Design Manager - Sports Infrastructure (Building Engineering)

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Building Engineering / Design Management Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-27

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.

• Serve 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.

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

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

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical leadership position within AECOM's Building Engineering team, focusing on the specialized domain of sports infrastructure. The emphasis on "integrated multi-disciplinary design teams" and "technical coordination" highlights a strong need for operations-level strategic planning and execution management. The role requires not only technical oversight but also robust client relationship management and adherence to stringent compliance frameworks, particularly those related to defence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the integration and management of diverse design disciplines (architecture, civil, structural, MEP, fire, security, acoustics, specialist consultants) to achieve cohesive and high-quality project outcomes.

• Act as the key client liaison, adeptly gathering operational requirements, translating them into comprehensive technical briefs, and managing scope creep effectively within potentially sensitive project environments.

• Develop and implement robust front-end design strategies, including detailed project execution plans, rigorous technical assurance protocols, proactive risk management, and precise programme controls from inception to completion.

• Oversee and manage programme timelines, commercial aspects, and governance mandates, ensuring strict adherence to Defence Security Committee (DSC) or relevant framework requirements.

• Champion technical leadership and assurance by conducting design reviews, challenging discipline leads, facilitating conflict resolution among cross-functional teams, and ensuring optimal buildability, safety, resilience, and sustained asset performance.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Defence standards, security protocols, and evolving regulatory controls to ensure all designs are compliant and secure.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the design team, encouraging innovation and best practice sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic leadership, operational execution, and technical oversight. The specific mention of "Defence standards, security protocols, and regulatory controls" indicates a need for meticulous process management and a strong understanding of compliance operations. The role's focus on "front-end design strategy" and "project execution plans" points to a requirement for proactive operational planning and risk mitigation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A strong technical grounding in Building Services Engineering is highly desirable, ideally with a formal qualification.

Experience: Ideally, 10+ years of experience, with a proven track record in multidisciplinary project leadership and design management.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex, multidisciplinary design projects from concept to completion.

• Building Services Engineering (MEP): Strong technical foundation in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

• Multidisciplinary Project Leadership: Experience leading and integrating diverse engineering and architectural teams.

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

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

• Program & Commercial Management: Understanding of programme controls, commercial risk, and governance obligations.

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

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

• Cross-Discipline Conflict Resolution: Skill in resolving technical disputes and fostering collaborative team dynamics.

• Australian Citizenship: Mandatory requirement due to the nature of the role and potential for defence clearance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within sports infrastructure, defence, healthcare, or aviation sectors.

• Prior Defence security clearance.

• Experience acting as a Design Manager or Consultant's Representative.

• Advanced knowledge of project management software and collaboration tools.

• Understanding of sustainability principles and resilient design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "10+ years" combined with a "strong technical grounding in Building Services Engineering before transitioning into design management or multidisciplinary project leadership" suggests a need for candidates who have progressed through technical specializations and now possess broader operational and leadership capabilities. The mandatory Australian Citizenship is a critical, non-negotiable requirement that impacts candidate sourcing and eligibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Detailed examples of complex, multidisciplinary projects led, showcasing the candidate's ability to integrate various engineering disciplines and manage design teams effectively.

• Technical Strategy & Execution Plans: Demonstrations of how you've developed and implemented front-end design strategies, project execution plans, and technical assurance processes.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Evidence of establishing and managing risk registers, including proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies for design-related risks.

• Client Engagement & Requirements Gathering: Examples of successful client interface, including how operational requirements were extracted, translated into technical briefs, and managed throughout the project lifecycle.

• Compliance Documentation: Samples or descriptions of how compliance with specific standards (e.g., Defence standards, security protocols, regulatory controls) was ensured and documented.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your approach to designing and optimizing integrated design workflows, ensuring seamless collaboration between different engineering disciplines.

• Implementation & Automation: Document instances where you've implemented or improved design processes, potentially leveraging digital tools or automation for efficiency and accuracy.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you've tracked and analyzed design team performance, project progress, and adherence to programme and budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio demonstrating successful delivery of complex, integrated projects is crucial. Emphasis should be placed on showcasing the candidate's ability to manage diverse technical inputs, client expectations, and stringent compliance requirements. The portfolio should highlight strategic thinking in design planning and operational execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in Australia, particularly in Queensland for specialized infrastructure projects, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $150,000 - $200,000. This range accounts for the specialized nature of sports infrastructure, the requirement for technical leadership, and the high level of responsibility involved.

Benefits:

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

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

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

• Continuous Learning & Growth: Access to lunch and learns, professional development courses, and financial study assistance.

• Paid Study Leave: 5 days of paid study leave per year to support professional development.

• Global Career Opportunities: Potential for international career development and diverse project exposure within AECOM.

