Senior/Principal Design Manager for Design & Build

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior/Principal Design Manager for Design & Build

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: London, United Kingdom (with options in Cambridge, Peterborough, Epsom)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Design Management (Water Sector)

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: Senior/Principal (10+ years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days office/site based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary engineering teams for complex Design & Build (D&B) projects within the critical UK water infrastructure sector.

• Drive the technical design delivery, ensuring adherence to national and project-specific codes, standards, and best practices, particularly in hydraulics, wastewater, and clean water systems.

• Oversee the production, review, and approval of all technical design deliverables, including reports, calculations, drawings, and scopes of work, managing time and budgets effectively.

• Contribute significantly to business operational activities, including strategic hiring, line management, business development initiatives, and fostering strong client relationships.

• Provide influential technical leadership within the Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) practice, championing best practices, process improvements, and the development of D&B capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior/Principal level, implying significant responsibility for strategic technical direction, team leadership, and business growth within the water sector's Design & Build domain. The emphasis on "leading and shaping" teams and "influencing D&AT Practice wide initiatives" points to a leadership role with a strong focus on both project delivery excellence and practice development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a global, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, fostering collaboration and driving the integrated design solutions for complex D&B projects.

• Ensure comprehensive technical design delivery for all project phases, adhering strictly to relevant national and project-specific design codes and standards relevant to hydraulics, wastewater, clean water infrastructure, water reuse, and pipelines.

• Manage the entire lifecycle of project design deliverables, including technical reports, calculations, drawings, and scopes of work, with accountability for their review and approval.

• Drive the successful management of project timelines and budgets, ensuring key project milestones and programmes are met efficiently.

• Act as a key technical leader within the regional and national D&AT practice, actively contributing to and recommending best practices for internal processes and services.

• Develop and grow the Design Management capabilities within the practice, with a specific focus on D&B contracts and delivery models.

• Exercise independent judgment to solve complex problems, providing guidance and mentorship to all team members, only requiring external guidance in the most challenging situations.

• Advise clients, operational teams, and project stakeholders on technical aspects, contributing to wider D&AT Practice initiatives and strategic decision-making.

• Lead or collaborate on the technical aspects of bid proposals, contributing to business development efforts and securing new projects.

• Champion innovative solutions, challenge the status quo, and set the technical direction for projects, demonstrating thought leadership in risk assessment, quality control, and proactive design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on project execution and practice development. The emphasis on leading a "global multi-disciplinary team" suggests a need for strong people management and cross-cultural communication skills, alongside robust technical and project management capabilities. The requirement to "influence D&AT Practice wide initiatives" indicates a strategic component to the role, pushing for innovation and efficiency improvements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience in leading large-scale engineering design delivery for a design consultancy, specifically within a multi-disciplinary environment.

• Demonstrated experience in business operational activities such as hiring, line management, and client engagement.

Required Skills:

• Chartered Civil Engineer status.

• Strong understanding of leading design management, with broad knowledge of technical disciplines including hydraulics, wastewater and clean water infrastructure, water reuse, and pipelines.

• Expertise in engineering, including thought leadership in risk assessment, quality control, proactive design management, and change management.

• Exemplary communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Expert knowledge of current design codes and standards (e.g., CDM Regulations, Eurocodes) and industry best practices, including water utility standards and NEC contract principles.

• Proficiency in applicable analytical software and management tools such as AutoCAD, CDEs, MS Suite, and Power BI.

• A proactive, agile, and highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to teamwork and shared success.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the Water market and Design & Build (D&B) is essential.

• Knowledge and experience in other related markets would be considered highly beneficial.

• Experience with MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control, and Automation), structures, and geotechnics disciplines within water infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Chartered Civil Engineer" requirement is a strong indicator of the expected technical depth and professional standing. The emphasis on "thought leadership" in areas like risk, quality, and change management suggests a need for strategic thinking beyond day-to-day project execution. The specific mention of CDM Regulations, Eurocodes, and NEC contracts points to a need for deep regulatory and contractual understanding in the UK context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in managing complex multi-disciplinary design processes from inception through to construction completion.

• Case studies showcasing successful delivery of Design & Build projects, highlighting your leadership in managing technical risks, quality assurance, and project timelines.

• Evidence of implementing process improvements that led to enhanced efficiency, cost savings, or improved project outcomes within engineering design.

• Examples of strategic stakeholder engagement and management, illustrating your ability to collaborate effectively with clients, contractors, and internal teams.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and present complex engineering design workflows, detailing phases, key decision points, and interdependencies between disciplines.

