At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative water projects, shaping technical strategies and driving delivery excellence.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a forward-thinking company transforming the world through ambitious water programmes.
- Benefits: High-impact role, flexible working, strong focus on wellbeing, and clear progression to Director-level.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence major projects and grow high-performing teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in water management while advancing your career in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering, chartered status, and experience in complex water design.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € 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.
Water Detailed Design Lead — Associate Director 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 water programmes in the UK. 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 to be part of a team that values innovation, technical excellence, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on critical environmental challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Detailed Design Lead — Associate Director in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in water programmes. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence. We suggest focusing on your technical expertise and how you can influence programme outcomes, as that’s key for roles like the Water Detailed Design Lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Jacobs.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Detailed Design Lead — Associate Director in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in water and wastewater projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Water Detailed Design Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As an Associate Director, you’ll be leading teams and influencing outcomes. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully driven projects in the past. We love to see examples of how you’ve inspired others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
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 programme outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll need to lead from the front. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, driven delivery excellence, and championed innovation in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with Jacobs' vision and the specific water programmes they are involved in. Be prepared to discuss how your technical strategy can align with their goals and contribute to shaping the future of their water capability.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Exceptional stakeholder engagement is key for this role. Think of instances where you've effectively collaborated with multidisciplinary teams or clients. Be ready to demonstrate your communication skills and how you've influenced commercial outcomes through technical leadership.
