Design Manager - Defence and Security

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Defence and Security

Company: Mott MacDonald

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time

Category: Engineering Design Management / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design delivery of a portfolio of Estate Works Program (EWP) projects within the Project Delivery Services (PDS) Contract.

• Coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, ensuring technical quality, programme, and budget performance.

• Drive safe design practices and ensure compliance with relevant Defence and security standards, legislation, and client requirements.

• Collaborate closely with project managers, technical teams, and stakeholders to deliver successful project outcomes in complex environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for managing the design phase of defence and security infrastructure projects, requiring a strong understanding of project governance, risk management, and compliance within a regulated sector. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the resourcing, coordination, and delivery of design packages across a portfolio of Defence and Security projects.

• Manage programme timelines, project scope, budget constraints, and overall design quality to ensure successful project outcomes and client satisfaction.

• Engage closely with project managers, technical teams, and external stakeholders to accurately capture requirements and deliver compliant, high-quality design solutions.

• Champion and enforce safe design practices throughout the design lifecycle, ensuring adherence to all relevant standards, legislation, and specific client requirements within the defence sector.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary design teams, including internal resources and external subconsultants, to achieve project milestones efficiently and within budgetary parameters.

• Implement and oversee effective risk management, change management, and document control processes throughout the entire project lifecycle to mitigate potential issues and maintain project integrity.

• Provide clear, timely, and transparent communication regarding project progress, identifying potential issues, and recommending appropriate actions to project leadership and stakeholders.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the design function by supporting team capability development, providing technical leadership, and sharing best practices across the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight and project management acumen. The emphasis on "safe design practices" and "compliance with relevant standards, legislation and client requirements" is particularly crucial given the Defence and Security context, indicating a need for rigorous adherence to protocols and a proactive approach to risk mitigation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), Architecture, or a related technical field is typically expected for a Design Manager role. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications may be advantageous.

Experience: Demonstrated experience (5-10 years) in design management, engineering delivery, or multidisciplinary project coordination within complex infrastructure or Defence project environments. Strong understanding of project delivery across scope, programme, budget, quality, and risk. Experience working within regulated environments and applying relevant standards and governance requirements.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Design Management principles and practices for complex projects.

• Proven ability in Multidisciplinary Project Coordination, integrating various engineering and design disciplines.

• Strong Stakeholder Engagement and communication skills to manage diverse internal and external parties.

• Solid understanding of Project Delivery methodologies, including scope, programme, budget, and quality control.

• Experience with Risk Management and Change Management processes within project lifecycles.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence diverse technical teams and external partners.

• Experience working within regulated environments and applying relevant standards and governance requirements.

• Knowledge of Safe Design Practices and compliance with industry legislation.

• Australian citizenship and the ability to achieve a current baseline security clearance. Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the Australian Defence sector or similar highly regulated industries.

• Familiarity with the Estate Works Program (EWP) and Project Delivery Services (PDS) Contract frameworks.

• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6) and collaborative design platforms (e.g., BIM software).

• A strong understanding of Defence infrastructure requirements and security protocols.

• Professional accreditation in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) or engineering (e.g., RPEQ).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain a baseline security clearance is a critical qualification for this Defence and Security role. Experience in regulated environments and a strong grasp of governance are highly valued, suggesting that candidates with prior experience in similar sectors will have a distinct advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully managed design packages, showcasing scope, budget, and schedule adherence through project examples.

• Provide case studies highlighting contributions to technical quality improvements and the successful implementation of safe design principles.

• Showcase experience with system implementation standards and governance requirements in regulated project environments.

• Include examples that illustrate the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and subconsultants, demonstrating effective coordination and delivery. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate experience in designing and documenting optimized workflows for design package delivery, from initiation to handover.

• Present examples of process implementation and automation methods used to enhance efficiency, quality, and compliance in design management.

• Demonstrate proficiency in measuring and analyzing the performance of design processes, using key metrics to drive continuous improvement and report on outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, especially in Defence and Security, the portfolio should emphasize structured project management and robust process adherence. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they have managed complex design processes, mitigated risks, and ensured compliance, ideally using specific project examples and quantifiable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers in Melbourne with 5-10 years of experience, particularly in specialized sectors like Defence and Security, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $120,000 - $160,000. This range accounts for the required expertise, responsibilities, and the high-security clearance requirement.

Benefits:

• A flexible and agile work atmosphere that supports professional growth and personal life balance.

• Competitive salary complemented by discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses for eligible employees, reflecting individual and company success.

• Comprehensive insurance coverage, including life and salary continuance insurance, providing financial security and peace of mind.

• Opportunities to enhance work-life balance through the option to purchase extra annual leave.

