Senior/Principal Design Manager for Design & Build - Water

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: London, United Kingdom (also considering Cambridge, Peterborough, Epsom)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Operations / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 10+ Years (Senior/Principal)

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

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary engineering teams in the delivery of complex, large-scale Design & Build (D&B) water infrastructure projects.

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

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

• Contribute significantly to business development, client relationship management, and strategic operational activities within the Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, influencing practice-wide initiatives and recommending process improvements for enhanced efficiency and service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The title "Senior/Principal Design Manager" and the emphasis on "Design & Build" projects in the Water market clearly indicate a role focused on operationalizing design processes within a project delivery framework. This involves not just technical design oversight but also significant project management, client interaction, and team leadership responsibilities, aligning it with a senior-level operations function within engineering.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and shape multi-disciplinary engineering teams in the technical design delivery of complex Design & Build (D&B) water infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with relevant national and project-specific design codes and standards.

• Manage the production, review, and approval of all technical deliverables, including design reports, drawings, calculations, and scopes of work, ensuring quality and adherence to project milestones and budgets.

• Contribute to business operational activities such as talent acquisition (hiring), line management of engineers, business development initiatives, and fostering strong client relationships.

• Provide essential technical leadership within the D&AT practice, influencing wider practice initiatives, and recommending best practices for internal process and service improvement.

• Grow, develop, and manage the Design Management capabilities within the regional and/or national practice, with a particular focus on D&B contract execution.

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

• Advise clients, operational teams, project managers, and wider D&AT practice initiatives on technical aspects and strategic direction.

• Lead or collaborate on the technical aspects of bid proposals, contributing to the company's business growth strategy.

• Inspire and lead a global, multi-disciplinary team to deliver integrated, innovative, and efficient design solutions for critical UK infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a blend of technical oversight, project execution, and strategic business contribution. The emphasis on "leading and shaping a team," "managing production, reviewing, and approving technical deliverables," and "contributing to business operational activities" highlights the operational management aspect of the role, requiring strong process control and team coordination skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

• Demonstrated ability and knowledge to lead across the full project lifecycle on large, complex projects.

• Expertise in managing technical aspects of Design & Build (D&B) contracts. Required Skills:

• Chartered Civil Engineer status.

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

• In-depth knowledge and broad 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, water utility standards) and industry best practices.

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

• Experience in the Water market and Design & Build (D&B) projects is essential. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in other market sectors beyond Water.

• Familiarity with NEC (New Engineering Contract) principles and application.

• Experience with other management software relevant to large-scale project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Chartered status and extensive experience in leading large-scale D&B projects signifies a senior operational role focused on process execution and risk mitigation. The blend of technical and management skills, along with specific regulatory knowledge (CDM, Eurocodes), points to a need for deep operational process understanding and adherence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in leading the end-to-end design process for complex multi-disciplinary projects, showcasing workflow management and cross-functional team coordination.

• Case studies or project examples detailing how you have managed design deliverables, budgets, and timelines to meet key project milestones.

• Evidence of implementing and enforcing quality control and risk assessment processes within engineering design projects.

• Examples of how you have successfully collaborated with contractors and other key disciplines (e.g., MEICA, structures, geotechnics) in a Design & Build context. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to developing and refining design processes, particularly for D&B contracts, highlighting efficiency gains and best practice implementation.

• Provide examples of how you have documented and managed technical deliverables, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance with relevant standards.

• Illustrate your methods for tracking project progress, managing changes, and reporting on design status to various stakeholders, demonstrating a proactive approach to process control.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior/Principal Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of design management principles. The focus should be on tangible evidence of process implementation, risk mitigation, quality assurance, and successful project delivery, particularly within the D&B framework. This section highlights the need for candidates to showcase their operational capabilities through concrete project examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Senior/Principal Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in the UK engineering sector, particularly in London and surrounding areas, a competitive salary range is estimated between £75,000 - £100,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority, specialist knowledge required (Water D&B), and the strategic importance of the role within AtkinsRéalis.

