Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Mott MacDonald

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia / Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-time / Part-time

Category: Engineering Management / Digital Engineering / Infrastructure Design

Date Posted: September 14, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate digital design teams in the successful planning, design, and delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

• Drive adherence to program, budget, client, and industry engineering/model/drafting standards, ensuring high-quality project outcomes.

• Foster a collaborative environment by engaging with internal teams, external design partners, construction organizations, and client representatives.

• Provide technical support, mentorship, and development opportunities for junior digital designers, nurturing talent within the team.

• Integrate practical construction and commissioning experience into all phases of digital design to enhance project feasibility and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Engineering Management and Digital Engineering, focusing on infrastructure design within the water and wastewater sector. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a blend of on-site collaboration and remote work, requiring strong self-management and communication skills. The inclusion of both full-time and part-time options indicates flexibility in employment arrangements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate digital design teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to client and industry engineering, model, and drafting standards.

• Collaborate effectively with internal delivery teams, global digital engineering service teams, and external partner design/construction organizations, including client members.

• Support, develop, and mentor junior digital designers, fostering their professional growth and technical skills.

• Apply past construction and commissioning experience to inform and enhance all aspects of digital design, ensuring practical and buildable solutions.

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients, acting as a key point of contact for design-related matters.

• Provide crucial support and input for new bid opportunities, leveraging design expertise to contribute to business development efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, team management, client interaction, and business development. Emphasis on applying construction and commissioning experience suggests a practical, hands-on approach to design oversight, crucial for infrastructure projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Diploma of Engineering or Associate Degree in Civil Engineering (minimum).

Experience: Demonstrated experience as a digital designer delivering water and wastewater projects, encompassing both networks and treatment facilities. Experience in a management or leadership role, or a strong aspiration to transition into one, is essential.

Required Skills:

• Experienced user in Civil 3D, Revit, 12D Model, or equivalent digital design software.

• Extensive knowledge of local and national standards, including Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) standards and drawings (including SEQ amendments).

• Proficiency in general Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).

• Proven ability to manage and deliver digital design for water and wastewater networks and treatment projects.

• Excellent communication and written skills, with a highly motivated and proactive approach. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in setting up and managing Common Data Environments (CDEs) such as ProjectWise, BIM360, ACC, or Synergy 12D.

• Past construction and commissioning experience directly applied to digital design processes.

• Experience in contributing to and supporting new bid opportunities.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior design staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific software proficiency (Civil 3D, Revit, 12D Model) and industry standards (WSAA) is critical. Experience with CDEs and a background in construction/commissioning are strong advantages, indicating a need for practical, end-to-end project understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful digital design project delivery for water and wastewater networks and treatment facilities.

• Case studies showcasing the application of Civil 3D, Revit, or 12D Model in complex infrastructure projects.

• Evidence of adherence to engineering, model, and drafting standards, including WSAA.

• Examples of collaboration with internal teams, external partners, and clients on design projects. Process Documentation:

• Documentation of workflows for digital design, from initial concept to detailed design, emphasizing efficiency and standard compliance.

• Records of how construction and commissioning experience have informed design processes and improved project outcomes.

• Examples of how CDEs like ProjectWise or BIM360 have been utilized for project collaboration and data management.

• Evidence of team coordination, task allocation, and progress tracking within digital design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to showcase their portfolio with a strong emphasis on practical application, adherence to standards, and the integration of construction knowledge into design. Experience with CDEs is highly valued for demonstrating efficient project data management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in Australian metropolitan areas, a competitive salary range of AUD $120,000 - $160,000 per annum is estimated. This range accounts for the specified responsibilities, required skills, and hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Flexible and agile work atmosphere catering to professional journey and life events.

• Competitive salary complemented by Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses for eligible employees.

• Comprehensive insurance coverage: life, personal accident, and salary continuance.

• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave for enhanced work-life balance.

• Access to employee resource groups (e.g., Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility).

• Employee ownership model with potential for shared success and a voice in business direction.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered within a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on average Design Manager compensation in major Australian cities for candidates with the specified experience level and responsibilities, considering the hybrid work model and the engineering consultancy sector. The benefits package emphasizes work-life balance, employee well-being, and a unique employee ownership model.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Management, and Development Consultancy. Mott MacDonald operates globally, providing services across transport, energy, water, buildings, and wider infrastructure sectors. This specific role is within the Water team, focusing on water, wastewater, network, and treatment infrastructure.

Company Size: Mott MacDonald is a large, global organization. While the exact number of employees in Australia isn't specified, the company employs tens of thousands worldwide, indicating a robust organizational structure with ample resources and opportunities.

Founded: Mott MacDonald was founded in 1989 through the merger of Mott, Hay and Anderson and Sir M MacDonald & Partners. This history suggests a company with deep-rooted expertise and a long-standing commitment to engineering excellence.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Water team in South Australia, specifically supporting SA Water projects.

• It involves direct coordination of a team of digital designers.

