Senior/Principal Design Manager for Design & Build

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: Bristol, United Kingdom (with flexibility for Exeter, Swansea, Birmingham)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Water Infrastructure)

Date Posted: May 26, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

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

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and shape multi-disciplinary engineering teams to deliver complex Design & Build (D&B) projects within the UK water market.

• Drive technical design excellence, manage project deliverables, timelines, and budgets, ensuring adherence to national and project-specific standards.

• Provide technical leadership, influence practice-wide initiatives, and contribute to business development, client management, and hiring processes.

• Oversee the production, review, and approval of critical technical documentation, including design reports, calculations, and scopes of work.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive global team environment, driving integrated design solutions and continuous improvement in operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as Senior/Principal, indicating a high level of autonomy and responsibility. The focus on Design & Build (D&B) projects within the Water market, coupled with responsibilities like hiring and business development, suggests a strategic and impactful position requiring strong leadership and commercial acumen. The mention of leading global multi-disciplinary teams highlights the need for exceptional communication and coordination skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multi-disciplinary engineering teams in the technical design delivery of complex D&B projects, adhering to relevant national and project-specific design codes and standards.

• Contribute significantly to business operations, including talent acquisition (hiring), performance management (line management), strategic business development, and robust client relationship management.

• Drive the development and execution of project design deliverables across all facets of complex, multi-disciplinary D&B projects, collaborating closely with project management to ensure successful delivery against key milestones and program timelines.

• Take accountability for the full lifecycle of technical deliverables, including their production, thorough review, and formal approval, encompassing design reports, detailed calculations, and comprehensive scopes of work.

• Serve as a key Technical Leader within the regional and national Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) practice, actively influencing practice-wide initiatives and recommending best practices to enhance internal processes and service offerings.

• Cultivate and manage the Design Management capabilities within the regional and/or national practice, with a specific emphasis on D&B contract frameworks.

• Operate with a high degree of independence, requiring guidance only in the most complex scenarios, utilizing sound judgment to resolve challenging problems and providing mentorship to all team members.

• Provide expert advice on technical aspects of client, operational, project, or service activities, both within project teams and broader D&AT Practice initiatives.

• Lead or significantly contribute to the technical aspects of bid proposals, ensuring compelling and accurate project solutions are presented.

• Inspire and guide a global, multi-disciplinary team to achieve integrated and innovative design solutions for critical infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate leadership in both project delivery and practice development. The emphasis on D&B contracts and client/contractor collaboration, along with business development, points to a role that bridges technical expertise with commercial and operational management. The requirement to lead global teams implies a need for cross-cultural communication and remote team management proficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Water Engineering or an equivalent relevant engineering discipline. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering design, with a substantial focus on leading design management for complex, multi-disciplinary projects, particularly within a consultancy environment.

• Proven track record in leading large-scale engineering design delivery and managing project lifecycles on complex projects.

• Essential experience in the Water market and specific expertise in Design & Build (D&B) project delivery. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage the design process for complex, multi-disciplinary D&B projects from inception to completion.

• Civil Water Engineering Expertise: Strong technical foundation in hydraulics, wastewater, clean water infrastructure, water reuse, and pipeline systems.

• D&B Project Delivery: In-depth understanding and practical experience with the nuances of Design & Build contract models and project execution.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to provide clear technical direction, mentor teams, and drive innovative solutions.

• Risk & Quality Management: Proficient in risk assessment, quality control procedures, proactive design management, and change management within engineering projects.

• Regulatory Compliance: Expert knowledge of current design codes and standards, including CDM Regulations, Eurocodes, and relevant water utility standards.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Exemplary communication skills for effectively conveying complex technical concepts to diverse internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify innovative solutions and tackle challenging engineering problems independently.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Civil Engineer: Professional chartered status is highly desirable.

• MEICA, Structures, Geotechnics Knowledge: Broad understanding of related disciplines involved in water infrastructure design and delivery.

• NEC Contract Experience: Familiarity and experience with NEC (New Engineering Contract) forms of contract.

• Business Development: Experience in contributing to technical aspects of bid proposals and client management.

• Line Management: Experience in hiring, leading, and managing engineering teams.

• International Market Experience: Knowledge or experience in markets beyond the UK water sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Chartered Engineer status, while preferred, underscores the high level of technical authority expected. The inclusion of knowledge in MEICA, Structures, and Geotechnics, alongside CDM and NEC contracts, highlights the need for a holistic understanding of the infrastructure project ecosystem. Proficiency in specific software tools is also a critical differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Delivery Case Studies: Showcase successful management of complex multi-disciplinary D&B projects, detailing project scope, challenges, your role, and outcomes.

