Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: AECOM

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management / Infrastructure Project Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and integrate large, multidisciplinary design teams to ensure cohesive and high-quality project outcomes, focusing on technical coordination across various engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Serve as the primary client interface, effectively engaging with stakeholders and end-users to define operational requirements and translate them into comprehensive technical briefs, managing scope evolution within secure environments.

• Develop and own the front-end design strategy by establishing robust project execution plans, technical assurance processes, risk registers, and program controls from concept through to detailed design phases.

• Manage program, commercial, and governance obligations, ensuring delivery in line with client or framework requirements, and maintaining strict compliance with Defence standards, security protocols, and regulatory controls.

• Provide crucial technical leadership and assurance through design reviews, challenging discipline leads, resolving cross-discipline conflicts, and ensuring the buildability, safety, resilience, and long-term asset performance of projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior Design Manager within AECOM's Building Engineering Team, with a strong emphasis on leading complex, multidisciplinary design efforts for potentially secure environments, such as defence projects. The hybrid work arrangement and focus on technical strategy and client engagement are key differentiators.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Integrate and lead diverse design teams (architecture, civils, structural, MEP, fire, security, acoustics, specialist consultants) to deliver fully integrated and optimized solutions.

• Act as the key client liaison, translating complex operational needs into actionable technical briefs and managing client expectations and scope changes effectively.

• Establish and manage front-end design strategy, including project execution plans, technical assurance frameworks, risk registers, and program controls.

• Oversee programme, commercial aspects, and governance, ensuring adherence to Defence or framework-specific requirements and compliance with all relevant standards.

• Chair design review meetings, provide technical guidance, resolve inter-disciplinary conflicts, and ensure project outcomes meet stringent buildability, safety, and resilience criteria.

• Develop and maintain risk registers, ensuring proactive identification and mitigation of potential project risks throughout the design lifecycle.

• Implement and manage technical assurance processes to guarantee the quality and integrity of design deliverables.

• Ensure designs meet all regulatory controls and security protocols, particularly within sensitive project environments.

• Monitor and control project programs, identifying and addressing potential delays or deviations.

• Manage commercial aspects of design delivery, ensuring projects remain within budget and contractual obligations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior role requiring a blend of technical leadership, client management, and robust project governance skills, particularly within the context of Defence and secure environments. The emphasis on integrating multiple disciplines and managing complex client requirements suggests a need for strong communication and conflict resolution abilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong technical background is implied, likely in an engineering or architectural discipline relevant to building and infrastructure projects.

Experience: Ideally, 12+ years of progressive experience, with a significant portion dedicated to design management or leading multidisciplinary project teams. A proven history of delivering complex projects is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in leading and integrating large multidisciplinary design teams across various sectors, including defence, healthcare, aviation, and/or sports infrastructure.

• Extensive experience serving as a Design Manager or Consultant's Representative, acting as the primary point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.

• Strong understanding and practical application of program control, commercial risk management, and technical governance frameworks.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive project execution plans.

• Expertise in establishing and managing risk registers and program controls from concept through detailed design.

• Credibility and confidence to effectively challenge technical specialists while fostering collaborative team dynamics.

• Deep understanding of Defence standards, security protocols, and regulatory controls relevant to infrastructure projects.

• Proficiency in chairing design reviews and providing technical leadership and assurance.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and client interface skills, with the ability to translate operational requirements into technical briefs.

• Australian Citizenship is a mandatory requirement for this role. Preferred Skills:

• Prior Defence clearance is highly advantageous.

• Experience with specific AECOM project delivery methodologies or frameworks.

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

• Advanced knowledge of asset performance optimization and resilience planning.

• Experience in managing evolving scope and complex client requirements within secure environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Australian Citizenship is a critical qualification. The preference for prior Defence clearance strongly suggests that a significant portion of AECOM's work for this role will involve sensitive government or defence projects, demanding a high level of trust and security awareness. The experience requirement of "12+ years" aligns with a senior-level position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects where you held a lead design management role.

• Provide detailed case studies demonstrating your ability to integrate diverse design disciplines (architecture, structural, MEP, etc.) and achieve cohesive project outcomes.

