Curiosity, culture and career growth: why Sarah chose Mott MacDonald

Explore a career in civil engineering at Mott MacDonald through the eyes of Sarah Perera, a principal civil engineer whose project management expertise has shaped major water infrastructure projects across the globe.

From huge pipelines in New Zealand to flood defence schemes in Wales, my journey as a civil engineer has taken me across continents and disciplines. At Mott MacDonald, I’ve had the opportunity to lead major water infrastructure projects, collaborate with global teams and grow into a confident technical project manager. Here's a look into my career, my favourite project and what it’s like working in a company that truly supports professional development.

Tell us about your role

I specialise in technical project management of major projects within the water sector. I’m currently based in London, but my experience spans flood defence schemes in South West England and Wales and large diameter pipelines in New Zealand. Most recently, I’ve been managing the outline design of a new build reservoir in Oxfordshire.

Why did you choose your career path and why with Mott MacDonald?

While studying for an MEng in Civil Engineering at Cardiff University, I became really interested in hydraulics, which naturally led me to focus on the technical elements of water projects. Once I had the chance to lead a design team, I discovered a passion for holistic project management.

As an undergraduate, I prioritised companies with an international presence – I wanted to work abroad. Today, I continue to choose Mott MacDonald for its global opportunities, supportive culture and the inspirational projects I’ve worked on.

Can you share a moment when you felt particularly trusted and empowered in your role?

It’s not a single moment, but an entire experience. In my first role as an assistant project manager, I was trusted to take on significant responsibilities – liaising with clients and leading design activities outside my expertise.

That project helped me grow the most. I learned to translate technical conversations into clear explanations for non-technical audiences. Seeing the final constructed product align with my initial concept sketches was incredibly empowering.

Can you share a project you’re particularly proud of?

The South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) project in Oxfordshire stands out. I led a team of over 50 full-time staff to deliver the Gate 3 outline design for a £2.2bn, 150Mm³ reservoir and supporting infrastructure.

As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, SESRO faced public scrutiny and a tight 10-month programme. We coordinated multidisciplinary teams across Mott MacDonald – including international colleagues – and delivered the design on time and under budget.

What makes SESRO special is the collaborative effort. Leading this project taught me about leadership, teamwork and perseverance. The client was extremely pleased with our work, which was the icing on the cake.

What does being part of a global team mean to you?

It means I can leverage the strengths of colleagues across time zones and regions. This fosters collaborative environments where knowledge is shared, leading to better outcomes.

Working with diverse teams has enriched my approach to problem-solving and broadened my perspective. It’s also helped me build a global professional network that’s been invaluable for my career development.

Can you share how Mott MacDonald’s culture has helped you achieve your goals?

I love travelling. I’ve worked abroad in Poland and spent two years in New Zealand – where I got stuck during the pandemic, but that’s a story for another time!

These experiences have enriched my life and career. They’ve helped me grow technically and culturally, making me a better engineer and project manager.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career at Mott MacDonald?

Approach your career with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Mott MacDonald offers opportunities across disciplines and sectors – explore them to find your strengths.

Take advantage of learning resources, mentorship and diverse project experiences. I’ve worked as a designer, design manager and project manager. Each role has helped me grow. If you stay proactive and open to challenges, Mott MacDonald is a place where you can truly thrive.