Design Manager - Water Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water Infrastructure

Company: AECOM

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Management & Leadership / Consulting

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multi-disciplinary design delivery for complex water infrastructure projects, ensuring scope alignment and client satisfaction.

• Uphold governance, safety, and technical quality standards throughout the design lifecycle.

• Proactively manage design programs, budgets, and associated risks to meet project commitments.

• Drive the adoption and implementation of digital delivery tools, including BIM and 3D modeling.

• Foster a collaborative growth-oriented culture and support the development of emerging technical leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for AECOM's Water Infrastructure group, which is experiencing significant growth due to contract awards and a strong pipeline of work. The Design Manager will be instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of projects ranging from water and wastewater treatment to major conveyance and dams. The emphasis on digital delivery and sustainability highlights AECOM's commitment to modern infrastructure solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead multi-discipline design delivery for water infrastructure projects, ensuring scope and outcomes align with client and contractor expectations.

• Maintain rigorous adherence to governance, safety protocols, and technical quality standards throughout all design phases.

• Manage design programs and project budgets, proactively identifying and mitigating risks to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.

• Chair design review meetings and technical forums, including HAZID (Hazard Identification) and HAZOP (Hazard and Operability studies).

• Drive the implementation of digital delivery methodologies, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) and 3D model coordination, to enhance project efficiency and outcomes.

• Promote sustainable design practices and solutions as integral components of project delivery.

• Collaborate with ANZ and international leaders on resource planning, project setup, and strategic initiatives.

• Support bid processes by developing clear and compelling design strategies, and mentor junior engineers and technical professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior role requiring strong project leadership, technical oversight, and client-facing skills within the water infrastructure sector. The mention of HAZID/HAZOP and D&C/alliancing familiarity suggests a need for experience in project delivery environments with a focus on risk and contractual management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering).

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in consulting or design management, with a substantial portion focused on water infrastructure projects. Proven track record in managing large, complex design initiatives within defined scope, schedule, and budget constraints.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in Design Management for infrastructure projects.

• Deep understanding of Water Infrastructure project types (e.g., treatment plants, pipelines, pump stations, dams).

• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary design teams and coordinate efforts effectively.

• Strong Stakeholder Engagement skills, with experience collaborating with clients, contractors, and internal teams.

• Familiarity with Design & Construct (D&C) or Alliancing contract models.

• Proficient in Risk Management principles and application.

• Experience with Budget Management and financial oversight of design programs.

• Knowledge of HAZID and HAZOP processes and facilitation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Digital Delivery, including BIM (Building Information Modeling) and 3D model coordination.

• Familiarity with asset management principles within the water sector.

• Understanding of sustainable design practices and their application in infrastructure.

• Experience in supporting bid proposals and developing design strategies.

• Aptitude for mentoring and developing emerging technical talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a bachelor's degree is listed as a requirement, the 10+ years of experience strongly suggests that practical, hands-on experience and a proven track record in managing complex water infrastructure designs will be paramount. The emphasis on D&C/alliancing and risk management points towards a need for candidates who understand the commercial and project delivery aspects of large-scale infrastructure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successfully managed water infrastructure design projects, highlighting complexity and scale.

• Demonstrate experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating design efforts across various engineering disciplines.

• Provide evidence of effective program and budget management, including risk mitigation strategies.

• Illustrate successful stakeholder engagement and collaboration with clients and contractors.

Process Documentation:

• Documented processes for managing design reviews and technical forums (e.g., HAZID/HAZOP facilitation).

• Examples of workflow design and optimization for water infrastructure projects.

• Methodologies for integrating sustainability principles into design processes.

• Processes for resource planning and project setup, including collaboration with leadership.

• Strategies for mentoring and developing technical talent within design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that clearly articulates their approach to design management, emphasizing process, risk, and stakeholder management. Demonstrating a tangible impact through metrics and case studies will be crucial, particularly showcasing how they've driven efficiency, quality, and sustainability through design leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Melbourne, Australia, the estimated salary range is AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the demand for specialized water infrastructure expertise, and AECOM's standing as a global leader.

Benefits:

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

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

• Volunteer and Representation Leave: Paid leave for employees participating in volunteer activities or representing professional bodies.

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

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

• Professional Development: Access to training, conferences, and growth opportunities within AECOM's global network.

• Retirement Savings: Contributions to superannuation as per Australian legislative requirements.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role offers flexibility in start and finish times, aligning with hybrid work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar Design Manager roles in the Australian engineering and construction sector, considering the specific expertise in water infrastructure and the responsibilities outlined. AECOM is known for offering competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package to attract and retain top talent in specialized fields.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the global infrastructure consulting sector, a critical industry focused on planning, designing, and managing essential infrastructure projects. The Water Infrastructure group specifically addresses the vital needs of water and wastewater treatment, conveyance, and related civil works, with a strong commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded, Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This scale provides a vast network of resources, expertise, and opportunities for collaboration across diverse projects and geographies. For operations professionals, this means exposure to a wide range of challenges, robust internal processes, and a structured environment for career progression.

