Design Manager - Industrial

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Industrial

Company: Beca

Location: Melbourne, Australia; Sydney, Australia; Brisbane, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams across concept, preliminary, and detailed design, as well as construction stages for major industrial projects.

• Manage design programs, budgets, risks, internal and external interfaces, and quality processes to ensure successful project delivery.

• Provide crucial technical guidance and drive decision-making throughout all phases of the design lifecycle, ensuring robust and integrated outcomes.

• Facilitate essential design workshops, peer reviews, and design assurance activities to uphold high standards and identify potential improvements.

• Contribute to bid and proposal efforts by defining design strategies and methodologies, playing a key role in securing new business opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager within Beca's Industrial team, focusing on heavy industrial projects. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a mix of office-based collaboration and remote work, typical for management roles requiring team interaction and client engagement. The emphasis on multi-disciplinary design delivery and client partnerships indicates a strong need for leadership and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Orchestrate and lead multi-disciplinary design teams through the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept development and preliminary design through to detailed design and construction support.

• Proactively manage design programs, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and scope, while effectively mitigating project risks and coordinating all internal and external design interfaces.

• Implement and oversee robust quality management processes for design deliverables, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client specifications.

• Deliver expert technical guidance and facilitate critical decision-making processes for design challenges, fostering innovation and problem-solving within the design team.

• Lead and conduct design workshops, peer reviews, and comprehensive design assurance activities to validate design integrity and identify areas for continuous improvement.

• Spearhead the development of design strategies and methodologies for bids and proposals, contributing significantly to Beca's business development efforts in the industrial sector.

• Actively contribute to the growth, capability enhancement, and knowledge sharing within Beca's Industrial design team, mentoring junior engineers and promoting best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and team development. The role requires a strong understanding of the entire design lifecycle for industrial facilities, from early-stage concept to construction. Emphasis on bids and proposals suggests a client-facing aspect and business development contribution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Process, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or a related relevant engineering discipline).

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in engineering design, with a significant portion in a Design Manager, Design Lead, or similar leadership role on multi-disciplinary industrial projects.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in leading and coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams on complex engineering projects.

• Strong understanding of engineering design processes, including inter-disciplinary coordination, problem-solving methodologies, design assurance principles, and quality management systems.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, project managers, and technical leads.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate and manage complex interfaces across various engineering disciplines, contractors, and client organizations.

• Strong relationship-building capabilities, with a keen ability to understand and translate client requirements into tangible project deliverables.

• Proficiency in managing design programs, including budget, schedule, risk, and quality control.

• Experience in supporting bids and proposals, including the development of design strategies and methodologies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in specific industrial sectors such as food and beverage, manufacturing, mining, metals processing, chemicals, or sustainable fuels.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.

• A passion for coaching and mentoring junior team members, fostering their development and professional growth.

• Experience with design assurance activities and facilitating peer reviews.

• Ability to contribute to the continuous improvement and capability development of a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a technical engineering background coupled with strong leadership and project management capabilities. Experience in specific industrial sectors is highly valued, indicating the need for domain knowledge. The preference for coaching and mentoring suggests a leadership style focused on team development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented experience leading the design delivery of significant industrial projects, showcasing a clear progression through concept, preliminary, and detailed design stages.

• Case studies demonstrating successful management of design programs, including examples of budget control, risk mitigation, and quality assurance implementation.

• Evidence of effective inter-disciplinary coordination and problem-solving in complex design environments.

• Examples of client engagement and stakeholder management, highlighting the ability to translate requirements into actionable design deliverables.

• Documentation of design assurance activities, peer reviews, or design workshops led by the candidate. Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of design lifecycle management, from scope definition and concept development to detailed design and construction support.

• Present methodologies for managing design risks, interfaces, and quality across multiple engineering disciplines.

• Illustrate approaches to facilitating design workshops, conducting peer reviews, and implementing design assurance protocols.

