Defence Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Defence Design Manager

Company: Mott MacDonald

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time

Category: Defence Design Management / Project Delivery

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design delivery for a portfolio of Estate Works Program (EWP) projects under the Project Delivery Services (PDS) Contract, ensuring adherence to Mott MacDonald's high standards of technical quality and project execution.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary design teams and subconsultants, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve project milestones efficiently and within budget constraints.

• Drive the implementation of safe design practices and ensure strict compliance with all relevant Australian defence standards, legislation, and client-specific requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

• Act as a key liaison between project managers, technical teams, and external stakeholders, translating complex requirements into actionable design plans and delivering compliant, high-quality solutions.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the design function by sharing expertise, providing technical leadership, and actively participating in process optimization initiatives within the defence sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Defence Design Manager implies a focus on complex, high-security projects within the Australian defence sector. This necessitates a strong understanding of defence-specific regulations, security clearance requirements, and the unique demands of military infrastructure projects. The "Estate Works Program" and "Project Delivery Services (PDS) Contract" suggest a structured, potentially long-term engagement with a defence client, requiring robust contract management and stakeholder alignment skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the resourcing, coordination, and timely delivery of comprehensive design packages across a diverse portfolio of defence projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives and client expectations.

• Proactively manage programme timelines, scope definition, budget adherence, and overall design quality to guarantee successful project outcomes and client satisfaction.

• Engage collaboratively with project managers, technical specialists, and key stakeholders to thoroughly understand project requirements and deliver design solutions that are both compliant and technically sound.

• Champion and enforce safe design principles, ensuring all design outputs meet stringent Australian defence standards, relevant legislation, and specific client mandates.

• Orchestrate the efforts of multidisciplinary design teams and external subconsultants, ensuring seamless collaboration and the achievement of critical project milestones within established timeframes and budgetary limits.

• Implement and maintain effective risk management, change control, and comprehensive document management protocols throughout the entire project lifecycle to mitigate potential issues and ensure project integrity.

• Provide clear, consistent, and transparent communication regarding project progress, identified issues, and proposed remedial actions to all relevant parties, including senior leadership and client representatives.

• Foster team capability development, provide expert technical guidance, and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of design processes and methodologies within the defence sector operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement, critical for a Design Manager in a defence context. Responsibilities like "Drive safe design practices" and "Ensure compliance with relevant standards, legislation and client requirements" highlight the high-stakes nature of defence projects. The need to "Support effective risk, change and document management" points to a requirement for meticulous process adherence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not detailed, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical), Architecture, or a related technical discipline is typically expected for a Design Manager role in this field. Further postgraduate qualifications or specialized certifications in project management or defence engineering would be advantageous.

Experience: Demonstrated experience in design management, engineering delivery, or multidisciplinary project coordination, with a strong preference for experience within the Australian defence sector or complex infrastructure projects. A proven ability to lead and influence diverse technical teams and external partners is essential. Experience working within regulated environments and applying relevant standards and governance requirements is critical.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to oversee and direct the complete design process from concept to detailed engineering, ensuring quality and compliance.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage relationships with clients, project managers, technical teams, and governmental bodies.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Expertise in coordinating and integrating the work of various engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, civil, mechanical, electrical) to achieve cohesive design solutions.

• Project Delivery Fundamentals: Strong understanding of project lifecycle management, including scope definition, programme scheduling, budget control, and quality assurance.

• Budget Management: Proficiency in managing and controlling project design budgets, including forecasting, tracking expenditures, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, particularly those related to design, safety, and compliance in defence environments.

• Technical Quality Assurance: Commitment to ensuring the highest technical quality of design deliverables through robust review processes and adherence to standards.

• Resource Planning: Skill in planning and allocating design resources effectively to meet project demands and timelines.

• Compliance Management: Deep understanding of and ability to enforce compliance with defence-specific standards, Australian regulations, and client contractual obligations.

• Leadership: Demonstrated capability to lead, motivate, and guide multidisciplinary technical teams towards successful project completion.

Preferred Skills:

• Defence Sector Experience: Prior experience working on defence infrastructure projects, understanding specific security protocols and operational requirements.

• Australian Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a current Australian baseline security clearance.

• Contract Management: Familiarity with managing design services under contracts like the Project Delivery Services (PDS) Contract.

• Risk & Change Management Software Proficiency: Experience with tools used for formal risk and change management.

