Design Manager - Substations

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Substations

Company: Transgrid

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Project Management (Energy Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical assurance, governance, and delivery of critical substation civil design packages for the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP).

• Manage the entire design lifecycle from development through review, assurance, and construction support, ensuring compliance with Transgrid and contractual requirements.

• Coordinate and facilitate multidisciplinary design reviews, effectively resolving technical issues to maintain project timelines and quality standards.

• Drive the successful integration of renewable energy sources by ensuring robust and reliable transmission infrastructure.

• Contribute significantly to Transgrid's role in the Australian energy transition through expert management of high-voltage substation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for a major energy infrastructure project focused on renewable energy integration, positioning the Design Manager as a key technical leader within a high-impact, forward-looking organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the technical assurance and governance of all substation civil design packages, ensuring adherence to project specifications and Transgrid standards.

• Oversee the development, review, and approval of design deliverables from contractors and consultants, ensuring quality and compliance.

• Coordinate and facilitate multidisciplinary design reviews, incorporating input from electrical, structural, and environmental engineering teams, among others.

• Identify, assess, and manage engineering risks throughout the design process, implementing mitigation strategies in line with Safety in Design principles.

• Provide expert technical guidance and support during the construction phase, resolving design-related queries and issues promptly and effectively.

• Manage design interfaces between different project disciplines and external stakeholders, fostering collaboration and clear communication.

• Ensure all designs comply with relevant Australian standards, codes, and regulatory requirements for high-voltage infrastructure.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design management processes and methodologies within Transgrid.

• Support the procurement and contract management teams by providing technical input on design-related aspects of tender evaluations and contract negotiations.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of design decisions, reviews, and approvals for project records and audit purposes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on management role requiring deep technical expertise in civil engineering for substations, combined with strong project management and risk mitigation skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree qualification in Civil Engineering. Experience:

• Proven experience in managing design packages through development, review, assurance, and construction support phases.

• Significant experience in the design and delivery of high-voltage substations and major electrical infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated experience in substation civil design, including but not limited to earthworks, drainage, roads, foundations, structures, and underground services. Required Skills:

• Strong technical expertise in civil engineering principles applied to substation environments.

• Proficient in conducting high-level design reviews and assessing contractor and consultant deliverables.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong negotiation and problem-solving capabilities, essential for resolving complex technical challenges.

• Working knowledge of design management principles, quality assurance systems, Safety in Design protocols, and engineering risk management frameworks.

• Ability to interpret and apply Australian Standards and relevant engineering codes. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 330kV or 500kV substations, switching stations, or transmission infrastructure.

• Experience delivering major transmission or utility projects under Design & Construct (D&C), Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), or Delivery Partner models.

• Previous direct experience in a Design Management or Technical Assurance role on large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with project management software and tools for tracking design progress and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both technical civil engineering expertise and management of design processes for high-voltage infrastructure suggests a role requiring a blend of engineering acumen and project leadership. The preferred skills highlight experience with specific high-voltage levels and project delivery models common in the energy sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful management of substation civil design packages from inception to construction support.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the scope of work, your specific role and responsibilities, key design challenges encountered, and the solutions implemented.

• Quantify the impact of your design management efforts, highlighting achievements in terms of cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation, or quality improvements.

• Include examples of design review documentation, assurance reports, or risk registers that illustrate your systematic approach to technical oversight.

• Demonstrate familiarity with project documentation control systems and the management of design changes. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your experience in developing and implementing design management processes, including workflow design and optimization phases.

• Illustrate your approach to quality assurance, safety in design, and engineering risk management within project lifecycles.

• Showcase examples of how you have managed design interfaces and facilitated multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure seamless project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on technical assurance and governance, a portfolio demonstrating structured design management processes, risk mitigation strategies, and successful delivery outcomes in substation projects will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in major infrastructure projects in Sydney, Australia, the estimated salary range is AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. This estimate considers the critical nature of the Hunter Transmission Project, the specialized technical expertise required, and the cost of living in Sydney. Benefits:

• Comprehensive corporate discounts across a range of retail, utilities, and lifestyle services.

• Access to novated leasing options for personal vehicles.

• Flexible workplace policies designed to support work-life balance.

• Generous paid parental leave, including 20 weeks for primary caregivers.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Access to employee assistance programs for health and wellbeing support.

• Superannuation contributions in line with Australian legislative requirements. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is primarily on-site, Transgrid offers flexible workplace policies that may allow for some adjustments to daily schedules where operationally feasible and agreed upon with management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from publicly available data for similar engineering management roles in Sydney, Australia, factoring in the seniority and specialized nature of substation design management within the energy sector. The benefits package is tailored to reflect typical offerings for large infrastructure companies in Australia.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Transmission and Distribution. Transgrid operates within Australia's critical infrastructure sector, playing a pivotal role in the nation's energy transition by connecting renewable energy sources to the grid. This context implies a focus on reliability, safety, innovation, and long-term strategic planning.