• Provide examples of contribution to bid and proposal development, including the formulation of design strategies and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to demonstrate their capabilities through a portfolio that highlights their experience in managing complex industrial design projects. The portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's systematic approach to design management, risk mitigation, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, Australia, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between AUD $130,000 - $180,000 per annum. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Career Growth & Development: Comprehensive training programs and support for professional accreditation, including pathways to Chartership with Engineers Australia.

• Flexibility & Wellbeing: Flexible working options to support work-life balance, dedicated leave for wellbeing, and community engagement.

• Belonging & Ownership: A diverse and inclusive team environment that fosters collaboration and creativity, with unique shareholder opportunities to share in the company's success.

• Parental Leave: Up to 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave, inclusive of all genders.

• Wellbeing Support: Access to resources and programs aimed at maintaining employee wellbeing.

• Professional Networking: Opportunities to work alongside industry leaders and engage with a broad client base.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement suggests flexibility in scheduling, with an expectation of core hours for collaboration and team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for Design Managers in Australia's major cities, considering the specified experience level and the nature of industrial engineering projects. Beca offers a robust benefits package focusing on professional development, work-life balance, and employee ownership, which are attractive incentives for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy / Professional Services, with a strong focus on the Industrial sector (food and beverage, manufacturing, minerals and metals, sustainable fuels, forestry, water).

Company Size: Over 4,000 employees across the Asia-Pacific region, indicating a large, established, and resource-rich organization.

Founded: Beca is an employee-owned company with a long history, suggesting a stable and experienced organization with a strong foundation.

Team Structure:

• The Industrial team is described as diverse and highly capable, bringing together experienced engineers and project managers.

• The Design Manager will likely lead multi-disciplinary design delivery teams, working closely with clients and project managers.

• The structure supports collaboration and knowledge sharing, aiming to deliver practical and innovative solutions.

• There's an emphasis on mentoring junior team members, suggesting a hierarchical yet supportive team dynamic. Methodology:

• Beca emphasizes delivering practical, innovative, and resourceful solutions through their collective experience and insights.

• The company's vision, "Creative people together transforming our world," highlights a collaborative and forward-thinking approach.

• Core values of partnership, tenacity, enjoyment, and care guide their daily operations and client interactions.

• A commitment to continuous improvement and challenging conventions is evident in their pursuit of transforming the world for the better.

Company Website: www.beca.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's culture is characterized by employee ownership, a strong emphasis on collaboration ("Creative people together"), and a commitment to making a positive impact ("transforming our world"). The Industrial team specifically focuses on delivering complex engineering solutions across key sectors, supported by a robust network of professionals and a clear set of company values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design management track. It requires significant technical expertise, proven leadership capabilities in managing design teams and projects, and the ability to influence client outcomes. The Design Manager is expected to be a key contributor to project success and a mentor for developing talent.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Senior Manager or Director within the Industrial team, overseeing specific design project workstreams. They will manage design leads and engineers within their project teams and collaborate closely with Project Managers, client representatives, and other discipline leads.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical in ensuring that industrial projects are designed efficiently, cost-effectively, and to the highest technical standards. Their role directly influences project feasibility, constructability, operational performance, and client satisfaction. By driving innovative and robust design solutions, they contribute to Beca's reputation and long-term business success in the industrial sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into more senior management roles, such as Principal Design Manager, Director of Engineering, or Project Director, managing larger portfolios and strategic initiatives.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific industrial sectors or advanced design methodologies, becoming a recognized subject matter expert within Beca and the industry.

• Mentorship & Development: Further develop coaching and mentoring skills, taking on more significant roles in talent development and team capability building.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to engage with other Beca divisions or international projects, broadening experience and network.

• Shareholder Opportunities: As an employee-owned company, there are opportunities to gain ownership and share in the company's financial success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within engineering management and design leadership. The emphasis on mentoring and employee ownership provides unique avenues for professional and personal growth, aligning with Beca's commitment to developing its people.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Beca operates a hybrid work model. This means the role will involve a combination of working from a Beca office and working remotely. The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): The role is open to candidates based in or willing to relocate to Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, Australia. These are major metropolitan centers with well-equipped Beca offices providing professional workspaces.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Offices are likely equipped with meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and project areas designed for team collaboration and client interactions.