• Advanced Communication Tools: Proficiency in using advanced collaboration and communication platforms for distributed teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain a baseline security clearance is a critical qualification for this role, underscoring the sensitive nature of defence projects. The emphasis on "regulated environments" and "governance requirements" points towards a need for meticulous adherence to established procedures and quality management systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Delivery Case Studies: Showcase successful delivery of complex design packages, ideally within infrastructure or defence projects, detailing the scope, challenges, and solutions implemented.

• Process Optimization Examples: Provide evidence of implemented process improvements in design workflows, demonstrating enhanced efficiency, reduced errors, or improved collaboration.

• System Implementation Standards: Any experience or documentation related to the implementation or management of design management systems, CAD/BIM software, or project collaboration platforms.

• ROI Demonstration: Examples where design decisions or process improvements led to quantifiable benefits, such as cost savings, schedule acceleration, or enhanced safety outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of documented design workflows, including process mapping, identification of bottlenecks, and proposed optimization strategies.

• Implementation & Automation: Evidence of implementing new design processes, tools, or automation techniques to streamline project delivery.

• Measurement & Analysis: Documentation of how design processes were measured for performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and analysis of results to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should highlight a candidate's ability to manage complex design processes within a regulated and often high-stakes environment. Demonstrating a systematic approach to problem-solving, risk mitigation, and quality assurance through documented case studies and process examples will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Defence Design Manager in Perth, Western Australia, with an estimated 5-10 years of experience, the salary range is anticipated to be between AUD $150,000 and $200,000 per annum, depending on the specific experience, qualifications, and the scope of projects managed. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in engineering consulting firms within Australia, considering the specialized nature of defence projects and the required security clearance.

Benefits:

• Flexible and Agile Work Atmosphere: Offers a supportive environment that accommodates professional growth and personal life needs, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

• Competitive Salary: Base salary complemented by Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses, rewarding individual and collective achievements.

• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Includes life insurance and salary continuance insurance, providing financial security for employees and their families.

• Additional Annual Leave: Option to purchase extra annual leave, offering greater flexibility and opportunities to enhance work-life balance.

• Employee Resource Groups: Access to various groups, such as the Inclusive Network for Women and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

• Employee Ownership Model: As an employee-owned company, staff have a direct stake and voice in the business, fostering a culture of shared success and direct connection to company performance through bonuses and potential future equity.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely to be 40 hours per week. However, Mott MacDonald promotes a flexible and agile work atmosphere, suggesting potential for adaptable schedules or hybrid work arrangements to support work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for senior engineering and design management roles in Perth, Australia, with a premium for defence sector experience and security clearance requirements. The benefits package emphasizes employee well-being, professional development, and a unique employee ownership model, which is a significant differentiator for Mott MacDonald.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Management, and Development Consultancy, with a significant focus on Defence and Infrastructure sectors. Mott MacDonald operates globally, providing services across transport, energy, water, buildings, and wider infrastructure. The company is known for its commitment to driving positive change through engineering excellence.

Company Size: Mott MacDonald is a large, global organization, employing tens of thousands of people worldwide. This size offers employees access to a vast network of specialists, global project opportunities, and a structured career development framework. For operations professionals, this means robust internal processes, established best practices, and potential for cross-border collaboration.

Founded: Mott MacDonald was founded in 1989 through the merger of Mott, Hay and Anderson and Sir M. MacDonald & Partners. This history provides a foundation of deep engineering expertise and a long-standing reputation in the industry.

Team Structure:

• Defence Design Team: This role is part of a dedicated Defence Design team, likely comprising a mix of engineers, designers, technical specialists, and project managers focused on defence projects. The team structure will be geared towards managing complex, multi-disciplinary designs within stringent security and regulatory frameworks.

• Reporting Structure: The Defence Design Manager will likely report to a senior leadership position within the Defence division or a regional operations director. This structure ensures clear lines of accountability and strategic oversight.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with Project Managers, Commercial teams, Health & Safety officers, and potentially client representatives or government liaison officers to ensure integrated project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Mott MacDonald emphasizes using data and analytics to inform design decisions, project planning, and performance monitoring.

• Process Optimization: A culture of continuous improvement is embedded, encouraging teams to identify and implement more efficient and effective design and project delivery methodologies.

• Collaboration Platforms: The company likely utilizes advanced digital tools and platforms to facilitate seamless collaboration among geographically dispersed teams and stakeholders.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established engineering consultancy, Mott MacDonald likely possesses mature operational frameworks, standardized processes, and a strong emphasis on quality management systems. The defence sector focus implies a need for rigorous compliance and security protocols in all operational aspects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the operations and design management spectrum. It requires significant technical expertise, proven leadership capabilities, and a track record of successful project delivery in complex environments. The scope extends beyond technical design to encompass project management aspects like budget, schedule, and stakeholder relations within a defence context.