• Collaboration extends to local delivery teams, global digital engineering service teams, and external partner organizations.

• There is an expectation to interface with and potentially lead junior digital designers. Methodology:

• Emphasis on digital engineering, utilizing advanced design software and CDEs for project delivery.

• Commitment to adhering to client and industry engineering, model, and drafting standards.

• Integration of practical construction and commissioning experience into the design process.

• A collaborative approach, working closely with various internal and external stakeholders.

• A focus on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, as evidenced by the support for junior staff and bid opportunities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and employee development. The Water team's focus on critical infrastructure for SA Water highlights the impactful nature of the work. The employee ownership model fosters a unique sense of shared responsibility and success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is a mid-to-senior level position within the digital engineering and design management spectrum. It requires a solid foundation of technical expertise in digital design software and infrastructure projects, coupled with the ability to lead and mentor a team. The role acts as a crucial link between technical design execution and project management/client liaison.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior engineering manager or a project director within the Water team in South Australia. They will, in turn, manage and coordinate a team of digital designers. Collaboration with the Global Delivery Service team suggests an interface with potentially different reporting lines for offshore digital engineering tasks.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is significant, directly influencing the quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. By ensuring designs meet standards, are constructible, and are delivered on time and budget, they contribute to SA Water's ability to meet critical public service needs, address climate resilience, and accommodate population growth. Their role in supporting bid opportunities also contributes to the company's growth and market presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific digital design tools (e.g., advanced BIM workflows, parametric design) or specialized areas of water infrastructure (e.g., advanced treatment processes, complex network modeling).

• Leadership Progression: Transition into more senior management roles, such as Principal Design Manager, Technical Director, or Project Director, with broader project oversight and strategic responsibilities.

• Cross-functional Development: Gain experience in other areas of the project lifecycle, such as project management, construction supervision, or bid management.

• Global Exposure: Leverage the connection with the Global Delivery Service team to gain international project experience and learn from diverse global practices.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and coaching skills by mentoring junior designers and potentially leading training initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within engineering management and digital design, with opportunities to specialize, lead larger initiatives, and contribute to strategic business development. The global reach of Mott MacDonald provides a broad platform for growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mott MacDonald offers a hybrid work environment, indicating a combination of office-based work and remote working. The office environment is likely to be professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary technology for digital design work.

Office Location(s): The role is available in Brisbane, Queensland, and Adelaide, South Australia. These are major Australian cities, offering access to professional networks, amenities, and transport links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The hybrid model necessitates strong collaboration skills, utilizing digital tools for communication and project work when remote, and engaging in face-to-face interactions for key discussions and team building when in the office.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-leading digital design software (Civil 3D, Revit, 12D Model), CDEs (ProjectWise, BIM360), and standard Microsoft Office applications is expected. The company likely provides robust IT infrastructure to support these tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the digital design team, senior management, and cross-functional project teams will be available, fostering a dynamic and integrated work experience.

Work Schedule: A standard work schedule of approximately 40 hours per week is indicated, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid arrangement. This allows for effective management of design processes and data analysis while accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment requires candidates to be self-disciplined and adept at using digital collaboration tools. The company's presence in major cities suggests modern office facilities designed to support both individual focus and team collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, focusing on your experience with digital design software, water/wastewater projects, and leadership potential.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves a discussion about your experience with Civil 3D, Revit, 12D Model, WSAA standards, and CDEs. You may be asked to walk through specific project examples.

• Management/Leadership Interview: Focus on your experience leading teams, mentoring junior staff, managing budgets and programs, and client liaison. Behavioral questions will assess your fit with Mott MacDonald's culture.

• Case Study/Portfolio Review: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio demonstrating a complex design challenge, your solution, and the outcomes. This is where you highlight your understanding of construction and commissioning integration.

• Final Interview: May involve senior management to discuss your strategic fit and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Showcase detailed examples of your work in Civil 3D, Revit, and/or 12D Model, specifically related to water/wastewater networks and treatment projects.

• Demonstrate Standard Compliance: Include examples that clearly illustrate your adherence to WSAA standards and other relevant industry regulations.

• Showcase Leadership & Mentorship: If possible, include examples of projects where you led a design team or mentored junior designers, detailing your approach and the positive results.

• Integrate Construction/Commissioning: Clearly articulate how your practical experience in construction and commissioning informed your design decisions and contributed to project success.

• Data & Metrics: Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, on-time delivery).

• CDE Experience: Be prepared to discuss your experience using CDEs like ProjectWise or BIM360 for project collaboration and data management.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach managing a design team under tight deadlines or budget constraints.

• Prepare examples of how you have resolved technical design conflicts or stakeholder disagreements.

• Think about how you would mentor a junior designer facing a challenging technical issue.