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

• Participation in Mott MacDonald's unique employee ownership model, offering a stake and a voice in the company's success through performance bonuses and potential for increased ownership with career growth.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, providing flexibility in how and where work is conducted, balancing on-site collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research from Australian job boards and industry salary surveys for similar roles in Melbourne, considering the specialized nature of Defence and Security projects. The benefits package emphasizes flexibility, financial security, and a unique employee ownership model, which is a significant differentiator for Mott MacDonald.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mott MacDonald operates as a global engineering, management, and development consultancy. Within the Defence and Security sector, this involves providing critical infrastructure planning, design, and delivery services to government and private clients, often involving highly sensitive projects with stringent security and regulatory requirements.

Company Size: Mott MacDonald is a large, global organization, indicated by its employee count and broad service offerings. This scale provides access to extensive resources, diverse expertise, and opportunities for international collaboration, while also potentially requiring navigation of larger corporate structures and processes.

Founded: Mott MacDonald was founded in 1989 through the merger of two established engineering firms. This long history signifies stability, deep industry experience, and a proven track record in delivering complex projects across various sectors, including infrastructure and defence.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated design team composed of various engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, mechanical, electrical) and potentially specialists in areas like security systems or environmental compliance.

• Reporting will likely be to a Project Director or a Senior Manager within the Defence and Security division, with close collaboration expected with Project Managers, clients, and subconsultant design leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring seamless integration with project management, construction, procurement, and client representatives to ensure holistic project success. Methodology:

• Mott MacDonald emphasizes a data-driven approach, utilizing analytics to inform design decisions, optimize project performance, and identify areas for improvement.

• The company promotes robust workflow planning and optimization strategies, ensuring efficient and effective project delivery from inception to completion.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into design and project management processes to enhance productivity, reduce errors, and maintain competitive advantages.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's global presence and long history suggest a structured yet innovative environment. The Defence and Security sector demands a high degree of professionalism, attention to detail, and adherence to rigorous standards. The employee ownership model fosters a culture of shared responsibility and commitment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and project delivery framework. It signifies a transition from individual technical contribution to leadership and management of design processes and teams. The scope involves managing a portfolio of projects, indicating a significant level of responsibility and strategic input.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to senior leadership within the Defence and Security division, likely a Project Director or Senior Design Manager. They will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of engineers and designers. This structure allows for strategic guidance from above and direct team management from below, fostering a clear line of command and communication.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is paramount to the success of Defence and Security projects. By ensuring high-quality, compliant, and safe design solutions, they directly influence project timelines, budget adherence, client satisfaction, and the long-term functionality and security of critical infrastructure. Their role is foundational to the overall project delivery and Mott MacDonald's reputation in this specialized sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Progression to Senior Design Manager, Technical Director, or Principal Engineer roles within the Defence and Security sector, leading larger, more complex projects or specialized technical streams.

• Project Management Advancement: Transitioning into broader Project Director or Program Manager roles, overseeing multiple projects and full project lifecycles, leveraging design management expertise.

• Operational Excellence: Opportunities to contribute to the development and refinement of Mott MacDonald's design management methodologies, process improvements, and training programs for the Defence and Security division.

• Mentorship & Development: Engaging in mentorship programs to guide junior engineers and designers, fostering talent within the organization and developing leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Design Manager role is a pivotal point for career growth, offering pathways into both deeper technical leadership and broader project/program management. The Defence and Security context provides unique challenges and learning opportunities that can significantly enhance a professional's resume and expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mott MacDonald offers a hybrid work environment, blending office-based collaboration with remote flexibility. The Melbourne office is likely a modern, professional workspace designed to facilitate teamwork, client meetings, and focused individual work.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Specific office locations within Melbourne would need to be confirmed, but typically large consultancies have central business district or easily accessible suburban offices.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will foster a collaborative environment where design teams can interact, share ideas, and resolve complex issues collectively. This is crucial for multidisciplinary project coordination.

• Access to essential operations tools and technology, including design software, project management platforms, and secure communication systems, will be provided to support efficient work processes.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with project management teams, technical specialists, and client representatives will be integral to the role, ensuring alignment and effective communication.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard full-time schedule, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, allowing for a balance between structured office days and remote work, which can be beneficial for deep work and managing personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, appealing to professionals seeking flexibility. The emphasis on collaboration within the office setting is critical for design management, ensuring that critical discussions and team synergy are maintained.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the required experience and qualifications, particularly regarding Defence/Security sector experience and security clearance eligibility.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your design management experience, technical expertise, understanding of project delivery lifecycles, risk management, and safe design principles. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Manager/Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with the hiring manager and potential team members. This stage assesses your leadership style, collaboration skills, cultural fit, and how you would integrate into the Defence and Security team.

