Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Acciona

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and develop multidisciplinary internal and external design teams for complex civil infrastructure projects, ensuring high-quality design outcomes.

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from inception to completion, guaranteeing compliance with project objectives, client requirements, and Australian standards.

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in design methodologies, fostering a culture of best practices and technical excellence.

• Manage key stakeholder relationships, including clients, consultants, and regulatory authorities, to ensure alignment and mitigate risks.

• Contribute to Acciona's mission of developing regenerative infrastructure that positively impacts society and promotes sustainable development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Acciona's infrastructure division, focusing on the strategic and technical oversight of design processes for large-scale civil projects. The emphasis on "regenerative infrastructure" and "sustainable development" indicates a forward-thinking approach to project delivery, requiring a Design Manager who can integrate these principles into design outcomes. The "growing function" and "career development opportunities" suggest potential for leadership expansion and professional growth within the organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary design teams (internal and external consultants) to achieve project objectives and deliver superior design solutions.

• Manage the end-to-end design lifecycle, ensuring all design outputs are safe, practical, innovative, and compliant with Australian standards, legislative mandates, and client specifications.

• Develop and maintain robust relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies, fostering collaboration and ensuring effective communication throughout the design process.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage design risks, implementing mitigation strategies to safeguard project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

• Drive the adoption of best-practice design methodologies, continuous improvement initiatives, and innovative solutions to enhance project delivery efficiency and outcome quality.

• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all design documentation, providing subject matter expertise to support project teams and contribute to business success.

• Facilitate effective collaboration across diverse engineering disciplines, ensuring design coherence and seamless integration of various project components.

• Provide technical leadership and guidance, acting as a key point of contact for design-related queries and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on leadership, stakeholder management, and end-to-end design process ownership. The role requires not just technical oversight but also strategic influence to ensure design solutions align with Acciona's broader sustainability goals and client expectations within complex civil infrastructure projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Tertiary qualifications in Civil Engineering (or a closely related discipline) are essential.

• Progress towards or attainment of CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) status is highly regarded and indicates a strong commitment to professional development and technical excellence. Experience:

• Proven experience leading and managing multidisciplinary design teams on complex, large-scale civil infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated success in overseeing the entire design lifecycle, from conceptualization through to detailed design and construction support.

• Experience in sectors such as transport, water, energy, or transmission infrastructure is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of civil engineering principles and their application in major infrastructure projects.

• Design Management: Proficient in managing the design process, including scope definition, scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control.

• Team Leadership: Ability to lead, mentor, and motivate multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven capability in building and maintaining effective relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory authorities.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Solid understanding of project management principles, including risk assessment, budget adherence, and schedule management.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of commercial aspects related to design contracts and project delivery.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced design review and reporting capabilities.

• Experience with innovative design technologies and methodologies.

• Knowledge of sustainability principles and their integration into infrastructure design.

• Familiarity with contract administration and dispute resolution processes related to design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strong technical engineering background with robust leadership and stakeholder engagement skills. The preference for CPEng status suggests a company that values professional accreditation and a commitment to engineering excellence. The breadth of infrastructure sectors mentioned indicates a need for versatile experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Detailed examples of past civil infrastructure projects managed, showcasing the scope, complexity, and your specific role in the design process.

• Leadership Examples: Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams, including team structure, collaboration strategies, and conflict resolution approaches.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Documentation or examples of managing client expectations, consultant coordination, and regulatory interactions on significant projects.

• Risk Management: Specific instances where design risks were identified, analyzed, and mitigated, demonstrating proactive problem-solving.

• Innovation & Improvement: Examples of implemented design innovations, process improvements, or adoption of new technologies that enhanced project outcomes.

• Quality Assurance: Demonstration of how quality was embedded in the design process, including review cycles, compliance checks, and assurance mechanisms.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document and articulate design workflows, from initiation to handover, highlighting critical stages and decision points.

• Methodology Implementation: Evidence of implementing and refining design methodologies to improve efficiency, safety, and quality.

• Performance Metrics: Examples of how design performance was measured, tracked, and reported, including key metrics related to schedule, budget, and technical compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's strategic approach to managing the design process, leading teams, and mitigating risks. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating leadership in complex, multidisciplinary environments and the ability to integrate innovation and sustainability into design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: AUD $140,000 - $190,000 per annum.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Manager roles in major civil infrastructure in Melbourne, Australia. Factors considered include the seniority of the role (Mid-Senior Level, 5-10 years experience), the complexity of projects managed by Acciona, and the typical compensation for leadership positions within large, global engineering and construction firms in Australia. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to training, professional development programs, and pathways for career advancement within Acciona's global network.

• Top Employer Certification: Recognition of Acciona's commitment to excellence in human resources, indicating a positive and supportive work environment.

• Competitive Remuneration Package: Including base salary, potential for performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive employee benefits.

• Health and Wellness Programs: Support for employee well-being, potentially including health insurance, wellness initiatives, and work-life balance support.

• Superannuation: Standard Australian retirement savings contributions.

