Defence Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Defence Design Manager

Company: Mott MacDonald

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time / Part-time

Category: Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design delivery for a portfolio of Estate Works Program (EWP) projects within the Project Delivery Services (PDS) Contract.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring adherence to technical quality, programme timelines, and budget constraints.

• Drive the implementation of safe design practices and ensure full compliance with relevant Australian standards, legislation, and client-specific requirements.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with project managers, technical specialists, and key stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the design function through technical leadership and knowledge sharing within the Mott MacDonald team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Defence Design Manager within Mott MacDonald's Estate Works Program (EWP) and Project Delivery Services (PDS) contract indicates a specialized focus on government or defence sector infrastructure projects. This requires a deep understanding of stringent regulatory environments, security protocols, and complex stakeholder management, differentiating it from general infrastructure design management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the resourcing, coordination, and timely delivery of design packages across a diverse portfolio of EWP projects.

• Proactively manage project scope, programme schedules, budget performance, and overall design quality to ensure successful project closure and client satisfaction.

• Collaborate closely with project managers and technical teams to thoroughly understand project requirements and develop compliant, high-quality design solutions.

• Champion and enforce safe design principles throughout the design lifecycle, ensuring strict adherence to all applicable standards, legislation, and client mandates.

• Effectively coordinate multidisciplinary internal teams and external subconsultants to meet critical project milestones within defined timelines and budgets.

• Implement and oversee robust risk, change, and document management processes throughout the entire project lifecycle.

• Maintain clear, timely, and transparent communication channels regarding project progress, identifying potential issues, and proposing actionable solutions to stakeholders.

• Actively contribute to the development of team capabilities, provide technical leadership, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Estate Works Program (EWP)" and "Project Delivery Services (PDS) Contract" suggests this role operates within a framework of established government or defence contracts, implying a need for proficiency in contract management, specific reporting structures, and potentially long-term engagement with a particular client.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) or a related technical field is typically expected for a Design Manager role of this nature. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications may be advantageous.

Experience: Demonstrated experience in design management, engineering delivery, or multidisciplinary project coordination, ideally within complex infrastructure or Defence project environments. A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience is inferred for a management-level position.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in design management and the coordination of multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Strong understanding of project delivery principles, including scope definition, programme management, budget control, and quality assurance.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and influence diverse technical teams and external partners effectively.

• Experience working within highly regulated environments and a strong understanding of applying relevant standards and governance requirements.

• Australian citizenship is mandatory, with the ability to obtain and maintain a current Australian Baseline security clearance.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly.

• Proficiency in risk management and change management processes within project lifecycles.

• Strong document management capabilities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the Australian Defence sector or with similar government infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with Mott MacDonald's project delivery methodologies and systems.

• Knowledge of safe design principles and relevant Australian safety legislation.

• Experience managing subconsultant performance and deliverables.

• Understanding of contract administration and commercial aspects of project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain a Baseline security clearance is a critical qualification for this Defence-focused role, significantly narrowing the candidate pool and highlighting the sensitive nature of the projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant projects where you held a design management or lead coordination role, ideally within the infrastructure or defence sectors.

• For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the project's complexity, and the multidisciplinary nature of the design challenges overcome.

• Provide evidence of successful programme and budget management, including any cost-saving initiatives or efficiency improvements you implemented.

• Demonstrate your approach to ensuring technical quality and compliance with relevant standards, highlighting any quality assurance processes you managed.

• Include examples of how you managed stakeholder expectations and facilitated effective communication across diverse project teams. Process Documentation:

• Present examples of your structured approach to design process management, including workflow design, task allocation, and progress tracking.

• Illustrate your methods for implementing and optimizing design processes, with a focus on efficiency and risk mitigation.

• Provide documentation or case studies demonstrating how you measure and analyze the performance of design processes, linking them to project outcomes.

• Showcase your experience with document control systems and version management within a project environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Defence Design Manager role, portfolios should heavily emphasize adherence to stringent regulatory frameworks, security protocols, and the successful delivery of projects under strict governance. Quantifiable improvements in safety, compliance, and efficiency are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Melbourne, Australia, particularly within the defence or government infrastructure sector, a competitive annual salary range is estimated to be between AUD $130,000 and AUD $180,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the exact nature of the EWP portfolio managed.

Benefits:

• A flexible and agile work atmosphere designed to support professional growth and personal life.

• Competitive base salary, reflective of experience and responsibilities.

• Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses, rewarding individual and company success.

• Comprehensive insurance coverage, including Life Insurance and Salary Continuance Insurance, providing financial security.

• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave, enhancing work-life balance.

• Access to Employee Resource Groups (e.g., Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility) fostering community and development.