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

• Retirement Savings: Likely inclusion of Superannuation contributions as per Australian legislative requirements.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through various work arrangement options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar Design Manager roles in the Australian market, considering the required experience level, industry (infrastructure/engineering), and specific location (Brisbane). Benefits are directly extracted from the provided text, highlighting AECOM's commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which are key attractors for experienced operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting, Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management. AECOM operates across sectors including social infrastructure, transit, technology and logistics, and commercial and corporate real estate. The company emphasizes sustainable outcomes and digital innovation.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 company, indicating a large, global organization with extensive resources and a significant market presence. This size offers stability and broad career opportunities.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, signifying a long history of expertise and established industry leadership.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Building Engineering Team in Brisbane, a crucial part of AECOM's Buildings & Places (B&P) business line.

• The Design Manager will lead integrated, multidisciplinary design teams, suggesting a collaborative structure where various engineering and architectural specialists report or contribute to the manager's oversight.

• This role likely involves close collaboration with project managers, client representatives, and potentially external stakeholders in the sports and defence sectors. Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes investing in digital capabilities and innovations to bring consistency and efficiency to their work.

• The company focuses on delivering sustainable outcomes and promoting long-term health and well-being.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the focus on digital capabilities and efficient project delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's status as a Fortune 500 company and its long history suggest a stable, professional environment with established operational processes. The company's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging, along with its recognition as a WGEA Employer of Choice, indicates a positive and equitable workplace culture. The emphasis on digital capabilities is relevant for operations roles, suggesting an environment where process optimization through technology is valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design and engineering operations. It is a Design Manager role, indicating direct responsibility for leading design teams and technical strategy, rather than a purely administrative operations role. The focus is on managing the process of design delivery.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will lead multidisciplinary design teams and likely report to a senior leader within the Building Engineering or Project Management functions in Brisbane, potentially a Director or a Senior Principal. They will interface directly with clients and project stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is significant, directly influencing project quality, cost, schedule, and client satisfaction. Effective management of the design process is critical for AECOM's reputation and profitability, particularly on complex infrastructure projects. They ensure that technical designs align with client requirements, regulatory standards, and commercial objectives, thereby managing significant operational risk and opportunity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into more senior leadership roles, such as Technical Director, Project Director, or Head of Building Engineering for specific sectors or regions.

• Specialization Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in sports infrastructure or expand into other complex sectors AECOM serves (e.g., aviation, defence, healthcare).

• Global Mobility: As a global firm, AECOM offers opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other AECOM offices.

• Professional Development: Continuous access to training, certifications, and mentorship programs designed to enhance leadership and technical skills within operations and engineering management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, this Design Manager position is fundamentally an operations leadership role focused on the delivery of engineering services. The growth paths outlined are typical for senior technical leaders who manage complex operational workflows and teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Brisbane and is primarily on-site, with hybrid work options available. This suggests a professional office environment with collaborative workspaces. AECOM's emphasis on digital capabilities implies access to modern technology and tools within the office.

Office Location(s): Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia. This location is a well-established business district, likely offering good accessibility and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on leading multidisciplinary teams suggest a workspace designed for both focused individual work and interactive collaboration.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's suite of design, project management, and collaboration software is expected, supporting efficient workflow and communication.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse team of engineers, architects, and project managers, fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility offered through various work arrangement options (alternative start/finish times, hybrid work). This allows for effective management of project timelines while accommodating work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-Site" work location model combined with "Hybrid work options" indicates a structured approach to work, common in large engineering firms where on-site presence is often necessary for critical project phases and team collaboration, balanced with flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application, focusing on experience in design management, multidisciplinary leadership, and relevant project types (sports, defence).

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussion of technical expertise in Building Engineering, design strategy, risk management, and compliance. This may involve case studies or scenario-based questions.

• Leadership & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of leadership style, collaboration skills, client management approach, and alignment with AECOM's values (diversity, inclusion, sustainability).

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, demonstrating their project leadership, technical acumen, and ability to manage complex design operations.

• Reference Checks: Verification of employment history and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Integrated Design: Highlight projects where you successfully integrated multiple engineering disciplines to achieve a cohesive outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the positive impact of your design management on project delivery (e.g., adherence to budget/schedule, risk mitigation, client satisfaction scores).

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Present specific challenges faced and how your operational approach and technical leadership resolved them.

• Focus on Compliance & Security: For this role, explicitly detail your experience managing projects with stringent compliance requirements, such as Defence standards.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by core responsibility, making it easy for interviewers to follow your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Strategy Scenario: Be prepared to outline your approach to developing a design strategy for a hypothetical sports infrastructure project, considering client needs, technical constraints, and compliance.

• Conflict Resolution Scenario: Practice articulating how you would resolve a technical dispute between two engineering disciplines.

