Associate Director - Design Manager, Water Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Director - Design Manager, Water Infrastructure

Company: AECOM

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Water Infrastructure Design Management

Date Posted: August 14, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary water infrastructure design projects from concept through to construction, ensuring successful project delivery.

• Manage project scope, programme, resources, budgets, and technical outputs to meet stringent quality, time, and compliance requirements.

• Provide design leadership across all engineering disciplines and oversee the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept development to final construction phases.

• Foster strong collaboration with clients, project managers, and internal teams to effectively resolve issues and align technical and commercial project outcomes.

• Contribute to bid development and methodology refinement, while actively mentoring junior team members and promoting high-performance operational practices within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Associate Director, indicating a significant level of responsibility and potential for leadership within AECOM's Water business. The emphasis on managing multidisciplinary design and client collaboration suggests a strategic role focused on both technical excellence and business development within the Australian water sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the planning, design, and execution of complex water infrastructure projects, including treatment plants, pipelines, and pumping systems, ensuring adherence to project objectives and AECOM's quality standards.

• Develop and implement robust design management plans that encompass scope definition, schedule adherence, resource allocation, and financial control, mitigating risks and optimizing project outcomes.

• Oversee and guide design teams across various engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, mechanical, electrical, process) to ensure cohesive and technically sound design solutions.

• Act as a key point of contact for clients, engaging in regular communication to understand their needs, present design progress, and secure buy-in for project milestones.

• Proactively identify and resolve design challenges, technical issues, and interdisciplinary conflicts, ensuring timely and effective solutions that maintain project momentum and integrity.

• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposal writing, developing technical methodologies, and engaging in client presentations for new project opportunities.

• Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers, fostering their technical growth and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the design function.

• Ensure all designs comply with relevant Australian standards, regulations, and client-specific requirements, with a particular focus on sustainability and environmental impact.

• Collaborate closely with project managers and construction teams to ensure a seamless transition from design to execution, providing necessary design support during the construction phase.

• Conduct thorough design reviews and value engineering exercises to identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and enhanced performance of water infrastructure assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership and project management, with a strong emphasis on client interface and business development. The mention of "major projects" and "defence sectors" implies a need for experience in large-scale, potentially complex, and high-stakes projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Environmental, Mechanical) or a related discipline is required.

Experience: A successful track record of 5-10 years in design management, project delivery, and a strong understanding of water infrastructure, including pipes, pumps, or treatment systems.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in design management, overseeing the planning, design, and execution of complex infrastructure projects.

• In-depth understanding of water infrastructure, including pipes, pumps, or treatment systems, with specific knowledge of WA water infrastructure clients.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams to achieve project goals.

• Expertise in managing project scope, programme, resources, and budgets effectively to meet quality and compliance standards.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients, contractors, and internal teams.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to understand interconnected systems and processes for a holistic approach.

• Proficiency in technical documentation, design reviews, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in contributing to bids and developing winning methodologies for water infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with sustainability principles and their application in water infrastructure design.

• Knowledge of digital tools and technologies relevant to design management and infrastructure delivery.

• Experience in mentoring and developing design professionals.

• Understanding of construction processes and their integration with design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "successful track record" and "proven experience" suggests that candidates will be expected to provide concrete examples of their achievements in design management and water infrastructure delivery. The mention of "key water infrastructure clients within WA" points towards a preference for local market knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in leading and managing the full lifecycle of water infrastructure design projects, showcasing successful outcomes in terms of scope, schedule, and budget.

• Provide case studies highlighting your ability to coordinate multidisciplinary design efforts, resolve complex technical challenges, and ensure high-quality technical outputs.

• Include examples of your involvement in client collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and how you have aligned technical solutions with commercial objectives.

• Showcase instances where you have contributed to bid development or methodology creation for water infrastructure tenders, illustrating your strategic thinking and business acumen.

• Present evidence of your role in mentoring team members and fostering high-performance practices within design teams. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to developing and implementing comprehensive design management plans, including scope definition, risk assessment, and quality assurance protocols.

• Provide examples of how you have documented design processes, managed design reviews, and ensured adherence to technical standards and regulatory requirements.

