Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Acciona

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the coordination and leadership of multidisciplinary design teams for complex civil infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.

• Drive the end-to-end design lifecycle, from conceptualization to final delivery, guaranteeing compliance with Australian standards, regulatory obligations, and client-specific requirements.

• Cultivate and manage robust relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory authorities to proactively mitigate design risks and champion quality outcomes.

• Champion innovative design methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging technical expertise to enhance project delivery and support sustainable development goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level Design Manager focused on civil infrastructure within a global sustainability-driven organization. The emphasis is on leadership, stakeholder management, and technical oversight across the entire project lifecycle, with a strong undercurrent of promoting regenerative infrastructure and sustainable practices, aligning with Acciona's core mission.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary internal and external design teams, providing clear technical direction and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve project objectives and exceptional design quality.

• Oversee the comprehensive design process, ensuring all design solutions are developed with a paramount focus on safety, delivered on schedule, adhere to budget constraints, and comply with all relevant legislative, technical, and quality standards.

• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with clients, consultants, contractors, and all key project stakeholders, ensuring design delivery is perfectly aligned with overarching project goals while effectively managing expectations and proactively addressing potential risks.

• Drive the adoption of innovative design approaches, continuous improvement practices, and industry best-demonstrated methodologies, rigorously maintaining the integrity of all design documentation and providing essential subject matter expertise to bolster project success and broader business objectives.

• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across all engineering disciplines and project functions, ensuring seamless integration of design elements and maintaining design integrity throughout the project lifecycle.

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

• Ensure all design outputs meet stringent quality assurance benchmarks and comply with relevant Australian Standards and local regulatory frameworks.

• Support the business development and tendering processes by providing design input, contributing to proposals, and representing the design function effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement, typical for senior design roles in large-scale infrastructure projects. The focus on safety, compliance, innovation, and sustainability is core to Acciona's mission and should be highlighted in candidate applications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Tertiary qualifications in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. Progress towards or attainment of CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) status is highly regarded.

Experience: Proven track record of extensive experience leading multidisciplinary design teams on major civil infrastructure projects. A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design management roles is expected.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in leading and developing multidisciplinary internal and external design teams, providing robust technical leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction.

• Comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience managing the end-to-end design lifecycle for complex civil infrastructure projects.

• Strong technical proficiency across key infrastructure sectors, including but not limited to transport, water, energy, and transmission systems, with a proven ability to drive high-quality design outcomes.

• Exceptional capability in managing complex stakeholder relationships, including clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory authorities, with a proven ability to influence project success.

• Advanced leadership, communication, commercial acumen, and project management skills.

• Proficiency in advanced design review processes and comprehensive reporting capabilities.

• Deep understanding of Australian Standards and relevant legislative and regulatory compliance frameworks. Preferred Skills:

• Chartership with Engineers Australia (CPEng) or equivalent professional accreditation.

• Experience with sustainable design principles and regenerative infrastructure development.

• Familiarity with digital design tools and BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodologies.

• Experience in contract administration and managing design consultant agreements.

• A strong understanding of risk management frameworks specific to design and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for a seasoned Civil Engineer with significant leadership experience in complex infrastructure. The mention of CPEng status suggests a preference for professionally accredited engineers, underscoring the technical rigor expected. The inclusion of specific infrastructure sectors (transport, water, energy) indicates the project types the candidate will likely encounter.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 major civil infrastructure projects where you held a significant design leadership role, detailing your specific contributions and team management approach.

• For each project, provide clear evidence of how you ensured design compliance with Australian Standards, client requirements, and regulatory obligations.

• Include examples of risk mitigation strategies implemented during the design phase and their successful outcomes.

• Demonstrate your ability to manage design budgets and schedules, with specific examples of achieving project financial and timeline objectives.

• Present case studies highlighting your approach to fostering innovation and continuous improvement within design teams. Process Documentation:

• Outline your methodology for establishing and managing design processes from project inception through to construction handover, emphasizing workflow efficiency and quality control.

• Provide documentation or descriptions of your approach to design reviews, ensuring constructability, safety, and adherence to specifications.

• Detail your experience in developing and implementing design quality assurance plans and processes.