• Include examples of project execution plans, technical assurance processes, and risk registers that you developed and managed.

• Present evidence of your client interface and stakeholder management skills, highlighting how you translated operational requirements into technical briefs.

• Demonstrate your experience in managing program controls, commercial risk, and governance obligations, ideally with examples of compliance with specific standards (e.g., Defence standards).

• Highlight your technical leadership capabilities, including examples of design reviews, conflict resolution, and ensuring buildability, safety, and asset performance. Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for leading multidisciplinary design teams, emphasizing coordination and integration strategies.

• Examples of technical assurance processes and design review methodologies employed.

• Frameworks for risk identification, assessment, and mitigation within design projects.

• Methodologies for translating client operational requirements into detailed technical briefs and scope management.

• Processes for managing programme, commercial obligations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that clearly illustrates their experience in managing the entire design lifecycle of complex projects, with a strong emphasis on integration, risk management, and client engagement, particularly within regulated or secure environments. Demonstrating a systematic approach to design governance and quality assurance will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on AECOM's presence in Brisbane, the experience level (10+ years), and the senior nature of the Design Manager role, particularly within specialized sectors like defence, the estimated salary range for this position in Australia is likely to be between AUD $160,000 and AUD $220,000 per annum, plus superannuation. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for senior engineering and project management roles in major Australian cities, considering the firm's global standing and the specific technical demands of the role.

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times to support work-life balance.

• Hybrid work options, allowing for a mix of office-based and remote work.

• Opportunity to purchase up to 6 weeks of additional annual leave per year.

• Flexibility with public holidays, enabling swaps for days that better suit personal needs.

• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities, including lunch and learns and professional development courses.

• Financial study assistance and 5 days of paid study leave to support further education and skill enhancement.

• Access to global career opportunities within the AECOM network.

• Robust global well-being program.

Working Hours: The standard full-time working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid work arrangements and alternative start/finish times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for senior design management roles in Australia and AECOM's known compensation practices. Specific salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance and professional growth, which are attractive for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates in the Engineering, Construction, and Consulting sectors, focusing on infrastructure development. This specific role is within the Buildings & Places (B&P) business line, specializing in Building Engineering. The company has a global presence and works on a wide range of projects, including transportation, buildings, water, and new energy.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, global organization with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This provides extensive resources, opportunities for cross-border collaboration, and a stable work environment.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910. With over a century of experience, the company has a deep history and a strong reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects globally.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Building Engineering Team, a part of the broader Buildings & Places business line. It implies a collaborative environment with discipline-specific leads (architecture, structural, MEP, etc.) reporting to or working closely with the Design Manager.

• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Buildings & Places division, such as a Director or Regional Manager.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving not only internal design disciplines but also external consultants, clients, and potentially construction teams. Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach, leveraging technical and digital expertise to solve complex challenges.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, particularly in managing the design process for large-scale, multidisciplinary projects.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated, especially with the company's focus on digital innovation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is global, collaborative, and focused on delivering impactful infrastructure solutions. The "Work with Us. Change the World." slogan reflects an ambitious and purpose-driven environment. The emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion, along with ESG priorities, indicates a forward-thinking and responsible corporate culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a senior level, typically requiring 10+ years of experience. It involves significant responsibility for technical strategy, client management, and leading complex design teams. This level often serves as a stepping stone to leadership roles such as Director of Design, Principal Engineer, or Program Director.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior management figure within the Buildings & Places division, such as a Director or Vice President. They will manage and coordinate multiple discipline leads and design teams, fostering a collaborative yet accountable environment.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on project success by ensuring that designs are technically sound, meet client requirements, are delivered on time and within budget, and contribute to the long-term performance and resilience of the assets. Their leadership influences project quality, client satisfaction, and AECOM's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas or to take on leadership of larger, more complex, or strategically important projects.

• Management & Strategic Roles: Progression into broader management roles, such as Head of Design, Sector Lead, or Program Director, overseeing multiple projects or a specific business unit.