• Detail your methods for tracking project progress, managing design changes, and reporting on technical and commercial performance to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on design leadership and project delivery, a portfolio that clearly articulates the candidate's experience in managing complex processes, coordinating diverse teams, and achieving measurable results in water infrastructure projects will be crucial. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrated process efficiency and successful project outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for an Associate Director - Design Manager in Water Infrastructure in Perth, Western Australia, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the specialized nature of water infrastructure, and the cost of living in Perth.

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time options, job-sharing, and hybrid work models to support work-life integration.

• Opportunity to purchase up to 6 weeks of additional annual leave per year, providing extended personal time off.

• Volunteer and representation leave, enabling employees to contribute to their communities or professional bodies.

• Flex public holidays, allowing employees to swap standard public holidays for dates that better suit their personal needs.

• Access to a robust global well-being program designed to support the physical, mental, and emotional health of employees.

• Participation in a global, publicly traded firm, offering access to industry-leading technology, innovative thinking, and transformational projects.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The company offers flexibility with alternative start/finish times, aligning with a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Australian market, considering the specified experience level and location. AECOM, as a large global firm, is expected to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the global infrastructure consulting sector, a critical industry focused on the planning, design, engineering, and management of public and private infrastructure projects. This includes transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and environmental services. The company plays a vital role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally. This large scale provides extensive resources, a broad range of project opportunities, and a diverse professional network. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for specialization, exposure to large-scale processes, and the potential for significant impact across numerous projects and sectors.

Founded: AECOM's history dates back to the 1930s, with its current form emerging from mergers and acquisitions over several decades. This long-standing presence in the industry signifies stability, deep expertise, and a well-established reputation. The company's evolution reflects a commitment to growth and adaptation within the dynamic infrastructure landscape.

Team Structure: The Water Infrastructure group within AECOM's Australia and New Zealand business is a specialized unit focused on delivering projects across water and wastewater treatment, civil infrastructure, and defence sectors. The Design Manager will likely lead a multidisciplinary team comprising civil, mechanical, electrical, process engineers, and designers. The team operates within a broader business line structure, likely reporting up through regional or national leadership within the Water business. Collaboration will extend across various project teams and potentially with other AECOM business groups.

Methodology: AECOM emphasizes delivering a "better world" through its projects, focusing on sustainable outcomes and client partnerships. Their approach likely involves rigorous project management methodologies, a commitment to technical excellence, and the integration of digital innovation. For the Water Infrastructure team, this translates to a focus on efficient design processes, lifecycle cost analysis, and the implementation of resilient and environmentally responsible solutions. Data-driven decision-making, robust risk management, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving are integral to their operational methodology.

Company Website: https://www.aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global scale and long history suggest a structured, process-oriented environment with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and compliance. The "better world" mission statement indicates a drive towards impactful and sustainable projects, which would appeal to operations professionals seeking purpose-driven work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Associate Director level, signifying a senior position with significant responsibility. It is positioned above a typical Manager or Senior Engineer, implying leadership in strategic design initiatives, client relationships, and team management. This level often involves contributing to business unit strategy, managing larger budgets, and mentoring multiple teams or individuals. For operations professionals, this means moving beyond execution to strategic planning, process improvement oversight, and influencing operational direction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or General Manager within the Water Infrastructure business line in Australia and New Zealand. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and designers. Collaboration will be extensive with Project Managers, other Design Managers, discipline leads, and client representatives. This structure emphasizes both vertical leadership and horizontal collaboration, crucial for successful infrastructure project delivery.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is central to the successful delivery of water infrastructure projects. By ensuring designs are technically sound, cost-effective, and delivered on time, they directly influence project profitability, client satisfaction, and AECOM's reputation. Efficient design processes reduce project risks, minimize rework, and contribute to sustainable outcomes, aligning with AECOM's mission. Their role is critical in translating client needs into tangible, high-quality infrastructure assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Director-level roles, overseeing larger business units, national operations, or taking on broader strategic responsibilities within AECOM's Water sector.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure (e.g., advanced treatment technologies, desalination, smart water networks) or broaden into related infrastructure domains.

• Business Development & Client Management: Develop stronger client relationships, lead major bids, and play a more significant role in the strategic growth of AECOM's Water business in Australia and New Zealand.