• Illustrate your systems for stakeholder communication and engagement throughout the design lifecycle, including reporting mechanisms and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a senior Design Manager role in a company like Acciona would require a robust portfolio demonstrating leadership, technical oversight, and successful project delivery. The emphasis should be on process, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and compliance within complex infrastructure projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in civil infrastructure in Perth, Australia, the estimated salary range is AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the complexity of projects, and the high cost of living and demand for skilled engineering professionals in Western Australia.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

• Generous annual leave and paid time off.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Access to a global network of professionals and diverse project opportunities.

• Retirement savings plan contributions.

• Commitment to work-life balance and flexible working arrangements where operationally feasible.

• Participation in a leading global company focused on sustainable development and positive societal impact.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility may be available based on project demands and team needs, with potential for occasional overtime during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on data from reputable Australian job boards and salary aggregators for similar roles in Perth, considering the specified experience level and industry. Benefits are inferred from typical offerings for large multinational corporations in Australia, with a specific emphasis on professional growth and global exposure relevant to Acciona's profile.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, Renewable Energy, Water Infrastructure, and Sustainability. Acciona is a global leader in developing regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society and the environment, actively addressing global challenges like climate change and water scarcity.

Company Size: Over 65,000 employees globally, with more than 3,000 in Australia & New Zealand. This signifies a large, established, and globally integrated organization with significant resources and project capacity.

Founded: Acciona was established in 1997, following the merger of several construction and infrastructure companies, with a history dating back much further. Its modern iteration has a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Management function is a growing area within Acciona's infrastructure division, indicating opportunities for career advancement and a dynamic work environment.

• This role reports to the Head of Design Management, suggesting a clear reporting line within a dedicated design leadership structure.

• Collaboration is expected across numerous disciplines, including structural, geotechnical, environmental, and project management teams, as well as with external consultants and clients, highlighting a highly integrated and cross-functional operational model. Methodology:

• Acciona emphasizes a data-driven approach to project delivery, focusing on the development of regenerative and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, ensuring efficient and high-quality design outcomes that meet complex project requirements.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated through digital tools and advanced project management systems to support large-scale, global operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's strong emphasis on sustainability, regenerative infrastructure, and global impact is a key differentiator. The company culture likely values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to tackling major societal challenges. The "growing function" aspect suggests a dynamic environment with potential for influence and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design management spectrum. It involves significant responsibility for leading teams, managing complex projects, and influencing strategic design decisions. The role is crucial for ensuring the successful technical execution of Acciona's infrastructure projects and directly contributes to the company's mission of building a sustainable future.

Reporting Structure: The position reports directly to the Head of Design Management, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the design leadership team. This provides opportunities for mentorship from senior leadership and direct involvement in higher-level strategic discussions regarding design frameworks and project execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is profound, directly influencing project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, safety, and long-term sustainability. Successful design outcomes are fundamental to Acciona's reputation, project profitability, and its overarching goal of delivering positive societal and environmental impact through regenerative infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to progress into roles such as Director of Design Management, Head of Design, or specialized technical leadership positions within Acciona's diverse infrastructure sectors.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead larger, more complex, and geographically diverse projects, honing leadership and strategic decision-making capabilities.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific infrastructure domains (e.g., renewable energy, water treatment, sustainable transport) through involvement in Acciona's varied portfolio.

• Global Mobility: As a global organization, opportunities for international assignments or collaborations may arise, offering exposure to different markets and project types.

• Sustainability Focus: Develop expertise in cutting-edge sustainable design practices and contribute to Acciona's leadership in regenerative infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how this senior role can serve as a springboard for further career advancement within Acciona, emphasizing leadership development, specialized expertise, and the unique opportunity to contribute to global sustainability initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in a corporate office environment located in Perth, Western Australia. It is designed to facilitate collaboration among design teams, project managers, and other key stakeholders. The office is likely equipped with modern amenities to support efficient project delivery.

Office Location(s): Perth Corporate Office, Western Australia. This location provides access to a significant hub of infrastructure development and project opportunities within the region.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with dedicated areas for team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions. Proximity to other engineering disciplines and project management functions is expected.

