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Principal Design Manager - Water Infrastructure

JacobsWorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand

30+ days ago

Job description

Principal Design Manager - Water Infrastructure

Join to apply for the Principal Design Manager - Water Infrastructure role at Jacobs

Principal Design Manager - Water Infrastructure

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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

Our Water team are proud to be delivering some of New Zealand’s most significant water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure projects. These include major wastewater tunnel systems, upgrades to large-scale treatment plants, and integrated stormwater solutions that support growing urban areas. Our teams are also involved in enhancing coastal resilience, managing flood risks, and developing long-term water resource strategies that balance supply, sustainability, and climate resilience. Together, these projects reflect our commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities across Aotearoa.

With a large and growing pipeline of secure work ahead, our team in Auckland is looking for a Principal Design Manager to join them. While this is a senior role in our team, it’s also a chance to stay hands-on, lead by example, and help shape meaningful outcomes for our communities. You’ll be a trusted advisor to our clients, a leader within our team, helping mentor the leaders of tomorrow, and a key contributor to delivering technically excellent, sustainable solutions across complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

We're open to considering candidates who need to work flexibly around school drop-offs / pick-ups or those interested in full-time / part-time job-sharing arrangements - we understand the importance of balancing work commitments with life’s responsibilities.

Here’s what you’ll be doing

Leading the design and delivery of water infrastructure projects across New Zealand, with a focus on Auckland-based clients like Watercare and Auckland Council.
Managing multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating design efforts to ensure quality, timeliness, and client satisfaction.
Building strong, lasting relationships with clients - understanding their needs and helping shape the future of water infrastructure.
Supporting business development and contributing to bids and proposals.
Mentoring and supporting the growth of junior engineers and designers.
Championing safety, sustainability, and innovation in everything you do.

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.

Here's what you'll need

A qualified engineer with 15+ years’ experience in water infrastructure design and delivery.

Proven ability to lead complex projects and collaborate across disciplines.

Strong communication skills and a client-focused mindset.

A natural mentor who enjoys helping others grow.

Chartered status and membership with Engineering New Zealand (or working towards it) is desirable.

Jacobs. A world where you can.

At Jacobs, belonging isn't just valued, It's our foundation for excellence. Our culture of caring powers our competitive edge.

Our meticulously curated employee benefits support ALL employees throughout every stage of life. From paid parental leave to a lifetime financial allowance for you and your partner to access family forming Fertility and IVF treatment, adoption and surrogacy assistance along with menopause and Low T treatment. We are steadfast in our commitment to the wellbeing of you and your loved ones with a comprehensive suite of wellbeing resources supporting you physically, emotionally and financially. This is demonstrated in our company being recognised by WGEA for 12 consecutive years as an employer of choice for gender equality along with our industry leading GOLD employer status in the 2025 Australian Workplace Equality Index.

We know that when people feel truly included, connection deepens and innovation soars. We accept people for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, mental health, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave. This is reflected in our eight global Jacobs employee networks centred on driving inclusion and belonging – ACE, Careers, Enlace, Harambee, OneWorld, Prism, Vetnet, and our Women’s Network – find out more about ourJacobs Employee Networks here.

No matter what drives you, you'll discover a way to cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

Accessibility & Accommodations

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations during the application or interview process (such as alternative formats for application materials, accessible interview locations, interpreting services, or assistive technology) talk to your recruiter or your request can be logged HERE.

Cultural Support

We’re an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply. Māori and Pasifika peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs aims to provide cultural safety at our interviews. Māori and Pasifika people are invited to nominate a Whanau, family or cultural representative to participate on the interview panel; please let your recruiter know in your application.

Please note If you are being represented by a recruitment agency you will not be considered, to be considered you will need to apply directly to Jacobs.

Seniority level

Not Applicable

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Design, Art / Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

Civil Engineering, Design Services, and IT Services and IT Consulting

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