Design Director - Water

Location

Jacobs, Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Jacobs is 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’re proud to be driving this change in the UK water sector, partnering with leading water companies to deliver integrated solutions across the full project lifecycle—from planning and design to construction and operations.

• Lead Technical Delivery – Oversee design, construction and commissioning with a focus on quality, constructability and safety by design.
• Enable Collaboration – Build strong relationships across design, construction and client teams, encouraging knowledge sharing, innovation and integrated delivery.
• Champion Safety & Inclusion – Foster a culture where wellbeing, safety and belonging are central.
• Support Strategic Growth – Be an approachable, visible leader who develops high‑performing teams and strengthens client partnerships.
• Grow Future Talent – Mentor colleagues across disciplines, encourage continuous improvement and create a supportive, psychologically safe environment.

• Serve as the technical authority, ensuring compliance with standards and UK CDM regulations.
• Lead value engineering, buildability reviews and design optimisation.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and contribute to framework leadership.
• Oversee design management, scheduling, risk, change control and financial performance.
• Drive innovation, including standardisation and design automation.
• Mentor design managers and engineers.
• Embed constructability and commissioning into design approaches.
• Strengthen client relationships and support business development.
• Work with Project Managers to deliver quality and performance plans.

• Chartered Engineer with proven project experience in the water and wastewater sector.
• Leadership experience in design and project management for major infrastructure programmes.
• Experience integrating multidisciplinary engineering and construction.
• Working knowledge of NEC3/4 contracts.
• A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for problem solving, innovation, and team development.
• Confidence operating autonomously across complex projects.
• Clear, inclusive communication skills suited to diverse stakeholders.

• Design management (feasibility to detailed design and construction)
• Technical leadership and mentoring
• Collaborative planning and delivery
• Risk and change management
• Project management (including financial and commercial awareness)
• Health, safety and environmental leadership
• Quality assurance and standards
• Stakeholder engagement and client relationships

• Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
• Flexible work arrangements – hybrid & part‑time options, starting from 24 hours per week.
• Robust pension contributions – up to 10%.
• Comprehensive health coverage – single medical cover and digital GP service, with options to add partner and family.
• Family planning support – access to fertility healthcare and family planning services.
• Enhanced parental leave – pay and membership to employee assistance and parental programs.
• Life assurance – 4× salary.
• Wellbeing hub – free access to wellbeing apps like Calm and Daily Burn.
• Professional development – cover professional membership fees and provide CPD opportunities.
• Community engagement – 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 believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. 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 maximise your potential.

We embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We are committed to building vibrant communities and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regard to the recruitment process, please contact the team via Careers Support.

We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all listed requirements for a role.