Project Leaders...

Want to lead the design of projects whilst still delivering real engineering? How about working in a dynamic design and build environment that means you can take projects from outline design all the way through to completion? Then there’s professional qualifications too – what about a role that can supercharge your development?


If this sounds like you, then read on – you might just be our next project leader.

What is a project leader? 

In MMB we combine the traditional project manager role with the technical skills of an engineer, creating our project leaders.

Working across the UK water sector, as a project leader you’ll be given the autonomy to run projects whilst still maintaining the hands-on aspects of engineering that we all came into this profession to do. You’re still making a difference, using your technical skills as well as leading a team.

That’s not to say you won’t be well supported; your MMB colleagues provide a great network of peers and mentors to help you deliver the outcomes our clients require.

In the role, you’ll lead the design, right through to commissioning and handover. You’ll co-ordinate the project team and work as part of a tight-knit triangle with the site manager and quantity surveyor to ensure the buildability and commercial aspects of the project are considered alongside the technical requirements right from the start. You’ll interact with the client and regularly visit site during the construction.

Leading projects within the water sector is one of the best places to develop. Our clients are facing a range of challenges and need us to help solve them. Now. Where better to innovate, race to net zero, go digital and discover sustainable solutions?

Meet the team...

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?


My time at MMB started as a graduate mechanical engineer in 2021, where I was working on the United Utilities framework, assisting with the completions of projects. From there I joined the Yorkshire Water framework, supporting with mechanical engineering tasks and assisting with tender pricing.


Now I am in a project leader position, whilst supporting the mechanical design for select projects.


What has your career journey looked like?


Before joining MMB, I completed a masters in mechanical engineering at the University of Sheffield. From there I joined MMB, first as a graduate mechanical engineer, and then progressed to a full time project leader.

In my role as an early career professional (ECP), I have the opportunity to be part of the ECP network. I currently hold the position as the Yorkshire Water framework representative on the sustainability board.

Alongside my role as a project leader MMB is supporting my chartership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineering. The project leader role allows me to meet all criteria for chartership by focusing on the commercial aspects of projects, as well as the technical ones.


What’s the best thing about the project leader role?


The best thing about being a project leader is the holistic nature of the role. I get to see all the different parts of the project come together, while supporting a range of different people across several teams.

How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

Being outdoors! Anything such as climbing, hiking or running is how I keep myself busy outside of work. Before I started at MMB I was part time rock-climbing instructor.


And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?


  1. Be curious – ask questions and seek out opportunities.
  2. Be proactive – chase for answers to your questions and raise issues early or just simply asking for help when needed.
  3. Build connections – network across all the disciplines and frameworks to widen your knowledge, and to create a strong support network in the business.

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?


I started at MMB on a one year placement while studying mechanical engineering at the University of Leeds. After graduating with a masters in mechanical engineering I was offered a role at MMB, so decided to come back as a mechanical engineer in 2022.

Currently, I am working as a project leader and I am responsible for a £3m section of a £25m wastewater treatment works project. The aim of this project is to meet tighter permits for effluent that goes into rivers and to also increase the overall capacity of the treatment works to meet future population growths in the area.


What has your career journey looked like?


My career path has been one of significant progression in the engineering sector and MMB, as I was given the platform first to gain the necessary industrial experience during my placement year and the platform to continue to grow when offered a graduate role at MMB.

My current role as project leader has allowed me to continue to set development goals, like furthering my technical knowledge and has also provided me with an excellent foundation to pursue Chartership with the Institute of Mechanical Engineering.

At MMB I am also able to take part in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) activities within local schools and colleges, this allows me to introduce more young people to engineering, help them understand what it is and the broad range of opportunities when following a career in STEM.


What’s the best thing about the project leader role?

The best thing about the project leader role is the people. The reason why the people make the role so great is that they have created an encouraging and positive work culture at MMB, so you can ask anyone for support and be given a platform to implement your own ideas to a project.


How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family travelling, hiking, and exploring new places. I also swim and go to local yoga classes weekly; this is all balanced out with a great love of baking.


And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?