Founded: AECOM's history is rooted in a legacy of engineering and design excellence. While the specific founding date of the modern AECOM entity is more recent, its constituent firms have a much longer heritage. This long-standing presence in the industry signifies stability, deep technical knowledge, and a proven ability to adapt and grow.

Team Structure:

• The Water Infrastructure group is a significant business line within AECOM's ANZ operations, likely comprising numerous specialized teams focused on different aspects of water management (e.g., treatment, networks, asset management).

• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Water business unit or a Program Director, overseeing a project-specific design team composed of various engineering disciplines.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach, leveraging advanced analytics and digital tools for project planning, design optimization, and performance monitoring.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to their project delivery, focusing on efficiency, quality, and risk reduction.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly through the adoption of digital technologies like BIM and integrated design platforms.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global presence and commitment to sustainability and digital innovation are key cultural drivers. The company fosters a collaborative environment where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and drive positive change. For operations professionals, this translates to opportunities to work on impactful projects with cutting-edge methodologies and technologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the Design Management track, often considered a leadership or principal engineering role. It involves significant responsibility for project technical success, team leadership, and client relationships. The scope extends beyond pure technical design to encompass project controls, risk management, and strategic input.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will typically report to a Project Director or a Business Unit Manager within the Water Infrastructure division. They will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of multi-disciplinary engineers and designers, coordinating their efforts to achieve project objectives.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence is critical to AECOM's success. By ensuring high-quality, efficient, and sustainable design delivery, they directly impact project profitability, client satisfaction, risk mitigation, and AECOM's reputation in the market. Their work contributes to building resilient infrastructure that serves communities for generations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to lead larger and more complex water infrastructure projects, potentially expanding into program management or regional design leadership roles.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure (e.g., advanced treatment technologies, large-scale dam design) or gain broader experience in other infrastructure sectors.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into broader management roles, client relationship management, or business development within AECOM, leveraging their technical and project leadership background.

• Digital Transformation: Play a key role in driving AECOM's digital agenda, becoming an expert in BIM, digital twins, and other advanced design technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global scale and diverse project portfolio offer substantial career development pathways. The emphasis on mentorship and leadership development suggests a structured approach to career progression for individuals demonstrating strong performance and leadership potential within the operations and engineering functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates a hybrid work model, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. The Melbourne office, specifically Collins Square, is a modern, professional workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, with a specific mention of Collins Square. AECOM also has a broad network across Australia and New Zealand, allowing for collaboration with other offices.

Workspace Context:

• The Melbourne office is equipped to support a hybrid workforce, offering collaborative spaces, quiet zones, and access to advanced technology.

• Employees will have access to AECOM's suite of digital tools and platforms, essential for design, project management, and communication.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of engineering and project professionals, fostering a rich learning and collaborative environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with flexibility in start and finish times. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively, balancing project demands with personal commitments, particularly within the hybrid work framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key benefit, catering to modern professional expectations. The office setup in Melbourne is designed to facilitate both focused work and collaborative team interactions, which is crucial for a Design Manager role that requires close coordination with various stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements, with a particular focus on water infrastructure experience and design management capabilities.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with hiring managers and senior technical staff to delve into your experience with complex water infrastructure projects, design methodologies, risk management, and leadership approach. Be prepared to discuss specific project challenges and your solutions.

• Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, highlighting key projects, your role, design decisions, challenges overcome, and outcomes achieved. Focus on demonstrating your impact and process.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your collaboration style, leadership potential, communication skills, and alignment with AECOM's values and culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term career aspirations within AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful water infrastructure projects that best showcase your design management expertise, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design solutions implemented, challenges faced, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, technical improvements, sustainability metrics).

• Process Demonstration: Explain your design management methodology, including how you managed scope, budget, risk, and multi-disciplinary teams.

• Digital Integration: If applicable, highlight your experience with BIM and digital delivery, explaining how these tools enhanced the design process and outcomes.

• Concise and Clear: Present your portfolio in a clear, logical, and visually appealing manner. Be prepared to walk the interviewers through it confidently and answer detailed questions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Anticipate potential case study questions related to managing a design conflict, addressing scope creep, mitigating a critical project risk, or optimizing a design for sustainability. Practice structuring your responses using a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.