• Global Mobility: As a global firm, AECOM offers opportunities to work on international projects or transfer to different regions, broadening experience and exposure.

• Professional Development: Access to continuous learning, training programs, financial study assistance, and paid study leave supports ongoing skill development and career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a major global infrastructure firm. The emphasis on leadership, technical excellence, and client management prepares individuals for senior strategic roles. The company's commitment to professional development further enhances growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates with a Hybrid Work Location Model, suggesting a mix of office-based work and remote flexibility. The company emphasizes creating dynamic and collaborative environments within its offices.

Office Location(s): While the job description mentions Sydney for the role's primary base, the provided location details specifically list Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and also reference Melbourne, VIC (Collins Square) as a primary location. This suggests potential flexibility or opportunities across major Australian cities, with Brisbane being the confirmed location for this specific posting. Offices are likely modern, equipped with necessary technology and collaborative spaces.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a balance between focused individual work (potentially remote) and collaborative team sessions or client meetings (in-office).

• AECOM likely provides access to industry-leading technology and digital tools within its workspaces to support design and project management.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of professionals, including engineers, architects, project managers, and clients, foster a dynamic and stimulating work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, typical for full-time professional roles. However, the emphasis on flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, provides adaptability to manage personal commitments alongside project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature, offering flexibility. Candidates should confirm the specific expectations for office attendance in Brisbane. The emphasis on modern workspaces and technology suggests a professional and well-equipped environment conducive to high-performance design work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with core requirements (e.g., Australian Citizenship).

• Technical Interview(s): Likely conducted by hiring managers and senior members of the Building Engineering Team. Expect in-depth discussions about your design management experience, technical leadership, project delivery, and handling of complex multidisciplinary challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, detailing specific projects, your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved. Focus on demonstrating your integration, client management, and governance skills.

• Behavioural & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, communication skills, problem-solving approach, and alignment with AECOM's values (collaboration, integrity, innovation).

• Final Interview/Offer: May involve senior leadership and discussion of terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 complex, multidisciplinary projects that best showcase your design management capabilities relevant to AECOM's work (e.g., defence, large-scale infrastructure).

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges encountered (technical, client, commercial), your strategic approach and solutions, and the quantifiable results or outcomes.

• Highlight Integration: Emphasize how you integrated diverse design disciplines, managed inter-dependencies, and resolved conflicts to achieve a cohesive and high-quality design.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Provide examples of your technical leadership, how you guided and motivated design teams, and how you ensured technical assurance and adherence to standards.

• Showcase Client Management: Illustrate your ability to effectively interface with clients, understand their operational requirements, manage expectations, and navigate scope changes.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate impact – e.g., project delivery within budget/schedule, improvements in buildability, safety records, or asset performance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to managing design conflicts, client escalations, or programme risks.

• Think about how you would approach setting up technical assurance processes for a new complex project.

• Consider how you would translate a vague client requirement into a detailed technical brief.

• Research AECOM's recent projects, particularly in the Buildings & Places sector in Australia, to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience and demonstrated ability to handle complex design management scenarios. A well-prepared and tailored portfolio is crucial for success, as it serves as tangible evidence of your capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for program control and tracking.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms like BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar for managing design data, revisions, and team collaboration.

• Risk Management Tools: Familiarity with risk register software or advanced spreadsheet techniques for managing project risks.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms for organizing, versioning, and distributing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret project reports related to progress, budget, risk, and technical compliance.

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in using tools to analyze design performance metrics, identify trends, and inform decision-making.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly a sales role, understanding client relationship management principles and potentially using CRM-like functionalities for stakeholder tracking is beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Familiarity with how automation can be applied to design workflows, reporting, or compliance checks would be advantageous.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different software platforms (design, project management, reporting) can be integrated to improve data flow and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a strong understanding of industry-standard project management, design collaboration, and risk management tools is expected. Given AECOM's scale and focus on digital innovation, familiarity with BIM and integrated digital platforms will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, especially crucial in defence and secure project environments.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, innovation, and client value delivery.