• Participation in Mott MacDonald's Employee Ownership model, offering a stake and voice in the business through performance bonuses and long-term career growth.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the role emphasizes flexibility, and the option for part-time employment or job sharing may be available, subject to project needs and mutual agreement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from Australian job boards and salary aggregate sites for similar roles in Melbourne, considering the specialized defence sector and the seniority implied by "Manager." The inclusion of discretionary bonuses and employee ownership benefits points towards a performance-driven culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mott MacDonald operates within the Engineering, Management, and Development Consultancy sector, with a significant focus on infrastructure, transport, energy, water, and buildings. The specific role is situated within their Defence sector practice, catering to government and defence clients.

Company Size: Mott MacDonald is a large, global organization with a significant employee base (likely exceeding 15,000 globally, based on common industry knowledge), indicating a robust organizational structure and access to extensive resources. This size offers opportunities for diverse career paths and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Mott MacDonald was founded in 1989 through the merger of Mott, Hay and Anderson and Sir M MacDonald & Partners. This history signifies a long-standing presence and deep expertise in engineering and project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project delivery or engineering division, potentially within a dedicated Defence or Infrastructure unit in Australia. The team will comprise various technical specialists, project managers, and support staff.

• Reporting will likely be to a senior project director or a divisional manager overseeing the PDS contract.

• Cross-functional collaboration is integral, requiring close working relationships with project management, client representatives, subconsultants, and other engineering disciplines. Methodology:

• Mott MacDonald emphasizes a collaborative, global team approach to project delivery, leveraging diverse skills and experiences.

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for informing design decisions, managing project performance, and identifying areas for improvement.

• Workflow planning and optimization are core to ensuring efficient and effective project execution.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged to streamline processes and enhance project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's global presence and employee ownership model are key differentiators. The focus on "brilliant people" and "brilliant things" suggests a culture that values innovation, expertise, and a commitment to impactful project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-to-Senior level, managing design delivery for a portfolio of projects. It requires a blend of technical expertise in design management and strong leadership capabilities. The scope involves not just technical oversight but also program, budget, and stakeholder management, indicating a significant level of responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Defence Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Project Delivery Services (PDS) contract or a broader Defence sector lead. They will, in turn, manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams and potentially subconsultant leads.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence is critical to the successful technical execution of defence projects. Their ability to ensure safe, compliant, and high-quality designs directly impacts project cost, schedule, and the long-term performance and safety of defence assets. They are a key interface between technical delivery and client objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in defence infrastructure design, specific engineering disciplines, or advanced project management methodologies within regulated environments.

• Leadership Development: Progress to managing larger, more complex project portfolios, becoming a Principal Design Manager, or taking on program management roles within the defence sector.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger client-facing skills, potentially leading to roles focused on business development or key account management within the defence industry.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior design engineers and project coordinators, contributing to the development of future talent within Mott MacDonald.

• Cross-sector Exposure: Opportunities may arise to leverage defence design experience in other critical infrastructure sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Defence Design Manager" title implies a well-defined career path within Mott MacDonald's defence sector. Growth opportunities are likely tied to successful project delivery, client satisfaction, and the acquisition of specialized defence industry knowledge and security clearances.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mott MacDonald offers a hybrid work environment, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. This allows for focused individual work and team-based problem-solving.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Mott MacDonald has a significant presence in major Australian cities, providing potential for collaboration and networking across different offices. Specific office details would be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for face-to-face interaction with project teams, technical specialists, and senior management.

• Access to necessary operations tools, technology, and project management software is expected to support efficient design delivery and communication.

• Regular team meetings, design reviews, and project coordination sessions will be part of the daily/weekly routine.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. However, Mott MacDonald promotes a flexible and agile work atmosphere, allowing for adjustments to accommodate project demands and individual needs where feasible. This flexibility is crucial for managing complex project timelines and ensuring work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is standard for many consulting firms, balancing operational needs with employee well-being. For a defence role, there may be specific requirements regarding on-site presence for sensitive project work or client meetings, which would be clarified by the hiring manager.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly regarding defence sector experience and security clearance eligibility.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your design management experience, project delivery methodologies, technical leadership capabilities, and understanding of programme, budget, and risk management. Expect questions related to complex infrastructure or defence projects.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to present your portfolio, highlighting specific projects, your role, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. Focus on demonstrating your impact on project outcomes, particularly in areas of safety, compliance, and efficiency.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues and senior management to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and leadership potential.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion, potentially with a senior executive, to confirm suitability and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your defence design management experience, highlighting complexity, scale, and successful outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Use specific metrics to showcase achievements in areas such as cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation, safety improvements, and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your approach, the actions taken, and the results achieved. Emphasize your leadership role and decision-making process.