• Mentorship & Training: Lead internal training programs, develop best practices for design management, and contribute to the professional development of the next generation of engineers and operations leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate Director" title suggests a clear pathway for career advancement within AECOM, particularly for those who excel in managing complex projects and fostering strong client relationships. The role offers a blend of technical leadership and business acumen development, vital for senior operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates on a hybrid work model. This means the Perth office serves as a central hub for collaboration, client meetings, and in-person team interactions, while also allowing for remote work. The office environment is likely professional, with dedicated workspaces and collaborative areas designed to support multidisciplinary teams.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Perth, Western Australia, specifically at 58 Mounts Bay Road. This central location in Perth offers accessibility and proximity to key business districts and clients. AECOM also operates globally, with numerous offices, which could offer future opportunities or collaborations.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model fosters a flexible work environment, balancing focused individual work with collaborative team sessions. This adaptability is crucial for managing complex design processes that often require both deep concentration and active discussion.

• Employees will have access to AECOM's advanced technology and digital tools, supporting efficient design, modeling, and project management. This includes industry-standard software for engineering design and project coordination.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues across various disciplines will be frequent, encouraging knowledge sharing, cross-functional problem-solving, and a cohesive team culture within the Perth office and broader Water business.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through alternative start and finish times. This allows operations professionals to manage their work hours in a way that optimizes productivity and personal commitments, particularly important for roles that may involve project-critical deadlines or extended periods of focused work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at AECOM is designed to offer flexibility while maintaining strong team cohesion and access to necessary office resources. This setup is increasingly common and beneficial for operations roles that require both independent focus and collaborative problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required qualifications and experience. Be prepared to highlight specific water infrastructure projects and design management achievements.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior team member. This interview will focus on your technical expertise, design management approach, and understanding of water infrastructure. Expect questions about your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing project constraints.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a technical exercise or present a case study from your portfolio. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to articulate complex concepts clearly. Focus on showcasing your process optimization and stakeholder management capabilities.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: An interview with potential colleagues and/or key stakeholders (e.g., a Project Director or senior client representative). This assesses your cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to communicate effectively within a team and with clients.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term career aspirations, and final confirmation of suitability for the Associate Director role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your design management expertise, multidisciplinary coordination, and successful water infrastructure project delivery. Prioritize projects that demonstrate impact and innovation.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the processes you implemented (especially for optimization and efficiency), the solutions developed, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, technical improvements, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Process & Systems: Detail the specific methodologies, tools, and systems you utilized for design coordination, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Emphasize how you ensured seamless integration and a bigger-picture approach.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the success of your projects and your contributions. Quantify improvements in efficiency, cost savings, performance, or client outcomes.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, articulate your thought process, and answer in-depth questions about your decisions and the results achieved. Practice presenting your case studies concisely and compellingly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Optimization Focus: If presented with a scenario, focus on how you would diagnose issues, involve relevant stakeholders, and implement a structured approach to optimize processes, rather than just providing a technical solution.

• Stakeholder Management: Consider how you would communicate with different stakeholders (clients, internal teams, contractors) regarding design challenges, progress, and decisions.

• Big Picture Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to see how various systems, processes, and stakeholders interconnect, and how your design decisions impact the overall project and its long-term objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review will likely focus heavily on demonstrating practical experience in managing complex design processes, leading multidisciplinary teams, and achieving tangible results in water infrastructure projects. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies and quantify their impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or Bentley MicroStation is essential for design and modeling. Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms for collaborative design and data management is highly valued.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Asana for project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design Review Tools: Experience with software like Navisworks for clash detection and integrated design reviews across disciplines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not primary design tools, understanding of data analysis principles and potential use of tools like Excel for performance tracking, cost analysis, and reporting.

• Reporting Platforms: Experience in generating and presenting design progress reports, technical summaries, and budget status updates.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While less direct for design management, understanding of how CRM data informs project pipelines and client engagement can be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with concepts of workflow automation for design processes, document management, and approval cycles, even if not directly implementing the tools.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms like SharePoint, Aconex, or similar for managing project documentation, ensuring version control and accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role primarily requires expertise in design and project management software. While direct experience with CRM or advanced automation tools might not be mandatory, an understanding of how these systems integrate with project delivery and client management is advantageous. Proficiency in BIM and advanced CAD/modeling software is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the infrastructure sector, emphasizing a commitment to safe working practices, risk mitigation, and zero harm. Operations professionals are expected to champion safety in all design and project execution aspects.

