Design Manager - Sports Infrastructure (Building Engineering)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Sports Infrastructure (Building Engineering)

Company: AECOM

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Building Engineering Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and integrate large multidisciplinary design teams, driving technical coordination across architecture, civils, structural, MEP, fire, security, acoustics, and specialist consultants to ensure fully integrated solutions for complex sports infrastructure projects.

• Act as the primary client interface, engaging with stakeholders and end users to define operational requirements, translate them into technical briefs, and manage evolving scope within secure environments, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Own the front-end design strategy, establishing comprehensive project execution plans, robust technical assurance processes, detailed risk registers, and effective programme controls from concept through to detailed design phases.

• Manage programme, commercial, and governance obligations meticulously, ensuring delivery in line with Defence Security Committee (DSC) or framework requirements, and maintaining strict compliance with Defence standards, security protocols, and regulatory controls.

• Provide critical technical leadership and assurance, chairing design reviews, challenging discipline leads, resolving cross-discipline conflicts, and ensuring buildability, safety, resilience, and optimal long-term asset performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on sports infrastructure within the building engineering domain, requiring a strong blend of technical engineering expertise and project/design management acumen. The emphasis on Defence standards and security protocols indicates a need for a candidate with experience in or an understanding of government or secure project environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the integration of diverse design disciplines (architecture, civils, structural, MEP, fire, security, acoustics, etc.) to deliver cohesive and high-quality technical outcomes for major sports infrastructure projects.

• Serve as the main point of contact for clients and key stakeholders, effectively eliciting and translating operational requirements into actionable technical briefs, while adeptly managing scope changes and maintaining project integrity.

• Develop and implement comprehensive front-end design strategies, including detailed project execution plans, rigorous technical assurance frameworks, proactive risk management, and precise programme controls.

• Oversee and ensure adherence to programme timelines, commercial objectives, and governance mandates, specifically aligning with Defence standards and security protocols for secure environments.

• Conduct and chair design review meetings, providing technical leadership to challenge discipline leads, facilitate conflict resolution, and ensure the buildability, safety, resilience, and long-term performance of the designed assets.

• Manage the design team's performance, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and ensures the highest standards of technical delivery.

• Develop and maintain detailed project documentation, including technical specifications, design reports, and progress updates for internal and external stakeholders.

• Proactively identify and mitigate design-related risks, ensuring compliance with all relevant Australian standards, building codes, and security regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a candidate who can not only manage technical design processes but also effectively lead teams, manage client relationships, and navigate complex regulatory and security environments, particularly within the context of Defence projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Building Services, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or Structural) or a related field. A Master's degree or postgraduate qualification in Project Management or Design Management would be advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering design, with a significant portion dedicated to design management or multidisciplinary project leadership, preferably within the building services or infrastructure sectors.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams from concept to detailed design.

• Building Services Engineering: Strong technical foundation in one or more core building services disciplines (MEP, Fire, Security, Acoustics).

• Multidisciplinary Project Leadership: Experience in coordinating and integrating various engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Technical Strategy Development: Capability to define and implement front-end design strategies and project execution plans.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, end-users, and diverse stakeholders.

• Programme & Commercial Management: Understanding of programme controls, commercial risk assessment, and contract management principles.

• Technical Assurance & Risk Management: Proficiency in establishing and implementing technical assurance processes and managing project risk registers.

• Compliance & Governance: Familiarity with Defence standards, security protocols, and relevant Australian regulatory frameworks.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the sports infrastructure sector.

• Prior experience working with Defence projects and holding or being eligible for Defence clearance.

• Proficiency in project management software and BIM (Building Information Modelling) tools.

• Experience in managing consultant representatives and acting as a Design Manager.

• Knowledge of sustainability principles and resilient design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Australian Citizenship and potential Defence clearance is a critical qualification. The emphasis on a technical grounding in Building Services Engineering prior to design management is a key differentiator for this role, suggesting a preference for technically deep leaders.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Complex Projects: Showcase 2-3 significant projects where you led multidisciplinary design teams, detailing the scope, challenges, your role, and the integrated solutions delivered. Highlight projects in defence, healthcare, aviation, or sports infrastructure.

