water projects.

• Mentorship & Training: Become a recognized leader in mentoring and developing engineering talent within the firm.

• Geographic Expansion: Opportunity to lead projects or teams in other Arcadis regions or contribute to international initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Design Manager at a firm like Arcadis is typically one of increasing responsibility, strategic influence, and business development. The "10 or more years of experience" requirement, coupled with the desire for client relationship building and mentorship, clearly positions this as a leadership track role with significant growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of remote work flexibility and in-office presence for collaboration, client meetings, and team engagement.

Office Location(s): Plantation, Florida (150 S Pine Island Road, Suite 300). This specific location suggests a professional office environment conducive to client presentations and team collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment likely fosters collaboration among engineering disciplines.

• Access to necessary design software, modeling tools, and communication platforms is expected.

• Opportunities for in-person interaction with colleagues, project teams, and potentially clients.

• The hybrid model requires self-discipline and effective time management for both remote and in-office tasks. Work Schedule:

• Standard professional hours (approx. 40 hours/week).

• The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing for structured remote workdays and in-office days for collaborative activities.

• Occasional travel may be required for project site visits, client meetings, and team conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect for operations professionals, balancing the need for focused individual work (often done remotely) with the necessity of in-person collaboration and client interaction. This setup requires strong organizational skills and effective communication strategies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct initial screenings.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Hiring Manager to assess technical fit, experience alignment, and understanding of the role's core responsibilities. Expect questions about pump station design, project management, and client interaction.

• Technical/Team Interview: Interviews with senior team members or peers to evaluate technical depth, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the Water practice. This may include a case study or technical challenge.

• **Senior