Design Manager - EI&C

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - EI&C

Company: Fyfe

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Design Management (EI&C)

Date Posted: 2026-05-19

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of Electrical, Instrumentation & Control (EI&C) design projects within the Power & Electrification domain.

• Drive technical excellence, governance, and quality assurance across multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring alignment with project objectives and client expectations.

• Spearhead work-winning activities, including bid strategy formulation, proposal development, and client presentations, to secure new project opportunities.

• Cultivate and maintain robust client relationships, positioning Fyfe as a preferred partner for critical infrastructure and energy projects.

• Contribute to business development initiatives, market intelligence gathering, and pipeline strategy to foster sustainable growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within Fyfe's expanding Power & Electrification capability, focusing on digital delivery and client relationship management. The emphasis is on leading design outcomes rather than hands-on production, requiring a blend of technical expertise and strategic business development acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee multidisciplinary design teams through concept, functional, and detailed design stages, focusing on overall project outcomes and strategic direction.

• Drive design excellence, establish robust governance frameworks, and implement stringent quality assurance processes to ensure project success and adherence to standards.

• Spearhead work-winning initiatives, including the development of compelling bid strategies, accurate proposal generation, and persuasive client presentations.

• Cultivate and nurture strong, long-term client relationships, acting as a key point of contact and trusted advisor to secure repeat business and enhance Fyfe's market reputation.

• Actively participate in business development efforts, contributing to market intelligence analysis and the strategic planning of the project pipeline.

• Manage senior stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring effective communication and alignment between project teams, clients, and executive leadership.

• Represent Fyfe externally in pursuits, delivery discussions, and industry forums, enhancing the company's brand and fostering professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic leadership role where the Design Manager is accountable for both the technical quality of designs and the commercial success of projects. This involves a significant focus on client engagement and business development, indicative of a senior position within the operations or engineering leadership structure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical or a relevant engineering discipline.

Experience:

• Demonstrated extensive experience in engineering consulting, encompassing design, delivery, and project management within complex EI&C environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in leading multidisciplinary design teams through the entire project lifecycle, from concept to detailed design.

• Strong capability in developing and executing effective bid strategies and proposal development for major projects.

• Exceptional client relationship management skills, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and foster long-term partnerships.

• Deep technical knowledge of high and low voltage electrical systems, control systems, and plant integration principles.

• Proven experience in sectors such as water, wastewater, industrial, or infrastructure, including design and site experience.

• Strategic mindset coupled with hands-on technical understanding and problem-solving abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and drive innovation in design processes and technologies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital delivery methodologies and their application in engineering design.

• Familiarity with renewable energy projects and their associated EI&C design requirements.

• Knowledge of business development strategies and market intelligence gathering within the engineering consulting sector.

• Experience in managing senior stakeholder engagement and executive-level client interactions.

• Exposure to energy and resources sector projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory CPEng requirement and extensive experience in consulting, design, and delivery point to a role with significant technical authority and responsibility. The blend of technical expertise with client-facing and business development responsibilities suggests this role is critical for Fyfe's growth in the Power & Electrification sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a history of successfully leading and delivering complex EI&C design projects from inception to completion, demonstrating outcomes over hands-on production.

• Provide evidence of implementing robust design governance and quality assurance frameworks that have led to measurable improvements in project delivery and client satisfaction.

• Present case studies detailing effective bid strategies, proposal development, and successful client presentations that have secured significant project wins.

• Illustrate experience in building and maintaining strong client relationships, highlighting instances where proactive engagement led to repeat business or expanded project scopes.

Process Documentation:

• Documented methodologies for leading multidisciplinary design teams, including coordination strategies, communication protocols, and performance management.

• Examples of implemented design excellence frameworks, governance structures, and quality assurance procedures.

• Workflows for bid strategy formulation, proposal development, and client presentation preparation.

• Strategies for client relationship management, including engagement plans and stakeholder mapping.