Benefits:

• Competitive salaries.

• Comprehensive employee rewards program.

• Significant opportunities for training and professional development to enhance skills and expertise.

• Hybrid working culture, offering a balance between office/site-based work and remote flexibility.

• Flexible holiday allowances to support a healthy work-life balance.

• Supportive family-friendly policies and inclusive employment policies.

• Access to a network of expert professionals and challenging, impactful projects. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, requiring 3 days per week to be office or site-based. This structure is designed to facilitate collaboration, team integration, and effective on-site project engagement while allowing for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for a Senior/Principal role in London is based on data from reputable UK engineering recruitment agencies and salary survey sites (e.g., Hays, Michael Page, Reed.co.uk) for similar positions. The upper end of the range reflects a Principal level with extensive D&B and Water market experience. Benefits are drawn directly from the provided text, highlighting aspects particularly attractive to senior professionals seeking work-life balance and career growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Infrastructure Development, Nuclear, Project Management. AtkinsRéalis operates within critical sectors that shape urban environments and energy systems, requiring rigorous operational standards and a forward-thinking approach.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (likely 10,000+ employees globally, based on typical scale of AtkinsRéalis). This size suggests robust processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career mobility.

Founded: The company has a long history, with Atkins founded in 1938 and the broader SNC-Lavalin Group (now AtkinsRéalis) having roots going back much further. This heritage implies a stable, established organization with deep expertise and a proven track record in delivering complex projects.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice, a specialized unit focused on cutting-edge engineering solutions.

• The Design Manager will lead a global, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, requiring strong cross-cultural and remote team management skills.

• Collaboration will be essential with project management teams, client representatives, and contractors, necessitating a networked approach to project execution. Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on client-side and construction-phase support, indicating a lifecycle approach to project delivery.

• Commitment to providing industry-leading solutions through collaboration and diverse perspectives.

• Application of rigorous engineering standards, including CDM Regulations, Eurocodes, and client-specific requirements.

• Focus on innovation and tackling complex client challenges through a combination of technical expertise and strategic problem-solving.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's background as a large, established global entity in critical infrastructure and engineering suggests a structured operational environment. The D&AT practice implies a focus on advanced methodologies and a culture that values technical excellence and innovation. The emphasis on collaboration and client-side support highlights the operational importance of seamless integration with project stakeholders.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior/Principal Design Manager. This level signifies a leadership role responsible for significant project portfolios, team management, and strategic contributions to the practice. It requires a high degree of autonomy, decision-making authority, and the ability to influence technical direction and operational processes.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director or Head of the D&AT Practice or a senior program manager overseeing multiple D&B projects. The Design Manager will, in turn, lead and manage a global team of engineers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical water infrastructure projects. Effective design management ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, to the required quality standards, and meet client objectives. This operational excellence contributes directly to AtkinsRéalis's reputation, client satisfaction, and profitability, as well as the company's mission to engineer a better future.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into higher leadership roles, such as Head of Design for a specific market sector, Program Director, or a senior executive position within AtkinsRéalis.

• Specialization & Technical Authority: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure or D&B delivery, becoming a recognized technical authority within the company and the industry.

• Business Development & Client Relations: Grow responsibilities in client management, strategic account development, and leading major bid proposals, influencing the company's strategic direction.

• Mentorship & Talent Development: Play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and developing the next generation of design leaders within the D&AT practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior/Principal designation implies a significant level of operational responsibility and strategic influence. Growth opportunities will likely involve expanding the scope of operational control, increasing strategic input into business development, and developing leadership capabilities within the engineering and project delivery functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model. This involves a mix of office-based work and potential site visits, balanced with remote flexibility. The office locations (London, Epsom, Peterborough, Cambridge) suggest modern, well-equipped facilities designed for collaboration and project work.

