Senior/Principal Design Manager for Design & Build

Shape the Future of our cities and environments. Are you a Senior Design Manager who is passionate about making the world a better place? Are you ready to take up a vital role in some of the UK’s most exciting and innovative projects? Join AtkinsRéalis and take a leading role in shaping the future of our cities and environments.

We are looking for an energetic and experienced Senior Design Manager for Design & Build (D&B) projects to join our team within the Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) Practice of AtkinsRéalis. You’ll be part of a talented, multi-disciplinary team delivering cutting edge, iconic projects to our Water market clients – clients such as Thames Water, Anglian Water, South East Water, Southern Water, as well as other regional water authorities.

As a key member of our team, you’ll play a vital role in delivering transformational programmes for critical UK infrastructure, with opportunities to work on landmark engineering projects both domestically and internationally. We’re committed to providing industry‑leading solutions throughout the project lifecycle, adding value through client‑side and construction‑phase support.

Become part of a team where every voice matters, and together we can tackle our clients’ toughest challenges. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where world‑class talent thrives without boundaries. For us, collaboration isn’t a buzzword. We value the different perspectives our people bring and recognise everyone for their contributions equally. We also know that different people have different priorities, which is why we’re here to support you with whatever you need. We offer hybrid working which involves 3 days per week being office/site based. This position is based in our London, Epsom, Peterborough, or Cambridge offices.

Your role will offer a challenging and rewarding opportunity to apply knowledge, experience, and problem‑solving skills whilst providing good opportunities for career development. As a Senior Design Manager for Design & Build (D&B) Projects in the D&AT practice, the successful candidate would have the following responsibilities:

• Lead and shape a team of engineers for delivery of technical design work on complex multi‑disciplinary D&B projects following relevant national and project specific design codes and standards, in areas such as hydraulics, wastewater and clean water infrastructure, water reuse, pipelines, and more.
• Contribute to business operational activities including hiring, line management, business development, and client management.
• Lead and drive on the development of project design deliverables for all aspects of complex multi‑disciplinary projects and work with the discipline leads and project management team to successfully manage time and budgets to key project milestones and programmes.
• Accountable for managing production, reviewing, and approving technical deliverables such as design reports, drawings, calculations, and scopes of work.
• Provide Technical Leadership within discipline for the regional and national D&AT practice and influence D&AT Practice wide initiatives and recommend best practices to improve internal process and services.
• Grow, develop, and manage the Design Management capabilities within the regional and/or nationally practice, particularly with respect to D&B contracts.
• Work independently with guidance in only the most challenging situations.
• Exercise personal judgement to solve difficult problems where appropriate and provide guidance to all team members.
• Advise client, operational, project, or service activities within project teams and wider D&AT Practice initiatives.
• Lead/ Manage or collaborate on technical aspects of bid proposals.
• Inspire and lead a global multi‑disciplinary team to deliver integrated design solutions.

About you:

• A degree in Civil Water Engineering or equivalent.
• Chartered Civil Engineer.
• Proven experience in leading large‑scale engineering design delivery for a design consultancy including within a multi‑disciplinary environment with activities such as hiring, leading and owning collaboration with clients and contractors, and proven ability and knowledge to lead across the full project lifecycle on large complex projects.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of leading design management combined with broad knowledge of technical disciplines in areas such as hydraulics, wastewater and clean water infrastructure, water reuse, pipelines and other disciplines.
• Takes broad perspective to identify innovative solutions, challenges the status quo, setting and leading the technical solution.
• Demonstrates in‑depth knowledge and broad expertise in engineering including thought leadership in risk assessment, quality control, proactive design management, change management and collaboration with key disciplines involved in water infrastructure design and delivery, eg MEICA, structures, geotechnics.
• Demonstrates exemplary communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Expert knowledge of current design codes and standards as well as industry best practices including CDM Regulations, Eurocodes, regulatory bodies, water utility standards, NEC, etc.
• Proficiency in applicable analytical software and related tools such as Autocad, CDE’s, MS Suite, Power BI, and other management software.
• Experience in Water market and design & build (D&B) is essential for this role, with knowledge and experience of other markets considered very useful.
• A proactive, agile, highly motivated mindset with a collaborative approach to own and drive teamwork and shared success across projects and the wider AtkinsRéalis D&AT practice.
• Comfortable liaising with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally.

Meet some but not all of the criteria? We’d still love to hear from you! Please submit your CV along with a cover letter letting us know your motivation for applying and highlighting how your skills and experience align with the role.

Rewards & benefits:

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

About AtkinsRéalis:

We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We’re committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Additional information:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong – a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.