Senior Design Manager

Overview

Jacobs is dedicated to solving some of the world's most pressing challenges, creating sustainable and transformative solutions for cities, environments, and industries. As a Senior Design Manager based in Cork, Ireland, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the UK’s critical water and wastewater infrastructure programmes from conceptual strategy to practical, operable projects.

Key Responsibilities

You will act as a strategic leader uniting engineering disciplines, construction personnel, and client representatives to align on clear design decisions. Your leadership will help identify risks early, optimize construction feasibility, and ensure operational efficiency throughout the entire lifecycle of the infrastructure. Building trusted client relationships, providing strategic design direction, and representing senior design viewpoints on projects are fundamental to this role.

Working across civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, process, and construction teams, you will lead multidisciplinary detailed design groups to deliver coordinated and executable designs ready for delivery and commissioning. Your role will encompass ownership of design scope, scheduling, interface management, quality assurance, and change management. Close collaboration with project managers, construction teams, and senior clients will be necessary to resolve challenges and maintain project progress.

You will also advocate for continuous improvement in design processes by driving standardization, automation, and multidisciplinary collaboration across the broader practice to enhance efficiency and client outcomes.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven technical leadership experience in design and project management of significant infrastructure initiatives
• Expertise in integrating multidisciplinary engineering and construction functions
• Strong familiarity with NEC3/NEC4 contract frameworks and change control procedures
• Comprehensive understanding of CDM regulations and safety processes
• Enthusiasm for innovative problem solving and delivery of new solutions
• Experience building high-performance teams and fostering a culture of success
• Ability to independently manage complex projects with authoritative judgement
• Excellent communication skills, able to simplify complex technical concepts for diverse audiences

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflecting your expertise and experience
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid and part-time options
• Enhanced pension plan contributions up to 10%
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, digital GP services, and family options
• Support for family planning and fertility healthcare
• Enhanced parental leave pay and access to employee assistance programs
• Life insurance at four times your salary
• Access to wellbeing apps such as Calm and Daily Burn
• Professional development support including fee coverage and CPD opportunities
• Engagement in community and charity initiatives with matched funding and volunteering time

Additional Information

Jacobs fosters an inclusive culture emphasizing safety, integrity, and belonging, supporting mental health and flexible work practices. The company encourages diverse applicants including those with disabilities and flexible working needs. On-site presence is valued, but a hybrid work model allows splitting work between office, project sites, and remote locations.