• Process Optimization Examples: Provide evidence of implementing improvements in design workflows, quality control, risk management, or change management processes.

• System Implementation & Integration: Demonstrate experience with integrating various design tools and managing data flow within D&B projects.

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Include examples of successful engagement with clients, contractors, and internal teams, highlighting communication strategies and conflict resolution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Document examples of designing or optimizing engineering design workflows for D&B projects, focusing on efficiency and clarity.

• Implementation & Automation: Illustrate how you have implemented new processes or leveraged technology to automate or streamline design tasks.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Present how you have tracked design performance, managed budgets, and analyzed project milestones for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role will need to demonstrate not just technical design capability but, more importantly, the ability to manage the entire design process within a D&B context. This includes showcasing leadership in complex project environments, effective stakeholder communication, and a systematic approach to process improvement and risk mitigation. Quantifiable achievements and ROI will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the Senior/Principal Design Manager title, 10+ years of experience, and the critical nature of the role within a major engineering firm like AtkinsRéalis, a competitive salary is expected. For the UK, this would typically range from £70,000 to £95,000 per annum, depending on the specific candidate's experience, qualifications (e.g., Chartered status), and the exact scope of responsibilities within the Bristol, Exeter, Swansea, or Birmingham offices.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salaries: As outlined in the range above.

• Employee Rewards: A comprehensive scheme designed to recognize and reward employee contributions.

• Training And Professional Development: Extensive opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career progression, including support for professional qualifications.

• Hybrid Working: A flexible arrangement allowing for a balance between office/site-based work and remote working, with a requirement of 3 days per week in the office/on-site.

• Flexible Holiday Allowances: Generous holiday entitlement that can be managed to suit personal needs.

• Pension Scheme: A robust company pension scheme to support long-term financial planning.

• Health & Wellbeing Programs: Access to resources and initiatives focused on employee health, mental wellbeing, and lifestyle choices.

• Family Friendly Policies: Inclusive employment policies designed to support employees with family responsibilities.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid working model offers flexibility in managing these hours, with the expectation of 3 days per week being office or site-based.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in the UK, considering the specified locations and the seniority of the position. The benefits package is derived directly from the provided text and reflects typical offerings for a company of AtkinsRéalis's size and sector, with particular emphasis on professional development and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services & Nuclear (with a strong focus on Water Infrastructure). AtkinsRéalis operates globally, providing a broad spectrum of engineering and consulting services. Within the D&AT Practice, the focus is on advanced technology and design, particularly serving critical sectors like Water.

Company Size: AtkinsRéalis is a large, global organization, employing thousands of individuals worldwide. This scale offers extensive resources, diverse project opportunities, and a wide network for professional development. For operations professionals, this means potential for specialization, cross-functional collaboration, and exposure to large-scale, complex projects.

Founded: AtkinsRéalis was formed from the merger of SNC-Lavalin and WS Atkins PLC, bringing together a rich history of engineering excellence. This legacy implies a culture grounded in technical expertise, innovation, and a long-term commitment to client success and societal impact.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The role sits within the Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice, specifically focusing on Design & Build (D&B) projects within the Water market. This implies a team composed of various engineering disciplines (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Controls, Automation, Geotechnical, Structural) working collaboratively.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior/Principal Design Manager will likely report to a Practice Director or a senior leader within the D&AT business unit, with direct line management responsibility for a team of engineers and design professionals.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with Project Managers, Commercial Teams, construction partners, clients (e.g., Wessex Water, Welsh Water, Severn Trent Water), and other AtkinsRéalis business units.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasizing data-driven decision-making for design optimization, risk assessment, and performance monitoring. Tools like Power BI suggest a focus on visual analytics.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A core aspect of the role involves strategically planning and refining design workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness in D&B projects.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging technology and best practices to automate repetitive tasks, streamline processes, and improve overall project delivery speed and accuracy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's global presence and its merger history suggest a culture that values both established engineering principles and forward-thinking innovation. The specific mention of the Water market and D&B projects provides crucial context for understanding the operational challenges and strategic priorities of the team. The emphasis on collaboration and diverse perspectives is key to success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior/Principal level, signifying a high degree of autonomy, responsibility, and expertise. It demands a leader capable of managing complex D&B projects, providing technical direction, and contributing to the strategic growth of the D&AT practice. The role likely involves managing significant budgets, project scope, and potentially P&L responsibility for design delivery.

Reporting Structure: The Senior/Principal Design Manager will likely report to a senior leadership position within the D&AT Practice (e.g., a Director or Head of Discipline). They will have direct line management responsibilities for a team of engineers and design professionals, potentially including junior design managers.

