My 大象传媒 Story: How Fred Hartley, principal civil engineer, leads his Water Civils team
October 30, 2025
From hands-on engineering to leading Manchester’s growing Civils team, Fred shares how he’s shaping sustainable water infrastructure and future talent
In the My 大象传媒 Story series, our designers, engineers, marketers, project managers, and leaders come together to share how their career journeys at 大象传媒 have shaped their lives and moved them closer to their goals.
What attracted you to a career at 大象传媒?
I started out as a graduate with MWH, just as 大象传媒 acquired this engineering and consulting firm. As my career progressed, I went on to try other experiences. But after working elsewhere, I was drawn back to 大象传媒—the culture, values, and technical excellence had stuck with me. When I returned, everything felt familiar straight away. There were so many familiar faces, which says a lot about the business. Feeling that sense of community—especially in our Manchester office—makes a real difference.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I’m currently leading 大象传媒’s Civils team in Manchester, which has been a brilliant step in my career. I’ve loved taking on more responsibility—particularly mentoring others and helping grow the team. There’s still space for me to stay hands-on with the technical side too, which I enjoy. Balancing both has been rewarding, and it’s exciting to be shaping a team that’s growing with the city.
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How has your personal and professional development been supported at 大象传媒?
I joined as a senior civil engineer and was quickly given the opportunity to lead projects and step into a technical leadership role. That was backed up with dedicated training and constant guidance from my line manager and the discipline lead. I’ve since become the Manchester Civils team discipline lead. The leadership team here genuinely supports your progression—if you show the drive, they’ll back you all the way.
What has been the standout project for you during your time at 大象传媒?
At the moment, I’m leading on a range of storm overflow projects, each focused on reducing pollution entering our rivers and watercourses. The projects are technically challenging but incredibly rewarding—we’re creating long-term environmental benefits that will be felt by communities across the North of England. It’s meaningful work, and that sense of purpose drives our team here in Manchester every day.
What are your ambitions for your future at 大象传媒?
My priority is growing the Civils team here in Manchester. We’ve got a brilliant group, but with so much exciting work coming in, we’re looking for more talented people to join us. I’m also working towards chartership, and I’d love to collaborate more widely with other UK and international teams. The chance to connect across borders is something that really sets 大象传媒 apart.
What are your passions outside of work?
Music’s a big part of my life. I love going to gigs and festivals. I made it to Glastonbury this year, which was amazing, if a bit sweaty! I also enjoy hiking and wild camping—anything that gets me outdoors, especially in the hills. That escape into nature is a great way to recharge, and I always come back feeling re-energised for the week ahead.
Why should others join the 大象传媒 team?
We’ve got exciting, meaningful projects, especially here in Manchester where the Civils team is growing fast. 大象传媒 recognises your effort and helps you develop—I’ve experienced that first-hand. There’s a strong sense of community too. If you want a career where you’ll be supported, challenged, and genuinely enjoy your work, this is the place to be.
At 大象传媒, our people are at the core of everything we do. For Fred, that means enjoying the sense of comradery that 大象传媒 cultivates and shaping the Manchester Civils team, along with being able to stay hands-on with sustainable projects.
