Design Manager - Ports

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Ports

Company: AECOM

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Design & Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-05T07:10:40.77

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design management and delivery of complex ports and maritime infrastructure projects, encompassing port expansions, marine structures, coastal infrastructure, and waterfront developments.

• Drive project success by taking accountability for scope, program, technical delivery, and client outcomes, ensuring alignment with AECOM's global standards and local expertise.

• Foster strong client relationships and act as a key interface with port authorities, government agencies, and private sector clients, building trust and ensuring project objectives are met.

• Coordinate and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, both locally and internationally, leveraging AECOM's extensive global capability to deliver high-impact projects.

• Uphold AECOM's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by leading with a people-centric approach and promoting a collaborative, supportive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level Design Manager within the Ports and Maritime sector. The emphasis on "significant experience" and the broad scope of responsibilities (leading design management, client interface, multidisciplinary team coordination, and commercial/program management) indicate a strategic leadership position. The focus on complex, high-impact projects suggests a need for a candidate with a proven track record in large-scale infrastructure delivery and robust stakeholder management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership: Lead the design management and delivery of ports and maritime infrastructure projects, including port expansions, marine structures, coastal infrastructure, and waterfront developments.

• Project Accountability: Own and manage packages of work, taking full accountability for scope, program, technical delivery, and client outcomes, ensuring successful project execution.

• Global Coordination: Coordinate with AECOM teams across Australia and globally, effectively leveraging diverse design capabilities to deliver complex maritime infrastructure projects.

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary client interface, building and maintaining trusted relationships with port authorities, government agencies, and private sector clients.

• End-to-End Project Management: Manage project delivery comprehensively, encompassing design and commercial management, program coordination, and multidisciplinary technical integration.

• Discipline Guidance: Provide leadership and technical guidance across maritime and coastal engineering disciplines, ensuring designs adhere to industry standards and best practices.

• Team Development: Support the growth of AECOM's Ports & Maritime capability globally by mentoring engineers and strengthening delivery teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

• Business Development Support: Contribute to the expansion of AECOM's Ports & Maritime business through strong client relationships and demonstrated project delivery excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and client-facing duties. The emphasis on "owning and managing packages of work" and "end-to-end project delivery" signifies a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. The requirement to "coordinate with AECOM teams across Australia and across the globe" points to a need for strong remote collaboration and project management skills across geographical boundaries.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Maritime Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is typically expected for this level of role. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., P.Eng, CPEng) would be advantageous. Experience:

• Significant experience (10+ years) in the ports, coastal, or maritime infrastructure sector.

• Proven track record in Design Management, Technical Leadership, Project Management, or as a Senior Engineer on complex infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary design teams and coordinate complex technical aspects of project delivery.

• Experience in end-to-end project delivery, including scope, program, technical, and commercial aspects. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and overseeing the design process for large-scale maritime and coastal infrastructure projects.

• Maritime & Coastal Engineering: Deep understanding of ports, marine structures, coastal processes, and waterfront development principles.

• Project Management: Proficiency in managing project scope, schedule, budget, and resources effectively.

• Stakeholder Management: Strong ability to engage with and manage expectations of diverse stakeholders, including clients, government agencies, and internal teams.

• Client Engagement: Proven capability to build and maintain strong, trusted client relationships.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Skill in integrating the work of various engineering disciplines (structural, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, etc.) into a cohesive design.

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of contract management, financial performance, and commercial aspects of project delivery.

• Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, motivate, and mentor engineering teams, fostering professional development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with international project delivery and cross-cultural team collaboration.

• Familiarity with AECOM's project delivery frameworks and global standards.

• Knowledge of relevant Australian engineering standards and regulatory frameworks.

• Experience in business development and proposal management within the infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifications" section implies a need for substantial practical experience rather than solely academic credentials. The emphasis on "significant experience" and "demonstrated ability" suggests that hands-on project leadership and a solid portfolio of successful maritime infrastructure deliveries are paramount. The inclusion of "client engagement" and "stakeholder management" as highly desired skills underscores the client-facing nature of this senior role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Detailed examples showcasing leadership in managing the design and delivery of major ports, coastal, or maritime infrastructure projects. Highlight the scale, complexity, and impact of these projects.

