Principal Water Resources

Job Description

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy committed to delivering impactful work that shapes the future.

We are a team of over 20,000 experts working across the world in more than 50 countries. We are proud to be part of an ever-changing global industry, delivering transformative work that’s defining our future. It’s our people who power that performance. As an employee-owned business, we invest in creating a space for everyone to feel safe and valued and empowered with the right tools and support.

Whether you want to pursue excellence in your specialism or broaden your experience with flexible roles across our business, you’ll be connected to a community of global experts championing you to be your best. Join us and shape your story with Mott MacDonald, where everyone has the opportunity to be brilliant.

About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Water Resources Engineer to lead and deliver innovative water resource planning and infrastructure solutions across a diverse portfolio of projects. This is a strategic role that blends technical leadership, stakeholder engagement, and team development. You will play a key part in shaping sustainable water supply and demand strategies, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting digital transformation in the water sector.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-impact projects both in the Middle East region and internationally. You’ll collaborate with government agencies, utility operators, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions that address complex water challenges.

Key responsibilities and duties are listed, but not limited to, the below:

• Lead and support the delivery of water resource planning, design, and technical advisory services across diverse projects and clients.
• Develop integrated water supply and demand strategies, risk assessments, and long-term infrastructure plans.
• Apply and interpret hydraulic modelling tools to inform planning and design decisions.
• Contribute to concept design, feasibility studies, and technical specifications for water infrastructure systems.
• Support digital initiatives, including data platforms and analytics, to enhance evidence-based decision-making.
• Engage with stakeholders and government bodies, utility owner operators, and consultants to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Mentor junior staff and promote a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

Candidate specifications

• Degree in Civil, Environmental, or Water Engineering, or a related field.
• Chartered status (e.g., CIWEM, ICE, APM) or equivalent professional recognition.
• Extensive experience in water resources planning, integrated water management, or related fields, ideally in both the GCC and international contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and applying water resources and hydraulic models (e.g., GoldSim, dynamic hydraulic modelling).
• Proven track record in strategic planning, risk assessment, and delivery of master plans or feasibility studies for large-scale water infrastructure.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.
• Strong project management skills, including budget, resource, and quality management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural teams.

Desirable:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic.
• Postgraduate qualification in a related water resources topic.
• Experience with digital platforms for water data management and integration.
• Familiarity with UAE/GCC water sector or similar arid region contexts.
• Experience supporting public-private partnerships, non-revenue water reduction, and climate resilience initiatives.
• Publication record or thought leadership in water resources, systems thinking, or integrated planning.

Our benefits vary by country and are subject to eligibility and local policy. We’ll confirm the details relevant to you as part of the offer process.

• Rewards and bonuses: we are owned by our people (no external investors) and through our employee ownership model success is shared through annual bonus opportunities and longer-term participation as your career grows (subject to local plan, eligibility and business performance)
• Medical insurance and life insurance as per local plan (standard and enhanced coverage may vary by country and policy).
• Annual leave in line with local policy (competitive within the market).
• Maternity leave above and beyond local provisions and paternity leave provisions where applicable
• Professional membership/ institution subscription support
• Learning and career development through project variety, technical networks and structured development opportunities.
• An inclusive culture: we’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.