Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager – Program Delivery & Services (PDS)

Company: Aurecon

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia / Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Project Delivery Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-28

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design delivery for complex, high-impact infrastructure and defence projects, ensuring integrated outcomes from planning through to completion.

• Drive critical design coordination, technical reviews, and robust quality assurance processes to uphold project standards and mitigate risks.

• Manage intricate project interfaces and delivery priorities within challenging stakeholder environments, fostering collaborative relationships.

• Contribute to strategic planning, programme management, and the overall delivery strategies for Aurecon's SAVI PDS portfolio.

• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships, alongside internal teams and delivery partners, to ensure successful project execution and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager within Aurecon's Program Delivery & Services (PDS) division, focusing on defence and infrastructure projects. The emphasis is on leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex coordination challenges, and ensuring integrated project delivery. The "SAVI PDS Portfolio" suggests a specific regional or programmatic focus within South Australia and Victoria.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary design delivery teams across complex buildings and defence-related projects, ensuring cohesive and high-quality project outcomes.

• Coordinate architects, various engineering disciplines, and specialist subconsultants to achieve integrated project solutions and seamless workflow.

• Drive rigorous design coordination processes, conduct thorough technical reviews, and implement robust quality assurance frameworks to meet project specifications and Aurecon's standards.

• Proactively manage project interfaces, identify and mitigate risks, and prioritize delivery across complex stakeholder landscapes, ensuring alignment with program objectives.

• Conduct essential site investigations, assessments, and project coordination activities to inform design decisions and support project progress.

• Collaborate effectively with clients, project teams, and internal stakeholders to manage project interfaces and drive successful delivery outcomes.

• Support the development and execution of planning, programme management, and overarching delivery strategies for the SAVI PDS portfolio.

• Build and nurture strong, enduring relationships with clients, project teams, and delivery partners to foster a collaborative and efficient project environment.

• Contribute significantly to the growth, capability development, and strategic direction of Aurecon’s Delivery Management team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership in design coordination and strategic program management. The emphasis on "integrated project outcomes" and "complex stakeholder environments" points to a need for strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills alongside technical expertise. Managing the "SAVI PDS Portfolio" implies a strategic oversight role within a specific regional delivery framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Design Manager role. Advanced degrees or relevant professional certifications would be advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in leading multidisciplinary project teams, with a strong track record in complex buildings or infrastructure projects. Experience in defence project environments is highly regarded.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary design delivery teams on complex buildings or infrastructure projects.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to influence outcomes.

• Strong expertise in design coordination, delivery management, and overall project leadership.

• Solid commercial awareness, with the ability to effectively balance competing priorities and manage project budgets.

• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, adept at navigating and resolving complex project challenges.

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and foster collaborative team environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience in defence project delivery or related government sector projects.

• Familiarity with Aurecon's project delivery methodologies and internal systems.

• Experience with advanced project management software and collaboration platforms.

• A Master's degree in a relevant discipline or professional accreditation (e.g., PMP, RPEQ).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize leadership, complex problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement over specific technical design skills. The mandatory security clearance is a critical factor for defence projects. The "10+ years" experience level aligns with a senior management position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase successful leadership of complex building or infrastructure projects, detailing your role in design coordination, stakeholder management, and problem-solving. Highlight projects with a defence or government focus if applicable.

• Process Optimization Examples: Provide specific examples of how you have improved design coordination workflows, enhanced technical review processes, or implemented quality assurance measures to achieve better project outcomes.

• Stakeholder Management Frameworks: Demonstrate your approach to managing diverse stakeholder groups, including clients, subconsultants, and internal teams, through project lifecycle examples.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Include examples of how you have identified, assessed, and mitigated project risks, particularly those related to design interfaces and delivery coordination.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of designing and implementing efficient design coordination workflows, ensuring clear communication channels and timely progression of design elements.

• Quality Assurance Protocols: Examples of establishing and managing quality assurance protocols for design deliverables, including technical review checklists and sign-off procedures.

