Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Fulton Hogan

Location: Dulwich, SA, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-05

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate the design process for complex wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with project briefs, budgets, and timelines.

• Manage multidisciplinary design teams and stakeholders to deliver high-quality technical solutions for critical infrastructure.

• Drive project success through meticulous planning, risk mitigation, and effective communication of design progress and challenges.

• Uphold Fulton Hogan's commitment to "Good Work" by ensuring projects meet or exceed customer expectations and contribute positively to community development.

• Integrate and champion Fulton Hogan's "Living Safely 2.0" culture and core values of Respect, Energy & Effort, Attitude, and Leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a Design Manager within the Utilities business, focusing on wastewater infrastructure. While not strictly a "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, the emphasis on project delivery, stakeholder management, budget adherence, and ensuring technical solutions meet client expectations aligns with operational excellence and GTM support functions that ensure successful project execution. The role requires strong project management and technical coordination skills, characteristic of operations leadership in the construction and utilities sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive and coordinate the end-to-end design process for wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring technical solutions align with the project brief, budget, and program to meet client expectations.

• Develop and manage comprehensive design schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans to ensure high-quality outputs are delivered within project constraints.

• Proactively monitor and manage design risks, identifying potential challenges and implementing effective mitigation strategies to maintain project progress and timelines.

• Communicate design progress, key challenges, and proposed solutions clearly and effectively to clients, internal teams, and other relevant stakeholders.

• Champion Fulton Hogan’s commitment to delivering projects that meet or exceed customer expectations, fostering a culture of quality and client satisfaction.

• Ensure the design team receives all necessary inputs in a timely manner to facilitate efficient and effective execution of their work.

• Collaborate closely with delivery teams to ensure design solutions are practical, constructible, and aligned with operational requirements.

• Review and approve design deliverables, ensuring compliance with Australian design standards, codes, and relevant regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership and project management within the design phase of infrastructure projects. Key operational aspects include budget management, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder communication, all critical for successful project delivery in the construction and utilities industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline is essential. Experience:

• Extensive experience in water or wastewater infrastructure, with a strong preference for experience within the water or wastewater industry.

• Proven track record of successfully managing multidisciplinary design teams and delivering complex infrastructure projects from conception to execution. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and coordinate complex design processes for infrastructure projects.

• Wastewater Infrastructure Expertise: Deep understanding of wastewater systems, design principles, and operational considerations.

• Project Management: Exceptional skills in project scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, and overall project lifecycle management.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities with clients, internal teams, and external partners.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design and project-related risks effectively.

• Australian Design Standards: Strong knowledge and application of relevant Australian design standards, codes, and regulations for wastewater projects.

• Technical Coordination: Proficiency in coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams and ensuring technical integrity of designs.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).

• Familiarity with contract administration and procurement processes.

• Understanding of construction methodologies and site operations.

• Experience with sustainability principles in infrastructure design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical engineering background combined with robust project management capabilities. The requirement for knowledge of Australian standards is critical for project execution within that region. The experience level suggests a mid-to-senior role requiring autonomy and leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated examples of successfully managed wastewater infrastructure design projects, showcasing scope, complexity, and outcomes.

• Case studies detailing how design challenges were overcome, including specific problem-solving methodologies and technical solutions implemented.

• Documentation illustrating effective budget and schedule management for design phases, highlighting adherence to project constraints.

• Evidence of stakeholder management strategies and successful communication plans for complex projects.

• Examples of risk assessment and mitigation plans developed for infrastructure design projects. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to workflow design and optimization within a design team context, emphasizing efficiency and quality.

• Provide examples of process implementation and automation methods used to streamline design tasks or approvals.

• Detail how you measure and analyze the performance of design processes, including key metrics and reporting mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should highlight not just technical design capabilities but also the ability to manage the process of design. This includes demonstrating how projects were delivered on time and within budget, how risks were managed, and how stakeholders were engaged. Strong process documentation and a clear methodology for driving efficiency and quality in design are key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in South Australia, a competitive salary range is estimated between AUD $130,000 - $170,000 per annum. This estimate considers the specialized nature of wastewater infrastructure, the complexity of managing multidisciplinary design teams, and the cost of living in Adelaide. Benefits:

• Career Development: Tailored training, leadership, and mentoring programs.

• Industry Partnerships: Access to professional development opportunities through partnerships with Engineers Australia, Australian Water Association, and others.

• Wellbeing Support: Flexible working arrangements where possible.

• Health & Wellness: Corporate health and fitness programs, health insurance discounts.

• Financial Support: Personal banking support, retailer discounts.

• Leave Policies: Up to 18 weeks paid primary carers parental leave, up to 10 days paid secondary carers leave, and a Purchase Leave Policy.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for employees and their immediate family.