• Access to necessary design tools, software, and technology infrastructure is a given, supporting the complex analytical and visualization requirements of civil infrastructure design.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and consultants are integral to the daily operations, promoting a dynamic and communicative work culture.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. While core hours are expected, there's an understanding that project demands may occasionally require flexibility and extended hours, particularly during critical design milestones or tender periods. The focus is on delivering results within agreed project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described as a professional corporate setting in Perth, emphasizing collaboration and access to necessary tools. The on-site nature is confirmed, with a standard work week that allows for project-driven flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in civil infrastructure and design leadership.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior member of the design leadership team. This stage will focus on your technical expertise, leadership style, project management approach, and understanding of design lifecycle management. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to prepare a presentation or discuss a hypothetical design challenge relevant to Acciona's projects. This will assess your problem-solving skills, technical acumen, and ability to articulate design strategies.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive (e.g., Head of Engineering, Regional Director) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the senior role within Acciona's global framework.

• Reference Checks: Professional references will be contacted to verify your experience and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Curate 3-5 of your most impactful civil infrastructure projects where you demonstrably led design teams. Prioritize projects that align with

Acciona's focus areas (transport, water, energy, sustainability).

• Structured Presentation: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • The project's objectives and challenges.
  • The multidisciplinary team structure you managed.
  • Key design decisions and innovations.
  • How you ensured compliance with standards and managed risks.
  • The project's outcomes, including any measurable benefits (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, safety improvements).

• Visual Aids: Utilize diagrams, flowcharts, and high-quality images to illustrate complex design elements and processes.

• Metrics Focus: Quantify achievements wherever possible. For example, "Managed a design team of 15 engineers, delivering the project 10% under budget" or "Implemented a new design review process that reduced RFI's by 20%."

• Acciona Alignment: Tailor your presentation to highlight how your experience and approach align with Acciona's mission for regenerative and sustainable infrastructure.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Acciona's recent projects in Australia and globally, paying attention to their design methodologies and sustainability initiatives.

• Familiarize yourself with current Australian Standards relevant to civil infrastructure, transport, water, and energy sectors.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder management in challenging project environments, including conflict resolution and expectation management.

• Think about how you would foster innovation and continuous improvement within a design team, especially in the context of sustainability goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, emphasizing the importance of a well-curated portfolio that showcases leadership, technical depth, and alignment with Acciona's values. The interview process outlines a typical progression for a senior role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and potentially Bentley Systems platforms (e.g., OpenRoads, MicroStation) is essential for detailed design and drafting.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar, for integrated design, clash detection, and project visualization.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Acciona's internal project management systems for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Review Tools: Software facilitating design reviews, annotation, and mark-up (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Acrobat Pro).

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to utilize or contribute to the creation of dashboards for tracking design progress, key performance indicators (KPIs), and risk status.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in tools for analyzing project data to inform design decisions and identify areas for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design interfaces with client management and contractual obligations is crucial. Familiarity with contract management software or systems used for stakeholder communication and issue tracking may be beneficial.

• Automation in design processes would typically relate to scripting within CAD/BIM software or using specialized tools for repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack assumes standard tools used in large-scale civil infrastructure design. Emphasis is placed on CAD/BIM proficiency, project management software, and collaboration platforms, reflecting the operational realities of managing complex design projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability and Regeneration: A core value at Acciona, this translates to a focus on designing infrastructure that not only serves its purpose but also contributes positively to the environment and society. Operations professionals are expected to integrate these principles into all aspects of their work.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: The company culture encourages seeking new solutions and optimizing existing processes. Design teams are expected to be forward-thinking and proactive in identifying areas for enhancement.

• Excellence and Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes is paramount. This means adhering to rigorous standards, meticulous attention to detail, and ensuring the integrity and safety of all designs.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Acciona emphasizes working together across disciplines, borders, and with external partners. A collaborative spirit and effective communication are vital for success.

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and project execution is fundamental.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design teams work closely with project managers, construction teams, environmental specialists, and commercial departments. Regular meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and shared documentation platforms are key.

• Process Review Culture: An open environment for constructive feedback on design processes and outcomes, encouraging a culture of learning and adaptation.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across teams and projects, often facilitated through internal platforms and forums.