• Client Management Approach: Prepare to discuss how you manage client expectations, scope changes, and communication on complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager role of this caliber will heavily weigh technical leadership, operational strategy, and demonstrated experience in managing complex, regulated projects. A well-curated portfolio is essential for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks for 3D modeling, design coordination, and clash detection.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for programme planning, tracking, and resource management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint, or AECOM's internal collaboration suites for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Review Tools: Software or platforms used for annotating designs, tracking comments, and managing review cycles.

• Risk Management Software: Tools for maintaining risk registers, conducting risk assessments, and tracking mitigation actions.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to utilize or create dashboards for tracking project progress, key performance indicators (KPIs), and compliance status.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a sales role, understanding how client interactions are managed and logged within a CRM might be beneficial for client management aspects.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document control systems for managing project documentation, ensuring version control and accessibility.

• Potentially Specialized Defence/Security Software: Depending on the specific projects, familiarity with secure communication or data management tools might be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager involves a blend of core engineering design tools, project management software, and collaboration platforms. A strong understanding of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and its application in multidisciplinary design coordination is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings, particularly crucial when managing client relationships and compliance in regulated environments.

• Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and innovative design solutions that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-disciplinary cooperation is paramount for success.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design outcomes, project responsibilities, and adherence to schedules and budgets.

• Sustainability & Resilience: Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into design to create enduring and responsible infrastructure.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively promoting seamless collaboration between architecture, engineering disciplines, and specialist consultants, ensuring a unified design approach.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive and transparent communication with clients, end-users, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement through regular design reviews, feedback sessions, and lessons learned exercises.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of technical expertise and best practices within the design team and across AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to its culture. For operations roles, this translates to fostering an inclusive team environment where all members feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Successfully coordinating diverse engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and technical nuances, to create a cohesive design.

• Evolving Client Requirements: Adapting to changing client needs and scope adjustments while maintaining project timelines and budget constraints.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring strict adherence to complex and evolving Defence standards, security protocols, and building codes.

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Commercial Viability: Delivering innovative and high-quality designs that are also cost-effective and constructible.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively motivating and managing a team with varied backgrounds, expertise, and working styles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of Building Engineering or sports facility design.

• Advanced Project Management: Pursuing certifications or training in advanced project and programme management methodologies.

• Leadership Development: Participating in AECOM's leadership training programs to hone skills in team management, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations.

• Digital Transformation: Engaging with AECOM's initiatives in digital design, BIM, and data analytics to enhance project delivery efficiency.

• Mentorship: Gaining insights and guidance from experienced senior leaders within AECOM's global network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of managing large-scale, regulated engineering projects. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both technical and operational leadership capabilities within the firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a comprehensive design strategy for a major sports infrastructure project, considering technical, commercial, and security requirements." (Focus on front-end planning, risk assessment, and stakeholder alignment.)

• "How do you ensure seamless integration and effective collaboration among diverse engineering disciplines (e.g., MEP, Structural, Fire, Acoustics) throughout the design lifecycle?" (Emphasize process, communication, and conflict resolution strategies.)

• "Outline a process for managing significant scope changes from a client on a complex project while ensuring compliance with Defence standards." (Highlight change management protocols, impact analysis, and communication strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "AECOM values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. How have you fostered an inclusive environment within your previous design teams?" (Prepare examples of inclusive leadership and team management.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders, especially in sensitive or regulated project environments?" (Focus on communication, trust-building, and expectation management.)

• "AECOM is committed to delivering sustainable and resilient infrastructure. How do you integrate these principles into your design management process?" (Discuss specific strategies or considerations for sustainability and resilience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around key projects, telling a story that highlights your role, the challenges, your operational solutions, and the successful outcomes.

• Focus on Integration: Clearly articulate how you managed the integration of different technical disciplines and stakeholder requirements.

• Demonstrate Operational Rigor: Showcase your use of project management tools, risk registers, and compliance frameworks. Use visuals where possible.

• Quantify Achievements: Present metrics related to project delivery, cost savings, schedule adherence, or risk mitigation.

• Tailor to AECOM: Connect your experience and approach to AECOM's stated values, industry focus (sports infrastructure, defence), and emphasis on digital innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, operational excellence in design management, and a strong understanding of the specific project context (sports infrastructure, defence compliance).

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in design management, multidisciplinary team leadership, sports infrastructure projects, and compliance with stringent standards (like Defence). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in integrated design leadership, technical strategy, risk management, and client engagement. Be ready to discuss your specific contributions and the operational processes you employed.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects, values, and commitment to sustainability and digital innovation. Understand their work in the sports infrastructure and defence sectors.

• Practice Your Narrative: Prepare to articulate your experience and approach clearly and concisely, focusing on how your operational leadership can drive successful project outcomes for AECOM.

⚠️ 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.