Company Size: Transgrid is a significant player in the Australian energy market, managing over 13,000 km of high-voltage transmission lines and 128 substations. This scale suggests a well-established organization with robust processes, a large workforce, and substantial project portfolios.

Founded: While the exact founding date is not provided, Transgrid has a long history of operating and maintaining New South Wales' electricity transmission network, indicating a stable and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project delivery or engineering department focused on the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP).

• The team will comprise multidisciplinary engineers (civil, electrical, structural), project managers, technical specialists, and potentially external consultants and contractors.

• A clear reporting structure is expected, with the Design Manager reporting to a Project Director or Head of Engineering, and managing a team of designers or technical leads. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making for design optimization, risk assessment, and performance monitoring.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Implementing structured design management processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploring and leveraging technology and improved workflows to streamline design processes, enhance collaboration, and reduce project timelines and costs.

Company Website: https://www.transgrid.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Transgrid's position in the energy transition signifies a dynamic environment with a strong emphasis on future-proofing the grid. The company culture is likely to be safety-conscious, collaborative, and focused on achieving significant project outcomes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level engineering management position within the project delivery framework. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in civil substation design and robust project/design management capabilities. The scope involves technical oversight, risk management, and coordination of multiple stakeholders, indicating a leadership responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior figure within the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) leadership team, such as a Project Director, Engineering Manager, or Head of Technical Assurance. They will, in turn, manage and guide a team of civil designers, drafters, and potentially technical specialists.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly influences the safety, reliability, and efficiency of critical energy infrastructure. Successful delivery of substation designs is fundamental to Transgrid's ability to connect renewable energy sources, maintain network stability, and meet future energy demands, thereby having a significant impact on the company's strategic goals and the broader Australian energy landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in high-voltage substation design, advanced civil engineering techniques, and complex project management methodologies.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into broader project management roles, lead larger engineering teams, or specialize in technical assurance across multiple projects.

• Industry Recognition: Contributing to a landmark project like the HTP provides significant visibility and can lead to recognition within the energy and infrastructure sectors.

• Specialization: Opportunities to gain specialized knowledge in areas like renewable energy integration infrastructure, grid modernization, or advanced engineering risk management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within Transgrid's project delivery or engineering functions, with opportunities to take on greater responsibility and develop specialized expertise in a critical and evolving industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based at Transgrid's office in Sydney, indicating a professional office environment. However, the nature of the role will involve site visits to project locations and potentially client/consultant offices.

Office Location(s): Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This location offers access to a major metropolitan hub with established infrastructure and professional networks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with internal engineering teams, project managers, and external contractors and consultants. Expect a dynamic environment that encourages teamwork and information sharing.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard engineering design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided. Proficiency with these tools is expected.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a diverse team of engineering professionals, project coordinators, and management will be a key aspect of the daily work.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. While the role is on-site, Transgrid's flexible workplace policies may allow for some degree of schedule adjustment, provided operational needs are met and project deadlines are adhered to. Site visits may require adherence to site-specific work hours and safety protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Sydney suggests a structured work environment with opportunities for direct collaboration and engagement with project teams, balanced with potential flexibility through company policies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly your civil engineering background and substation design experience.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a detailed discussion of your experience with substation civil design, including earthworks, drainage, foundations, and structures. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, challenges faced, and your problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your design management, technical assurance, and stakeholder engagement skills. Prepare to articulate your contributions and the outcomes achieved.

• Behavioral & Situational Interview: Questions will assess your alignment with Transgrid's values (safety, achievement, integrity, service), your leadership style, and how you handle complex situations, manage conflict, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your strategic fit and long-term potential within Transgrid.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., design management, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement).

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data to showcase the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced design review time by 15% through implementing a new assurance process."

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on relevant projects, especially those involving high-voltage substations or similar large-scale infrastructure. Detail your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Showcase Processes: Include examples of design management plans, quality assurance checklists, risk registers, or stakeholder communication logs to demonstrate your systematic approach.

• Be Concise: Prepare a focused presentation that highlights your most relevant experience and achievements without being overly lengthy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to substation civil works (e.g., managing complex ground conditions, optimizing drainage systems for large sites, ensuring structural integrity for heavy equipment foundations).