• Final Interview/Panel: Potentially a final interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role and Mott MacDonald's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure & Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by key responsibility area (e.g., scope management, risk mitigation, team leadership).

• Defence/Security Focus: Highlight projects within regulated environments, emphasizing how you managed compliance, security protocols, and stakeholder expectations.

• Quantifiable Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, risk reduction).

• Process & Methodology: Showcase your understanding and application of design management processes, risk management frameworks, and safe design principles, supported by specific examples.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key case studies succinctly, focusing on impact and relevance to the Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions asking how you would handle specific design challenges, manage difficult stakeholders, resolve team conflicts, or address budget overruns.

• Technical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss technical aspects of Defence and Security infrastructure design, safety standards, and compliance requirements.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting a concise overview of a relevant project from your portfolio, focusing on your role, challenges, and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Defence and Security role with a security clearance requirement will be thorough. Your portfolio should clearly demonstrate your ability to manage complex, regulated projects and lead technical teams effectively. Highlighting experience with risk, compliance, and safe design is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with relevant CAD (e.g., AutoCAD) and potentially BIM (Building Information Modeling) software (e.g., Revit) for managing and visualizing designs.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience using reporting tools to generate project status reports, track KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) related to design delivery, budget, and schedule.

• Ability to interpret data from project management systems to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader project management or enterprise systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or methodologies that can streamline design review processes, document approvals, or task assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a Design Manager in this field typically needs to be proficient with industry-standard design visualization tools, robust project scheduling software, and collaborative communication platforms. The ability to integrate design data into broader project management systems is also a key asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and compliant design solutions that meet the stringent requirements of Defence and Security projects.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional cooperation to achieve shared project goals.

• Safety & Integrity: A paramount focus on safe design practices, ethical conduct, and adherence to all governance and regulatory standards.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, efficient processes, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and skill development.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires a highly collaborative approach, working closely with internal project teams, external consultants, and client representatives to ensure alignment and successful outcomes.

• A culture of open feedback and constructive dialogue is essential for design reviews, risk assessments, and problem-solving within multidisciplinary teams.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged, particularly regarding best practices in design management, safe design, and compliance within the Defence sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's stated values of excellence, collaboration, and integrity align well with the demands of the Defence and Security sector. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of how these values translate into practical actions within a complex project environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Requirements: Managing diverse and often stringent requirements from Defence and Security clients, ensuring full compliance with technical, security, and regulatory standards.

• Leading Dispersed Teams: Effectively coordinating and motivating multidisciplinary design teams and subconsultants, potentially across different locations or working arrangements.

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Juggling programme deadlines, budget constraints, technical quality, and safety requirements simultaneously to deliver successful project outcomes.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying abreast of changes in Defence and Security protocols, legislation, and technological advancements to ensure designs remain current and compliant.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training programs focused on Defence and Security project specifics, advanced design management techniques, and compliance frameworks.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and forums related to Defence infrastructure and engineering best practices.

• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from mentorship from experienced Defence and Security leaders within Mott MacDonald, gaining insights into career progression and strategic leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent to the Defence and Security sector, which also translate into substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development. Candidates who embrace these challenges will find rewarding career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex Defence infrastructure project you managed from a design perspective. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure compliance and safety?" (Focus on your role in scope, budget, programme, quality, risk, and stakeholder management).

• "How do you approach leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams, especially when dealing with external subconsultants? Provide an example." (Highlight your leadership style, communication strategies, and conflict resolution skills).

• "Walk me through your process for identifying and mitigating risks in the design phase of a project, particularly in a regulated environment like Defence." (Emphasize your understanding of risk management frameworks and proactive problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mott MacDonald, and why are you interested in working within our Defence and Security division?" (Research the company's projects, values, and its role in the Defence sector).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Align your approach with Mott MacDonald's stated values).

• "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts and their impact on overall project outcomes?" (Focus on KPIs, client satisfaction, and adherence to project objectives). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best exemplify your experience in design management, Defence/Security projects, and leadership.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the context, your specific responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable results achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).

• Emphasize Process & Compliance: Detail how you managed design processes, ensured adherence to standards, and implemented safe design practices.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific details of your projects, your decision-making process, and how you handled unforeseen issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating your technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and understanding of the unique demands of the Defence and Security sector. Your portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing your practical experience and achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your CV to highlight experience in design management, project delivery, multidisciplinary coordination, risk management, and any relevant Defence or Security sector projects. Ensure keywords from the job description are naturally integrated.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects. Focus on your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your process for ensuring design quality, safety, and compliance.

• Research Mott MacDonald: Understand the company's values, its work in the Defence and Security sector, and its employee ownership model. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company culture.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and drawing from your project experience and portfolio.

⚠️ 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.