Operations Impact: The operations impact is substantial, directly influencing the successful delivery of critical UK infrastructure projects for the water sector. This involves ensuring designs are technically sound, cost-effective, delivered on time, and meet stringent quality and safety standards. Effective design management directly contributes to project profitability, client satisfaction, and AtkinsRéalis's reputation in the market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in D&B project management, advanced water engineering techniques, and risk management. Potential to lead larger, more complex, or international projects.

• Leadership Development: Progression to higher leadership roles within the D&AT Practice, such as Practice Director, Head of Water Design, or broader operational leadership positions. This may involve increased strategic planning, business development, and people management responsibilities.

• Specialization & Innovation: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert (SME) in specific areas of water infrastructure or D&B methodologies, potentially leading innovation initiatives and contributing to industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior/Principal designation indicates a clear path towards senior leadership. Growth opportunities are likely to involve managing larger teams, broader project portfolios, and contributing more heavily to the strategic direction of the D&AT practice and AtkinsRéalis's Water business. Candidates should expect to demonstrate leadership potential beyond technical delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a hybrid model, requiring 3 days per week in office or on-site. AtkinsRéalis offices (Bristol, Birmingham, Exeter, Swansea) are typically modern, professional environments designed to foster collaboration and productivity. They are likely equipped with advanced IT infrastructure and collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): Primary locations are Bristol, Exeter, Swansea, and Birmingham. This offers geographical flexibility for candidates within these regions. The specific office chosen would depend on team distribution and project needs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Offices are designed to facilitate teamwork, with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan spaces encouraging interaction among multidisciplinary teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance computing, advanced design software (e.g., AutoCAD, relevant hydraulic modeling tools, CDE platforms), and communication platforms (e.g., MS Suite, Power BI) is standard.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues, project teams, and potentially clients, fostering strong working relationships and efficient problem-solving. The hybrid model balances the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, managed within a hybrid framework. This allows for flexibility in scheduling, accommodating personal needs while ensuring project delivery requirements are met. The nature of D&B projects may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with 3 days in office/site is a key aspect. Candidates should be prepared for a mix of collaborative in-person work and independent remote work. The emphasis on integrated design solutions suggests a highly collaborative physical and virtual workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit CV and a cover letter detailing motivation and alignment with role requirements.

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition reviews applications for core qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on technical expertise, D&B experience, leadership capabilities, and understanding of the Water market. Expect behavioral questions related to past projects and challenges.

• Technical/Panel Interview: May involve a panel of senior engineers and project managers to assess in-depth technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and approach to design management. This could include a presentation or case study.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating their approach to a complex D&B design challenge, risk mitigation, and stakeholder management.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to assess strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 impactful projects that best showcase your D&B design management expertise in the Water sector.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: Project Background & Objectives, Your Specific Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges (Technical, Commercial, Stakeholder), Design Management Approach & Solutions Implemented, Technical Deliverables Managed, Outcomes & Results (quantify where possible – e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements), Lessons Learned.

• Highlight D&B Nuances: Emphasize how you managed interfaces between design and construction, coordinated with contractors, and controlled scope and cost within a D&B framework.

• Demonstrate Technical Leadership: Showcase instances where you provided technical direction, resolved complex issues, and mentored your team.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the value you brought to projects (e.g., percentage reduction in design changes, adherence to budget, schedule performance).

Challenge Preparation:

• D&B Scenario: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to managing design risks, resolving conflicts between design and construction, or meeting tight project deadlines in a D&B context.

• Technical Deep Dive: Review key concepts in hydraulics, wastewater/clean water processes, CDM regulations, and Eurocodes.

• Leadership & Management: Prepare examples demonstrating your ability to lead diverse teams, manage performance, and drive collaboration. Focus on situations where you influenced positive outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience and demonstrable leadership within D&B water projects. A well-prepared, targeted portfolio is crucial for success, serving as the primary evidence of capabilities. Expect questions that probe problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD is explicitly mentioned. Experience with other relevant 3D modeling or BIM (Building Information Modeling) software (e.g., Revit, Civil 3D) would be highly beneficial.

• Design Management Platforms: Familiarity with Common Data Environments (CDEs) for document control, collaboration, and information management within projects.

• MS Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for documentation, analysis, and communication.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools used for project planning, scheduling, and tracking (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6) is likely valuable.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Power BI: Explicitly mentioned as a tool for data visualization and reporting, indicating a need for creating dashboards and analyzing project performance data.