• Technology Enabled: Access to Beca's technological infrastructure, including necessary software, hardware, and communication tools to support design work and remote collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with design teams, project managers, and other engineering professionals, fostering a strong sense of team and shared purpose.

• Professional Atmosphere: A professional, yet inclusive, environment that encourages innovation and open communication.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. This allows for managing personal commitments while ensuring project deadlines and collaborative needs are met. The hybrid arrangement is expected to facilitate a balance between focused individual work and essential team-based activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, offering flexibility while maintaining the importance of in-person collaboration for a Design Manager role. The presence of offices in major Australian cities provides accessibility and professional infrastructure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and potentially a brief introductory call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a Senior Manager or Director) focusing on your experience in industrial design management, leadership style, and alignment with Beca's values.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve a panel interview with key team members or technical leads. Expect to discuss specific project experiences, technical challenges, and how you approach multi-disciplinary coordination and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your project management, design leadership, and problem-solving capabilities. This is a crucial opportunity to showcase your impact and methodology.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final conversation, potentially with senior leadership, to discuss the role in detail, answer any remaining questions, and extend an offer if successful.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful industrial design projects that best represent your skills as a Design Manager.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the design strategy implemented, the inter-disciplinary coordination involved, the key decisions made, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, technical improvements, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize the design management processes you utilized, including program management, risk mitigation, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement.

• Visual Aids: Use clear visuals such as diagrams, flowcharts, concept sketches, and final output images to illustrate your points.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects and the ROI you delivered.

• Tailor to Beca: Research Beca's industrial projects and values. Frame your experience in a way that aligns with their work and culture.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges related to industrial projects. Think about how you would approach problem-solving, manage design interfaces, and make critical decisions under pressure.

• Leadership Scenarios: Consider questions about your leadership style, how you motivate teams, resolve conflicts, and mentor junior engineers.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've managed difficult stakeholders, communicated complex technical information, and built strong client relationships.

• Process Optimization: Be ready to discuss how you've improved design processes, implemented quality controls, or driven efficiencies in past roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess both technical competence and leadership potential. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates project impact and process management is essential. Candidates should anticipate questions that probe their problem-solving, leadership, and stakeholder management skills within an industrial engineering context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, Bentley Systems) is likely expected for reviewing designs and understanding technical documentation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar platforms for managing design programs, schedules, and resources.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for facilitating communication, virtual meetings, and team collaboration, especially in a hybrid setup.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, versioning, and sharing design documents and project information.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Review Tools: Familiarity with software used for markups, comments, and collaborative review of technical drawings and documents.

• Risk Management Software: Potential use of tools for identifying, assessing, and tracking project risks.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to interpret and contribute to performance reports, potentially using tools like Power BI or Tableau, to track design progress, budget adherence, and quality metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design interfaces with client needs managed through CRM systems could be beneficial.

• Familiarity with any company-specific internal systems for project management, resource allocation, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Design Manager in industrial engineering would typically use a suite of CAD, project management, and collaboration software. Proficiency in these areas, coupled with the ability to interpret data from reporting and analytics tools, is crucial for effective design program management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Partnership: A strong emphasis on collaborative relationships with clients and internal teams, fostering trust and shared goals in project delivery.

• Tenacity: A determined approach to overcoming challenges, driving projects forward with persistence and a focus on achieving successful outcomes, even in complex industrial environments.

• Enjoyment: Cultivating a positive and engaging work environment where innovation and creativity are encouraged, and team members find satisfaction in their contributions.

• Care: Demonstrating genuine consideration for colleagues, clients, and the impact of projects, reflecting a commitment to safety, wellbeing, and sustainable practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively fostering collaboration between various engineering disciplines (Process, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural, etc.) and with project management, procurement, and construction teams.