Reporting Structure: The Defence Design Manager will report to senior management within Mott MacDonald's Defence sector or a relevant regional operations lead. This reporting line provides opportunities for mentorship from experienced leaders and exposure to strategic decision-making processes.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the successful delivery of critical defence infrastructure projects. Effective design management ensures projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the required technical specifications, directly contributing to Mott MacDonald's reputation and revenue generation in the defence sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of defence engineering or design management through specialized projects and training.

• Leadership Development: Potential to progress into more senior management roles, leading larger teams, managing broader project portfolios, or taking on regional leadership responsibilities within the defence division.

• Project Management Advancement: Develop advanced project management skills, potentially leading to roles focused solely on large-scale project delivery or program management.

• Global Mobility: As a global firm, there may be opportunities to work on international defence projects or transfer to other sectors within Mott MacDonald.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for a Defence Design Manager at Mott MacDonald likely involves a progression from managing individual projects to overseeing multiple projects or entire programs, and potentially moving into broader leadership roles within the defence business unit or the wider consultancy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mott MacDonald promotes a hybrid work environment. This role will likely involve a combination of working from Mott MacDonald's Perth office, potentially client sites, and remote work. The office environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary tools for design and project management.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Perth, Western Australia. Mott MacDonald has a presence in Perth, providing a base for operations and team collaboration. Specific details regarding office accessibility and amenities would be available upon inquiry.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Perth office is likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, hot-desking facilities, and shared workspaces to encourage interaction among team members.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (CAD, BIM), project management tools, communication platforms, and secure IT infrastructure necessary for defence project work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the local Defence Design team, as well as broader engagement with colleagues across Mott MacDonald's global network.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the emphasis on a flexible and agile work atmosphere suggests that there may be some flexibility in daily working hours, provided project deadlines and stakeholder needs are met. This flexibility is crucial for managing design processes that may demand extended periods of focus or responsive communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is standard for many professional roles, but for a defence-focused position, there may be specific requirements regarding on-site presence for security, collaboration, or client meetings. The emphasis on "agile" suggests a modern approach to work management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, CV, and any submitted portfolio materials to assess suitability against the core requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve discussions about your design management experience, technical expertise in relevant engineering fields, and understanding of defence project complexities. You may be asked to walk through specific case studies from your portfolio.

• Situational/Leadership Interview: Focus on your ability to lead teams, manage stakeholders, handle challenges, and align with Mott MacDonald's company culture and values. Behavioral questions assessing your problem-solving and decision-making skills will be common.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and finalize terms.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain/maintain the required baseline security clearance will be a critical part of the process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Defence Focus: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience in defence, government, or similarly regulated and complex infrastructure environments.

• Process Excellence: Clearly articulate the design processes you followed, highlighting any innovations, optimizations, or robust quality assurance measures implemented.

• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. For example, "Reduced design review cycle time by 15%" or "Managed a design budget of $X million, coming in Y% under budget."

• Problem-Solution Narrative: For each case study, frame it as a problem or challenge, your approach and solution, and the positive outcomes achieved.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly communicates your skills and experience without excessive jargon.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge related to defence infrastructure, requiring you to outline your approach to scope, risk, and stakeholder management.

• Process Improvement Task: You might be asked to propose improvements to a given design workflow or address a common project delivery issue.

• Stakeholder Communication Exercise: Practice articulating complex technical information clearly and concisely to different audiences, simulating communication with project managers, technical teams, or client representatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Portfolio Review" suggests that candidates will be expected to present tangible evidence of their design management capabilities. The security clearance requirement means that background checks will be a significant component of the hiring process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar platforms is essential for detailed design work.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools like Autodesk Revit or Navisworks for integrated design, clash detection, and lifecycle management is highly beneficial.

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

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bentley ProjectWise, or similar cloud-based platforms for document sharing, review, and collaborative design workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Dashboards: Experience with creating and interpreting dashboards using tools like Power BI, Tableau, or custom reporting systems to monitor design progress, budget adherence, and quality metrics.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and potentially statistical software for more in-depth performance evaluation.

