Location
London, All GB Regions, United Kingdom
Capabilities
Civil and Structural
Office Setup
Hybrid
Job ID
#39720
Market
Water
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
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.
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, the technical leader teams look up to, and the driving force behind delivery excellence across complex Design & Build environments.
About the Opportunity
With unprecedented investment across AMP cycles and long-term frameworks, we’re growing — and we’re looking for leaders ready to step up and make a difference.
At Jacobs, you’ll:
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
This is a career-defining leadership role with a clear pathway toward Director level, where your expertise will have visible, lasting impact
Here's what you'll need
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
And if you bring these, even better:
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
What’s In It for You
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
Ready to make your mark?
Join us and help deliver the infrastructure our communities depend on — today and for generations to come.
Apply now and lead the change with Jacobs.
#LI-MF3
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 https://www.vercida.com/uk/employers/jacobs 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 .