• Design Process Optimization: Evidence of implementing efficient design management processes, including methodologies for scope control, risk mitigation, and quality assurance within multidisciplinary teams.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Conflict Resolution: Case studies demonstrating successful client engagement, negotiation, and resolution of complex stakeholder issues on infrastructure projects.

• Commercial & Program Management Examples: Documentation illustrating successful management of project scope, schedule, budget, and commercial outcomes for significant infrastructure packages.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of designing and optimizing engineering workflows for maritime projects, ensuring seamless integration between different design disciplines and project phases.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing robust risk management plans for complex infrastructure projects, specifically addressing maritime and coastal engineering challenges.

• Quality Assurance & Control: Evidence of establishing and maintaining rigorous quality assurance and control processes for design deliverables, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements.

• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Ability to define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery, project schedule adherence, budget performance, and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should vividly illustrate an applicant's ability to manage complex technical processes, lead diverse teams, and deliver tangible project outcomes. The focus should be on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and a deep understanding of the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept to final delivery, with a particular emphasis on the design phase and its management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Melbourne, Australia, within the engineering and infrastructure sector, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $170,000 - $230,000. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the complexity of the projects, and the cost of living in Melbourne. Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options include alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing, and hybrid work models to support work-life integration.

• Additional Annual Leave: Opportunity to purchase up to 6 additional weeks of annual leave per year.

• Volunteer & Representation Leave: Paid leave for volunteering activities or representation in professional capacities.

• Flexible Public Holidays: Ability to swap standard public holidays for others that better suit personal needs.

• Global Well-being Program: Comprehensive support for employee health and well-being.

• Professional Development: Access to industry-leading training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement within a global organization.

• Retirement Savings: Contributions to superannuation (Australian retirement savings scheme) as per legal requirements.

• Health Insurance: Potential for private health insurance options.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The role offers flexibility in start and finish times, supporting a hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate for a senior-level Design Manager in Melbourne. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are typical for a large, global firm like AECOM, emphasizing work-life balance and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Consulting, and Construction Services, with a strong focus on Transportation and Infrastructure. AECOM is a global leader in delivering complex projects across various sectors including buildings, water, energy, and environment.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 company, indicating a large, established global presence with thousands of employees worldwide. This scale provides opportunities for diverse career paths and access to vast resources.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, signifying a long history of expertise and stability in the infrastructure consulting industry.

Team Structure:

• Department: The role falls within the Transportation Business Group, specifically focusing on Ports & Maritime capabilities.

• Reporting: While not explicitly detailed, a Design Manager typically reports to a Sector Director, Program Director, or a senior executive within the relevant business unit. They will manage project teams, which may include other engineers, designers, technicians, and project coordinators.

• Collaboration: This role emphasizes cross-functional and cross-geographical collaboration, working closely with internal AECOM teams globally, as well as external clients, government agencies, and potentially construction partners.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM leverages data analytics and digital expertise to inform project planning, design, and delivery, aiming for optimized outcomes.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The company promotes integrated approaches where all project stakeholders collaborate closely to achieve project goals efficiently.

• Sustainability & ESG Focus: AECOM is committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, integrating sustainability into their project solutions and operations.

• Innovation & Technology: AECOM invests in cutting-edge technology and digital solutions to enhance engineering capabilities and project management.

Company Website: https://aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is described as diverse, inclusive, and focused on collaboration and professional growth. The company's global reach and long history suggest a stable yet innovative work environment. The emphasis on ESG and sustainability indicates a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the technical and project delivery spectrum of the infrastructure sector. It sits at the intersection of technical expertise, design leadership, and project management, requiring a blend of deep engineering knowledge and strong managerial capabilities. This is a pivotal role for individuals aspiring to leadership in major infrastructure programs.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director-level figure within the Ports & Maritime sector or the broader Transportation business group. They will be responsible for leading and managing project-specific teams, which could include junior engineers, specialists, and project coordinators.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on the success of critical infrastructure projects. Their leadership in design management ensures that projects are technically sound, meet client objectives, are delivered on time and within budget, and contribute to AECOM's reputation for excellence. Their work directly influences trade, connectivity, and the development of coastal communities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of ports and maritime engineering or design management.

