Design Manager - Water Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water Infrastructure

Company: AECOM

Location: Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-06T02:20:30.688

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multi-disciplinary design delivery for complex water infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with client scopes, technical quality, and governance standards.

• Manage design programs, budgets, and proactively mitigate risks to ensure project commitments are met within defined timelines.

• Drive the adoption of digital delivery methodologies, including BIM and 3D modeling, to enhance project efficiency and sustainability outcomes.

• Foster a collaborative culture, working closely with clients, contractors, and internal teams across Australia and New Zealand.

• Support bid processes with robust design strategies and mentor emerging technical leaders within the water infrastructure domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a senior level, requiring extensive experience in managing complex water infrastructure projects from a design perspective. The emphasis on leadership, client engagement, and digital delivery suggests a strategic operational role within AECOM's Water business.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Uphold design governance, safety standards, and technical quality throughout all project phases.

• Manage design programs and budgets, identifying and mitigating risks to ensure successful delivery against commitments.

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

• Drive the integration of digital delivery tools, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) and 3D models, and promote sustainability principles in design.

• Collaborate with ANZ leaders on resource planning, project setup, and the allocation of skilled personnel.

• Support business development and bid processes by developing clear and compelling design strategies.

• Mentor and develop emerging technical leaders within the water infrastructure design team.

• Facilitate communication and collaboration between clients, contractors, and internal engineering disciplines.

• Ensure designs meet regulatory requirements and contribute to sustainable community outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and strategic input, typical of a senior design management role within a large engineering consultancy. The focus on governance, risk, and digital delivery points to a need for robust operational oversight.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 10+ years of consulting or design management experience, with a significant portion focused on water infrastructure projects (e.g., treatment plants, pipelines, pump stations, dams). Proven track record of managing large, complex designs within scope, schedule, and budget constraints.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams and processes for complex infrastructure projects.

• Water Infrastructure Expertise: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with water and wastewater treatment, major conveyance, pipelines, pump stations, dams, and related civil infrastructure.

• Project & Budget Management: Strong capabilities in managing design programs, budgets, and schedules, with a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, contractors, regulators, and internal teams.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to chair technical forums, lead design reviews, and provide technical guidance on complex engineering challenges.

• Risk Management: Familiarity with risk management processes, including HAZID and HAZOP studies, and their application in design.

• Contracting Models: Understanding of Design & Construct (D&C) and alliancing contract models and their implications for design delivery.

Preferred Skills:

• Digital Delivery (BIM/3D Models): Experience with BIM, model coordination, and other digital delivery tools for enhanced design visualization and collaboration.

• Sustainability Integration: Knowledge and experience in incorporating sustainability principles into infrastructure design.

• Resource Planning: Experience in collaborating on resource allocation and project staffing.

• Business Development Support: Ability to contribute to bid proposals and develop design strategies for new projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical, hands-on experience in water infrastructure design and management. The preference for BIM and digital delivery skills indicates a forward-looking approach to design operations, aligning with industry trends.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Detailed examples of leading multi-disciplinary design teams on significant water infrastructure projects, showcasing scope, budget, and schedule management.

• Risk Mitigation Examples: Demonstrations of how potential design risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated, including participation in HAZID/HAZOP studies.

• Digital Delivery Implementation: Case studies illustrating the application of BIM or other digital tools in design processes, highlighting efficiency gains or improved outcomes.

• Client & Contractor Collaboration: Examples of successful stakeholder engagement and collaboration strategies used to align design outcomes with client and contractor needs.

• Budget & Schedule Management: Evidence of successfully managing design programs and budgets on complex projects, with demonstrable results.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Documentation of experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing multi-disciplinary design workflows to improve efficiency and quality.

• Risk Management Protocols: Examples of established processes for risk identification, assessment, and management within design projects, including safety protocols.

• Digital Tool Integration: Documentation on how digital tools (BIM, 3D modeling) have been integrated into design processes and the resulting impact on project delivery.

• Performance Measurement: Experience in defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for design delivery, focusing on quality, schedule, budget, and safety metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should clearly articulate leadership capabilities, project execution successes, and a systematic approach to design delivery, particularly in complex engineering environments. Demonstrating proficiency in process management and the application of digital tools is crucial for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in a major Australian city like Melbourne, the estimated salary range for this role is AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the position, the complexity of water infrastructure projects, and AECOM's standing as a global engineering consultancy.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing, and hybrid work models to promote 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 volunteering activities or representing professional bodies.

• Flex Public Holidays: Ability to swap public holidays for dates that are more personally significant.

• Global Well-being Program: Access to comprehensive well-being resources and support programs.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement within AECOM's global network.

• Company-Subsidized Leave: Potential for subsidized parental leave or other company-supported leave schemes.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 37.5 to 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid arrangements and alternative start/finish times, accommodating AECOM's commitment to work-life balance and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on current market data for senior engineering management roles in Melbourne, Australia, and AECOM's typical compensation structure for experienced professionals. The extensive list of benefits highlights AECOM's focus on employee well-being and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting / Infrastructure Services. AECOM operates globally, providing a broad range of professional services across transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.