Office Location(s): London, Epsom, Peterborough, and Cambridge offices in the UK. These locations provide accessibility for a significant portion of the UK's water infrastructure projects and talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on team leadership suggest an environment that values face-to-face interaction for key discussions, problem-solving, and team cohesion, complemented by digital collaboration tools for dispersed teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with industry-standard design and management software (AutoCAD, CDE, MS Suite, Power BI) is expected, facilitating efficient workflow and data management.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact regularly with project managers, discipline leads, contractors, and client representatives, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).

• The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility, with a requirement of 3 days per week in the office or on-site. This schedule supports effective project execution, team collaboration, and individual work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with specific office-based days is a key aspect of the work environment. It implies a need for candidates to be comfortable with structured flexibility and to demonstrate an ability to maintain operational effectiveness and team engagement across different work settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter to assess alignment with core requirements, particularly Chartered status, D&B experience, and Water market expertise.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on technical leadership, design management methodologies, risk assessment, quality control, and experience with relevant codes and standards (CDM, Eurocodes). Expect scenario-based questions related to complex D&B challenges.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: Assessment of communication skills, leadership style, ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (global and local), and client/contractor engagement. This may involve meeting with potential team members or senior stakeholders.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the operational impact of your design management approach.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the Senior/Principal level.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase your experience in leading D&B water infrastructure projects. Highlight your role, responsibilities, and the scale/complexity of each project.

• Process Showcase: For each project, detail the design management processes you implemented, including how you managed workflows, coordinated disciplines, ensured quality, mitigated risks, and communicated with stakeholders.

• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, quantify the outcomes of your work. This could include on-time delivery, budget adherence, cost savings achieved through design optimization, or improvements in project efficiency.

• D&B Focus: Emphasize your experience specifically within Design & Build environments, detailing your interactions with contractors and how you managed the interface between design and construction.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, demonstrating your understanding of hydraulics, wastewater/clean water systems, and relevant engineering principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions that require you to outline how you would approach specific design management challenges, such as resolving conflicts between disciplines, managing scope creep, or addressing unforeseen site conditions in a D&B project.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you motivate teams, manage performance, and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, especially within a global, multi-disciplinary context.

• Business Acumen: Be ready to discuss your experience in business development, client management, and contributing to bid proposals, demonstrating an understanding of the commercial aspects of engineering projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior/Principal role will be rigorous, assessing not only technical competence but also leadership, strategic thinking, and operational execution capabilities. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to articulate their experience in terms of process, impact, and quantifiable results within the D&B water sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: AutoCAD (essential), potentially Revit, Civil 3D, or other BIM software for detailed design and visualization.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with CDE (Common Data Environment) platforms for document control and information sharing, as well as general collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: MS Excel (advanced), Power BI for creating dashboards and reports to visualize project progress, key performance indicators (KPIs), and design metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate comprehensive design reports, technical summaries, and status updates for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with client relationship management principles and potentially CRM systems used by AtkinsRéalis would be beneficial for business development aspects.

• Automation: An understanding of how to leverage technology for process automation within design workflows, though specific automation tools beyond design software are not highlighted.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD, CDE, MS Suite, and Power BI indicates a requirement for hands-on proficiency with these tools. The role's focus on design management implies a need to understand how these tools integrate to support efficient project delivery and data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional integration, and sharing diverse perspectives to achieve collective success. This is crucial for managing global, multi-disciplinary teams.

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to deliver industry-leading solutions, challenge the status quo, and find innovative approaches to complex engineering problems.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high standards of technical expertise, ethical conduct, and client service. This is fundamental in critical infrastructure sectors.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes, managing risks proactively, and driving tasks to completion with a results-oriented mindset.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Valuing the unique contributions of every individual and fostering an environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Teams: Working closely with project managers, discipline leads, clients, and contractors to ensure seamless project execution from design through to construction.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels to address challenges early, share progress, and ensure alignment across all project stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging a culture of learning and continuous improvement by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and the emphasis on collaboration highlight the importance of interpersonal skills and cultural fit for this role. A candidate's ability to integrate into a diverse, global team and contribute positively to the company's culture will be as important as their technical and operational expertise.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global, Multi-disciplinary Teams: Coordinating diverse teams across different time zones, cultures, and technical specializations to achieve unified project goals.