• Performance Measurement: Demonstrations of how you have tracked and reported on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery, such as schedule adherence, budget performance, and quality metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio should demonstrate not just project completion but the strategic and process-oriented approach taken to manage complexity, foster collaboration, and drive quality. The focus is on showcasing leadership in process improvement and effective execution within challenging environments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in major Australian cities like Melbourne and Adelaide, and considering Aurecon's standing as a leading engineering consultancy, an estimated annual salary range would be AUD $160,000 - $220,000. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the complexity of defence and infrastructure projects, and the required security clearance.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Aurecon explicitly mentions supporting part-time or flexible working arrangements, which is a significant benefit for work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and continuous learning are highlighted, including potential for advanced project leadership, strategic delivery, and infrastructure advisory roles.

• Health and Wellbeing Programs: While not detailed, leading companies like Aurecon typically offer comprehensive health insurance, employee assistance programs, and wellness initiatives.

• Retirement Savings: Standard superannuation contributions as per Australian legislation.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company achievements.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 38-40 hours per week, with the potential for flexibility as mentioned. Overtime may be required depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on recent data for similar senior engineering and project management roles in Australia, considering the specialization in defence/infrastructure and the consultancy sector. Aurecon's reputation and the role's strategic importance likely place it at the higher end of this range. The explicit mention of flexible working arrangements is a key benefit.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy, Infrastructure, Defence, Buildings, Government & Public Sector. Aurecon operates in a sector critical to national development and security, requiring high standards of technical excellence, safety, and reliability.

Company Size: Over 6,000 employees globally, with a significant presence across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. This size indicates a well-established organization with substantial resources, a broad network of expertise, and structured career pathways.

Founded: Aurecon was formed from the merger of Connell Wagner (Australia) and Africon (Africa) in 2009, with roots tracing back much further through its predecessor companies. This history suggests a company with deep expertise and a long-standing reputation in the engineering and consulting field.

Team Structure:

• Program Delivery & Services (PDS): This specific team likely comprises a mix of project managers, design managers, engineers, architects, and support staff focused on delivering large-scale programs.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Program Director or a senior executive within the PDS division, with direct leadership of multidisciplinary design teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with client representatives, construction teams, specialist consultants, and Aurecon's internal technical leaders across various disciplines.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Aurecon emphasizes using data and insights to inform project strategies and delivery approaches.

• Collaborative Delivery: A core principle is bringing teams together to co-create solutions and drive integrated project outcomes.

• Innovation and Best Practices: The company fosters an environment of continuous improvement, encouraging the adoption of new technologies and best practices in design and project management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's positioning as a major engineering consultancy, involved in critical national projects, implies a culture that values technical excellence, collaboration, and long-term client relationships. The "Best Place to Work" recognition suggests a strong focus on employee development and a positive work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design and project delivery function. It's a step beyond managing individual projects, focusing on the strategic coordination and integrated delivery of complex programs, often involving multiple projects and significant stakeholder engagement. It requires a blend of technical oversight, people leadership, and commercial acumen.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to a higher-level program director or divisional head, overseeing a team of design coordinators, discipline leads, and potentially project managers responsible for specific project components within the SAVI PDS portfolio.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly influencing the successful execution of major defence and infrastructure projects. Effective design management ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, to the required quality standards, and meet client objectives, thereby contributing to Aurecon's reputation and profitability, and critically, to the development of essential public and defence infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Program Leadership: Progression to Program Director or General Manager roles, overseeing larger portfolios of work and strategic client relationships.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in defence infrastructure, mission-critical facilities, or complex urban development projects.

• Strategic Advisory: Transitioning into roles focused on infrastructure advisory, strategic planning, and delivery strategy development for major clients.

