Water Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Water Design Manager

Company: AECOM

Location: Croydon, United Kingdom (with hybrid work options and potential for Cardiff, Wales)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Operations Management (Water Infrastructure)

Date Posted: January 14, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical execution and multi-disciplinary team management for critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects, aligning with AECOM's global mission to deliver sustainable solutions.

• Drive project lifecycle management from initial concept through to handover, ensuring the seamless integration of technical solutions and stakeholder alignment.

• Foster a collaborative environment by working closely with clients, partners, and internal teams to achieve buy-in and contribute to AECOM's innovative technical capabilities.

• Provide line management and mentorship to junior team members, guiding their development and contribution to project success.

• Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water infrastructure through creative, sustainable, and forward-thinking design and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within AECOM's Water Solutions team, focusing on the technical leadership and operational oversight of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The "Design Manager" title signifies a strong emphasis on managing the design process, team coordination, and ensuring technical excellence throughout the project lifecycle, aligning closely with GTM (Go-To-Market) operational strategies for project delivery. The hybrid work model and potential for additional team management responsibilities indicate a role with significant scope for career advancement and operational impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Project Execution: Lead the technical delivery of water and wastewater treatment projects, managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams (civil, mechanical, electrical, process) to deliver value-added solutions.

• Design Lifecycle Management: Oversee key project packages from feasibility and conceptual design through to outline and detailed design, ensuring alignment with client requirements and regulatory standards.

• Team Management & Mentorship: Perform line management duties, including the development, mentoring, and performance management of junior engineers and design staff, ensuring their effective contribution to projects.

• Stakeholder Collaboration & Engagement: Interface with AECOM teams, clients (including major water companies like Wessex Water, Thames Water, Welsh Water), and contractors to ensure seamless technical solutions and secure stakeholder buy-in.

• Operational Excellence & Innovation: Drive continuous improvement in design processes, promote innovative and sustainable solutions, and contribute to AECOM's wider technical capability and thought leadership in the water sector.

• Risk Management & Quality Assurance: Ensure designs meet quality standards, manage technical risks, and contribute to AECOM's commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities.

• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with water company clients and design and build contractors, understanding their needs and delivering exceptional service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are heavily weighted towards technical project management and team leadership within the water infrastructure sector. The emphasis on "driving technical delivery," "managing multi-disciplinary technical teams," and "overseeing key packages of work from conception to handover" clearly defines the operational scope. The mention of specific client names and project types (AMP8 treatment works upgrades) provides crucial context for understanding the operational challenges and opportunities within this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical/Process Engineering).

Experience:

• Proven experience in managing the technical delivery of water and wastewater engineering projects, with a strong understanding of treatment schemes and/or pipeline design.

• Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary design teams on complex engineering projects.

• Hands-on experience designing complex wastewater treatment solutions is a significant advantage.

• Relevant experience working within a water company, consultancy, or contractor environment.

Required Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of water and wastewater engineering principles, treatment processes, and pipeline design.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and resources effectively.

• Team Leadership & Development: Capacity to lead, motivate, mentor, and develop engineering teams.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective client and partner engagement.

• Design Lifecycle Proficiency: Experience across all stages of the design process, from feasibility through to detailed design.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address complex technical challenges.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in using project management and collaboration software relevant to engineering design.

Preferred Skills:

• Innovation & Sustainability: Ability to develop and implement innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.

• Asset Management: Understanding of asset management principles within the water sector.

• Digital Tools: Familiarity with digital design tools and technologies (e.g., BIM, advanced simulation software).

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of commercial aspects of consulting and construction projects.

• Health & Safety: Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations within the water industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering depth, project leadership, and client-facing skills. The requirement for Chartered status or progress towards it indicates a need for a professional with a strong foundational understanding and commitment to engineering best practices, crucial for operational integrity. "Multi-disciplinary knowledge" is key, highlighting the need for a manager who can orchestrate diverse engineering functions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully managed water and wastewater design projects, detailing your role, the team size, project complexity, and key outcomes.

• Technical Delivery Metrics: Present quantifiable achievements related to project delivery, such as adherence to schedule, budget performance, quality improvements, and innovation implementation.

• System Integration Examples: If applicable, demonstrate experience integrating different engineering disciplines and systems within a project to achieve a cohesive design.

• Client Collaboration Examples: Provide evidence of successful stakeholder engagement, client management, and problem resolution on past projects.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Highlight instances where you identified and implemented process improvements within design or project management workflows, leading to efficiency gains.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing and optimizing engineering design workflows, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance.

• Implementation & Automation: Demonstrate understanding of how to implement new design processes or leverage automation tools to enhance project delivery.

• Performance Measurement: Discuss methods for measuring the effectiveness of design processes and identifying areas for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize the candidate's ability to manage complex technical processes and teams. The focus is on demonstrating leadership in delivering engineering projects, rather than just individual technical contributions. Case studies should highlight strategic thinking, process management, and successful outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to training, professional development programs, and pathways for advancement within AECOM.

• Flexible Hybrid Working Model: Ability to balance office-based work with remote working, promoting work-life balance.

• Technical Practice Networks: Opportunities to connect with and learn from specialists across AECOM's global network.

• AECOM University: Access to a comprehensive learning platform for skill enhancement and knowledge acquisition.

• Volunteering Days: Paid time off to contribute to community and charitable initiatives.

• Pension Scheme: Competitive employer-matched pension contributions.

• Private Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Life Assurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Option to purchase bicycles and accessories tax-efficiently.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical UK market rates for a Design Manager with the specified experience level in the engineering and infrastructure sector. AECOM is a large, established firm, so a comprehensive benefits package is expected, including professional development and work-life balance initiatives.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM is a global leader in designing, building, and managing infrastructure for transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (AECOM has over 50,000 employees globally). This size offers significant opportunities for diverse project involvement, career mobility, and access to extensive resources and expertise.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, bringing a long history of engineering excellence and client trust.

Team Structure:

• Water Solutions Team: This role is part of AECOM's dedicated Water business, which comprises around 700 experts across the UK and Ireland.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Water business, such as a Director or Head of Design, and will manage a team of engineers and designers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with various engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, process), project managers, client representatives, and potentially construction teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes using data analysis to inform design, project execution, and operational improvements.

• Integrated Project Delivery: A focus on seamless coordination between different project phases and disciplines to ensure efficient and effective outcomes.

• Innovation and Sustainability Focus: Commitment to developing creative, sustainable solutions that address current and future infrastructure needs.

• Client Partnership: Working closely with clients as long-term partners to understand their challenges and deliver tailored solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is characterized by a global reach, a commitment to innovation and sustainability, and a focus on employee development. The Water Solutions team is a significant part of their operations, indicating a strong internal focus and investment in this sector. The hybrid work model reflects a modern approach to employee well-being and productivity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-to-senior level within the operations and engineering management track. It requires significant technical experience combined with leadership and project management capabilities. It's a step beyond individual contributor roles, focusing on leading teams and managing complex project streams.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a higher-level manager within the Water business unit (e.g., a Director of Water or a Senior Engineering Manager). They will directly manage a team of engineers and designers, providing guidance and oversight.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on AECOM's ability to successfully win and deliver major water infrastructure projects. Effective technical leadership and design management are crucial for client satisfaction, project profitability, and maintaining AECOM's reputation as a trusted infrastructure consultant. The role contributes to AECOM's broader goal of "delivering a better world" by ensuring the design and implementation of essential water and wastewater systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Manager/Technical Director: Progression to managing larger, more complex projects or multiple projects simultaneously, with greater strategic input.

• Project Director/Program Manager: Transitioning to overall responsibility for larger infrastructure programs, including commercial and contractual aspects.

• Operations Management: Moving into broader operational leadership roles within the Water business, focusing on team development, business growth, and operational strategy.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of water engineering (e.g., advanced treatment technologies, digital water solutions).

• Line Management Leadership: Taking on roles with increased responsibility for managing and developing engineering teams, contributing to talent strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at a firm like AECOM is well-defined, moving from technical leadership to broader project and operational management. The potential for additional team responsibilities mentioned in the job description further highlights opportunities for developing leadership and operational management skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, combining office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility. AECOM offices are typically modern, professional environments designed to support collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in England & Wales offices, with specific mention of Croydon (primary) and potential for Cardiff. This offers geographical flexibility for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices will likely feature meeting rooms, project areas, and open-plan workspaces conducive to team discussions and design reviews.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to AECOM's IT infrastructure, including design software, communication tools, and secure network access.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with design teams, project managers, and other engineering specialists, fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

• Flexibility: The hybrid model allows individuals to structure their week to optimize productivity, whether through focused remote work or collaborative office sessions.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with flexibility. The hybrid model allows for adaptation of daily schedules to accommodate personal needs and project demands, provided operational requirements and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature, suggesting a company culture that trusts its employees and emphasizes work-life balance. This flexibility is common in engineering and consulting firms, allowing for efficient project execution while supporting employee well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Typically with Jay Hewitt, focusing on your technical experience, leadership style, project management approach, and understanding of water infrastructure projects.

• Technical/Design Challenge: You might be asked to present a case study of a past project, discuss a hypothetical design scenario, or answer technical questions related to water/wastewater engineering and design management.

• Team/Panel Interview: Meeting with other members of the Water Solutions team or senior leadership to assess cultural fit, collaborative abilities, and broader strategic thinking.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussions regarding compensation, benefits, and terms of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best demonstrate your experience in managing multi-disciplinary design teams, delivering complex water/wastewater projects, and achieving positive outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the project's objectives, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, technical innovation, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your leadership approach, how you motivated teams, managed resources, and facilitated collaboration.

• Process Focus: Be prepared to discuss the design processes you followed, any improvements you introduced, and how you ensured quality and compliance.

• Tailor to AECOM: Understand AECOM's values (e.g., sustainability, innovation) and try to weave these into your presentation where relevant.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Depth: Refresh your knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, pipeline design principles, and relevant engineering standards.