• Project Leadership: Advance to managing larger, more complex, or multiple high-profile projects.

• Program Management: Transition into broader program management roles, overseeing multiple interconnected projects.

• Sector Leadership: Grow into a Sector Director or similar leadership position, responsible for the strategic direction and business growth of the Ports & Maritime division.

• Global Mobility: Leverage AECOM's international presence for opportunities in different regions.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and mentoring skills through guiding junior team members and contributing to AECOM's talent development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for career advancement into higher levels of project and program management, or into strategic leadership roles within AECOM's infrastructure divisions. The emphasis on mentoring and global coordination suggests opportunities for developing both technical and leadership competencies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and operates on a Hybrid Work Location Model. This indicates a blend of working from an AECOM office and remotely. The office environment is described as collaborative, fostering great ideas through diverse perspectives. AECOM offices are typically modern, professional settings designed to support project teams.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Collins Square, Melbourne, VIC. This is a prominent business district location, suggesting a well-equipped and professional office environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration Hub: AECOM offices serve as hubs for collaboration, team meetings, client presentations, and fostering company culture.

• Technology & Tools: Employees have access to AECOM's robust technological infrastructure, including advanced design software, project management tools, and communication platforms necessary for managing complex projects and remote teams.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for structured in-office time dedicated to team collaboration, problem-solving sessions, and building professional relationships, while remote work provides focused time for individual tasks and analysis.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, with flexibility in start and finish times. The hybrid arrangement allows for a balance between in-office presence and remote work, accommodating project needs and personal preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, requiring candidates to be comfortable with a mix of office-based and remote work. This necessitates strong self-discipline, effective virtual communication skills, and the ability to transition seamlessly between different work settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the application, resume, and potentially a cover letter to assess experience and qualifications against the role requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves in-depth discussions about past projects, design methodologies, technical challenges faced, and problem-solving approaches in ports and maritime engineering. Candidates may be asked to discuss their experience with specific project types or technical challenges.

• Leadership & Management Interview: Focuses on leadership style, team management, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, commercial awareness, and ability to manage complex project delivery.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates might be asked to present a portfolio of their work or a specific case study demonstrating their project management and design leadership capabilities. This could involve discussing a past project's challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: Showcase projects where your design management and leadership directly led to successful outcomes, cost savings, schedule adherence, or improved functionality.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the scale of projects managed, team sizes, budget oversight, and any quantifiable improvements achieved.

• Process & Methodology: Clearly articulate your approach to design management, risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and team coordination.

• Technical Depth: Include examples that demonstrate a strong understanding of ports, maritime, and coastal engineering principles.

• Client Focus: Emphasize your ability to manage client relationships and deliver to their expectations.

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skill sets relevant to the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

• Project Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss your most significant projects in detail, covering challenges, your role, decisions made, and the results.

• Situational Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific project management or design leadership scenarios (e.g., budget overruns, team conflicts, client disputes).

• Company & Industry Knowledge: Research AECOM's current projects, values, and the broader trends in the ports and maritime infrastructure sector in Australia.

• Your Management Philosophy: Be ready to articulate your approach to leading teams, fostering collaboration, and driving performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous, focusing on both technical proficiency and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates past successes and management approaches will be crucial for demonstrating suitability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with leading project management platforms (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com) for planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with industry-standard CAD (e.g., AutoCAD), BIM (e.g., Revit), and specialized maritime/coastal engineering software (e.g., Delft3D, MIKE by DHI, HEC-RAS) is highly beneficial for understanding design deliverables and coordinating with technical teams.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for communication, virtual meetings, and team collaboration, especially critical for a hybrid and globally distributed team.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems like SharePoint or AECOM's internal document management solutions for organizing and controlling project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not a primary data analyst role, understanding how to interpret data from project management and design tools is essential. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and reporting is a given.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with or understanding of dashboarding tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) used for project performance tracking and stakeholder reporting would be an advantage.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience working with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) from a project perspective, understanding how client interactions and project pipelines are managed.

• Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied to design processes, project reporting, or administrative tasks to improve efficiency within project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is not purely technical, a Design Manager must have a strong understanding of the technology stack used by their teams. This includes project management tools, design software, and collaboration platforms, enabling effective oversight and coordination of technical deliverables.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards and building trust with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders through transparent and honest dealings.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse skills and perspectives are valued and integrated to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for the highest standards in design and project delivery, while embracing new ideas and technologies to drive innovation.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and delivering solutions that provide exceptional value and contribute to their success.

• Safety & Sustainability: Committing to safe work practices and integrating sustainable design principles to create long-term positive impacts.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Works seamlessly with teams across various disciplines (e.g., structural, geotechnical, environmental, electrical) to ensure cohesive project outcomes.

• Global Connectivity: Actively engages with international AECOM teams, sharing knowledge, coordinating efforts, and leveraging global expertise.

• Open Communication: Encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving within project teams and with clients.

• Mentorship & Development: Fosters a culture of learning and knowledge sharing, actively mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the professional growth of the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM emphasizes a culture of "equity, diversity, and inclusion" and "belonging." This Design Manager role will be expected to embody these values, promoting a respectful and collaborative workplace where all team members feel empowered to contribute their best work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Maritime Projects: Managing the inherent technical complexities, environmental factors, and regulatory hurdles associated with ports and maritime infrastructure.

• Global Team Coordination: Effectively leading and coordinating diverse teams across different time zones, cultures, and work methodologies in a hybrid environment.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the interests and expectations of multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, port authorities, private developers, and community groups.

• Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in design technology, BIM, digital engineering, and sustainable practices within the infrastructure sector.

• Balancing Technical & Commercial Demands: Effectively managing both the technical integrity of designs and the commercial viability and contractual obligations of projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project/Program Management: Opportunities to take on larger, more complex projects or transition into program management roles.

• Technical Specialization: Further developing expertise in niche areas of ports and maritime engineering or related fields.

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM offers various programs to enhance leadership, strategic thinking, and people management skills.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to industry events, workshops, and certifications to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to gain exposure to other sectors within AECOM's broad service offering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to managing complex, large-scale projects with diverse stakeholders. However, these challenges are intrinsically linked to substantial growth opportunities, allowing the individual to develop into a highly accomplished leader in the infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Leadership Philosophy: "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary design team on a complex port expansion project. How do you ensure technical excellence and alignment with client objectives?"

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: "Imagine a situation where a key port authority stakeholder has significant concerns about the environmental impact of a proposed design. How would you manage this situation to reach a resolution?"

• Problem-Solving Approach: "Walk me through a time you encountered a major technical challenge during the design phase of a maritime project. What steps did you take to resolve it, and what was the outcome?"

• Commercial Acumen: "How do you balance technical requirements with commercial constraints to ensure project profitability and client satisfaction?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• AECOM Values: "AECOM emphasizes 'Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, Innovation, and Sustainability.' How have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles?"

• Hybrid Work Effectiveness: "How do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity when working in a hybrid environment with globally distributed teams?"

• Mentorship: "Describe your experience mentoring junior engineers or leading team development. What is your philosophy on fostering talent?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 significant projects that best showcase your design management, leadership, and problem-solving skills relevant to ports and maritime infrastructure.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the:

  • Challenge: The core problem or objective.
  • Your Role: Your specific responsibilities and leadership.
  • Solution/Approach: The design and management strategies employed.
  • Outcome: Quantifiable results, client satisfaction, and lessons learned.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your methodologies for design coordination, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and quality control.

• Visual Aids: Use clear visuals (diagrams, photos, simplified charts) to illustrate complex concepts or project scale.

• Conciseness: Be articulate and concise, respecting the interviewer's time while conveying comprehensive information.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating experience through the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and demonstrating a strategic, holistic approach to design management for technical and leadership discussions. A strong understanding of AECOM's business and values will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Ports position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your significant experience in ports, coastal, and maritime infrastructure, emphasizing your roles in design management, project leadership, and client engagement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a professional portfolio that showcases your key projects, demonstrating your capabilities in managing complex designs, leading multidisciplinary teams, and achieving successful project outcomes. Be ready to discuss specific case studies.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's work in the Ports & Maritime sector, their company values, and recent projects to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to technical expertise, project management, leadership, and stakeholder engagement, using the STAR method. Practice articulating your portfolio and project experiences clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.