• Open Communication: Encouraging an environment where ideas can be freely shared, feedback is constructively given and received, and team members feel empowered to voice concerns or suggestions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture of learning and development, where best practices are shared, lessons learned are captured, and junior team members are mentored by experienced professionals.

• Client-Centric Approach: Working closely with clients to understand their needs, ensure alignment, and deliver solutions that meet or exceed their expectations, embodying the partnership value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's core values of Partnership, Tenacity, Enjoyment, and Care are central to its culture. For a Design Manager, this translates to building strong relationships, persevering through technical challenges, fostering a positive team dynamic, and ensuring responsible project delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interfaces: Effectively coordinating multiple engineering disciplines, external consultants, contractors, and client stakeholders on large-scale industrial projects presents ongoing coordination challenges.

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Juggling technical requirements, budget constraints, project timelines, and client expectations requires adept prioritization and negotiation skills.

• Driving Innovation within Constraints: Encouraging creative design solutions while adhering to strict safety, regulatory, and cost requirements demands a strategic and adaptable approach.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping abreast of new design tools, materials, and industrial processes to ensure Beca's solutions remain cutting-edge and competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Deep Dive: Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge of specific industrial sectors (e.g., sustainable fuels, advanced manufacturing) and specialized design technologies.

• Leadership Development: Formal training programs and on-the-job experience in advanced project management, team leadership, and strategic decision-making.

• Professional Accreditation: Support for maintaining and advancing professional engineering credentials, such as Chartership with Engineers Australia.

• Mentorship Programs: Both as a mentor to junior staff and potentially being mentored by senior leaders within Beca, fostering continuous learning and career progression.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences, workshops, and site visits, expanding professional networks and staying current with industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for growth, both in technical specialization and leadership capacity. Addressing the inherent challenges of complex industrial projects through continuous learning and development is key to success and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multi-disciplinary design team through a complex industrial project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on leadership, coordination, problem-solving, and outcomes.)

• "How do you approach managing design budgets and schedules, particularly when faced with unexpected risks or changes in scope?" (Highlight your program management, risk mitigation, and decision-making skills.)

• "What is your philosophy on design assurance and quality management in industrial projects? Can you provide an example of how you've implemented quality improvements?" (Showcase your understanding of process rigor and commitment to excellence.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and effective communication among diverse engineering disciplines and with external stakeholders?" (Emphasize your interpersonal skills and cross-functional team-building approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Beca and our work in the industrial sector?" (Research Beca's projects, values, and recent news. Connect your aspirations to their mission.)

• "How do you embody Beca's values of Partnership, Tenacity, Enjoyment, and Care in your professional work?" (Provide specific examples relevant to your experience.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to the growth and capability development of our Industrial design team?" (Discuss your mentoring and knowledge-sharing approach.)

• "Describe your experience with hybrid work environments and how you ensure productivity and team cohesion." (Highlight your adaptability and communication strategies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your contributions and the project's success.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use data points for budget adherence, schedule performance, technical improvements, or client satisfaction metrics.

• Illustrate Processes: Visually demonstrate your approach to design management, risk assessment, and quality control using diagrams or flowcharts.

• Focus on Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, making critical decisions, and resolving complex issues.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your projects and your design philosophy. Make it an interactive discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, technical acumen, and alignment with Beca's values. A strong portfolio presentation that quantifies impact and showcases process management will be critical for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this industrial design management position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Beca's Workday careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary industrial design projects, emphasizing achievements in program management, risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and technical leadership. Use keywords relevant to industrial engineering and design management.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key industrial projects that best showcase your design management capabilities. Prepare concise case studies that detail challenges, your actions, and quantifiable results, focusing on your leadership and process management.

• Research Beca: Thoroughly understand Beca's mission, values, recent projects in the industrial sector, and their approach to engineering consultancy. Prepare to discuss how your skills and aspirations align with their culture and business objectives.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate your design philosophy.

⚠️ 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.