• Experience in developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for design review, approval, and change management processes.

• Showcase methodologies for tracking design progress against project baselines, identifying potential deviations, and implementing corrective actions.

• Examples of how you have used data and analytics (e.g., Power BI) to monitor design performance, identify bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement in engineering processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior/Principal Design Manager role, the portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate strategic thinking and impact. Candidates should be prepared to discuss not only what they delivered but how they managed the process, the challenges they overcame, and the measurable improvements they achieved. This includes showcasing their leadership in process optimization and their ability to integrate various technical disciplines within a D&B framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive salary reflecting your expertise and contribution.

• Comprehensive employee rewards and recognition programs.

• Extensive opportunities for training and professional development to foster career growth and skill enhancement.

• Hybrid working model, offering a balance between office/site presence and remote flexibility.

• Flexible holiday allowances to support work-life balance.

• Inclusive employment policies designed to support all employees.

• Access to employee resource groups for networking and support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with a requirement to be in the office or on-site for 3 days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar Senior/Principal Design Manager roles in the UK, particularly in London and the South East, focusing on the engineering and construction sectors. Factors considered include the specialization in water infrastructure, the Design & Build expertise, and the implied seniority of the role (10+ years of experience). The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are tailored to appeal to experienced professionals seeking growth and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AtkinsRéalis operates within the Engineering Services and Nuclear sectors, with a significant focus on infrastructure, energy, and transportation. This role specifically targets the Water market, a critical component of national infrastructure.

Company Size: AtkinsRéalis is a large, global organization, indicating a structured environment with extensive resources, diverse projects, and opportunities for international collaboration. This size offers stability and broad career pathways.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated in the provided text, AtkinsRéalis has a long-standing history in engineering, implying a culture built on expertise, innovation, and long-term project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice, specifically focusing on Design & Build (D&B) projects for the Water market.

• You will lead a "global multi-disciplinary team," suggesting a geographically dispersed team with diverse engineering specializations.

• Collaboration is a cornerstone, with emphasis on working closely with discipline leads, project management teams, clients, and contractors.

Methodology:

• The D&AT practice is committed to delivering "cutting-edge, iconic projects" and "industry-leading solutions."

• Emphasis is placed on client-side and construction-phase support throughout the project lifecycle.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the mention of tools like Power BI for performance monitoring and analytics.

• Collaboration and innovation are actively encouraged, with a drive to "tackle our clients’ toughest challenges" through diverse perspectives.

Company Website: https://careers.atkinsrealis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes innovation, global collaboration, and a strong commitment to tackling complex infrastructure challenges, particularly in the water sector. The "Design & Advanced Technology" practice suggests a forward-thinking approach to engineering solutions, leveraging technology and diverse expertise. The mention of "every voice matters" and fostering a "diverse and inclusive environment" indicates a company that values employee contributions and perspectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior/Principal Design Manager role, signifying a high level of technical expertise, leadership experience, and strategic responsibility. It's a key leadership position within the Design & Build framework for the water sector, requiring the ability to manage complex projects, lead teams, and contribute to business growth.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director or Head of Design & Advanced Technology within the Water sector or a broader infrastructure division. You will, in turn, manage and lead a team of engineers and potentially other design managers.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the successful delivery of critical UK infrastructure projects. By leading design and build initiatives, you will contribute to shaping cities and environments, ensuring the provision of essential services like clean water and wastewater management. Your leadership will affect project timelines, budgets, technical quality, client satisfaction, and the overall reputation of AtkinsRéalis in the water market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Deepen expertise in complex water infrastructure D&B projects, potentially leading larger, more strategic programs or developing specialized technical offerings within the D&AT practice.

• Mentorship & Practice Development: Transition into broader leadership roles, focusing on developing the next generation of design managers and engineers, shaping practice-wide strategies, and driving innovation in D&B methodologies.

• Business Development & Client Relationship Management: Play a more prominent role in securing new business, building strategic client partnerships, and contributing to the overall commercial success of the AtkinsRéalis Water sector.

• International Exposure: Leverage the global nature of AtkinsRéalis to gain experience on international projects or contribute to global best practice initiatives within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior/Principal" title suggests a clear path for career progression beyond this role, likely into director-level positions or broader divisional leadership. The emphasis on "leadership" and "business development" within the responsibilities indicates that growth opportunities will extend beyond technical management into strategic and commercial aspects of the business.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates within a hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week to be office or site-based. This suggests a blend of collaborative office environments and potentially dynamic site visits, depending on project needs. The offices in London, Epsom, Peterborough, and Cambridge provide modern, professional workspaces designed for collaboration and project delivery.

