At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative water infrastructure projects and mentor high-performing teams.
- Company: Join Jacobs, a global leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, competitive salary, and comprehensive health coverage.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values inclusion, innovation, and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while shaping the future of water infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale infrastructure design and project management required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ 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.
Your impact
The UK water sector is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades.
The review by the Independent Water Commission (IWC) comes at the same time as unprecedented investment, creating a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to redefine water and wastewater infrastructure.
We’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, partnering with the largest water companies across the UK.
From feasibility and planning to design, construction management, operations & maintenance, we bring together exceptional talent and expertise to deliver success.
We are delivering some of the UK’s most ambitious and high‑profile water infrastructure programmes and are seeking an experienced Design Manager to play a central role in their success.
You will provide leadership on large, complex water and wastewater schemes, driving delivery through innovative and collaborative delivery models.
This is a high‑impact role within a growing and forward‑thinking practice, offering the opportunity to influence major infrastructure portfolios, shape technical and delivery strategy, and drive positive outcomes for communities across the UK.
More than just a role, this is an opportunity to lead transformative programmes, mentor and develop high‑performing teams, and help shape the future direction of water infrastructure.
You’ll join a business that values innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, and contribute to solutions that deliver lasting value.
Ready to make a difference? Join Jacobs and help us reinvent tomorrow. As the Design Manager - Water, you’ll be at the forefront of project delivery, responsible for:
- Ensure compliance with technical standards and UK CDM regulations.
- Take ownership for value engineering, value management and buildability.
- Lead stakeholder engagement, manage client expectations and be an active member of the framework leadership team.
- Oversee design management, scheduling, risk mitigation, change control and financial forecasting and analysis, ensuring constructability and commissioning are embedded in design thinking.
- Promote innovation in design and construction, including standardization and design automation.
- Mentor engineers and project team members, supporting their career, personal and professional development
- Take ownership of client relationships and contribute to business growth.
- Work with the Project Manager to develop and implement project quality and delivery plans and monitor technical performance.
- Here’s what you’ll need
- Technical leadership in the design and project management of large-scale infrastructure programmes.
- Expertise in multidisciplinary engineering and construction integration.
- NEC3/4 contract and change control experience.
- Knowledge of CDM regulations and processes.
- Passion and enthusiasm for problem solving, creating and delivering innovation.
- Track record in developing and fostering a culture focused on success.
- Ability to operate autonomously across a wide range of complex projects with authority.
- Be a great communicator able to explain complex technical issues to multiple stakeholders with differing backgrounds and levels expertise.
- We offer
- Competitive salary: We offer compensation that reflects your skills and experience
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Benefit from hybrid, part‑time, and flexible working hours, patterns, and locations
- Robust Pension Contributions: We offer enhanced pension contributions up to 10% to secure your future
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Single medical cover and Digital GP service, with options to add your partner and family
- Family Planning Support: Access to fertility healthcare and family planning services
- Enhanced Parental Leave: Enjoy enhanced parental leave pay and free membership to employee assistance and parental programs
- Life assurance at 4x your salary
- Wellbeing Hub: Free access to wellbeing apps like Calm and Daily Burn
- Professional Development: We cover professional membership fees and provide continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities
- Community Engagement: Participate in charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally.
Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging.
We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed.
We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential.
You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well‑being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.
No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.
Find out more about life at Jacobs.
We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do.
We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative.
We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation.
We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.
Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit to view and access our roles.
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.
We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery.
We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better.
If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
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Associate Director Mechanical Engineering in London employer: Jacobs
At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and mentorship programmes, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on global water quality initiatives. Located in a vibrant environment, we provide a unique chance to engage with high-profile projects that not only challenge the status quo but also contribute to sustainable solutions for communities and ecosystems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Mechanical Engineering in London
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Jacobs.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Jacobs love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Jacobs and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Mechanical Engineering in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Jacobs and the Associate Director Mechanical Engineering role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Jacobs.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Jacobs.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Jacobs, making you a more appealing candidate.