• Pioneering Mindset: Embracing new technologies and approaches to solve complex infrastructure challenges.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams, disciplines, and with external stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can contribute their best.

• Sustainability & ESG: Commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles in project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Encouraging open communication and mutual respect among all design disciplines to foster a unified project team.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive and transparent communication with clients and end-users to ensure alignment and manage expectations effectively.

• Process Improvement Culture: Openness to feedback and continuous improvement of design processes, methodologies, and collaboration techniques.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives, such as lunch and learns, to disseminate best practices and lessons learned across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values emphasize integrity, innovation, and collaboration. For this role, the ability to foster a highly collaborative environment among diverse technical specialists, coupled with a strong ethical compass, will be paramount, especially given the potential for working on sensitive projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of clients, end-users, regulatory bodies, and internal discipline leads within secure project environments.

• Technical Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of highly specialized design disciplines (e.g., architecture, structural, MEP, security, fire) on large-scale, complex projects.

• Navigating Regulatory & Security Frameworks: Adhering to stringent Defence standards, security protocols, and evolving regulatory controls requires constant vigilance and meticulous compliance.

• Managing Evolving Scope: Effectively handling scope changes and their impact on program, budget, and technical integrity in a dynamic project landscape.

• Leadership in a Hybrid Environment: Maintaining strong team cohesion, effective communication, and consistent performance across a hybrid workforce.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management: Opportunities to lead increasingly complex and high-profile projects, honing strategic planning and execution skills.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific building engineering domains or project types (e.g., advanced defence facilities, secure infrastructure).

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM's commitment to continuous learning includes access to leadership training, mentorship, and global career opportunities.

• Industry Certifications & Training: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications and attending industry conferences to stay abreast of best practices and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a leading global firm. The challenges are directly tied to the high-stakes nature of infrastructure and defence projects, offering substantial learning experiences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex multidisciplinary project you managed from concept to detailed design. What were the key technical challenges, how did you integrate the different disciplines, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on integration, technical strategy, and outcomes)

• "How do you approach translating diverse client operational requirements into a clear, actionable technical brief, especially within secure environments?" (Focus on client interface, requirements gathering, and technical translation)

• "Walk me through your process for establishing and managing a project execution plan, including technical assurance, risk registers, and program controls." (Focus on process, governance, and risk management)

• "How do you provide technical leadership and assurance to a multidisciplinary design team, particularly when challenging specialists or resolving conflicts?" (Focus on leadership, conflict resolution, and technical assurance)

• "Given the requirement for Australian Citizenship and potential Defence clearances, how do you ensure compliance and maintain security protocols throughout the design process?" (Focus on compliance, security awareness, and ethical conduct) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's work in the Buildings & Places sector, particularly in Australia, and how does your experience align with our recent projects?" (Demonstrates research and alignment)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Assesses cultural fit and leadership style)

• "AECOM emphasizes integrity and a pioneering mindset. Can you provide an example of how you've demonstrated these values in your career?" (Assesses alignment with core company values) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, structure your presentation as a narrative: the challenge, your strategic approach, the execution, and the results.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, flowcharts, and project visuals to illustrate complex concepts and your contributions.

• Focus on "You": Clearly articulate your specific role, decisions, and contributions, not just the team's overall achievement.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to support your claims about efficiency, cost savings, schedule adherence, or technical performance.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making processes, and how you handled specific challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific projects in detail, highlighting your strategic thinking, leadership, and ability to manage complex, regulated projects. Demonstrating an understanding of AECOM's values and commitment to security will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to leading multidisciplinary design teams, managing complex projects (especially in defence, healthcare, or aviation), client interface, technical strategy, and program/risk management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your most impactful design management projects. Ensure these examples clearly demonstrate your ability to integrate disciplines, manage stakeholders, ensure technical quality, and deliver results. Be ready to present these virtually or in person.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's Buildings & Places sector, recent projects in Australia, and their corporate values (integrity, pioneering mindset, collaboration, ESG). Understand their approach to hybrid work and their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common behavioural and technical questions, focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving skills, and specific project experiences. Practice articulating your portfolio using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

⚠️ 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.