Design Manager (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (m/w/d)

Company: AECOM

Location: Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany

Job Type: Vollzeit (Full-time)

Category: Design Management / Project Management (Infrastructure & Built Environment)

Date Posted: 2026-09-28

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support and lead design management efforts within AECOM's general planning projects, focusing on interdisciplinary coordination and project delivery.

• Drive project success by overseeing and ensuring adherence to cost, schedule, and contractual obligations for complex infrastructure and built environment projects.

• Lead and manage project teams, including internationally distributed and remote teams, ensuring high-quality work output and effective collaboration.

• Facilitate proactive decision-making processes and foster strong collaborative relationships with clients, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior Design Manager within AECOM's Buildings & Places business line, requiring a strong blend of technical design understanding, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities, particularly in a hybrid and potentially international remote team environment. The emphasis on LPH (Leistungsphasen) suggests a deep understanding of German architectural project phases.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate within the project management team, specifically in Design Management, under the guidance of a Senior Design Manager.

• Take on responsibility for specific areas of design management within general planning projects, ensuring seamless integration across all disciplines and trades.

• Monitor and ensure strict adherence to project budgets (Baukosten), timelines (Termine), and contractual performance requirements (vertraglich geschuldete Leistungen).

• Lead project teams, including cross-bureau and international remote teams, and oversee the quality of their work to ensure project standards are met.

• Proactively steer and facilitate crucial decision-making processes to maintain project momentum and mitigate risks.

• Foster proactive and effective collaboration with clients, engineers, contractors, and other specialized professionals involved in the project lifecycle.

• Contribute to the integration of digital construction processes and innovative planning methodologies within project workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design oversight and robust project management execution, emphasizing the coordination of diverse teams and the strict management of project constraints. The mention of "LPH 3–4" and "LPH 5" indicates a need for detailed knowledge of German architectural service phases.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A completed degree in Architecture or a comparable relevant field. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience post-Master's or Diploma degree.

• This experience must include at least 4 years specifically in planning phases LPH 3–4 (Vorplanung and Entwurfsplanung) and an additional 4 years in LPH 5 (Ausführungsplanung).

• Proven experience in the planning, coordination, and execution of projects within the German market, with a preference for international project experience.

• Prior experience in leading planning teams and in project management is considered advantageous. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in German building regulations (Bauvorschriften) and environmental regulations (Umweltauflagen).

• Strong interest in digital construction processes and modern planning methodologies.

• Methodical, self-driven, and highly engaged work ethic.

• Exceptional communication and coordination skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across diverse professional groups, especially on an international level.

• Fluent proficiency in both German and English, both written and spoken. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in leading planning teams and project management.

• Familiarity with international project delivery standards and practices.

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is highly specific regarding the German LPH (Leistungsphasen) system, indicating a need for candidates deeply familiar with the German construction and planning regulatory framework. The emphasis on digital processes suggests a forward-thinking approach to project execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong track record of successfully managed design projects, showcasing your ability to deliver complex architectural and infrastructure designs.

• Provide case studies illustrating your role in interdisciplinary coordination, highlighting how you’ve integrated various technical disciplines to achieve project goals.

• Showcase examples of cost and schedule management, detailing how you’ve controlled project budgets and timelines effectively.

• Include documentation or examples of your experience with digital planning tools and processes, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) or other relevant software. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to managing design phases, particularly LPH 3–5, including workflow design, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance protocols.

• Illustrate your methods for leading and coordinating remote and international project teams, including communication strategies and progress tracking mechanisms.

• Provide examples of how you have proactively identified and mitigated risks within the design and planning process.

• Document your experience in collaborating with clients and external stakeholders, demonstrating how you manage expectations and ensure alignment with project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase their project management capabilities through tangible examples, with a particular focus on their experience within the German LPH system and their ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects, potentially across international borders.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, the estimated annual gross salary range is €70,000 - €95,000. This estimate considers the required experience level, the senior nature of the role, and the specific demands of managing complex projects within the German market. Benefits:

• Flexible Work Environment: Supporting a hybrid work model that allows for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.

• Competitive Salary: Offering a compensation package benchmarked against industry standards for senior roles.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career advancement within AECOM's global network.

• Employee Well-Being Programs: Comprehensive support for employee health, safety, and overall well-being.

• Additional Benefits: Likely includes standard German employment benefits such as paid time off, health insurance contributions, and potentially retirement savings plans. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility offered through the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on aggregated data for senior Design Manager roles in major German cities like Frankfurt, considering the specified experience level and the nature of the employer (AECOM). Benefits are drawn directly from the provided information and typical offerings for such positions in Germany.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure & Consulting (Architecture, Engineering, Environmental, Construction)

Company Size: AECOM is a global leader with over 51,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established organization with extensive resources and a broad market reach. In Germany, AECOM has a significant presence with teams across seven locations.

Founded: AECOM's history dates back to 1910, reflecting a long-standing legacy and deep expertise in the infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• The Design Management team operates within the Buildings & Places business line, likely part of a larger project management or engineering group.