Office Location(s):

• London: A major hub, likely offering extensive client interaction and access to a large talent pool.

• Cambridge & Peterborough: Located in the East of England, these offices may serve clients in that region and contribute to national projects.

• Epsom: Situated in Surrey, south of London, this location provides a strategic base for projects in the South East.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace where interaction with multi-disciplinary teams, project managers, and clients is frequent. The hybrid model is designed to facilitate both focused individual work and essential in-person collaboration.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a range of professional tools and technologies, including CAD software (AutoCAD), Common Data Environments (CDEs), MS Office Suite, and potentially data analytics platforms like Power BI, will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with your direct reports, peers within the D&AT practice, and project stakeholders through scheduled meetings, workshops, and informal discussions.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours/week) is expected, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid working arrangement. This allows for efficient management of both project demands and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and site presence with the benefits of remote work. The choice of office locations across London and the South East/East of England provides flexibility for candidates and proximity to key client bases.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on your leadership experience, D&B project delivery in the water sector, and Chartered status.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth questions about your approach to design management, technical leadership, risk assessment, quality control, and your experience with specific water infrastructure challenges and technologies. You may be asked to discuss your experience with CDM Regulations and NEC contracts.

• Case Study Presentation/Discussion: You may be asked to present a prepared case study from your portfolio, detailing a complex D&B project you managed. Focus on your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.

• Team/Stakeholder Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues and senior leaders. This stage assesses your collaborative style, communication skills, and cultural fit within AtkinsRéalis's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive, focusing on strategic alignment, business development capabilities, and long-term vision for the D&AT practice.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful D&B projects in the water sector. Highlight your leadership role, the project's complexity, and the scale of the design challenge.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, present clear metrics on budget management, timeline adherence, risk mitigation success, quality improvements, and any innovations introduced. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.

• Showcase Process Mastery: Illustrate your understanding and application of design management processes, including risk assessment, quality assurance, change management, and stakeholder engagement. Detail how you've improved these processes.

• Demonstrate Technical Breadth: While focusing on water, show your ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and understand the interplay of hydraulics, structural, MEICA, and geotechnics.

• Prepare for D&B Specifics: Be ready to discuss your experience with D&B contracts, client-contractor collaboration, and managing design interfaces within a construction context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions like: "How would you manage a design conflict between hydraulics and structural teams on a tight deadline?" or "Describe a time you had to implement significant changes to a design mid-project."

• Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your vision for advancing D&B design management in the water sector, your thoughts on emerging technologies, and how you would contribute to business development.

• Leadership Style: Reflect on your leadership philosophy, how you motivate teams, and how you foster a collaborative and high-performing environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior/Principal role will be rigorous, focusing not just on technical skills but also on leadership, strategic thinking, and business acumen. A well-prepared, impactful portfolio is crucial for demonstrating your capabilities in managing complex D&B projects within the water sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Engineering Software: AutoCAD (essential for 2D/3D drafting), potentially BIM software (e.g., Revit, Civil 3D for advanced modeling, though not explicitly mentioned).

• Common Data Environments (CDEs): Experience with platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bentley ProjectWise, or similar for managing project documentation and collaboration.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for documentation, reporting, presentations, and communication.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools for scheduling, task management, and progress tracking (specifics not listed, but common in large firms).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Power BI: Specifically mentioned for analytics and reporting, indicating a need for skills in data visualization, dashboard creation, and deriving insights from project data.

• MS Excel: For detailed data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience interacting with or managing data within CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for business development and client management aspects.

• Automation Tools: While not explicitly detailed, an understanding of how automation can streamline design processes or reporting would be beneficial.

Other Management Software: General familiarity with various management software used in engineering and construction project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD, CDEs, MS Suite, and Power BI indicates the core technology stack. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and how they leverage these tools to enhance design processes, improve collaboration, and drive data-informed decision-making within D&B projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Delivery: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound engineering solutions that meet client needs and project objectives.

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of advanced technologies and methodologies to push the boundaries of infrastructure design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and individuals work together seamlessly across disciplines and geographies to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards, taking ownership of responsibilities, and ensuring transparency in all dealings.

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

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing the safety of personnel and the public, and integrating sustainable design principles into all projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively promoting and managing collaboration between various engineering disciplines (hydraulics, structural, MEICA, geotechnics), project management, and client teams.