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's values are strongly tied to its mission. The culture is likely one of purpose-driven work, where employees are motivated by contributing to sustainable development and positive societal impact. Collaboration is essential due to the complex, multidisciplinary nature of infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs of clients, regulators, community groups, and internal project teams requires exceptional negotiation and communication skills.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring compliance with a dynamic and often stringent regulatory environment across different jurisdictions presents ongoing challenges that demand meticulous attention to detail and up-to-date knowledge.

• Driving Innovation in Established Sectors: Introducing novel sustainable design approaches or technologies into traditional civil engineering sectors can face resistance, requiring persuasive leadership and robust evidence of benefits.

• Optimizing Designs for Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness: Achieving ambitious sustainability targets while remaining within budget constraints is a perpetual challenge that demands creative engineering solutions and value-driven decision-making.

• Leading Geographically Dispersed Teams: For a global company, coordinating design efforts across different time zones and cultural contexts can be complex, requiring strong remote leadership and communication strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Pursue advanced certifications in specialized engineering fields, project management, or sustainability leadership. Acciona likely offers internal training programs to enhance technical and managerial skills.

• Industry Conference and Certification Participation: Opportunities to attend major industry conferences (e.g., infrastructure expos, sustainability forums) and gain professional certifications relevant to civil engineering and design management.

• Operations Mentorship and Leadership Development: Engage in mentorship programs, either as a mentee to gain insights from senior leaders or as a mentor to develop leadership coaching skills. Acciona's global presence offers diverse leadership development pathways.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges identified are typical for senior roles in large infrastructure projects, focusing on complexity, regulation, innovation, and stakeholder management. Growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement, leadership, and leveraging Acciona's global platform.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe how you would develop a design strategy for a large-scale renewable energy infrastructure project, considering sustainability, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement." (Prepare to discuss your framework, key considerations, and how you'd integrate Acciona's values.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Walk me through a time you successfully managed conflicting demands from multiple stakeholders on a complex infrastructure project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design element for a major transport project is found to be non-compliant with a new regulation discovered late in the design phase. How would you address this to minimize impact on schedule and budget?" (Demonstrate your analytical process, risk assessment, and solution-oriented mindset.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations: "How do you see your role as Design Manager contributing to Acciona's mission of developing regenerative infrastructure?" (Connect your experience and approach to Acciona's core values and goals.)

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your leadership style when managing multidisciplinary engineering teams. How do you foster collaboration and ensure high performance?" (Highlight your ability to lead, mentor, and build effective teams.)

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a design process and its contribution to overall project success, particularly in terms of sustainability and efficiency?" (Discuss KPIs, quality metrics, and ROI considerations.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Focus: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling stories of challenge, solution, and impact. Clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the actions taken by your team, and the measurable results.

• Metrics & ROI: Quantify your achievements. Use data to demonstrate efficiency gains, cost savings, schedule adherence, safety improvements, and sustainability benefits. For example, "Implemented a modular design approach that reduced construction waste by 15%."

• Interactive Engagement: Be prepared for follow-up questions and engage with the interviewers. Show enthusiasm for Acciona's work and demonstrate how your skills can add value. If presenting digital examples, ensure they are easily navigable.

• Acciona Relevance: Explicitly link your project experiences and problem-solving approaches to Acciona's values and project types. Show you've done your research and understand their strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation section provides specific, tailored questions and strategies relevant to a Design Manager role at Acciona, emphasizing the need to align with the company's sustainability mission and demonstrate strong leadership and technical capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Acciona careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to prominently highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary design teams for complex civil infrastructure projects. Specifically, emphasize your expertise in sectors like transport, water, and energy, and your commitment to sustainability.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your responsibilities and achievements in previous design management roles, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "design lifecycle management," "stakeholder engagement," "regulatory compliance," "technical leadership," "multidisciplinary teams"). Quantify achievements with specific metrics wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), especially when discussing project examples for your portfolio. Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you foster collaboration and drive innovation within engineering teams.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Acciona's current projects in Australia and globally, with a particular focus on their sustainability initiatives and regenerative infrastructure. Understand their company values and mission to articulate how you align with their purpose-driven culture.

⚠️ 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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