• Contributions to business development initiatives, market analysis reports, and pipeline forecasting.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role is heavily focused on leadership, client engagement, and business development, the portfolio should emphasize strategic contributions and outcomes rather than detailed technical drawings or specific software configurations. The focus should be on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, and successful project acquisition and delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience, CPEng accreditation, and a leadership role in Sydney, Australia, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $180,000 - $250,000. This estimate accounts for the senior nature of the role, the required qualifications, and the cost of living in Sydney.

Benefits:

• Competitive Remuneration Package: A comprehensive salary package reflecting the seniority and responsibilities of the role.

• Clear Career Progression Pathways: Opportunities for advancement within Fyfe's growing Power & Electrification team and broader organization.

• Professional Development: Access to ongoing training, workshops, and industry events to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Impactful Projects: Opportunity to work on significant projects across utilities, government, and renewable energy sectors that contribute to societal advancement.

• National Footprint: Be part of a growing, multidisciplinary organization with a strong national presence, offering diverse project opportunities.

Working Hours:

A standard full-time work week is expected, typically around 40 hours. While the role is on-site, Fyfe is likely to offer some flexibility in working hours to accommodate project needs and work-life balance, typical for senior roles in engineering consulting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from consulting industry salary guides for senior engineering management roles in Australia, specifically Sydney, factoring in the mandatory CPEng and extensive experience. Benefits are aligned with typical offerings for senior positions in established engineering consultancies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Environment, Planning, and Survey Consultancy. Fyfe operates across key sectors including Energy & Resources, Renewables, Infrastructure, and Property. The Power & Electrification team specifically targets utilities, government, and renewable energy projects.

Company Size: Fyfe is a leading Australian integrated consultancy with a strong national presence. While specific numbers aren't provided, being a "leading" and "growing" organization with a "national footprint" suggests a medium to large enterprise, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand professionals across multiple offices.

Founded: Fyfe was founded to provide integrated engineering solutions. The company's growth and expansion, including the recent acquisition of Middleton, indicate a history of stability and strategic development aimed at enhancing its service offering and market reach. This longevity suggests a culture that values expertise and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will lead the "multidisciplinary design teams" within the Power & Electrification capability. This implies teams composed of electrical, instrumentation, control, and potentially civil/structural engineers, as well as drafters and designers.

• The reporting structure will likely place the Design Manager under a senior executive such as a General Manager, Director of Engineering, or Head of Power & Electrification, depending on the organizational hierarchy.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Utilizes engineering principles and data to inform design decisions, solve complex problems, and ensure optimal project outcomes.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Manages and coordinates design workflows, focusing on efficiency, quality, and timely delivery from concept through to detailed design.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Drives innovation in digital delivery and the integration of advanced technologies to enhance design processes and project outcomes.

Company Website: [Fyfe Website URL - e.g., fyfe.com.au]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely to be professional, technically focused, and client-centric, given its industry and history. The expansion and acquisition suggest a dynamic environment that values growth and innovation. The emphasis on "integrated" services means collaboration across different disciplines is a core aspect of their operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, classifying as a "Manager" or "Senior Manager" level within the engineering and operations hierarchy. It sits above individual contributors and junior engineers, responsible for strategic oversight, team management, and business development impact. The scope includes leading design delivery, managing client relationships, and contributing to overall business strategy for the Power & Electrification division.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior executive within Fyfe, likely a Director or General Manager overseeing the Power & Electrification or Engineering divisions. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of engineers, designers, and potentially project coordinators. This structure facilitates strategic alignment and operational execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a significant impact on Fyfe's revenue and business decisions through their leadership in work-winning activities, proposal development, and client relationship management. Their technical leadership ensures the quality and feasibility of designs, directly influencing project success, client satisfaction, and Fyfe's reputation in the market. Strategic contributions to pipeline strategy and market intelligence also shape future business direction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into roles such as Director of Engineering, Head of Power & Electrification, or General Manager, overseeing larger divisions or business units.

• Specialization and Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific areas of EI&C design, digital delivery, or particular industry sectors (e.g., renewables, advanced water treatment).

