At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and influence complex water and wastewater projects, shaping the future of UK infrastructure.
- Company: Join a leading firm at the forefront of transformation in the UK water sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for mentoring and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Experience in water infrastructure and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of Water. Lead What Matters. The UK water sector is changing faster than ever before. With unprecedented investment and sector‑wide reform underway, this is a once‑in‑a‑generation moment to leave your mark on critical national infrastructure. If you’re a Civil Engineer/Senior Civil Engineer or a Principal Civil Engineer ready to lead, influence and shape complex water and wastewater projects, this is your opportunity to step into a role where your expertise truly counts.
Your Impact
This is more than a technical role — it’s a leadership platform. You’ll be at the heart of transformational water and wastewater programmes, setting technical direction, mentoring future talent and influencing how vital assets are designed, built and operated for decades to come. Your work will:
- Safeguard communities and the environment through safe, compliant and buildable designs
- Drive low‑carbon, sustainable solutions using modern methods of construction and digital engineering
- Shape smarter, safer infrastructure by embedding constructability, operability and CDM best practice
- Leave a lasting legacy across some of the UK’s most high‑profile water frameworks
This is a role where your decisions matter — to clients, regulators, delivery partners and society.
About the Opportunity
We’re at the forefront of transformation in the UK water sector, partnering with major water companies including United Utilities, Northumbrian Water, Thames Water, Severn Trent Water and Anglian Water. We’re now growing our team in Bristol, seeking Civil Engineers, Senior Civil Engineers or Principal Civil Engineers to lead detailed design and Design & Build delivery across water and wastewater infrastructure.
As a Civil Engineer/Senior/Principal – Water (Detailed Design / D&B), you’ll:
- Lead integrated, multi‑disciplinary teams across civils, process, MEICA and construction
- Own technical governance — from design reviews and change control to BIM/CDE delivery and design freeze
- Act as the senior technical interface with clients, regulators, contractors and the supply chain
- Guide projects from concept through to construction and handover
- Champion Safety in Design, HAZID/HAZOP and risk‑based engineering
- Mentor and develop engineers, shaping standards, capability and future leaders
Qualifications
You’ll bring deep technical credibility and the confidence to lead in complex D&B environments, including:
- Extensive experience delivering water and wastewater infrastructure (treatment works, pumping stations, pipelines, MEICA)
- Strong understanding of AMP delivery, water company governance and regulated utilities
- Proven leadership of multi‑disciplinary teams through design, construction and handover
- A safety‑led, risk‑based engineering mindset with strong asset lifecycle knowledge
- Experience using BIM, digital tools and Common Data Environments
- A degree in Civil Engineering (or similar) and CEng status (or working towards)
Ready to Lead the Change? If you want influence, technical challenge and the chance to shape the future of UK water infrastructure, this is the role for you. Apply now and take your seat at the table for one of the most significant infrastructure transformations of our time. We are a disability confident employer and welcome applications from disabled candidates as well as those who may not meet all listed requirements.
Lead Water & D&B Civil Engineer in Bristol employer: Jacobs
Join a pioneering team in Bristol that is at the forefront of transforming the UK water sector. As an employer, we offer a collaborative work culture that values innovation and sustainability, alongside opportunities for professional growth and mentorship in a leadership role. With a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, your contributions will directly impact communities and shape the future of vital water infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Water & D&B Civil Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the water sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced projects in the past and how you can bring that experience to the role. Practice common interview questions with a friend!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for sustainable solutions! When discussing your experience, highlight any projects where you've implemented low-carbon or innovative methods. This will resonate well with employers looking for forward-thinking candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have exciting roles waiting for talented Civil Engineers like you. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific requirements of the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Water & D&B Civil Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Lead Water & D&B Civil Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience and any projects you've led in water and wastewater infrastructure.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about shaping the future of water. Share specific examples of how you've influenced projects and mentored others in your field.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Don’t shy away from detailing your technical skills, especially in BIM and digital tools. We want to see how your expertise can drive low-carbon, sustainable solutions in our projects.
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 to lead in the UK water sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to water and wastewater infrastructure. Be prepared to discuss your experience with design reviews, BIM, and how you've led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. This role is all about technical credibility, so show them you’ve got it!
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This position is a leadership platform, so be ready to talk about your mentoring experiences. Share specific examples of how you've developed future talent or influenced project outcomes. They want to see that you can guide teams effectively and champion safety in design.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the current changes in the UK water sector and the companies involved. Being able to discuss recent reforms and how they impact infrastructure projects will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the industry’s direction.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company’s projects and values. Inquire about their approach to sustainable solutions or how they integrate digital tools into their processes. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your own values.