• Open Communication: Encouraging a culture where feedback is openly shared, design challenges are discussed transparently, and solutions are co-created.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to drive continuous improvement.

• Proactive Engagement: A style that involves anticipating needs, identifying potential issues early, and proactively engaging stakeholders to ensure smooth project progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis's culture emphasizes a blend of technical rigor, collaborative spirit, and a forward-looking approach to engineering. The values align with delivering complex infrastructure projects, suggesting a strong emphasis on professionalism, teamwork, and client satisfaction. The "diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives" statement highlights a commitment to inclusivity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex D&B Projects: Navigating the inherent complexities of Design & Build contracts, including coordinating design with construction, managing scope changes, and ensuring seamless integration of various technical disciplines.

• Leading Global, Multi-Disciplinary Teams: Effectively managing and motivating a diverse team spread across different locations and time zones, ensuring consistent quality and communication.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the expectations of clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal stakeholders, often with competing priorities.

• Technical Innovation Adoption: Staying abreast of and integrating new technologies and methodologies (e.g., advanced modeling, digital twins, sustainable design practices) into existing D&B workflows.

• Business Development Contribution: Actively participating in and contributing to the growth of the D&AT practice within the water sector, requiring a blend of technical leadership and commercial awareness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced D&B Methodologies: Gaining deeper expertise in cutting-edge D&B project delivery strategies and contract management.

• Digital Engineering & Technology: Developing skills in emerging digital tools, AI, and data analytics for enhanced design and project management.

• Leadership & Strategic Management: Opportunities to develop advanced leadership, strategic planning, and business development skills through formal training and practical experience.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential for participation in industry-leading events and obtaining further professional certifications to enhance expertise.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders for guidance and career development support, as well as opportunities to mentor junior engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior leadership role in complex engineering projects, demanding strong technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards continued advancement within AtkinsRéalis, focusing on both technical depth and broader strategic leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Strategy: "How would you establish and maintain design rigor and quality assurance across a global, multi-disciplinary D&B project team?" Prepare to discuss your approach to design reviews, risk management frameworks, and quality control protocols.

• Team Leadership & Collaboration: "Describe a situation where you had to lead a diverse team through a significant technical challenge on a D&B project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" Focus on your methods for fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and motivating teams.

• Problem-Solving & Innovation: "Imagine a critical design element for a water treatment plant is found to be non-compliant with new environmental regulations midway through construction. How would you address this situation?" Prepare to outline your problem-solving process, stakeholder communication strategy, and innovative solution approaches.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Cultural Alignment: "What aspects of AtkinsRéalis's culture and values resonate most with you, and how do you see yourself contributing to them?" Research the company's stated values and be prepared to link your experience and approach to them.

• Team Dynamics: "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within your engineering teams, especially when working remotely?" Discuss your strategies for building trust, encouraging open communication, and leveraging diverse perspectives.

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success and impact of your design management efforts on project outcomes and client satisfaction?" Be ready to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how you use data (like from Power BI) to demonstrate value.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each portfolio example, craft a compelling story using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Clearly define the project's context, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Focus on D&B Specifics: Emphasize your experience with Design & Build contracts, your ability to manage design interfaces with construction, and how you navigated the unique challenges of this delivery model.

• Highlight Leadership & Process: Showcase your leadership in managing teams, driving processes (risk, quality, change), and implementing improvements that led to efficiency gains or cost savings.

• Data Visualization: If possible, use simple visuals or dashboards (mock-ups if necessary) to demonstrate how you've used data to inform decisions and report on progress. Be ready to explain your use of tools like Power BI.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present information clearly and concisely, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your experience. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about any part of your presented work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the Design & Build delivery model within the water infrastructure sector. The portfolio is a critical tool for illustrating these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior/Principal Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the AtkinsRéalis careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to explicitly highlight your experience in Design & Build projects within the water sector, your leadership in multi-disciplinary teams, and your qualifications as a Chartered Civil Engineer. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly showcases your 10+ years of relevant experience, focusing on keywords such as "Design Management," "Design & Build," "Water Infrastructure," "Chartered Civil Engineer," "Project Leadership," "Multi-disciplinary," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review typical interview questions for senior engineering management roles. Prepare detailed examples using the STAR method for behavioral questions and be ready to present a compelling case study from your portfolio, focusing on your leadership and process management skills.

• Company Research: Investigate AtkinsRéalis's recent projects in the water sector, their approach to sustainability and innovation, and their stated company values. Understand their client base and their position in the market to articulate your fit and potential contributions effectively.

⚠️ 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.