  1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – everyone at MMB is there to support you, so ask away!
  2. Seek to develop your skills further – whether it’s soft skills or technical skills always look for ways to improve.
  3. Make the most of collaborative environment – people in the MMB are great to bounce ideas off and will help you develop specific ideas or think about new ones.

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?

I started at MMB as a project leader after being part of a consultancy for four years.

What has your career journey looked like?

My career path started when I graduated with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Sussex University. After graduating I worked elsewhere as a mechanical design consultant for the next four years.

I then joined MMB as a project leader where I have been ever since. My aim for the future at MMB is to continue to progress in the role and move up to a design leader then design manager.

I am also currently working on becoming a chartered mechanical engineer.

What’s the best thing about the project leader role?

There are several things I think are great about the role. The first is the opportunity to get close to the construction element of the project, as consultants only see design part of a project.

Another thing which is great about the role the people, as I have built many great professional relationships.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

  1. Communication is key – being a strong communicator is key as a project leader should be able to heard in a room and make decisions both big and small.
  2. Get stuck into the work – the role requires you to be across lots of different tasks, so take pride in your work.
  3. Be ready for responsibility – the nature of the role means you are speaking to a lot of people with a lot of experience, therefore speak confidently.


How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?

I actually joined the Mott MacDonald Group first in the water resources and flooding team, before joining MMB on a secondment in 2022 as a project leader. My first project at MMB was the Witches Oak Wetlands project.

Since then, I have moved over to MMB full time, with my main focus being a project leader on the Witches Oak project, which is a green recovery project for decarbonising water resources.

What has your career journey looked like?

My career path is slightly unconventional as unlike most project leaders I graduated with a geography degree, so a much more environmentally focussed academic background. After graduating I joined the main Motts group, working within the water resources and flooding team.

I started my MMB journey when I was seconded into the Witches Oak Wetlands team, as project leader. Since then, I enjoyed myself so much as a project leader at MMB I haven’t looked back and joined the team permanently continuing to develop in the project leader role.

I am also currently working towards gaining my chartership with the Chartered Institute of Water Management, after gaining non-chartered member status this year and have also found time to represent MMB at this year’s Water Industry Forum Challenge for Young Water Professionals - and was part of the winning team!

What’s the best thing about the project leader role?

There is plenty to take from this role but if I had to pick out the best thing it would be overcoming the challenges of the design and construction process, as coming from a consultancy background, this fresh perspective offers new solutions to new challenges.

How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

I really enjoy yoga and I’m currently undertaking my 200-hour yoga teaching training program. I also spend a big chunk of my time renovating my 1950’s house and making it a home.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

  1. Be open to new opportunities – say yes to as many things as you can in your early career. It will open many different doors you didn’t realise were there.
  2. Build up your network – never be afraid to reach out to people, ask if they can talk something through or explain a burning question in more detail. Everyone at MMB is more than happy to reach out and help and appreciate your eagerness to learn.
  3. Communication is key – have regular check-ins with your team and have an awareness of what everyone is up to, what support they might need and how they feed into the bigger picture.

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?


I started at MMB as a graduate mechanical engineer in 2021, where I was responsible for completing calculations, specifications, engineering drawings and other documentation, across a range of projects. Around six months into my role I assumed responsibility of leading a smaller-scale project at a sewage treatment works.


By progressing within MMB I was given greater responsibility and the opportunity to become a project leader.


What has your career journey looked like?


Joining MMB as a graduate mechanical engineer was my first job after graduating university, where I was given responsibility to work across several different projects. After a few successful months at MMB I was given more responsibility which led to me leading a substantial water quality scheme and enrolment into the MMB project leader academy, where I could further develop my skillset.


After becoming a project leader my role responsibilities have continued to grow; I am engaging with multiple levels of the business from design focused to tasks to client facing responsibilities.


I am also on track to become professionally accredited with the IMechE, with the support of MMB.


What’s the best thing about the project leader role?

The best part of the project leader role is the opportunity to push your own ideas and designs on a project and see them come to fruition, as at MMB they aren’t afraid to give you responsibility from the start.


And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?


  1. Be open minded, approachable and logical – as a project leader you need to act as a facilitator for people of different disciplines, experience and backgrounds to collaborate and find the best solutions
  2. Stay organised and push to meet achievable targets – sticking to programme is the easiest way to ensure projects progress.
  3. Make use of the wider team – MMB has a wealth of experience in all facets of project delivery, make sure to use your wider team for expert insights and support

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?