• Design Strategy Examples: Provide documentation or descriptions of front-end design strategies, project execution plans, and technical assurance frameworks you have developed and implemented.

• Risk Management Documentation: Include examples of risk registers, mitigation plans, and how you have proactively managed design-related risks on past projects.

• Client Engagement & Requirements Gathering: Demonstrate your approach to client engagement, including examples of how you've translated client operational requirements into technical briefs and managed scope evolution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Detail your methodology for establishing efficient design workflows, ensuring seamless integration between different engineering disciplines and architectural inputs.

• Technical Assurance and Review: Outline your approach to conducting design reviews, implementing technical assurance processes, and ensuring buildability, safety, and asset performance.

• Compliance and Governance Management: Showcase your understanding and implementation of compliance frameworks, particularly concerning Defence standards and security protocols, in design delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to present tangible evidence of their design management capabilities, particularly their experience in integrating complex technical requirements and managing the full design lifecycle within demanding project environments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Brisbane, Australia, in a specialized field like sports infrastructure and building engineering for a major consultancy like AECOM, the estimated salary range is AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. This estimate considers the role's leadership responsibilities, technical complexity, client interface, and the specific demands of working with Defence standards.

Benefits:

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

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

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

• Continuous Learning & Growth: Access to lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, and 5 days of paid study leave per year.

• Global Career Opportunities: Potential for international assignments and career advancement within AECOM's global network.

• Well-being Programs: Robust global well-being program supporting employee health and mental health.

• Retirement Savings: Contributions to superannuation (Australia's retirement savings scheme).

• Professional Memberships: Support for professional body memberships and certifications.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid work arrangements and alternative start/finish times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of comparable Design Manager roles in Brisbane's engineering and construction sector, factoring in AECOM's standing as a major global employer and the specialized nature of sports infrastructure and defence-related projects. Benefits are detailed based on typical offerings for senior roles at large engineering consultancies in Australia.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting, Engineering, Architecture, and Design. AECOM operates across a broad spectrum, including transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and environmental services, with a significant focus on social infrastructure, transit, technology, logistics, and commercial real estate.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 company, employing thousands of professionals globally, with a substantial presence in Australia. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and diverse career pathways.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, giving it over a century of experience and a deep-rooted legacy in delivering complex infrastructure projects worldwide.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Building Engineering Team in Brisbane, specifically focusing on sports infrastructure.

• This team likely comprises various discipline leads and engineers (MEP, structural, civil, fire, security, acoustics) who will report to or work under the guidance of the Design Manager.

• Collaboration will be extensive with architectural teams, specialist consultants, project managers, and client representatives.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a Senior Design Manager, Practice Lead, or Director within the Buildings & Places business line. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: AECOM emphasizes leveraging digital capabilities and innovations for consistency and efficiency, suggesting a data-informed approach to design strategy and project execution.

• Integrated Design Process: The role's core responsibility is leading integrated multidisciplinary design teams, promoting collaborative problem-solving and cohesive technical solutions.

• Client-Centric Solutions: A focus on evolving and elevating the built environment for clients and communities implies a methodology centered on understanding and meeting client needs for sustainable and long-term outcomes.

• Digital Transformation: AECOM invests heavily in digital capabilities, indicating a methodology that embraces technology for improved project delivery, efficiency, and innovation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description highlights a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, and its status as a Fortune 500 company and WGEA Employer of Choice indicates a strong focus on corporate responsibility and employee well-being, which are important cultural indicators for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Design Management position, requiring significant technical expertise and leadership experience. It represents a critical role in project delivery, bridging technical disciplines and client needs. The scope involves strategic planning, team leadership, and accountability for design quality and compliance.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Buildings & Places (B&P) business line, likely a Director or Senior Principal, and will lead a team of discipline engineers and consultants. This structure offers exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on project success, influencing technical quality, project timelines, commercial outcomes, client satisfaction, and the long-term performance and safety of critical sports infrastructure assets. Their role ensures that AECOM's technical reputation is upheld and enhanced.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in sports infrastructure design or specific building engineering disciplines.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to Senior Design Manager, Technical Director, or Practice Lead roles, managing larger, more complex projects or entire business lines.