• Competitive Salary Package: To be discussed with Talent Acquisition or People & Culture.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexible working arrangements as outlined in the benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in Australia. The benefits package is extensive, emphasizing employee wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance, which are attractive to experienced professionals in the infrastructure sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Utilities Infrastructure (Tier 1 Contractor)

Company Size: 10,000+ employees globally

Founded: Over 90 years ago

Fulton Hogan is a well-established, privately owned company with a significant presence across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. They focus on creating, connecting, and caring for communities through their infrastructure projects. The company emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to safety and employee wellbeing.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the Fulton Hogan Utilities business in South Australia.

• This role will support the Delivery Team, indicating close collaboration with construction and project execution functions.

• The team structure likely involves direct reports within the design function and close collaboration with project managers, engineers, and site personnel. Methodology:

• "Good Work" Philosophy: Focus on delivering quality outcomes that benefit communities.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Encouraging exploration of safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working.

• Safety Culture: Commitment to "Living Safely 2.0," integrating safety into all aspects of work.

• Values-Driven: Adherence to REAL values (Respect, Energy & Effort, Attitude, Leadership).

• Community Focus: Active engagement with local and national community groups, including Indigenous groups and social enterprises.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Fulton Hogan's long history and strong community focus provide a stable and purpose-driven work environment. The emphasis on innovation and safety culture is crucial for a Tier 1 contractor. The Design Manager will operate within a structured environment that values both technical excellence and responsible corporate citizenship.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Management

This role represents a significant step in a design or engineering career, moving into a management position where strategic oversight, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration are paramount. The focus is on ensuring the successful technical execution of projects that underpin the company's operational delivery.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Fulton Hogan Utilities business in South Australia, likely a General Manager or Head of Operations/Delivery.

• They will lead a team of designers and technical specialists, coordinating their efforts with broader project delivery teams. Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager's role is critical to the operational success of wastewater infrastructure projects. High-quality, efficient, and compliant designs directly reduce construction risks, minimize rework, control costs, and ensure the long-term functionality of essential community assets. Their work directly impacts the company's ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to client satisfaction, thereby contributing to revenue generation and profitability. Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in wastewater engineering and complex infrastructure design.

• Leadership Development: Progress to senior management roles, overseeing larger design departments or multiple project portfolios.

• Operational Strategy: Transition into broader operational leadership roles within the utilities or construction sector.

• Professional Development: Leverage company-provided training, mentoring, and industry partnerships for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain exposure to project delivery, commercial aspects, and business development within the utilities sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large, established organization. The combination of technical leadership and project management responsibilities provides a strong foundation for advancement into senior operational or executive positions within the infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Environment

Fulton Hogan supports flexible working arrangements, suggesting a blend of office-based work and remote work. The Dulwich, SA office will serve as a primary base.

Office Location(s):

• Dulwich, SA, Australia. This location serves as the hub for operations in South Australia within the Utilities business. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close interaction with design teams, project managers, and delivery personnel, fostering a collaborative workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project discussions.

• Field Visits: Potential for site visits to construction locations to gain practical insights and ensure design-to-construction alignment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule (approx. 40 hours/week).

• Flexibility is offered, allowing for a hybrid arrangement, balancing office presence with remote work to optimize productivity and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model reflects modern work practices, offering flexibility while maintaining the necessary in-person collaboration essential for complex design management and team coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume by the Talent Acquisition team to assess initial fit against core requirements.

2. Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion with a hiring manager or senior engineering/operations leader to evaluate technical expertise, design management experience, and understanding of wastewater infrastructure.

3. Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on a relevant project. This will involve discussing design challenges, solutions, project management approaches, stakeholder engagement, and outcomes. Expect questions on how you managed budgets, schedules, and risks.

4. Cultural Fit & Values Assessment: Interviews with team members or HR to assess alignment with Fulton Hogan's REAL values (Respect, Energy & Effort, Attitude, Leadership) and commitment to safety ("Living Safely 2.0").

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your design management capabilities in wastewater infrastructure.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed, key decisions made, specific management techniques (budget, schedule, risk), stakeholder interactions, and the ultimate outcome/impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics wherever possible to demonstrate success (e.g., % budget savings, % schedule adherence, reduction in design errors, successful client feedback scores).

• Highlight Process: Explain how you managed the design process, your team, and the stakeholders. Emphasize your methodology for ensuring quality, efficiency, and compliance.

• Address Australian Standards: Be ready to discuss your experience applying specific Australian design standards and regulations.