The first role I had at MMB was a site engineer, which I did for nearly three years before progressing to a project leader role. I’ve now been a project leader since 2021.

In my current role, I am responsible for leading an important project at Horsley Water Treatment Works, with most of my time being currently spent on site.


What has your career journey looked like?


My career journey started at university, where I achieved a degree in civil engineering. From there I joined MMB as a site engineer, working on site for around 3 years with my first project being a new clean water treatment project in Northumberland.

From there I moved into the project leader role, where I have been since. Alongside, the role I am also working towards a chartership with the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), with the support of MMB.


What’s the best thing about the project leader role?


The thing that really stands out for me is the diverse nature of the role. The role gives you a unique opportunity to gain exposure to both design and construction aspect of a project.

I also enjoy the satisfaction of seeing a project right through to the end, from design to construction and being an integral part to the entire journey.


How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?


Outside of work I spend as much time outdoors as possible, whether its hiking, running, cycling or climbing. I also find time to play the clarinet as part of a concert band.


And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?


  1. Good organisation is critical – as you must be able to deliver projects on time and in budget.
  2. Have enthusiasm for both design and construction work – the nature of role means you are often required to spend 50% of your time with the design team and 50% with the construction team, so bring enthusiasm and positivity to both sides of the role.
  3. Be willing to take on new challenges and go outside your comfort zone – This role is all about relishing new challenges in both design and construction, so don’t be afraid to take them on and push yourself forward.

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?


I studied Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College and obtained a MEng degree. Before joining MMB, I worked in the highways and the water sectors as a civil engineer.


I joined MMB as a project leader in 2021 and this is where I have been since.


What has your career journey looked like?


Since joining MMB as a project leader, I have been responsible for leading wastewater infrastructure and non-infrastructure, while supporting the project engineers.

I am also working towards the chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), with my professional review coming up very soon.


What’s the best thing about the project leader role?


There are many things which I enjoy about the project leader role but one highlight is seeing myself and my team grow through the development of projects, especially the graduates and more junior members of the team that I am supporting.

From a more project focused view, I also think that seeing a project grow from the design phase to complete construction is very fulfilling, as it makes all the hard work you put in tangible.


How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?


When I’m not at work I love reading, cooking, and going to gym. I also enjoy travelling when I get the chance.


And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?


  1. Communication – have the confidence to communicate with colleagues, clients, stakeholders or third parties from technical or non-technical backgrounds.
  2. Leadership – be able to see the bigger picture of the project, programme or design and be able to lead your team through all decisions, no matter how big or small.
  3. Technical excellence – provide technical leadership and support to your team, while understanding their individual limits, so you can provide support when they need it most.

What has your career journey in MMB looked like?


After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, I initially worked for a house builder for a year before joining MMB to work on as a project leader and civil engineer on variety of different reservoirs in Yorkshire and Wales, which took me to some beautiful parts of the UK.


After a brief stint away from MMB during the pandemic, I moved back to join our team in the North East, working on a number of water treatment works schemes. I’ve since re-joined the team in Yorkshire where I’m currently working on important projects that will reduce sewage spills to rivers.


What does a typical day as a project leader look like?

It’s safe to say no two days are ever the same! The great thing about MMB is that as a project leader you’re able to mix your days up doing initial designs in the office, going out to site and meeting clients/key stakeholders. You get to know everyone within the project pretty well.


The office environment is great as everyone is very chatty and happy to help and advise; on site you have a good opportunity to learn about the practicalities of what you’re designing and how best to resolve issues.


Are you working towards any professional qualifications?

Whilst working in MMB I’ve achieved Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with the ICE, winning the Tony Chapman Medal along the way. My next aim is to achieve Chartership with the ICE.


How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

Outside of work I like to keep active. I love the outdoors and spend a lot of time paddle-boarding, cycling and hiking.


There’s also a great social side in MMB, with lots of opportunities to meet up after work where everyone is welcome. From our Leeds office we have a regular group of colleagues who climb at the local bouldering wall a few times a week.


