Associate Director – Water & Infrastructure Design
A global leader in engineering and technology consultancy, Ayesa operates in over 40 countries, driving innovation in water systems, infrastructure, renewable energy, & digital transformation. With a commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth, we create the systems that keep communities thriving.
We’re seeking an ambitious Associate Director to lead our Water & Infrastructure design teams, manage high‑profile projects, and drive technical and commercial success. This is an opportunity to take ownership of design management and delivery excellence, while mentoring future leaders in the industry.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Lead and develop the design team to deliver industry‑leading engineering design and solutions for water, wastewater, sewage treatment, drainage, and utilities infrastructure from concept through detailed design and construction.
* Oversee Design Management—coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, manage design reviews, approvals, QA compliance, and project documentation.
* Work collaboratively with the Water Director, Project Leads, Commercial, HR & People Lead, and all key stakeholders to deliver best‑value solutions.
* Deliver first‑class stakeholder management and engagement by providing clear, transparent, and timely updates while championing collaboration and knowledge sharing.
* Develop new ways of working to reduce carbon, increase biodiversity, address climate change, and embrace innovations and new digital technologies.
* Manage the delivery of design in accordance with the design management plan, design brief, client requirements, cost, programme, best practice, design standards, design responsibilities, BIM strategy, and contract agreement.
* Lead buildability, risk, opportunity, and value engineering reviews.
* Oversee the technical deliverables ensuring they are produced within the required timescales, costs are properly managed, and technical change is tightly controlled.
* Deliver leading‑edge collaborative design by ensuring teams are synchronised and aligned in their processes and approaches to deliver the highest standards safely and consistently.
* Build and maintain client relationships through clear communication, trust, and technical leadership.
* Deliver projects to time, cost, and quality standards, including oversight of commercial and contractual performance.
* Mentor and develop engineering teams to strengthen capability and promote design excellence.
* Contribute to business development—prepare proposals, design methodologies, and tender submissions.
* Champion innovation and sustainability in design solutions across all sectors.
* Collaborate across business units with structural, geotechnical, and environmental teams to deliver fully integrated design solutions.
* Monitor and report on design progress on a weekly and monthly basis, taking action to maintain delivery to time, cost, quality, and safety requirements.
What You Bring
* Degree in Civil, Process, Mechanical or Electrical, or Water Engineering (or related discipline).
* Chartered or near‑Chartered status (ICE, CIWEM, MEng, BEng or equivalent).
* 15+ years’ experience in water, utilities, or civil infrastructure design and management.
* Proven experience in design management and project leadership within multidisciplinary environments.
* Strong commercial understanding, including experience with NEC/FIDIC/PWC contracts.
Skills & Strengths
* Deep knowledge of design standards, UK regulations, WIMES and health & safety legislation.
* Expertise in design coordination and risk management for complex infrastructure projects.
* Strong client‑facing and communication skills at senior levels.
* Track record of successful team leadership, mentoring, and staff development.
* Ability to manage budgets, resource plans, and P&L targets.
* Proficiency in digital design tools and BIM workflows.
What’s In It for You
* Competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience.
* Hybrid work model (2–3 days from home).
* Flexible hours, 37.5 per week (core: 10am–4pm Mon–Thu, 10am–3pm Fri).
* Pension matching & financial planning support.
* Income protection & life assurance.
* Professional development and chartership support.
* Employee assistance programme (EAP).
* Sustainability & innovation‑focused culture.
* Socials, recognition awards & wellbeing initiatives.
* Generous annual leave with additional days based on service.
We’re Inclusive by Design. Ayesa is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio‑economic background or neurodiversity. We are committed to inclusive hiring practices, providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees with disabilities, and ensuring equal access to opportunities for learning, development, and progression across our organisation.
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