Design Manager Associate Director

Jacobs; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, hybrid working

Career-defining projects

Access to world-class expertise

Pathway to leadership

Opportunity to influence innovation

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking an Associate Director – Design Manager in Tees Valley, UK, to lead the design on major infrastructure programmes. This role demands a Chartered Engineer with over 12 years of experience in water and wastewater projects, possessing a strong record in design management and multidisciplinary team leadership. Jacobs offers flexible working and opportunities for professional growth within a globally connected technical community. Ideal candidates will demonstrate robust risk management capabilities and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer with extensive experience in water & wastewater.
• Proven design management and delivery on significant projects.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design across major capital programmes.
• Manage technical risks and ensure clarity in communications.
• Oversee integration of projects within multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Chartered Engineer with 12+ years’ experience in water & wastewater

Strong track record in detailed design and Design & Build delivery

Experience leading multidisciplinary teams

Deep understanding of NEC3/NEC4

Ability to manage technical risk, change, and complex interfaces

Natural communicator

Credibility and judgement to lead autonomously

Job description

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.

We are scaling at pace — and this is where you come in. With long‑term frameworks secured across AMP8 and beyond, Jacobs is expanding its senior design leadership team across the UK & Ireland. As an Associate Director – Design Manager, you’ll sit at the heart of delivery, accountable for end‑to‑end design across major capital programmes. You will operate in a highly visible, client‑facing role, leading integrated teams in alliance and D&B environments, ensuring designs meet not just technical standards — but programme, commercial, and construction realities.

What’s in it for you?

• Work on career‑defining infrastructure programmes with real societal impact
• Be part of a globally connected technical community with access to world‑class expertise
• Flexible, hybrid working that supports performance and balance
• A clear path to broader leadership and influence within Jacobs
• The ability to shape innovation and future delivery models in water

Here’s what you’ll need

• Chartered Engineer with 12+ years’ experience in water & wastewater
• Strong track record in detailed design and Design & Build delivery
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams on major capital programmes
• Deep understanding of NEC3/NEC4, alliancing, and integrated delivery models
• Ability to confidently manage technical risk, change, and complex interfaces
• A natural communicator who can translate complexity into clarity
• The credibility and judgement to lead autonomously at a senior level

Your expertise might include design management, constructability, commissioning integration, technical governance, value engineering, risk & change management, stakeholder engagement, and client leadership.

Ready to Lead What’s Next?

If you’re driven by impact, motivated by complexity, and ready to shape critical infrastructure at scale — we want to hear from you.

Equal Opportunities

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.