• Project Impact: The opportunity to contribute to significant, impactful infrastructure projects that shape communities and promote sustainability.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While on-site, there may be a need for flexibility to meet project deadlines and critical design milestones. Acciona generally promotes a balance between project demands and employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for similar roles in the specified location and industry. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and Acciona's internal compensation structure. The mention of "Top Employer 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 certification" is a significant benefit, highlighting a strong focus on employee welfare and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, Renewable Energy, Water Management, Infrastructure Development. Acciona is a global leader in sustainable infrastructure solutions, committed to designing a better planet and addressing global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity.

Company Size: Over 65,000 professionals worldwide, with more than 3,000 employees in Australia & New Zealand across its renewable energy, infrastructure, and water projects. This signifies a large, established, and globally connected organization.

Founded: Acciona has a long history, with its presence in Australia established in 2002. The company is built on a foundation of innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to social responsibility.

Team Structure:

• The Design Management function is described as a "growing function," suggesting it's becoming increasingly central to Acciona's project delivery strategy.

• The Design Manager reports to the Head of Design Management, indicating a clear reporting line within a dedicated design leadership structure.

• The role involves leading and coordinating "multidisciplinary internal and external design teams," implying close collaboration with various engineering disciplines, consultants, and project management teams. Methodology:

• Regenerative Infrastructure: A core principle guiding Acciona's approach, focusing on creating infrastructure that not only serves its purpose but also enhances environmental and social well-being.

• Sustainability Focus: Integration of sustainable development principles across all project phases, from design to operation.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, large infrastructure firms like Acciona typically rely on data analytics for project planning, risk assessment, and performance monitoring.

• Collaborative Project Delivery: Emphasis on working closely with clients, consultants, and stakeholders to achieve shared project goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's strong emphasis on sustainability and "regenerative infrastructure" is a key differentiator. Candidates should understand and be able to articulate how they can contribute to these values through design leadership. The global scale of operations suggests access to diverse projects and best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior Management level, requiring significant experience in managing complex design processes and leading teams. It signifies a key contributor to the project's technical success and strategic direction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Head of Design Management, indicating a structured hierarchy within the design department. This provides opportunities for mentorship from senior leadership and exposure to strategic design planning.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is profound, directly influencing the technical feasibility, safety, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of major civil infrastructure projects. Their decisions shape the physical assets that Acciona builds, contributing significantly to the company's reputation and its mission of sustainable development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a more senior Design Management role, overseeing larger or more complex portfolios of projects, or managing a larger team.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific infrastructure sectors (e.g., renewable energy infrastructure, advanced water treatment facilities) or in emerging design technologies.

• Global Mobility: Acciona's international presence offers potential opportunities for international assignments or exposure to global best practices and projects.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in developing and refining Acciona's design management strategies, processes, and standards across the organization.

• Mentorship & Training: Access to Acciona's "Top Employer" certified programs for continuous learning and skill enhancement, including leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "growing function" and "career development opportunities" are explicit signals of potential advancement. The role is a critical stepping stone for professionals aspiring to higher levels of technical leadership or broader project management responsibilities within the infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the "AUS - Acciona South Melbourne Infra Corporate" office, indicating a corporate office environment rather than a site-based role. This suggests a professional setting focused on planning, coordination, and management activities.

Office Location(s): South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This location is a well-established business district in Melbourne, offering accessibility and a professional working environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Likely to involve significant interaction with internal design teams, project managers, commercial teams, and potentially external consultants, fostering a dynamic and collaborative workspace.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software, project management platforms, and communication tools necessary for managing complex infrastructure projects.

• Professional Atmosphere: As a corporate office, expect a professional setting with opportunities for networking and engagement with colleagues across various departments.

• Focus on Impact: The workspace will likely be geared towards facilitating the strategic planning and execution of large-scale, impactful infrastructure projects.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role.

• Given the nature of infrastructure projects, there may be occasional requirements for flexibility to meet critical deadlines or address urgent design issues, particularly during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a corporate office environment suggests a structured workday with opportunities for face-to-face collaboration. This is crucial for effective team leadership and stakeholder engagement in complex design management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, focusing on alignment with required qualifications and experience in civil infrastructure design management.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with a hiring manager or senior technical lead, assessing your understanding of design principles, project lifecycle, risk management, and leadership capabilities. Expect questions related to past projects and problem-solving scenarios.

• Panel Interview/Presentation: This stage may involve presenting a case study from your portfolio to a panel of stakeholders (e.g., Head of Design Management, Project Directors). You will need to articulate your approach to managing design teams, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring quality outcomes.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of how well your working style and values align with Acciona's commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and innovation.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 significant projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in leading multidisciplinary design teams on complex civil infrastructure.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design solutions implemented, the methodologies used, the stakeholders managed, the risks addressed, and the ultimate outcomes (quantified where possible).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, mentoring individuals, and fostering collaboration. Show how you empowered your team to achieve results.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your approach to design management, including how you ensure compliance, manage risks, drive innovation, and maintain quality throughout the project lifecycle.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data to showcase the impact of your work – e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, safety improvements, sustainability achievements.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, timelines, and visual representations to support your presentation and make complex information easily digestible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to design challenges, risk mitigation, or stakeholder conflicts. Practice articulating a structured approach to solving these problems.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Think about how you would handle difficult client conversations, consultant disagreements, or regulatory hurdles.