• Project Management: Transition into broader project management roles, overseeing all aspects of project delivery beyond just design.

• Global Mobility: Leverage AECOM's international presence for opportunities in other regions or on global flagship projects.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and mentoring skills by guiding junior engineers and contributing to AECOM's internal training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear progression path within a large, established consultancy. The emphasis on technical leadership and client interface at this level provides a strong foundation for further career advancement into senior management or specialized technical leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in AECOM's Brisbane office, described as a hybrid work environment. This implies a modern, well-equipped office space designed to support collaboration, client meetings, and focused individual work, alongside remote working capabilities.

Office Location(s): Primarily Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. AECOM has multiple offices globally and across Australia, but this specific role is tied to the Brisbane operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office likely serves as a central point for multidisciplinary teams to convene, brainstorm, and conduct design reviews, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.

• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to advanced design software, BIM platforms, high-speed internet, and communication tools essential for managing complex, integrated design projects.

• Professional Atmosphere: AECOM fosters a professional culture where collaboration, technical excellence, and client focus are paramount, encouraging interaction among colleagues from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

Work Schedule: Full-time (typically 40 hours per week) with flexibility offered through hybrid arrangements, allowing for a blend of office-based and remote work, accommodating project demands and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model, combined with AECOM's global reach and focus on innovation, suggests a modern and adaptable work environment that values both in-person collaboration and individual flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely review your application and conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: You will meet with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader in Building Engineering or Design Management) to discuss your technical expertise, leadership style, and specific experience relevant to sports infrastructure and Defence projects. Be prepared to elaborate on your portfolio.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve meeting with discipline leads or senior engineers on the team. You might be asked to walk through a specific project from your portfolio, detailing your design management approach, problem-solving strategies, and how you handle cross-discipline conflicts.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potential): For senior roles, a hypothetical scenario or a brief case study related to sports infrastructure design challenges might be presented, requiring you to outline your strategic approach, risk mitigation, and team coordination plan.

• Final Interview: This could be with a more senior executive or a panel, focusing on cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and your vision for design management at AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership in multidisciplinary design management, particularly those involving complex technical coordination, client interface, and adherence to stringent standards (like Defence).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions, the challenges you overcame, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, improved buildability, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Technical Integration: Emphasize how you integrated various engineering disciplines (MEP, structural, civil, fire, security, acoustics) and managed conflicts to achieve a cohesive design.

• Showcase Process: Describe the design management processes you employed – from front-end strategy and planning to technical assurance, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, charts, or renderings where appropriate to illustrate project complexity and design solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Defence Context: Familiarize yourself with common challenges in Defence projects, such as security requirements, stringent compliance, and the need for resilience and long-term asset performance.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss how you would approach developing a design strategy for a new sports facility, considering factors like client needs, site constraints, sustainability, and future adaptability.

• Team Leadership: Be ready to explain how you motivate and manage diverse engineering teams, resolve conflicts, and ensure accountability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on Defence standards, be prepared to discuss your experience or understanding of security protocols, compliance frameworks, and the specific considerations for designing secure facilities. Demonstrating your ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for programme control and tracking.

• BIM Software: Experience with or understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and associated plugins for integrated design coordination and clash detection.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar cloud-based platforms for sharing, reviewing, and managing design documents and models.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for documentation, analysis, reporting, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from design models, risk registers, and project schedules to inform decision-making and reporting. While not a data analyst role, understanding the output of these tools is key.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating comprehensive design reports, progress updates, and technical summaries for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal AECOM Systems: Familiarity with AECOM's proprietary systems for project management, client relationship management (if applicable), and internal workflows.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how processes can be automated within design and project management, particularly through BIM and collaborative platforms, to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software proficiency might vary, a strong understanding of BIM workflows and collaborative design platforms is essential. The ability to leverage technology for efficient project delivery and robust reporting will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Excellence: AECOM prioritizes ethical conduct and the delivery of high-quality, technically sound solutions that meet client expectations and industry standards.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

• Innovation & Digitalisation: Embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to enhance design processes, improve efficiency, and deliver sustainable outcomes.