• Prepare for "Living Safely 2.0": Be ready to discuss your commitment to safety and how you integrate it into design processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions related to managing design conflicts, addressing unexpected site conditions, handling difficult client feedback, or re-prioritizing tasks under pressure.

• Practice articulating your thought process for problem-solving and decision-making, focusing on efficiency, safety, and stakeholder impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical proficiency, project management skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation) is expected for reviewing and understanding designs.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Review Tools: Software that facilitates annotation and review of design documents (e.g., Bluebeam Revu).

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in Excel for data analysis related to budgets, schedules, and resource allocation.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in interpreting and contributing to project performance dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design integrates with project management and potentially client management systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with document management systems for version control and record-keeping.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software is not listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in standard engineering design tools, project management software, and collaboration platforms common in the construction and infrastructure sector.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Valuing the diverse perspectives of team members, clients, and the community. Fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated.

• Energy and Effort: Demonstrating enthusiasm, dedication, and a proactive approach to challenges and opportunities in design and project delivery.

• Attitude: Maintaining a positive, solution-oriented mindset, especially when facing complex technical or project management issues. Embracing a "can-do" spirit.

• Leadership: Taking ownership of design processes, guiding and mentoring the design team, and influencing positive outcomes through expertise and collaboration.

• Safety First: A non-negotiable commitment to "Living Safely 2.0," ensuring all design decisions consider safety implications for construction and long-term operation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with project delivery, construction, commercial, and client teams to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving within the design team and across departments.

• Process Improvement Focus: Continuously seeking opportunities to refine design workflows, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of deliverables.

• Community Engagement: Reflecting the company's purpose by considering the community impact of design decisions and engaging with stakeholders respectfully.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on REAL values and "Living Safely 2.0" indicates a strong, values-driven company culture. The Design Manager will need to embody these values in their leadership and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Juggling project schedules, budget constraints, client expectations, and regulatory requirements while leading a design team.

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Navigating diverse interests and communication needs of various internal and external stakeholders.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing unforeseen technical issues that arise during the design phase or from site feedback, requiring innovative and practical solutions.

• Driving Innovation: Encouraging the adoption of new design technologies or methodologies within a traditional industry context.

• Ensuring Safety Integration: Consistently embedding "Living Safely 2.0" principles into every design decision and process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Engineering & Design: Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge wastewater treatment technologies and complex infrastructure design challenges.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Development programs focused on team leadership, strategic planning, and operational management.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional engineering registrations and relevant industry certifications.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced leaders within Fulton Hogan for guidance and career advice.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader experience in project management, construction operations, and commercial aspects of infrastructure development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior management role in infrastructure, requiring strong problem-solving and leadership skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear career trajectory within a reputable organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting project priorities (e.g., budget vs. timeline vs. scope) in a design project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for decision-making, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Walk me through a complex wastewater infrastructure project where you managed multiple stakeholders with differing interests. How did you ensure effective communication and buy-in?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating your communication and negotiation skills).

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Tell me about a significant technical challenge you encountered during the design phase of an infrastructure project. What steps did you take to resolve it, and how did you ensure the solution was efficient and compliant with Australian standards?" (Highlight your analytical approach and practical solutions).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Fulton Hogan's values of Respect, Energy & Effort, Attitude, and Leadership resonate with your own professional approach?" (Research the company values thoroughly and prepare examples).

• "How do you integrate a strong safety culture, like 'Living Safely 2.0,' into your design management processes?" (Demonstrate your commitment to safety beyond just compliance).

• "Describe your experience working within a hybrid or flexible work environment and how you ensure team cohesion and productivity." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame your project presentations as narratives – the challenge, your strategic approach, the execution, and the successful outcome.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and leadership in managing the design process, team, budget, and stakeholders.

• Showcase Process & Metrics: Don't just show the final design; explain the process you followed. Use data (budget adherence, schedule performance, risk mitigation examples) to quantify your impact.

• Address Compliance & Safety: Explicitly mention how you ensured compliance with Australian standards and integrated safety considerations into your designs.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, project management methodologies, and team leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strong leadership, project management acumen, and alignment with Fulton Hogan's values and safety culture. A well-structured portfolio presentation is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Fulton Hogan careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight direct experience in wastewater infrastructure design, project management, budget/schedule control, stakeholder engagement, and familiarity with Australian design standards. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your design management capabilities. Prepare detailed case studies focusing on challenges, your strategic approach, process, results, and impact, with a strong emphasis on budget, schedule, risk, and stakeholder management.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving skills, and alignment with Fulton Hogan's values and safety culture. Practice presenting your portfolio.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Fulton Hogan's history, projects, values, and commitment to community and safety. Understand their "Good Work" philosophy and "Living Safely 2.0" initiative.

⚠️ 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.