• This role involves leading project teams that are interdisciplinary and can span across different offices and potentially international locations, necessitating strong remote team leadership skills.

• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, working closely with architects, engineers, construction managers, and client representatives. Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes innovative solutions, fostering creativity and promoting a data-driven approach to project delivery.

• The company is committed to sustainability and designing a better world, which likely influences project methodologies and decision-making.

• Digitalization is a key focus, with an interest in digital construction processes and advanced planning methods.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global scale and long history suggest a professional, structured environment with opportunities for diverse project exposure. The emphasis on sustainability and digital processes aligns with modern industry trends.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, likely falling under Senior Design Manager or a similar title. It requires significant post-graduate experience (10+ years) and specific expertise in German planning phases (LPH 3-5). The role demands leadership capabilities and the ability to manage complex, interdisciplinary projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will work under the guidance of a Senior Design Manager and will be responsible for leading project teams. The exact reporting structure within the Buildings & Places business line would typically involve reporting to a Director or Vice President of Project Management or Design.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of AECOM's infrastructure and built environment projects. Their impact is directly tied to delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, thereby contributing to client satisfaction, AECOM's reputation, and profitable project outcomes. Their leadership in design coordination influences the overall success and sustainability of the built assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to a Senior Design Manager, Project Director, or Head of Design Management roles, taking on larger and more complex projects or leading broader teams.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific project types (e.g., large-scale infrastructure, sustainable buildings) or advanced methodologies like BIM and digital twins.

• International Exposure: Leveraging AECOM's global presence for opportunities on international projects or assignments in other regions.

• Mentorship: Gaining experience in mentoring junior design managers and team members, developing leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at AECOM is clearly defined by increasing project complexity, team leadership scope, and potentially geographical reach. The company's global nature offers significant international opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, indicating a mix of office-based work and remote working. The Frankfurt office is located in the "Kontorhaus."

Office Location(s): Primarily Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany. AECOM also has other locations in Germany, suggesting potential for collaboration or project involvement across these sites.

Workspace Context:

• The Frankfurt office likely provides a professional and collaborative workspace designed to support hybrid work, with facilities for team meetings and focused individual work.

• Access to AECOM's technological infrastructure, including project management software, design tools, and communication platforms, will be available.

• The environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging interaction with architects, engineers, and project managers from various disciplines. Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid model offers flexibility in structuring the work week, allowing for a balance between on-site presence and remote work, accommodating project needs and personal preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, requiring adaptability and strong self-management skills. The Frankfurt office location is a hub for AECOM's operations in Germany.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on meeting the minimum experience and qualification requirements, especially the LPH experience and language skills.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with hiring managers or senior team members to delve into your project management experience, design coordination skills, understanding of German regulations, and approach to digital processes. Expect questions about specific project challenges you've faced and how you resolved them.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a past project from your portfolio, focusing on your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This will assess your communication, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues and assess how well you align with AECOM's collaborative and values-driven culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on projects that best demonstrate your experience in design management, interdisciplinary coordination, and project delivery within the German context. Highlight projects relevant to AECOM's work in Buildings & Places.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, quality enhancements).

• Showcase LPH Expertise: Clearly delineate your involvement and contributions during specific German planning phases (LPH 3-5).

• Highlight Digital Proficiency: Include examples of your work with digital tools, BIM, or other relevant technologies.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Demonstrate your ability to work effectively with diverse teams, clients, and stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical project scenarios, focusing on how you would manage design coordination, stakeholder communication, risk mitigation, and decision-making under pressure.

• Practice articulating your project management philosophy and your approach to leading teams, especially in a hybrid or remote setting.

• Research AECOM's recent projects and initiatives in Germany and globally to demonstrate your interest and understanding of their business.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio showcasing specific experience with German LPH phases and digital project management tools will be crucial. Candidates should be ready to articulate their leadership style and problem-solving approach in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in standard project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Asana, Monday.com) for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with BIM software (e.g., Revit, ArchiCAD), CAD software, and collaboration tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360, or similar platforms for managing design files and workflows.

• Communication Tools: Expertise in using Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, or similar for interdisciplinary and international team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret project data related to cost, schedule, and performance using tools like Excel, Power BI, or Tableau for reporting and decision-making.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and utilizing project dashboards to provide clear visual summaries of project status for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a sales or revenue operations role, understanding CRM principles for client management and project stakeholder tracking may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools within design or project management software can enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of project management and design collaboration tools, with a particular emphasis on BIM and digital construction processes, reflecting AECOM's focus on innovation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Excellence: Upholding high professional standards and delivering exceptional quality in all aspects of project management and design coordination.

• Innovation: Driving forward new ideas, embracing digital technologies, and seeking creative solutions to complex challenges.

• Sustainability: Commitment to designing and delivering projects that contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and better world.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective problem-solving is encouraged.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong, long-term relationships.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Integration: Actively promoting seamless collaboration between architects, engineers, and other specialists to ensure cohesive project development.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, transparent, and proactive communication channels across all project stakeholders, including remote and international teams.

• Feedback Culture: Embracing constructive feedback to continuously improve project processes and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in and promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons