Water Design Manager

The Design Project; Croydon; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Water Design Manager in Croydon, England. Responsibilities include leading technical project execution, managing key work packages, and fostering client relationships. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, extensive experience in water and wastewater projects, and strong leadership skills. This role offers a hybrid working model with competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Flexible Hybrid Working Model

Paid volunteering days

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing technical delivery of water and wastewater engineering projects.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Hands-on design experience with complex wastewater treatment solutions is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Drive the technical execution of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Manage key work packages from concept to final handover.
• Foster strong working relationships with clients and partners.

Skills

Project Management

Team Leadership & Mentoring

Technical Expertise (Water/Wastewater)

Stakeholder Engagement

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering discipline

Job description

Job Title: Water Design Manager
Company: AECOM
Location: Croydon, England, United podrá (potential for Exeter, England)
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering / Infrastructure Design Operations
Date Posted: January 14, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5‑10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Project Leadership: Drive the technical execution of water and wastewater infrastructure and treatment projects, managing diverse technical teams to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions throughout the entire design lifecycle.
• Project Oversight and Delivery: Manage key work packages from initial concept and feasibility studies through to final handover, ensuring effective interface management between AECOM internal teams, external clients, and suppliers toşt create cohesive technical outcomes.
• Client and Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships with clients and AECOM partners to ensure robust stakeholder engagement and buy‑in for proposed solutions, while actively contributing to AECOM's collective technical expertise and innovative methodologies.
• Team Development and Mentorship: Undertake line management responsibilities, supporting the professional growth and project contributions of junior engineers and designers through effective mentoring and performance management.
• Quality and Process Assurance: Uphold AECOM's rigorous quality standards and operational processes, ensuring all project deliverables meet client expectations and regulatory requirements, while driving continuous improvement in design methodologies.
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• Risk Management and Mitigation: Proactively identify, assess, and manage project risks and opportunities, developing and implementing effective ভয়
• Business Development Support: Contribute to proposals, bids, and client presentations, leveraging technical expertise and project experience to support AECOM's business development efforts within the water sector.

Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, 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 in leading multi‑disciplinary design teams effectively.
• Hands‑on design experience with complex wastewater treatment solutions is highly desirable.
• Experience working within a similar role for a water company, consultancy, or contractor.
• Experience in conducting feasibility studies, options appraisals, concept design, and outline/detailed design for water company clients and design‑and‑build contractors.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proficient in managing project lifecycles, scope, budget, and timelines for complex engineering projects.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop multi‑disciplinary engineering teams, including mentoring junior staff.
• Technical Expertise (Water/Wastewater): In‑depth knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, infrastructure design, and relevant engineering principles.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with clients, internal teams, and external partners.
• Problem‑Solving: Analytical and critical thinkingехнологии skills to identify and resolve complex technical and project‑related challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered/Incorporated Engineer: Chartered or Incorporated status with a relevant professional institution (e.g., ICE, CIWEM) or actively working towards it.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Ability to drive innovative and sustainable design solutions aligned with environmental best practices.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of commercial aspects of projects, including proposal development and client relationship management.
• Digital Tools Proficiency: Familiarity with relevant design and project management software and digital delivery tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range competitive for experienced Design Managers in the UK water sector, subject to regional variations and final negotiation.
• Career development opportunities, including training, professional development programs, and clear pathways for advancement within AECOM.
• Flexible Hybrid Working Model – balanced work‑life integration with office‑based collaboration.
• Technical Practice Networks – opportunities to connect with and learn from a wide network of specialists across AECOM's global operations.
• AECOM University – comprehensive learning platform for continuous skill enhancement.
• Paid volunteering days, pension scheme, life assurance, health and well‑being programs, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Новый.

Work Schedule

• Standard full‑time hours (approx. 40 hours per week).
• Hybrid flexibility to accommodate project needs and personal work‑life balance.

Interview Process

• Initial Screening – HR or recruiter review of applications to assess basic qualifications and fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview – discussion with Jay Hewitt to delve into technical experience, project management skills, leadership style, and alignment with role responsibilities.
• Technical/Panel Interview – assessment by senior engineers or panel focusing on technical problem‑solving, design management approach, stakeholder engagement strategies, and understanding of infrastructure challenges.
• Portfolio Presentation (potential) – candidates may present case studies demonstrating project leadership, process improvements, and impact.
• Final Interview/Offer – senior leader focuses on cultural fit, long‑term career aspirations and final offer discussions.

Application Requirements

Candidates should have experience managing technical delivery of water and wastewater projects and leading design teams. A degree in a related engineering field and chartered status or working towards it is preferred.

Important Notice

This enhanced job description includes AI‑generated insights and standard industry assumptions. Validate details directly with the hiring organization prior to applying.