• Integrity and Trust: AECOM emphasizes ethical conduct and building trust with clients and stakeholders. Operations professionals are expected to act with honesty and transparency in all their dealings.

• Excellence and Innovation: A drive to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions that meet client needs and contribute to sustainable outcomes. This involves continuous learning, embracing new technologies, and seeking process improvements.

• Collaboration and Inclusion: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and team members work together effectively to achieve common goals. This includes open communication and mutual respect.

• Sustainability: A core commitment to developing infrastructure solutions that are environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable for long-term benefit.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Integration: The team fosters a collaborative style where engineers and designers from different disciplines work closely together, sharing knowledge and coordinating efforts to produce cohesive designs.

• Client-Centric Approach: Collaboration extends to clients, with an emphasis on understanding their needs, involving them in key decisions, and building strong, long-term partnerships.

• Open Communication and Feedback: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and continuous improvement in processes and project delivery. This includes regular design reviews and team debriefs.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values, particularly safety, integrity, innovation, and sustainability, are deeply embedded in their operational culture. Professionals in operations roles are expected to embody these values, contributing to a culture of excellence and responsible project delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of clients, regulatory bodies, internal teams, and community stakeholders on large water infrastructure projects.

• Navigating Evolving Regulations & Technologies: Keeping abreast of new environmental regulations, water management policies, and emerging design technologies to ensure designs are compliant and cutting-edge.

• Optimizing Design for Sustainability & Resilience: Integrating sustainable design principles and ensuring infrastructure resilience against climate change impacts and other environmental stressors within budget and schedule constraints.

• Coordinating Geographically Dispersed Teams: Effectively managing and integrating design input from multidisciplinary teams that may be located across different offices or even countries, especially within a hybrid work model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in areas like advanced water treatment technologies, hydraulic modeling, or sustainable infrastructure design.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance leadership skills, project management capabilities, and strategic thinking through AECOM's internal development programs.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Encouragement to attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to stay current with best practices, network with peers, and gain insights into market trends.

• Mentorship and Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to learn from senior leaders within AECOM and gain exposure to different aspects of the infrastructure lifecycle and various business lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex, impactful projects in a growing sector. The challenges are typical of senior roles in infrastructure consulting, focusing on strategic problem-solving, stakeholder management, and continuous adaptation to industry advancements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex water infrastructure project you managed from concept to construction. What were the key design challenges, how did you coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on process, stakeholder management, and quantifiable results).

• "How do you ensure designs are not only technically sound but also meet budget, schedule, and sustainability requirements? Provide an example of a trade-off you had to manage." (Highlight your strategic planning and decision-making process).

• "AECOM emphasizes a 'better world' through its work. How do you integrate sustainability and resilience into water infrastructure design, and how would you communicate these benefits to a client?" (Demonstrate your understanding of AECOM's mission and your technical approach). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's work in the water sector in Australia, particularly in Western Australia?" (Research recent projects and company initiatives).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within a multidisciplinary design team, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Align your response with AECOM's values and collaboration style).

• "How do you measure the success of a design management process beyond just project completion? What metrics are important to you?" (Focus on efficiency, quality, client satisfaction, and team performance). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling with Data: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling narratives for 2-3 key projects. Clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the processes you implemented (especially for optimization), and the quantifiable positive impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, charts, key metrics) to support your points. Avoid overwhelming slides with text.

• Focus on Process & Impact: Emphasize your methodology for managing design, coordinating teams, and ensuring efficient workflows. Be ready to detail how your actions led to specific positive outcomes for the project and the client.

• Engage and Interact: Treat the portfolio review as a conversation. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your decisions, challenges, and learnings. Show enthusiasm for your work and AECOM's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, a deep understanding of water infrastructure design management, and a commitment to AECOM's values. The portfolio review is a critical component for showcasing practical experience and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Director - Design Manager, Water Infrastructure position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal linked via the job posting.

• Tailor your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your most relevant experience in water infrastructure design management, multidisciplinary team leadership, project delivery, and client engagement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities. Ensure each project case study clearly outlines your role, the processes you employed for design management and optimization, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio with a focus on clear communication, concise storytelling, and highlighting your strategic approach and impact. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your experience.

• Research AECOM: Thoroughly research AECOM's Water business, recent projects in Australia (especially WA), and their company values. Understand their mission and how your skills and experience align with their goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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