• Leadership Development: Access to Aurecon's leadership and development programs, enhancing skills in strategic thinking, executive presence, and complex organizational management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Design Manager at Aurecon is geared towards significant leadership responsibilities and strategic influence within the firm's core business areas. The company's focus on major projects provides a clear trajectory for growth into broader program and strategic management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of remote work and in-office presence. The role requires regular engagement with project teams and stakeholders, suggesting that certain days will be dedicated to collaborative work at Aurecon's offices in Melbourne or Adelaide.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. These are major hubs for infrastructure and defence projects, offering access to key clients and project sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Aurecon offices are likely equipped with modern collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and project war rooms designed to facilitate teamwork and client engagement.

• Technology & Tools: Access to advanced design software, project management platforms, and communication tools essential for managing complex, geographically dispersed projects.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, discipline leads, and senior management, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule: A standard professional work schedule, typically 38-40 hours per week, with flexibility offered. While core hours are expected for team collaboration and client engagement, the hybrid model allows for some autonomy in managing personal work time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and client engagement with the flexibility of remote work. This setup is common in large consultancies managing complex, long-term projects requiring both focused individual work and intensive team interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and a brief discussion with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed conversation with the hiring manager focusing on your experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex projects, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect behavioural questions and scenario-based inquiries.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: This may involve a presentation of your portfolio, a specific case study related to design coordination or project delivery challenges, or a technical discussion on managing complex project interfaces. Focus on demonstrating your strategic approach and impact.

• Team/Panel Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and other senior leaders. This assesses your collaborative style, leadership approach, and how you would integrate into Aurecon's culture.

• Final Interview & Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership, potentially followed by a formal offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in leading multidisciplinary design delivery for complex infrastructure or defence projects.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and responsibilities, the strategies you employed (especially for coordination and stakeholder management), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process Improvement: Showcase instances where you improved design coordination workflows, implemented robust quality assurance, or effectively managed project interfaces. Use diagrams or flowcharts where appropriate.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate your impact (e.g., reduction in design clashes, adherence to schedule, budget savings, client satisfaction scores).

• Tailor to Aurecon: Briefly research Aurecon's current projects and values to subtly align your portfolio presentation with their strategic priorities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Coordination Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would resolve conflicts between different engineering disciplines, manage scope changes, or integrate new design requirements mid-project.

• Stakeholder Management Strategies: Be ready to explain how you engage with difficult stakeholders, manage competing demands, and build consensus among diverse groups.

• Defence Project Nuances: If you have defence experience, be prepared to discuss the unique challenges and requirements of this sector (e.g., security, stringent compliance, long-term lifecycle considerations).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process for a senior role at a firm like Aurecon will be rigorous. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership in complex environments, and a proven track record of successful project delivery through effective process management and stakeholder engagement.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or dedicated project collaboration software for team communication and document sharing.

• Design Review & Markup Tools: Familiarity with software for reviewing and annotating design documents, such as Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk Navisworks, or similar BIM collaboration tools.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document control systems for managing project documentation, revisions, and approvals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret project performance dashboards using tools like Power BI, Tableau, or integrated project management reporting features.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting; familiarity with more advanced analytics tools for identifying trends and insights.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how client relationship management systems (e.g., Salesforce) are used to track client interactions and project opportunities would be beneficial for stakeholder management.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can streamline design review processes, documentation management, or reporting functions is advantageous.

BIM & Design Software:

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Understanding of BIM principles and workflows, particularly with software like Autodesk Revit and Navisworks, is crucial for coordinating multidisciplinary designs in buildings and infrastructure.

• CAD Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar CAD platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: A Senior Design Manager needs to be proficient with tools that facilitate complex project coordination, communication, and documentation management. BIM proficiency is increasingly essential for infrastructure and building projects. The emphasis is on managing information flow and team collaboration across diverse technical inputs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings, particularly crucial in defence and government projects.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in bringing diverse teams together to co-create solutions and achieve shared project goals. This is central to Aurecon's "engineering possibilities" ethos.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to solve complex challenges and deliver better outcomes.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work, meeting rigorous standards, and driving client satisfaction through technical expertise and reliable delivery.

