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 influence future innovations.
- 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow
✨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 open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Jacobs' recent projects and innovations in water programmes. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for shaping the future of water management!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with detailed design and how you've tackled complex challenges. We want to see your problem-solving skills shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Civil Engineer Detailed Design- Associate Director/Principal in Glasgow
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 this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your leadership style and how you’ve influenced programme outcomes in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:We want to see your technical chops! Be sure to include examples of how you've tackled complex challenges and driven innovative solutions in your previous roles. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to act as a senior technical authority.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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/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 instances where you've successfully managed client relationships or resolved conflicts. Be ready to demonstrate your communication skills and how you can be a trusted voice for clients.