• Business Development Leadership: Transition into a more focused business development or client executive role, leveraging established relationships and market insights.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer: Become a key figure in developing future engineering talent within Fyfe, leading training initiatives and sharing best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical stepping stone for individuals looking to move from technical execution to strategic leadership within an engineering consultancy. The combination of technical oversight and business development responsibilities provides a broad skill set that is highly valued for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment within Fyfe's Sydney location. This setting is designed for collaboration, client meetings, and the professional execution of engineering design services.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This implies working from a Fyfe office within the Sydney metropolitan area, which typically offers good accessibility via public transport and proximity to major business hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project team spaces to foster interaction and knowledge sharing among engineers, designers, and project staff.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard engineering software (CAD, simulation tools, project management platforms), high-performance computing resources, and robust communication systems will be provided to support design activities.

• Team Interaction: The environment encourages regular interaction with direct reports, peers in other disciplines, project managers, and senior leadership, facilitating efficient problem-solving and decision-making.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, with an on-site presence. While core hours will likely apply, senior roles often allow for some degree of flexibility to manage project demands and client needs effectively, especially for client presentations or critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a major city like Sydney suggests a professional, structured work environment. The emphasis on collaboration and access to technology is standard for leading engineering consultancies aiming to deliver high-quality, complex projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements, especially CPEng status and leadership experience.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with senior engineering leaders or peers to delve into your technical expertise in EI&C systems, design methodologies, and problem-solving approaches. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and technical challenges.

• Leadership & Business Development Interview: Conversations with hiring managers and potentially senior executives to evaluate your leadership style, team management capabilities, client relationship skills, and strategic thinking for work-winning.

• Case Study Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio, detailing a complex design project you managed, focusing on your role, challenges, solutions, outcomes, and client engagement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership and Outcomes: Highlight projects where you led multidisciplinary teams, drove design governance, and achieved significant project outcomes (e.g., successful delivery, client satisfaction, securing repeat business).

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your leadership, such as cost savings, efficiency improvements, project timelines met, or revenue generated from bids you influenced.

• Showcase Client Engagement: Provide examples of how you built and maintained strong client relationships, managed senior stakeholder expectations, and represented the company externally.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by key responsibility area (e.g., Design Delivery, Work Winning, Client Management).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to leading design teams through complex EWIS projects, including how you ensure technical quality and manage diverse skill sets.

• Prepare examples of how you have successfully influenced clients, managed their expectations, and contributed to securing new business opportunities.

• Think about how you would approach market intelligence gathering and pipeline strategy development for Fyfe's Power & Electrification division.

• Consider scenarios where you had to resolve conflicts within a design team or with stakeholders, and how you handled them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role and its dual focus on technical leadership and business development, interviewers will be looking for evidence of strategic thinking, strong communication, and a proven track record of successful project acquisition and delivery. Your portfolio should reflect these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Engineering Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Electrical CAD (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP), simulation software (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory), and potentially control system design tools (e.g., PLC/SCADA programming environments).

• Project Management Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar platforms for planning, scheduling, and tracking project timelines and resources.

• Collaboration & Documentation Tools: Familiarity with platforms such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or equivalent for team communication, document sharing, and version control.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret engineering analysis reports and potentially use tools for data visualization and performance tracking.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating comprehensive project reports, bid proposals, and client presentations that clearly communicate technical information and business outcomes.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing client interactions, tracking business development activities, and maintaining pipeline information.

• Integration Technologies: Understanding of how different engineering systems and project management tools can be integrated to streamline workflows and improve data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: While hands-on production is not the primary focus, a strong understanding of the tools used by design teams is crucial for effective leadership, governance, and quality assurance. Familiarity with modern digital delivery tools and integration concepts will be highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence and Innovation: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative engineering solutions that meet and exceed client expectations. This is reflected in the focus on design governance and the integration of advanced technologies.