• Sustainability: Integrating sustainable design principles and practices into project delivery, aligning with global environmental goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Teams: Fostering a culture where all team members, regardless of discipline or external affiliation, feel empowered to contribute and collaborate openly.

• Constructive Feedback: Encouraging a feedback-rich environment where ideas are shared, challenged constructively, and used for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across projects and teams to build collective capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's values emphasize a forward-thinking, collaborative, and ethical approach to engineering and project delivery. The culture likely supports individuals who are proactive problem-solvers, team players, and committed to delivering impactful, sustainable solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Effectively coordinating multiple disciplines, subconsultants, and client requirements on large-scale, technically demanding projects.

• Navigating Stakeholder Dynamics: Balancing the diverse and sometimes competing interests of various stakeholders, including government bodies, defence personnel, and commercial clients.

• Ensuring Design Quality & Risk Mitigation: Maintaining high standards of design accuracy and proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks in a complex project environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Project Demands: Responding effectively to changes in project scope, technical requirements, or regulatory environments, particularly in long-duration defence programs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Leadership Training: Access to Aurecon's leadership development programs to hone skills in strategic planning, executive communication, and managing large portfolios.

• Industry Certifications & Conferences: Support for pursuing relevant professional certifications and attending industry events focused on defence, infrastructure, and project management.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Aurecon or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership growth and knowledge transfer.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working across a pipeline of significant defence, infrastructure, and buildings projects provides broad exposure to different project typologies and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant but are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. Aurecon's commitment to development suggests that individuals who embrace these challenges will find ample support for career advancement and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Designing for Complexity: "Describe a time you led the design coordination for a highly complex building or infrastructure project with multiple conflicting requirements. What was your strategy, and what were the key challenges and outcomes?" (Focus on process, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving.)

• Stakeholder Alignment: "How do you approach managing a diverse group of stakeholders with competing priorities on a major project? Provide an example of how you built consensus and drove alignment." (Highlight communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.)

• Quality & Risk Frameworks: "Walk me through your process for ensuring design quality and managing risks within a multidisciplinary design team. What specific tools or methodologies do you employ?" (Emphasize proactive measures, technical reviews, and risk mitigation strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Aurecon's Impact: "Why are you interested in Aurecon, and how do you see your skills contributing to our 'engineering possibilities' ethos, particularly within the defence and infrastructure sectors?" (Research Aurecon's current projects and values.)

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration and a sense of shared purpose among team members from different disciplines." (Align your approach with Aurecon's collaborative values.)

• Measuring Success: "How do you define and measure success for a Senior Design Manager role, beyond project delivery metrics? What impact do you aim to create?" (Focus on strategic contribution, team development, and client satisfaction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling Approach: Frame your portfolio case studies as compelling narratives. Clearly define the problem, your strategic approach, the actions taken, and the measurable results.

• Visual Aids: Use concise slides with impactful visuals (diagrams, charts, photos) to support your presentation. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you managed the design process, coordinated teams, and resolved issues, rather than just the final output.

• Quantify Impact: Highlight metrics related to efficiency, cost savings, schedule adherence, and quality improvements.

• Concise & Engaging: Practice your presentation to ensure it is clear, engaging, and fits within the allocated time. Be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, robust process management, and strong interpersonal skills. The portfolio is a critical tool to provide concrete evidence of these capabilities, tailored to the complex nature of Aurecon's projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position at Aurecon:

• Submit Your Application: Apply through the provided Workday link, ensuring all sections are completed accurately.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary design teams, managing complex infrastructure/defence projects, stakeholder management, and process optimization. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your leadership in design coordination, problem-solving, and delivery management. Be ready to present these concisely and effectively, focusing on process and impact.

• Research Aurecon: Gain a deep understanding of Aurecon's projects, values, and their approach to "engineering possibilities," particularly in the defence and infrastructure sectors. Identify how your skills and aspirations align with their mission.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioural and situational questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on your experience in complex project environments and stakeholder management. Practice your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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.