• Reporting Standards: Understanding of how to generate clear, concise, and actionable reports for various stakeholders, including technical teams and senior management.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Indirect): While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design inputs interface with client relationship management and project execution systems could be an advantage.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with tools or methodologies that can automate repetitive design tasks or project management processes, improving efficiency.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust document control systems is critical for managing vast amounts of design documentation in compliance with defence standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Defence Design Manager will heavily lean towards specialized engineering and project management software, with a strong emphasis on secure document management and collaboration tools due to the defence sector context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brilliant People, Brilliant Things: Mott MacDonald's core ethos emphasizes attracting and nurturing talented individuals who are empowered to deliver exceptional results. This translates to a culture of high performance and innovation.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The company promotes a connected global team approach, valuing diverse skills and experiences working together to achieve common goals.

• Integrity and Ethics: As a consultancy working on critical infrastructure and defence projects, a strong commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and responsible practices is paramount.

• Excellence and Continuous Improvement: A drive for excellence in all dimensions of the business, consistently seeking opportunities to enhance processes, outcomes, and client satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a collaborative style that integrates design teams with project management, commercial, and safety functions to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Communication: Mott MacDonald fosters an environment where open and transparent communication is encouraged, allowing for the free exchange of ideas, feedback, and challenges.

• Shared Responsibility: The employee ownership model instills a sense of shared responsibility and collective ownership of the company's success, encouraging proactive participation and contribution from all team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Brilliant People, Brilliant Things" and employee ownership suggests a culture that values individual contribution within a supportive, collaborative, and results-oriented framework. For operations roles, this translates to a focus on efficiency, quality, and shared accountability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Defence Regulations: The primary challenge will be staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with the complex and evolving regulatory landscape, security protocols, and technical standards specific to the Australian Defence Force.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including project managers, technical specialists, client representatives, and potentially regulatory bodies, requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Coordinating Distributed Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams, which may include internal staff and external subconsultants across different locations, demands robust remote management and collaboration strategies.

• Technical Complexity and Innovation: Delivering cutting-edge design solutions for advanced defence projects while adhering to strict safety and performance requirements can be technically demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Defence Sector Specialization: Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge of defence infrastructure requirements, security standards, and project delivery models through specialized training and project experience.

• Advanced Project Management: Development in areas like risk management, contract administration, and stakeholder relations within large-scale, complex projects.

• Leadership Training: Access to Mott MacDonald's leadership development programs to enhance skills in team management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining and maintaining relevant professional certifications in engineering, design management, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the specialized nature of defence work, emphasizing the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and strong problem-solving skills. Growth opportunities are aligned with developing expertise and leadership within this critical sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex defence design project you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you address them, and what was the outcome?" Preparation: Focus on a project that showcases your leadership, problem-solving, and understanding of defence-specific constraints. Quantify results where possible.

• "How do you ensure technical quality and compliance with stringent standards (e.g., defence regulations) across a multidisciplinary design team?" Preparation: Detail your process for quality assurance, review cycles, team communication, and how you enforce compliance with standards.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mott MacDonald's work in the defence sector, and why are you interested in this role specifically?" Preparation: Research Mott MacDonald's defence projects, values, and recent news. Connect your skills and aspirations to the company's mission.

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a technical team, especially when working on high-pressure defence projects?" Preparation: Discuss your leadership style, communication strategies, and methods for building team cohesion and trust.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling with Data: Frame your portfolio examples as narratives. Start with the project context (client, scope, objectives), detail your role and the challenges, explain your strategic approach and actions, and conclude with the measurable outcomes and lessons learned.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the design management processes you employed, highlighting any innovative approaches, risk mitigation strategies, or quality control measures.

• Highlight Defence Relevance: Emphasize any experience or understanding of defence sector requirements, security protocols, and compliance needs, even if the project wasn't explicitly defence-related.

• Demonstrate Leadership: When discussing team coordination, clearly articulate your leadership actions and how you motivated and guided your team to success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should strongly emphasize understanding the defence sector's unique requirements, Mott MacDonald's specific projects and values, and being able to articulate your experience through concrete, results-oriented examples, ideally supported by your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Defence Design Manager position:

• Submit your comprehensive application through the Mott MacDonald careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight specific experience in design management, defence projects (if applicable), multidisciplinary coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Ensure it directly addresses the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description.

• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords from the job description such as "Defence," "Design Management," "Estate Works Program," "Project Delivery Services," "Multidisciplinary Coordination," "Compliance," and "Security Clearance." Quantify achievements whenever possible with metrics.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Mott MacDonald, its defence projects, and its company values. Prepare specific examples from your experience to answer behavioral and situational interview questions, and be ready to present a compelling overview of your portfolio.

• Company Research: Understand Mott MacDonald's approach to project delivery, its commitment to safety and quality, and its role within the Australian defence landscape. Be prepared to discuss how your operational approach aligns with their culture and methodologies.

⚠️ 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.