Design and Build Water Infrastructure Specialist Lead

Arup
Arup

Other Engineering, Design

Ireland · Co. Dublin, Ireland · Dublin, Ireland

Posted on Jul 8, 2026

Shape a future with purpose at Arup in Ireland

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Dedicated to sustainable development, Arup is a collective of designers, consultants and experts working globally. Founded to be humane and excellent, we collaborate with our clients and partners using imagination, technology, and rigour to shape a better world.

The Opportunity

As a Design & Build Water Infrastructure Specialist Lead, you will play a pivotal role in helping shape and deliver some of the most significant water infrastructure programmes across Ireland and the UK.

Working closely with major contractors, utilities and delivery partners, you will lead the successful pursuit and delivery of complex Design & Build (D&B) projects that support sustainable growth, enhance resilience and improve essential water and wastewater services for communities. Current opportunities include strategic programmes such as the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, the Eastern Water Supply Project, and a range of major capital investment frameworks supporting Uisce Éireann.

You will provide leadership across the full project lifecycle, from work winning and bid development through to design delivery, construction support, commissioning and handover. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders, you will help deliver innovative, sustainable and buildable solutions while strengthening Arup’s position as a trusted design partner within the water sector.

This role offers the opportunity to influence the future of Design & Build delivery within Arup, build high-performing teams, develop future leaders and contribute to some of the most important infrastructure programmes shaping Ireland’s future.

As a Design & Build Water Infrastructure Specialist Lead at Arup, you will:

  • Lead major water and wastewater Design & Build projects, providing strategic direction from bid stage through to project completion.
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with major contractors, utilities, regulators and delivery partners.
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams across civil, structural, process, mechanical, electrical, ICA, digital and environmental disciplines.
  • Shape and support major bids, framework opportunities and contractor partnerships across the water sector.
  • Provide technical assurance to ensure solutions are safe, buildable, operationally effective and compliant with regulatory and client requirements.
  • Lead commercial and contractual governance, including risk management, change control and delivery performance.
  • Champion integrated design and digital delivery approaches to improve project outcomes and efficiency.
  • Develop and mentor future Design & Build leaders within Arup, helping strengthen capability across the business.
  • Contribute to the growth of Arup's water business and the development of major project strategies across Ireland and beyond.

Does this role inspire you?

We're looking for someone with:

  • A degree qualification in Civil Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related water sector discipline.
  • Chartered Engineer status, or equivalent professional accreditation.
  • A strong professional reputation and established client network within the water sector.
  • Significant experience leading major water or wastewater Design & Build projects in contractor-led environments.
  • Proven success delivering large-scale treatment, network, or strategic water infrastructure projects.
  • Strong commercial, contractual and change management experience within complex infrastructure projects.
  • Experience leading major bids, framework opportunities and regulated capital programmes.
  • Experience working collaboratively with utilities, contractors, regulators and wider supply chains.

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

  • Strong understanding of water sector delivery models, Design & Build procurement and regulated environments.
  • Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop and lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong commercial awareness, risk management capability and strategic thinking.
  • Ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders at senior client and contractor level.
  • Experience overseeing technical assurance and the delivery of safe, high-quality and sustainable solutions.
  • Passion for innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement in project delivery.
  • Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • A commitment to developing people, sharing knowledge and fostering an inclusive team culture.
  • Ability to balance commercial performance with technical excellence, safety and long-term client relationships.

How to apply for this vacancy?

To apply for this vacancy, register your updated CV and a cover letter in English.

Why Arup?

At Arup, we offer a rewarding career with a global company committed to a better future. Our unique trust ownership structure allows us to prioritize meaningful work and invest in our people. We also offer a unique profit share program, allowing our members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Benefits that work for you:

  • Professional Growth & Development: Benefit from continuous learning opportunities, training programs, and mentorship to enhance your skills and advance your career at Arup.

  • Global Opportunities: Collaborate with colleagues worldwide and explore potential short-term or long-term assignments at other Arup offices and project locations.

  • Financial Well-being & Ownership: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package and share in Arup's success through our global profit-sharing programme.

  • Work-Life Balance: We offer a hybrid working model and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

  • Well-being and Culture: Access to a range of well-being programs, including sports subsidies, social activities, and initiatives promoting a healthy work-life balance. We foster a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.

Arup is recognized as one of the best companies to work thanks to our flexibility policies. We also adhere to the Code of Principles of Generational Diversity, committing to equal opportunities regardless of age.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective where individuality is encouraged. Our strength comes from how we respect, share, and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. You’ll have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning - to Arup, to your career, and to the clients and communities we serve.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of the world around us. We actively promote a culture of inclusion where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.

We welcome applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible. If you need any assistance or adjustments, please visit our Candidate Support page for contact information and assistance. We're happy to help.

Do you want to join us in shaping a better world?