• Client Focus and Partnership: Building strong, enduring relationships with clients by understanding their needs and consistently delivering value. Fyfe positions itself as a preferred partner, emphasizing trust and reliability.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where multidisciplinary teams work together effectively, sharing knowledge and expertise to achieve common goals.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and maintaining a professional approach in interactions with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

• Safety and Sustainability: A commitment to safe design practices and sustainable solutions, particularly relevant in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates seamless collaboration with various Fyfe departments (planning, environment, survey) and external stakeholders to deliver comprehensive project solutions.

• Process Review and Feedback: An open culture for reviewing design processes, sharing feedback constructively, and continuously improving workflows and methodologies.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the dissemination of technical knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned across teams and projects to foster collective growth and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fyfe's culture is likely to be professional, technically rigorous, and client-oriented, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and integrity. As a Design Manager, demonstrating alignment with these values, particularly in collaboration and client engagement, will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Leadership with Business Development: Effectively managing the demands of leading design teams while actively pursuing new business opportunities requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Driving Digital Transformation: Integrating advanced digital delivery tools and methodologies into established design processes can present resistance and require significant change management efforts.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating the complex needs and expectations of various clients, senior management, and multidisciplinary teams requires exceptional communication and negotiation skills.

• Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements: The rapid evolution of EI&C technologies and engineering software necessitates continuous learning and adaptation to remain at the forefront of design innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Leadership Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in strategic planning, financial management, executive communication, and change leadership.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Participation in leading industry events (e.g., engineering conferences, power industry forums) and pursuing specialized certifications to deepen expertise.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Fyfe or through industry networks to gain guidance on career progression and leadership development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining exposure to Fyfe's other service areas (environment, planning, survey) to develop a more holistic understanding of integrated project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by blending deep technical challenges with strategic business and leadership responsibilities. Addressing the identified challenges proactively will be key to success and career advancement within Fyfe.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a bid strategy for a major power infrastructure project. What key factors would you consider, and how would you ensure competitiveness and profitability?" (Focus on your work-winning process and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you foster a culture of design excellence and technical governance within a multidisciplinary engineering team? Provide an example of a process you implemented and its impact." (Highlight your leadership in quality assurance and process improvement.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Fyfe's Power & Electrification capabilities and its position in the Australian market? How do you see this role contributing to our strategic goals?" (Showcase your research and understanding of the company's business.)

• "Describe your experience working in a multidisciplinary consulting environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration between different engineering disciplines and departments?" (Illustrate your understanding of integrated service delivery and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of Fyfe and the role's objectives. Then, present 2-3 key projects that best exemplify your leadership in design management, work-winning, and client relations.

• Storytelling with Data: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and leadership actions, the strategies employed (technical, collaborative, business development), and the quantifiable outcomes and client satisfaction achieved.

• Focus on EI&C and Sectors: Tailor your examples to high and low voltage systems, control systems, plant integration, and highlight experience in water, industrial, or infrastructure sectors.

• Visual Aids: Use concise slides with key data points, project highlights, and professional imagery. Avoid overwhelming detail; focus on strategic impact.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your project experiences, leadership style, and strategic approach. Encourage interaction and discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Your interview preparation should demonstrate a clear understanding of the dual nature of this role: strong technical leadership coupled with strategic business development and client relationship management. Be ready to articulate your impact with specific examples and quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Fyfe careers page.

• Tailor your Resume and Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your experience in EI&C design management, highlighting your CPEng status, years of relevant experience, and specific achievements in leading multidisciplinary teams, driving design governance, and contributing to work-winning activities. Emphasize your client relationship management skills and any experience in the water, industrial, or infrastructure sectors.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects that showcase your leadership in design delivery and business development. Ensure you can speak confidently about your role, the strategic decisions you made, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable outcomes achieved. Focus on examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and engage clients effectively.

• Research Fyfe: Thoroughly research Fyfe's company profile, its recent projects, its values, and its strategic objectives, particularly within the Power & Electrification division. Understand their integrated service offering and market position.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer questions related to technical leadership, team management, client engagement, bid strategy, and problem-solving using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate how your skills align with Fyfe's needs.

⚠️ 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.