And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?


  1. Willing to learn
  2. Organised
  3. Good communication skills

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?


I graduated in 2020 with a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Newcastle University. As part of my degree, I completed a year-long industrial placement at Northumbrian Water where I worked as part of the operations team at Howdon Sewage Treatment Works.


I found it fascinating working on a live wastewater treatment plant and learning about the different treatment processes. I primarily worked on the design and optimisation of anaerobic digesters, which convert waste into biogas.


After graduating, I decided to continue my career in the water industry so joined MMB!

What has your career journey looked like?

I joined MMB as a process engineer and worked on different projects throughout the Severn Trent region. I then took on the project leader role for a £6 million wastewater project in Shropshire, where we are installing some innovative technology.


It’s a great, challenging role that involves:

  • Technical design work: I am the process engineer for my project.
  • Working closely with other engineering disciplines, as well as the site and commercial teams.
  • Planning the design phase of the project.
  • Identifying and managing risks and opportunities.
  • Sizing and procuring equipment from suppliers.


As well as project leading, I’m also a STEM ambassador. This gives me chance to go into schools to help young people understand more about the world of engineering.


What’s the best thing about being a project leader in MMB?

The best thing about being a project leader in MMB is that you can design something and actually see it built. It’s great to see that entire process.


How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

When I’m not in work I enjoy taking part in musical theatre productions with a local amateur dramatics society.


And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?


  1. Collaborate and share ideas – teamwork is a big part of this role.
  2. Enjoy learning – you will be working within a multidiscipline team so be interested in learning about things unrelated to your discipline.
  3. Stay organised – you will be managing a lot of different aspects of the project.

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?


I started with MMB on an industrial placement as an assistant project leader whilst studying civil engineering at university. I came back on a summer placement before re-joining full-time after graduating with a Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering.


What has your career journey looked like?


Since joining MMB, I’ve been working as a civil engineering project leader on a £12m sludge treatment project. I’ve managed nine design team colleagues, liaised with our ten subcontractors and delivered structural concrete base designs, drainage designs and surface water assessments.


Alongside this I’m also the Early Career Professional (ECP) lead for sustainability, which supports the delivery of MMB’s approach to carbon reduction and environmental improvement.


What’s the best thing about the project leader role?


No two days are ever the same. I get really bored if I’m just doing the same thing! I can be head down working on a design one day, and the next speaking to people and helping others with what they’re doing. The next day I might be on site and the next I might be planning. That’s what keeps it interesting.


How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?


I really enjoy going out to eat good food with my friends and seeing live music. Yoga has also been my obsession this year and helped me feel strong and keep a steady mind.


And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?


Adaptive communicator - you speak to so many different people in the PL role so being able to adapt your communication style for each audience is invaluable.


Confidence, in yourself, and in being able to say, “I don’t know but I’ll be able to find someone that does!” - the PL is the point of contact for the project, but you aren’t expected to know everything in detail. It is more important to have a general grasp on all disciplines so you can point people in the right direction.


Organisation and planning are key - fail to plan, plan to fail! Staying organised means you can concentrate on the tasks at hand and a clear plan will fill your team with confidence that there is a route to success.

How did you get into the project leader role at MMB?

I joined MMB as a graduate civil engineer straight from university so my role at MMB is my first and only job I have held in the industry.

What has your career journey looked like?

After starting with MMB as a graduate civil engineer I was promoted to civil engineer fourteen months later before then taking on the role of project leader earlier this year. Since then, I’ve been working full-time as a project leader on a recovery scheme at Horsley Water Treatment Works in the North East.

As a project leader – a technical management role – I’m looking after the project from a design perspective from concept all the way through to commissioning and handover.

What attracted you to MMB?

The uniqueness of the design and build environment really attracted me to MMB. My personality probably isn't suited to sitting behind a desk all day every day, I'm definitely more suited to the design and build world where you design and then see everything come to life. That's the thing that attracted me.

How about outside of work, what keeps you busy?

Outside of work I like to go for long walks with my girlfriend and the dog, as well as playing football and golf most weekends.

And finally, what are your top 3 tips for an aspiring project leader?

  1. Organisational skills
  2. Enthusiasm
  3. Resilience

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