• Navigating Complex D&B Contracts: Ensuring successful delivery within the unique contractual framework of Design & Build projects, balancing design integrity with construction realities.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively managing the expectations and requirements of multiple stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, regulators, and contractors.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing unforeseen technical challenges that arise during the design and construction phases of large-scale water infrastructure projects.

• Driving Process Improvement: Continuously seeking and implementing enhancements to design workflows and operational processes to improve efficiency, quality, and reduce risk.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced D&B Contract Management: Deepen expertise in managing complex D&B contracts and associated risks.

• Emerging Technologies: Gain exposure to and potentially lead the adoption of new design technologies, digital tools, and advanced modeling techniques in water infrastructure.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participate in AtkinsRéalis's leadership training to hone strategic thinking, executive presence, and advanced management skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend leading industry events, present findings, and build professional networks within the water and infrastructure sectors.

• Mentorship: Benefit from mentorship from senior leaders within AtkinsRéalis and potentially mentor junior engineers, fostering personal and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges outlined are typical for senior roles in complex project environments. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding leadership capabilities, deepening technical specialization, and enhancing strategic business acumen, reflecting a clear career development path within AtkinsRéalis.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multi-disciplinary team on a complex D&B water project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful design delivery?" (Focus on leadership, process, and problem-solving).

• "How do you approach quality control and risk management in the context of a Design & Build contract for critical infrastructure? Provide specific examples." (Focus on operational processes and mitigation strategies).

• "Discuss your experience in managing stakeholder relationships, including clients and contractors, on large-scale projects. How do you ensure alignment and mitigate conflicts?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management).

• "How have you contributed to business development or client management in your previous roles? What strategies do you employ?" (Focus on commercial acumen and strategic contribution). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AtkinsRéalis and specifically our D&AT practice in the Water market?" (Research company mission, values, and recent projects).

• "How do you align with our company values of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity?" (Prepare examples demonstrating these traits).

• "Given our hybrid working model, how do you ensure effective team engagement and productivity?" (Discuss strategies for managing dispersed teams and fostering collaboration). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, and the tangible outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, risk reduction, successful delivery).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize the design management processes you utilized, demonstrating your understanding of workflow, quality assurance, and risk mitigation in a D&B context.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data wherever possible to showcase the effectiveness of your strategies and the value you delivered.

• D&B Specifics: Clearly articulate your contributions and challenges within the D&B framework, showcasing your understanding of its unique demands.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful projects concisely, focusing on key achievements and operational insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical knowledge but also operational leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to articulate past successes in a structured, impactful manner, particularly through the portfolio review.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior/Principal Design Manager position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your CV to highlight your extensive experience in Design & Build (D&B) water infrastructure projects, specifically mentioning your Chartered Civil Engineer status, leadership of multi-disciplinary teams, and expertise in hydraulics, wastewater, and clean water systems. Use keywords from the job description such as "design management," "technical leadership," "risk assessment," and "CDM Regulations."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects that showcase your ability to lead design delivery for complex D&B projects. Focus on demonstrating your process management, quality control, risk mitigation, and stakeholder collaboration skills. Be ready to discuss the operational impact and quantifiable results of your work.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your motivation for applying, your understanding of the role's demands, and how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of AtkinsRéalis and the Water D&B market. Highlight your leadership philosophy and your approach to fostering team collaboration.

• Research AtkinsRéalis: Familiarize yourself with the company's values, mission, recent projects (especially in the water sector), and the D&AT practice. Understand their approach to engineering and project delivery to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.