• Process Improvement: Prepare to discuss how you would improve a given design process or address a quality issue within a design team.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage disagreements between design disciplines or address concerns from a contractor regarding design specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio showcasing practical application of design management principles, technical problem-solving in substation contexts, and clear communication of results will be crucial for success in the application process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar CAD platforms for reviewing and understanding civil designs.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking design progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing project documentation, drawings, and revisions (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, Procore).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from design reviews, risk assessments, and project reports. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating and reviewing technical reports, design assurance summaries, and risk assessments.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader project management systems and potentially enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools used in engineering document management or review processes could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in standard engineering design software, project management tools, and document control systems commonly used in large-scale infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety: Paramount importance placed on Health and Safety, requiring a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks in all design and project activities.

• Achievement: A focus on delivering results, meeting project milestones, and contributing to the successful completion of complex infrastructure projects like the HTP.

• Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all dealings with internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders.

• Service: Dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes for customers and communities by ensuring the reliability and sustainability of the energy network.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where close interaction with electrical, structural, environmental, and project management teams is essential for successful design integration and problem-solving.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive continuous improvement. Open communication channels are vital.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of technical expertise and best practices across the engineering and project teams to foster collective learning and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Transgrid's core values are deeply embedded in its operations, emphasizing a culture of safety, high performance, ethical conduct, and customer focus, which will shape the working environment and expectations for the Design Manager.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Technical Coordination: Managing diverse engineering disciplines (civil, electrical, structural) and ensuring their designs integrate seamlessly for complex high-voltage substations.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of internal project teams, external contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies.

• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identifying and managing engineering risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in a dynamic energy transition environment.

• Adherence to Tight Deadlines: Ensuring design packages are delivered on time and to the required quality standards to support critical construction schedules.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gain in-depth experience with advanced substation design principles, high-voltage infrastructure standards, and complex project delivery models (D&C, EPC).

• Industry Conference & Certification Participation: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events and pursue professional certifications that enhance expertise in engineering management and infrastructure projects.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Potential for mentorship from senior engineering leaders within Transgrid and opportunities to develop leadership capabilities by managing design teams and influencing project strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges that are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities, particularly in gaining specialized expertise within the critical energy infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach the technical assurance process for a new substation civil design package to ensure it meets all project and regulatory requirements?" Focus on your structured methodology, risk identification, and stakeholder engagement plan.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting technical requirements between different engineering disciplines on a large project. How did you resolve it?" Prepare a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answer that highlights your communication and negotiation skills.

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design issue arises during construction that impacts the foundation stability. What steps would you take immediately, and how would you coordinate a resolution?" Emphasize rapid assessment, cross-functional communication, and a systematic approach to finding a robust solution.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "Based on your understanding of Transgrid and the energy sector, how would you ensure the company's values of safety, achievement, integrity, and service are reflected in your design management approach?" Research Transgrid's values and articulate how your professional conduct aligns.

• Operations Team Dynamics: "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing environment within a multidisciplinary engineering team?" Prepare examples of your leadership style and team-building strategies.

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How would you measure the success of your role as Design Manager on the Hunter Transmission Project, beyond just on-time and on-budget delivery?" Think about metrics related to design quality, risk reduction, innovation, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Process Improvement Case Study: Select a project where you significantly improved a design process, mitigated a major risk, or enhanced design quality. Clearly outline the problem, your intervention, the tools/methods used, and the quantifiable positive outcomes.

• Metrics Presentation: Be ready to present key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery, such as schedule adherence for design milestones, number of design reviews conducted, resolution time for technical queries, or reduction in design change orders.

• Interactive Demonstration: If possible, use visual aids (diagrams, flowcharts) to explain complex design concepts or project workflows. Be prepared to walk the interviewer through specific documents from your portfolio.

• Company-Specific Considerations: Tailor your presentation to highlight how your skills and experience directly address the needs of Transgrid and the Hunter Transmission Project, emphasizing your understanding of high-voltage infrastructure and the energy transition.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong technical foundation in civil substation design, coupled with robust project management skills, a proactive approach to risk, and a collaborative leadership style aligned with Transgrid's values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Substations position:

• Submit your application through the Transgrid careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific experience in substation civil design, design management, technical assurance, and working with high-voltage infrastructure. Use keywords from the job description such as "Civil Engineering," "Substation Design," "Technical Assurance," "Safety in Design," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in managing substation civil design packages. Ensure each case study clearly outlines your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present this portfolio during the interview process.

• Research Transgrid: Familiarize yourself with Transgrid's mission, values, current projects (especially the Hunter Transmission Project), and the broader Australian energy landscape. Understand their commitment to safety, sustainability, and reliability.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on the STAR method for behavioral questions and using specific examples from your experience. Practice articulating your technical expertise and leadership approach 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.

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