• Excel: Essential for data manipulation, financial modeling, and detailed analysis.

• Data Analysis Tools: General experience with analytical tools for evaluating design performance, risk, and cost.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with CRM systems for client management and business development tracking could be advantageous.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how to leverage technology to automate design processes, document control, or reporting tasks.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different software tools can be integrated to improve data flow and efficiency across the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD and Power BI highlights key technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these and related industry-standard software for engineering design, project management, and data analytics in the context of large infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Innovation: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, technically sound designs and continuously seeking innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A core value, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work cohesively towards shared goals. This is crucial for D&B projects.

• Client Focus & Partnership: Commitment to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong, long-term relationships based on trust and delivering exceptional value.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing health, safety, and environmental responsibility in all design and project execution activities, aligning with AtkinsRéalis's broader commitment to a better future.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, accountability, and professional practice in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design Approach: Encouraging seamless collaboration between all engineering disciplines, project management, and construction teams from the outset of a project.

• Open Communication: Promoting transparency and open dialogue, where feedback is welcomed, and challenges are addressed proactively and collaboratively.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are regularly shared across teams and projects to drive continuous improvement.

• Proactive Problem Solving: A style that emphasizes anticipating potential issues and working collaboratively to find effective solutions before they impact project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to strongly value collaboration, innovation, and a client-centric approach, particularly within the context of complex infrastructure projects. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex D&B Interfaces: Effectively coordinating and managing the intricate interfaces between design teams, construction activities, and client requirements in a D&B environment.

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Project Constraints: Ensuring designs are technically robust and compliant while meeting stringent project deadlines and budget limitations.

• Leading Diverse & Geographically Dispersed Teams: Inspiring and guiding multi-disciplinary teams, potentially across different time zones and cultural backgrounds, to achieve unified project goals.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies & Regulations: Staying abreast of new design tools, methodologies, and regulatory changes (e.g., CDM updates, environmental standards) to maintain best-in-class design delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in specialized areas of water engineering, advanced D&B methodologies, contract management (e.g., NEC), and project risk analysis.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events, workshops, and pursuing professional certifications to enhance knowledge and network.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Access to mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives designed to cultivate future leaders within AtkinsRéalis, potentially including executive coaching or formal management training.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle significant challenges in large-scale infrastructure projects, which in turn offer substantial growth potential. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to navigating the complexities of the D&B water sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• D&B Project Oversight: "Describe a complex D&B water infrastructure project you managed. What were the key design challenges, how did you ensure integration between design and construction, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on your process, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.)

• Technical Leadership & Team Management: "How do you foster a culture of technical excellence and collaboration within a multi-disciplinary design team, especially when working remotely or across different locations?" (Provide examples of mentoring, conflict resolution, and driving team performance.)

• Process Improvement in Design: "Can you provide an example of an initiative you led to improve a design process or workflow within a D&B project? What was the impact on efficiency, quality, or cost?" (Quantify results and explain your methodology.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with AtkinsRéalis Values: "How do your personal values and professional approach align with AtkinsRéalis's commitment to safety, sustainability, and client partnership?" (Research their values thoroughly and prepare specific examples.)

• Collaboration Style: "Describe your experience working with contractors and clients in a D&B setting. How do you ensure effective communication and manage differing priorities?" (Highlight your ability to build rapport and achieve consensus.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts beyond project completion? What KPIs do you typically track?" (Focus on metrics related to design quality, constructability, cost control, and client satisfaction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives. Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, charts, photos if appropriate) to illustrate complex concepts and project scope. Avoid overly technical jargon unless explaining a specific point.

• Focus on D&B Nuances: Explicitly call out how your D&B experience differentiated your approach from traditional design-only roles. Highlight coordination with construction.

• Quantifiable Results: Emphasize metrics and data to prove the value you delivered. Be ready to explain how you achieved these results.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled specific challenges, and your leadership style.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical, hands-on experience in D&B water projects, strong leadership, and a strategic approach to design management. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, justify their decisions, and quantify their achievements using concrete examples.

📌 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 highlight your most relevant D&B water sector experience, leadership achievements, and technical expertise. Select case studies for your portfolio that best demonstrate your capabilities in managing complex projects, stakeholder engagement, and process optimization.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, specific D&B project responsibilities, technical skills (including software proficiency), and leadership accomplishments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling, quantifiable results, and demonstrating your D&B expertise. Research AtkinsRéalis's water projects and their approach to D&B.

• Company Research: Understand AtkinsRéalis's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly within the UK water sector. Familiarize yourself with their approach to sustainability, innovation, and client partnerships. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.

⚠️ 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.