• Highlight Compliance & Safety: Specifically address how you ensured adherence to defence standards, regulations, and safe design principles.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your problem-solving approach, how you handle conflict, manage difficult stakeholders, and lead diverse teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions related to managing design conflicts, dealing with scope creep, addressing budget overruns, or ensuring compliance under tight deadlines.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating your ability to think critically and strategically under pressure.

• Understand Mott MacDonald's values and approach to project delivery, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their projects in detail, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating how they managed complex technical challenges within a regulated defence environment. Security clearance is a non-negotiable prerequisite.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme and schedule management.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Experience with BIM (Building Information Modelling) software and platforms such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or Bentley Systems for multidisciplinary design coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with enterprise-level document control systems (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex) for managing project documentation.

• Collaboration Suites: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data and reports from various sources. While not explicitly stated, experience with Excel for data manipulation and reporting is essential.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating progress reports, risk registers, and budget summaries.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles for stakeholder management and client interaction can be beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied to design workflows for efficiency gains is a plus.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different software systems integrate to provide a seamless project delivery experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific software stack will vary by project and client. However, a strong foundation in project management, BIM, and document control systems is paramount for a Design Manager role in the infrastructure and defence sectors.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and innovative design solutions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively as part of a global team, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering strong working relationships.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all project dealings.

• Safety: Prioritizing safe design practices and ensuring the well-being of all stakeholders.

• Client Focus: Understanding and exceeding client expectations by delivering successful project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Mott MacDonald promotes a connected, global team approach, encouraging cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• The culture likely values open communication, constructive feedback, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Expect a professional environment where teamwork is essential for navigating complex project challenges and delivering integrated solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's emphasis on "brilliant people trusted to do brilliant things" suggests a culture that empowers employees, encourages innovation, and rewards high performance. The employee ownership model further reinforces a sense of shared responsibility and collective success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Ensuring strict adherence to Australian defence standards, security protocols, and client-specific governance requirements can be challenging.

• Managing Multidisciplinary Teams: Coordinating diverse technical experts with potentially differing priorities requires strong leadership and communication skills.

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively managing scope, programme, budget, and quality simultaneously, especially under pressure, is a constant challenge.

• Client and Stakeholder Management: Engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including government officials and defence personnel, requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

• Maintaining Security Clearance: The ongoing requirement to hold and maintain a Baseline security clearance is a critical aspect of the role.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training in defence-specific design standards, project management methodologies, and advanced technical skills.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend defence and infrastructure industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from guidance from senior leaders within Mott MacDonald's defence practice.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional engineering or project management certifications.

• Global Knowledge Sharing: Leverage Mott MacDonald's global network to learn from international best practices in defence project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly linked to the defence sector's inherent complexity and regulatory environment. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in this specialized field and advancing within Mott MacDonald's defence project delivery framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed the design delivery of a complex infrastructure project with multiple stakeholders. What was your approach to coordination and risk management?" (Focus on demonstrating your process, leadership, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure compliance with stringent regulatory requirements and safe design principles in a defence context?" (Highlight your knowledge of standards and your systematic approach to compliance.)

• "Tell me about a situation where you had to manage competing priorities (e.g., schedule vs. budget vs. quality). How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase your decision-making skills and ability to balance project constraints.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mott MacDonald's work in the defence sector, and why are you interested in this specific role?" (Research their defence projects and tailor your answer to align with their values and mission.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, particularly within a hybrid work setting?" (Emphasize your teamwork, communication, and leadership style.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts beyond just technical delivery?" (Discuss impact on client satisfaction, project profitability, and team development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your project examples as compelling narratives – the challenge, your decisive actions, and the successful resolution.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise slides with relevant diagrams, charts, and key metrics to support your points. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Focus on "You": Clearly articulate your specific contribution, decisions, and leadership in each project.

• Quantify Results: Use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Reduced design clashes by 20%," "Delivered project 5% under budget").

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, risk assessments, and stakeholder management strategies for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews for defence roles often involve a rigorous assessment of technical competence, risk awareness, and suitability for working within a secure environment. Be prepared to provide detailed, evidence-based answers.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Defence Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in design management, multidisciplinary coordination, and any defence or government infrastructure projects. Quantify achievements using metrics and relevant keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects that showcase your expertise in managing design delivery, particularly in complex or regulated environments. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your role, responsibilities, and impact.

• Research Mott MacDonald: Understand their values, their work in the defence sector, and their approach to project delivery. Prepare to articulate how your skills and experience align with their culture and the role's requirements.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare to present your portfolio effectively.

⚠️ 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.