At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative water projects, shaping technical strategies and driving delivery excellence.
- Company: Jacobs, a forward-thinking company transforming critical infrastructure.
- Benefits: High-impact role, flexible working, and clear progression to Director-level.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a strong focus on wellbeing and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the UK's water programmes and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering, Chartered Engineer status, and experience in complex design.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. This is more than a role; it’s your opportunity to shape some of the UK’s most ambitious water programmes during a once‑in‑a‑generation transformation.
About the Opportunity
As an Associate Director/Principal, you’ll sit at the heart of delivery, setting the technical direction, influencing programme outcomes and leading the teams that make it happen. From detailed design to live construction, your decisions will drive safe, buildable, innovative solutions that stand the test of time. You’ll be the trusted voice clients rely on and the driving force behind delivery excellence across complex Design & Build environments.
Responsibilities
- Lead from the front – owning technical strategy, governance, and final design sign‑off across major water and wastewater projects
- Influence at scale – shaping programme‑wide decisions, driving value engineering and commercial outcomes
- Champion delivery excellence – embedding constructability, safety and innovation into every solution
- Collaborate without boundaries – working across multidisciplinary teams, clients and delivery partners in truly integrated environments
- Develop and inspire – growing high‑performing teams while advancing digital engineering, standardisation and modern methods of construction
- Drive growth – contributing to bids, strengthening client relationships and shaping the future of Jacobs’ water capability
Required Qualifications
- Degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) – ICE or equivalent
- Proven experience delivering complex detailed design in regulated water/wastewater environments
- Strong track record in Design & Build or alliancing delivery models
- The ability to act as a senior technical authority, resolving complex challenges with confidence
- Exceptional stakeholder and client engagement skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience at programme or framework level
- Knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts
- Ability to influence commercial outcomes through technical leadership
- Strong digital and BIM capability
- Passion for business growth and strategic development
Benefits
- A high‑impact leadership role on nationally significant water programmes
- The chance to shape technical strategy and innovation at scale
- A clear pathway to Director‑level progression
- Flexible working and a strong commitment to wellbeing and work‑life balance
- A collaborative, forward‑thinking culture with real investment in people and capability
Equal Opportunity Statement
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
Civil Engineer Detailed Design- Associate Director/Principal in Birmingham employer: Jacobs
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a high-impact leadership role that allows you to shape the future of the UK's water programmes. Our collaborative and forward-thinking culture fosters employee growth through clear pathways to Director-level progression, while our commitment to flexible working and wellbeing ensures a healthy work-life balance. Join us in transforming ambitious ideas into reality and making a meaningful impact on communities and environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Civil Engineer Detailed Design- Associate Director/Principal in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering field, especially those at Jacobs or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Jacobs' projects and values. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their ambitious water programmes and innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Jacobs.
We think you need these skills to ace Civil Engineer Detailed Design- Associate Director/Principal in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the role of Associate Director/Principal. Highlight your experience in detailed design and any relevant projects you've led, especially in water/wastewater environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about shaping ambitious water programmes and how your technical leadership can drive delivery excellence. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve influenced programme outcomes or driven value engineering in past projects. We love seeing the impact you've made!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your civil engineering principles, especially those related to water and wastewater projects. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, showcasing how you've tackled complex design challenges and influenced project outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director/Principal, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and driven delivery excellence in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with NEC3/NEC4 contracts and be prepared to discuss how you've influenced commercial outcomes through technical leadership. This will show that you not only understand the engineering side but also the business implications of your decisions.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Exceptional stakeholder engagement is key for this role. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed client relationships or resolved conflicts. Being able to demonstrate your communication skills will set you apart from other candidates.