• Management Scenarios: Prepare for questions about team motivation, conflict resolution, stakeholder management, and risk assessment.

• Problem-Solving Framework: Practice articulating your thought process when approaching a technical or operational problem. Use a structured approach (e.g., define problem, analyze causes, propose solutions, evaluate options, implement).

• AECOM Research: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects, their approach to sustainability, and their company values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on assessing both technical competence and leadership potential. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for visually demonstrating your project management and design leadership capabilities in a tangible way.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Civil 3D (essential for infrastructure design).

• BIM Software: Revit, Navisworks (increasingly important for integrated design and visualization).

• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com (for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress).

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint (for team communication and document sharing).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel (advanced functions), potentially Power BI or Tableau for dashboard creation and performance monitoring.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate technical reports, progress updates, and project summaries.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Client Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles for client tracking and engagement is beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Familiarity with any tools used for automating design tasks, report generation, or workflow management within the engineering process.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different software platforms integrate to streamline workflows (e.g., CAD to BIM, PM software to financial systems).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in standard engineering design software (CAD/BIM) and project management tools is expected. The ability to leverage data for reporting and analysis, and to understand system integrations, will be valuable for managing complex projects efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and projects.

• Pioneering Mindset: Embracing innovation, seeking new solutions, and challenging the status quo in engineering design and project delivery.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

• Sustainability: Commitment to delivering environmentally responsible and sustainable infrastructure solutions that benefit future generations.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong partnerships, and delivering exceptional value.

• Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork, open communication, and knowledge sharing across disciplines and geographies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with engineers from different disciplines, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to project design and delivery.

• Open Communication: Encouraging candid feedback, constructive debate, and transparent information sharing within the team and with clients.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in technical practice networks and sharing best practices to elevate the collective expertise of the Water business.

• Proactive Problem Solving: Addressing challenges collaboratively and seeking solutions that benefit the project and the client.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's emphasis on "delivering a better world" and "equity, diversity, and inclusion" suggests a culture that values both technical excellence and social responsibility. The collaborative style is essential for managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects successfully.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Teams: Effectively leading engineers with different specializations, experience levels, and working styles to achieve cohesive project outcomes.

• Complex Project Demands: Navigating the technical intricacies and client expectations of large-scale water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Integrating cutting-edge design approaches and sustainable solutions while ensuring cost-effectiveness and constructability.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Securing buy-in and managing expectations across multiple stakeholders with potentially competing interests.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of advancements in design software, digital tools, and sustainable technologies within the water sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses in water treatment technologies, hydraulic modeling, or specific design software.

• Leadership & Management Programs: Development opportunities through AECOM University and internal training focused on project management, team leadership, and strategic thinking.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in conferences, workshops, and professional institution events to stay current with industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within AECOM and to mentor junior staff, fostering a continuous learning environment.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working on projects that involve diverse engineering disciplines, broadening your understanding of integrated infrastructure solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior management role in a complex engineering environment. The growth opportunities highlight AECOM's commitment to employee development, providing clear pathways for skill enhancement and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the design lifecycle for a major water treatment plant upgrade. How would you ensure technical excellence and timely delivery?" (Focus on process, team roles, risk management).

• Leadership & Team Management: "How do you motivate a multi-disciplinary engineering team, especially when facing tight deadlines or technical challenges? Provide an example." (Highlight your leadership style, conflict resolution, and team-building strategies).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a key design element for a wastewater project is found to be non-compliant with new environmental regulations mid-project. How would you address this?" (Demonstrate your analytical skills, decision-making process, and ability to manage change).

Company & Culture Questions:

• AECOM Alignment: "What interests you about AECOM's mission to 'deliver a better world,' and how do you see your role contributing to that?" (Show you've researched their values and can connect them to your work).

• Team Dynamics: "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within your design teams, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Discuss your approach to communication, team building, and EDI).

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts and the overall impact of your projects on clients and the environment?" (Prepare to discuss KPIs, project outcomes, and sustainability metrics).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives: the challenge, your solution (emphasizing leadership and process), and the positive outcome.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, charts, and visuals to illustrate project scope, design elements, and performance metrics.

• Quantify Achievements: Be ready to present specific numbers and data to support your claims about efficiency, cost savings, or performance improvements.

• Process Walkthrough: Clearly explain the design processes you employed, highlighting any innovative or efficient methodologies.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your experience through the lens of leadership, process management, and impact. Demonstrating an understanding of AECOM's values and operational approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Water Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key water/wastewater design projects. Highlight your leadership role, team management, technical challenges overcome, and successful project outcomes, using quantifiable metrics where possible.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to emphasize your experience in technical project leadership, multi-disciplinary team management, and water/wastewater infrastructure design. Use keywords from the job description such as "water engineering," "wastewater treatment," "design management," "stakeholder engagement," and "technical delivery."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your design methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and leadership philosophy.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's Water business, recent projects, and their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Understand their client base (e.g., Wessex Water, Thames Water) and the types of projects they undertake.

⚠️ 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.

---