• Client Focus & Partnership: Building strong, long-term relationships with clients by understanding their needs and acting as a trusted advisor to achieve shared goals.

• Safety & Sustainability: A deep commitment to ensuring the safety of all involved in projects and designing for long-term environmental and social sustainability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working seamlessly with architects, engineers from various disciplines, specialist consultants, and project managers.

• Proactive Communication: Open and transparent communication is key, involving regular design reviews, clear articulation of technical challenges and solutions, and effective stakeholder updates.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to continuously improve design processes, team performance, and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate alignment with AECOM's core values, particularly in their approach to collaboration, technical rigor, and commitment to client success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Disciplines: Effectively coordinating and integrating the work of multiple specialist engineering and architectural disciplines, each with its own methodologies and priorities, to achieve a unified design.

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Navigating the expectations and requirements of various stakeholders, including clients, end-users, regulatory bodies, and internal teams, particularly within the context of Defence projects with strict protocols.

• Technical Risk Mitigation: Proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating complex technical risks inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects to ensure buildability, safety, and long-term asset performance.

• Adapting to Evolving Requirements: Managing scope changes and adapting design strategies in response to evolving client needs or project conditions while maintaining programme and budget controls.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to AECOM's extensive professional development programs, including courses on advanced design techniques, leadership, project management, and specific industry trends (e.g., sustainable design, resilient infrastructure).

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars related to sports infrastructure, building engineering, and Defence projects, fostering professional networking and knowledge acquisition.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs, either as a mentee to gain guidance from senior leaders or as a mentor to develop leadership and coaching skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining exposure to different business lines and project types within AECOM to broaden understanding and identify future career interests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to senior design management roles in large-scale projects. AECOM's commitment to learning and development provides excellent avenues for candidates to overcome these challenges and advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary design team for a complex sports infrastructure project, focusing on how you ensure technical coordination and integration." (Preparation: Detail your process for team onboarding, communication protocols, design review cadence, and conflict resolution.)

• "How would you approach translating ambiguous client operational requirements into clear, actionable technical briefs for a secure facility, considering Defence standards?" (Preparation: Outline your stakeholder engagement strategy, requirements gathering techniques, and methods for documenting and validating technical specifications.)

• "Walk us through a situation where you had to manage significant technical risk or a design conflict on a major project. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Prepare a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) story highlighting your problem-solving, risk management, and leadership skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and this specific role in sports infrastructure design management?" (Preparation: Research AECOM's recent projects, company values, and specific initiatives in the sports sector. Connect your skills and aspirations to their mission.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within your design teams?" (Preparation: Share examples of how you promote open communication, respect diverse perspectives, and encourage teamwork.)

• "How do you ensure technical excellence and compliance with stringent standards like Defence protocols within your design management approach?" (Preparation: Discuss your understanding of quality assurance, technical reviews, and regulatory adherence in practice.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the client, the challenge, your role, the integrated design solution, key technical complexities managed, and the final impact/outcome.

• Focus on Leadership & Integration: Emphasize your role as a leader and integrator, showcasing how you guided diverse teams and managed interdependencies between disciplines.

• Highlight Process & Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your design management processes, your approach to risk mitigation, and how you effectively resolved technical challenges.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the success of your projects (e.g., schedule adherence, cost-effectiveness, performance improvements, client satisfaction scores).

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the Australian Defence environment and its specific project requirements. Demonstrating your ability to lead complex technical initiatives and manage client relationships effectively will be paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of experience in building services engineering and multidisciplinary design management, with specific achievements related to complex projects, technical leadership, and client engagement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects that showcase your design management capabilities, technical integration skills, and experience in relevant sectors (defense, healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure). Be ready to present these during interviews.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's global presence, its Buildings & Places business line, recent sports infrastructure projects, and its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Understand their approach to Defence projects.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioural and technical questions using the STAR method, focusing on your leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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.