At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design management for impactful infrastructure projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Jacobs, a global leader in solving critical problems for thriving cities and resilient environments.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, career growth opportunities, and access to world-class expertise.
- Other info: Join a supportive community that values diversity and flexible working.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water infrastructure and make a real societal impact.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with 12+ years in water & wastewater and experience in leading major programmes.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € 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. We are scaling at pace — and this is where you come in. With long‑term frameworks secured across AMP8 and beyond, Jacobs is expanding its senior design leadership team across the UK & Ireland.
As an Associate Director – Design Manager, you’ll sit at the heart of delivery, accountable for end‑to‑end design across major capital programmes. You will operate in a highly visible, client‑facing role, leading integrated teams in alliance and D&B environments, ensuring designs meet not just technical standards — but programme, commercial, and construction realities.
What’s in it for you?
- Work on career‑defining infrastructure programmes with real societal impact
- Be part of a globally connected technical community with access to world‑class expertise
- Flexible, hybrid working that supports performance and balance
- A clear path to broader leadership and influence within Jacobs
- The ability to shape innovation and future delivery models in water
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chartered Engineer with 12+ years’ experience in water & wastewater
- Strong track record in detailed design and Design & Build delivery
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams on major capital programmes
- Deep understanding of NEC3/NEC4, alliancing, and integrated delivery models
- Ability to confidently manage technical risk, change, and complex interfaces
- A natural communicator who can translate complexity into clarity
- The credibility and judgement to lead autonomously at a senior level
Your expertise might include design management, constructability, commissioning integration, technical governance, value engineering, risk & change management, stakeholder engagement, and client leadership.
Ready to Lead What’s Next?
If you’re driven by impact, motivated by complexity, and ready to shape critical infrastructure at scale — we want to hear from you.
Equal Opportunities
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.
Design Manager Associate Director in Birmingham employer: Jacobs
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Design Manager Associate Director, you will have the opportunity to work on impactful infrastructure projects while enjoying flexible, hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance. With a clear path for career advancement and access to a global network of expertise, Jacobs is committed to your professional growth and making a meaningful difference in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager Associate Director in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to design management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure you have a solid collection of your best work ready to share. We suggest creating a digital version that you can easily present during interviews to highlight your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager Associate Director in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Design Manager Associate Director role. Highlight your experience in water & wastewater, and don’t forget to mention your track record in detailed design and Design & Build delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about shaping critical infrastructure and how your background makes you the perfect fit for Jacobs. Be sure to mention your leadership experience and ability to manage complex interfaces.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a natural communicator, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to translate complexity into clarity. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, and consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated with multidisciplinary teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around water and wastewater design. Familiarise yourself with NEC3/NEC4 contracts and be ready to discuss how you've managed complex interfaces in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience leading multidisciplinary teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them to deliver successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to lead autonomously at a senior level.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a natural communicator, practice translating complex ideas into simple terms. Be ready to explain your design decisions and how they align with programme, commercial, and construction realities. This will show your ability to engage with clients effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Impact
Reflect on the societal impact of your previous projects. Be prepared to discuss how your work has contributed to infrastructure improvements and how you plan to shape innovation in future delivery models. This aligns perfectly with Jacobs' mission.