• Technical Acumen: Refresh your knowledge of relevant water infrastructure technologies, design standards, and regulatory requirements in Australia.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you have effectively managed difficult client conversations, resolved team conflicts, or influenced stakeholders to adopt a particular design direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical competence and leadership potential. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates problem-solving abilities, process management, and tangible results will be essential for success. Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with the specific technologies and methodologies mentioned in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM software is expected. While specific software isn't listed, familiarity with platforms like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or similar is highly probable for managing design deliverables.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for planning, scheduling, and tracking design progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and virtual meeting facilitation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and financial reports to inform decision-making. Experience with tools like Microsoft Excel for advanced analysis and reporting.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating clear and concise project reports for stakeholders, clients, and internal management.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, an understanding of how CRM systems integrate with project delivery and client management might be beneficial, though not explicitly required.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software is not detailed, a Design Manager must be adept at using a range of digital tools for design, project management, and communication. A strong understanding of BIM and its integration into design workflows is explicitly called out as a plus and is increasingly becoming a standard requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, from project execution to client interactions.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging innovation, proactive problem-solving, and taking initiative to drive better outcomes.

• Pioneering Mindset: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to tackle complex infrastructure challenges.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued and collective success is prioritized.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves and contribute their unique talents.

• Sustainability: Committing to delivering projects that have a positive and lasting environmental and social impact.

Collaboration Style:

• AECOM promotes a highly collaborative culture, emphasizing cross-functional teamwork and open communication.

• The company encourages a feedback-rich environment, where constructive criticism is used for continuous improvement of processes and individual performance.

• Knowledge sharing is actively promoted through internal forums, project debriefs, and best practice dissemination, ensuring that lessons learned are leveraged across projects and teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is built around delivering impactful projects through a combination of technical excellence, innovation, and strong ethical values. For operations professionals, this means being part of a team that values collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to making a tangible difference in the world.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse needs and priorities of clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal teams on large-scale water infrastructure projects.

• Navigating Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of and integrating new digital tools (BIM, digital twins, advanced analytics) and sustainable design practices into established workflows.

• Resource Optimization: Efficiently allocating and managing multi-disciplinary design resources across a portfolio of projects, ensuring optimal utilization and timely delivery.

• Risk Mitigation in Design: Proactively identifying and managing technical, commercial, and safety risks inherent in complex water infrastructure projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Participate in AECOM's leadership development programs, project management certifications, and specialized training in areas like advanced water treatment or digital design.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and technical forums to stay current with best practices and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced leaders within AECOM who can provide guidance on career progression, technical challenges, and leadership development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain exposure to other infrastructure sectors or specialized areas within the water business through internal project assignments or knowledge-sharing initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are intrinsically linked to substantial growth opportunities. AECOM's commitment to professional development means that individuals who embrace these challenges can expect to significantly enhance their skills and advance their careers within the firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multi-disciplinary design team through a significant technical challenge on a water infrastructure project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and process.)

• "How do you ensure that design decisions align with project scope, budget, and schedule, especially when faced with competing priorities or unforeseen issues?" (Demonstrate your project controls and risk management expertise.)

• "Discuss your experience with digital delivery tools like BIM. How have you leveraged these technologies to improve design efficiency, quality, or collaboration on past projects?" (Highlight your technical aptitude and forward-thinking approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "AECOM emphasizes 'delivering a better world.' How does your work as a Design Manager contribute to this mission, specifically within the water infrastructure sector?" (Connect your role to AECOM's purpose and sustainability goals.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to foster collaboration within a diverse team or across different departments. What strategies did you employ?" (Illustrate your understanding of AECOM's collaborative culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each project presented, use specific metrics – e.g., "Reduced construction costs by X% through optimized pipe routing," "Achieved Y% schedule acceleration via integrated BIM workflows," "Met all stringent environmental compliance requirements."

• Showcase Process: Clearly explain your design management process, from initial concept and feasibility through to detailed design and handover. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading, motivating, and coordinating the design team. Describe how you delegated tasks and managed performance.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss challenges encountered and how you overcame them, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.

• Tailor to AECOM: Research AECOM's current projects and strategic priorities in the water sector. Frame your experience and contributions in a way that aligns with their stated goals and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only possesses strong technical design management skills but also exhibits leadership qualities, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to AECOM's values. A well-prepared portfolio and thoughtful responses to strategy and behavioral questions will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key water infrastructure design projects. For each, clearly articulate your role, the design challenges, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved, focusing on process, efficiency, and stakeholder management.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your extensive experience in design management, water infrastructure, multi-disciplinary coordination, budget/risk management, and digital delivery (BIM). Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience using specific examples and the STAR method. Practice articulating your design management philosophy, leadership style, and how you contribute to a collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's brand, mission, values, and recent projects within the water infrastructure sector in Australia and New Zealand. Understand their commitment to sustainability and digital innovation.

⚠️ 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.