• Understand Mott MacDonald's project delivery methodologies and their commitment to digital engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they designed, but how they designed it, emphasizing process, standards, and practical application of knowledge. The interview process will likely assess both technical acumen and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Digital Design Software: Civil 3D, Revit, 12D Model (essential). Proficiency in at least one is required, with experience in others being a significant advantage. These tools are fundamental for creating detailed 2D drawings and 3D models of infrastructure.

• Common Data Environments (CDEs): ProjectWise, BIM360, ACC, Synergy 12D (preferred). Experience with these platforms is vital for managing project data, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring version control across multi-disciplinary teams.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project. Essential for general documentation, data analysis, presentations, and project scheduling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, spreadsheet modeling, and generating reports on design progress, resource allocation, and budget tracking.

• Project Management Software (e.g., MS Project): For detailed project scheduling, task management, and reporting on project timelines and milestones.

• Potential for BIM Analytics Tools: Depending on project complexity, there might be a need to interface with or utilize tools for analyzing BIM model data for clash detection, quantity take-offs, or performance simulations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, familiarity with CRM systems could be beneficial for understanding client relationship management.

• Automation in design might refer to scripting within CAD software or using BIM tools for repetitive tasks, which candidates with advanced skills could leverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard digital design software and CDEs is non-negotiable. Candidates should highlight their ability to leverage these tools for efficient project delivery and effective team collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Collaboration: Working effectively as a connected global team, fostering strong relationships with internal colleagues, external partners, and clients.

• Innovation: Embracing digital engineering and new technologies to improve design processes and project outcomes.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and trust in all professional dealings.

• Development: Supporting the growth and learning of all employees, particularly through mentorship and skill development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with local delivery teams, global digital engineering teams, construction partners, and clients, necessitating strong communication and coordination skills.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to continuously improve design processes and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing expertise, especially through mentoring junior designers and contributing to bid opportunities, fostering a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's values emphasize a high standard of work, collaborative teamwork, and a forward-thinking approach. The culture encourages individuals to contribute to shared success and support each other's professional development, particularly within the context of digital engineering and infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Teams: Effectively coordinating and motivating a team of digital designers, potentially with varying skill levels and working across different locations (local and offshore).

• Adherence to Standards: Ensuring consistent application of complex local and national engineering, model, and drafting standards across all project deliverables.

• Integrating Construction Experience: Translating practical construction and commissioning knowledge into design effectively, especially for junior team members.

• Client and Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of multiple stakeholders, including SA Water, internal teams, and external partners.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously updating knowledge of evolving digital design software and CDE capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Digital Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific software features, BIM workflows, or advanced modeling techniques.

• Leadership and Management Training: Formal training programs to enhance skills in team leadership, project management, and stakeholder communication.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Participation in industry events and obtaining relevant certifications to stay at the forefront of digital engineering and infrastructure design.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders for guidance and career development, as well as the opportunity to mentor others, solidifying leadership capabilities.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a range of water and wastewater projects for SA Water provides varied experience in different types of infrastructure and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a Design Manager role in a complex infrastructure environment. Mott MacDonald's commitment to employee development provides clear pathways to overcome these challenges and advance one's career.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "How would you approach developing a digital design strategy for a new wastewater treatment plant project, considering WSAA standards and the need for constructibility?" (Focus on process, standards, and integration of construction knowledge).

• Team Leadership: "Describe a time you had to manage a team facing conflicting priorities or tight deadlines. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and team motivation).

• Technical Problem-Solving: "Imagine a clash is detected late in the design phase between a critical pipe network and a new structural element. How would you facilitate a resolution with the involved design disciplines?" (Focus on collaboration, technical understanding, and efficient conflict resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Mott MacDonald's employee ownership model and how do you see it impacting team dynamics?" (Demonstrate understanding of company values and culture).

• "How would you foster a collaborative environment within your digital design team, especially given the hybrid work arrangement?" (Assess understanding of team dynamics and communication strategies).

• "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond just technical completion?" (Focus on efficiency, client satisfaction, constructibility, and impact). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each key project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and approach, the tools and standards used, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, design improvements, successful delivery).

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Civil 3D/Revit/12D Model, WSAA standards, CDE usage, and the integration of construction/commissioning experience.

• Be Ready to Discuss Details: Prepare to answer in-depth questions about your design decisions, problem-solving techniques, and how you managed team dynamics or client interactions within your portfolio examples.

• Emphasize Impact: Clearly articulate the value and impact of your work on the project's overall success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. Be prepared to link your experience directly to the responsibilities and requirements of the Design Manager role at Mott MacDonald.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Mott MacDonald's careers portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with Civil 3D, Revit, 12D Model, water/wastewater projects, and any leadership or mentoring roles. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of your best digital design work for water and wastewater infrastructure. Be ready to discuss your process, adherence to standards (especially WSAA), and how you integrated construction/commissioning knowledge.

• Research Mott MacDonald: Familiarize yourself with the company's values, projects (particularly in the water sector in Australia), and their commitment to digital engineering and employee ownership.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating your leadership, problem-solving, and collaborative capabilities.

⚠️ 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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