• Innovation & Sustainability: Consider how you would integrate sustainable design principles or introduce innovative solutions into a project. Be ready to discuss the benefits and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on practical experience and demonstrated ability to lead complex design initiatives. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates leadership, process management, and impact is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) is likely essential for reviewing and understanding design outputs.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or enterprise-level collaboration suites for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Review Tools: Software or methods for efficiently reviewing complex design documents, identifying clashes, and managing mark-ups.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to utilize or contribute to reporting dashboards (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) that track design progress, risks, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and versioning large volumes of design documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

• Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with workflow automation concepts or tools that streamline design review processes or approvals could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Design Manager in infrastructure will inevitably interact with a range of CAD, BIM, project management, and document control systems. The ability to leverage these tools for efficient design review and team coordination is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability: A paramount value, driving Acciona's mission to create regenerative infrastructure that benefits society and the environment. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to sustainable design principles.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding high standards of professional conduct, transparency, and ethical decision-making in all project dealings.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking, embracing new technologies, and continuously seeking better ways to deliver projects.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective problem-solving is prioritized.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working seamlessly with various engineering disciplines (structural, geotechnical, environmental, etc.), project management, commercial, and client teams.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, direct, and respectful communication channels to facilitate understanding, resolve issues, and share knowledge effectively.

• Proactive Engagement: Building relationships and collaborating proactively with clients, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure alignment and manage expectations throughout the design process.

• Feedback Culture: A willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in design processes and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's strong emphasis on sustainability and regenerative infrastructure is a core cultural driver. Candidates should be able to articulate how their personal values and professional approach align with these organizational principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and priorities of clients, internal teams, consultants, and regulatory bodies on complex projects.

• Driving Innovation in a Traditional Industry: Encouraging adoption of new technologies and methodologies within a sector that can sometimes be resistant to change.

• Ensuring Design Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Navigating stringent Australian standards and regulatory requirements while proactively managing design risks to prevent costly errors or delays.

• Coordinating Complex Multidisciplinary Designs: Integrating the work of numerous specialized engineering teams to ensure a cohesive and functional final design.

• Adapting to Evolving Sustainability Standards: Staying abreast of and implementing the latest sustainable design principles and technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops focusing on best practices in infrastructure design management.

• Sustainability Certifications: Opportunities to gain certifications or further training in sustainable design and green building practices.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in Acciona's certified "Top Employer" programs, which likely include leadership coaching and skill enhancement modules.

• Exposure to Global Projects: Learning from and contributing to Acciona's diverse portfolio of international projects, gaining insights into different approaches and challenges.

• Mentorship from Senior Leaders: Guidance from the Head of Design Management and other senior figures within Acciona's extensive network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in managing large-scale infrastructure design are significant, offering ample opportunity for professional growth. Acciona's commitment to learning and development, highlighted by its "Top Employer" status, provides a supportive environment for tackling these challenges and advancing one's career.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multidisciplinary design team through a particularly challenging infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you ensure design solutions are not only technically sound but also align with sustainability goals and client objectives?" (Assess your understanding of Acciona's core values and strategic alignment.)

• "Walk us through your process for managing design risks on a major civil project. Provide specific examples of risks you've identified and mitigated." (Demonstrate your proactive risk management approach.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and manage conflicting priorities among different engineering disciplines or stakeholders?" (Evaluate your interpersonal and team-building skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Acciona's mission of developing 'regenerative infrastructure'?" (Prepare to discuss your understanding and alignment with sustainability.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to Acciona's commitment to sustainability and creating a positive social impact?" (Connect your skills to the company's mission.)

• "What are your expectations regarding team culture and collaboration within a large, global organization like Acciona?" (Showcase your adaptability and collaborative spirit.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation as a narrative. Begin with the project's context and challenges, detail your role and actions, highlight key decisions and solutions, and conclude with the impactful outcomes.

• Focus on Leadership & Process: Emphasize your leadership in guiding teams and your systematic approach to design management, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics (schedule adherence, budget savings, efficiency gains, safety records) to substantiate your claims and demonstrate tangible value.

• Address Sustainability: Integrate how sustainability principles were considered or implemented in your projects, aligning with Acciona's core values.

• Engage the Audience: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your projects, your decision-making process, and your technical expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership in complex technical environments, a strong understanding of the infrastructure project lifecycle, and a genuine commitment to sustainability. Using specific examples from your portfolio will be key to providing credible answers.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link to submit your resume and any requested supporting documents through Acciona's careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in leading multidisciplinary design teams on major civil infrastructure projects, emphasizing your technical expertise, leadership achievements, and stakeholder management skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your capabilities. Prepare a concise presentation that details your role, methodologies, challenges overcome, and quantifiable results, with a strong focus on leadership and process.

• Research Acciona: Familiarize yourself with Acciona's global projects, its commitment to sustainability, and its values. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and mission.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions, drawing on specific examples from your experience. Practice articulating your approach to design management, risk, and stakeholder engagement.

⚠️ 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.