Company Size: Large (Fortune 500 firm, with approximately 6,000 global employees in its Professional Services business, and around 600 experts in its ANZ Water business). This scale offers vast resources, diverse project opportunities, and a structured career path.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, indicating a long history of expertise and stability in the infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• Water Business Unit: The role is within AECOM's Water business, which is part of the larger ANZ operations. This unit comprises around 600 experts.

• Reporting: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the Water Infrastructure group, with potential collaboration across various engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, process).

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working with clients, contractors, and internal multi-disciplinary teams to deliver integrated project solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes using technical and digital expertise to solve complex client challenges.

• Collaborative Delivery: Focus on inclusive and forward-thinking environments where diverse perspectives lead to great ideas.

• Sustainability Focus: Commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities, driving sustainable legacies.

• Digital Transformation: Driving digital delivery and leveraging technology for project execution and client solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is characterized by its global reach, commitment to diversity, sustainability, and leveraging technology. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to work on large-scale, impactful projects within a structured, yet flexible, environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Design Manager role, indicating significant responsibility for leading design delivery, managing teams, and contributing to project success. It sits above individual contributor engineering roles and entry-level management positions.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Water Infrastructure division, such as a Technical Director or Operations Manager. They will, in turn, lead a team of engineers and designers across various disciplines. Collaboration with project managers, client liaisons, and other discipline leads will be integral.

Operations Impact: Design Managers directly influence project outcomes by ensuring designs are technically sound, cost-effective, safe, and meet client requirements. Their operational efficiency in managing the design process impacts project timelines, budgets, and client satisfaction, ultimately contributing to AECOM's revenue and reputation. Effective design management is critical for delivering profitable projects and securing future work.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Technical Director, Project Director, or Business Unit Manager, overseeing larger portfolios or business segments.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure (e.g., advanced treatment technologies, large-scale conveyance systems, digital water solutions) or project delivery models.

• Global Mobility: As a global firm, AECOM offers opportunities to work on international projects or transfer to different regions.

• Mentorship & Training: AECOM provides access to internal and external training programs, professional development pathways, and mentorship opportunities to enhance technical and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within AECOM's substantial Water business, focusing on leadership and specialized technical growth. The emphasis on collaboration and impact highlights the strategic importance of this operations-focused role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM offers a hybrid work model, meaning employees will split their time between working remotely and in the office. The Melbourne office is located at Collins Square, a modern business hub.

Office Location(s): Primary location is Melbourne, VIC, Australia. AECOM has a broad network across Australia and New Zealand, allowing for potential collaboration and exposure to projects beyond Melbourne.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: AECOM offices are designed to foster collaboration, likely including meeting rooms, project discussion areas, and open-plan workspaces conducive to team interaction.

• Technology & Tools: Access to AECOM's standard suite of engineering software, BIM tools, communication platforms, and IT infrastructure necessary for effective design management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design teams, project managers, and other discipline leads, both formally in meetings and informally in the office environment.

Work Schedule: While offering flexibility, the role involves standard full-time working hours (e.g., 37.5-40 hours/week). The hybrid model and flexible start/finish times allow for adaptation to personal needs and project demands, ensuring operational continuity and effective collaboration across different time zones or work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at AECOM's Melbourne office emphasizes flexibility while ensuring opportunities for in-person collaboration and access to necessary resources, which is beneficial for managing complex engineering operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume by the recruitment team to assess alignment with core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Typically a conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your experience, skills, and suitability for the Design Manager role, focusing on your background in water infrastructure and design leadership.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve a panel of senior engineers or peers who will delve deeper into your technical expertise, project management capabilities, and approach to design challenges. They might present hypothetical scenarios or ask about past project complexities.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to prepare and present a case study from your portfolio showcasing a complex water infrastructure project you managed, highlighting your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to confirm cultural fit and discuss terms of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership & Management: Clearly demonstrate your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing the entire design lifecycle.

• Showcase Project Complexity: Focus on water infrastructure projects that were large, complex, or presented significant technical or logistical challenges.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data to showcase your impact on scope, schedule, budget, safety, and quality. For example, "Managed a $50M design budget, delivering 5% under budget," or "Reduced design delivery time by 15% through BIM implementation."

• Detail Problem-Solving: Explain specific design challenges encountered and the innovative solutions or processes you implemented to overcome them.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Include examples of how you effectively engaged with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders to achieve project goals.

• Tailor to AECOM: Research AECOM's values, current projects, and their focus on sustainability and digital delivery, and tailor your portfolio examples accordingly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss technical challenges related to water treatment, conveyance, or pump station design and how you would approach them from a management perspective.

• Risk Management Scenarios: Practice discussing how you would identify, assess, and manage risks on a large infrastructure design project, including safety and environmental considerations.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to articulate your approach to managing diverse stakeholder expectations and resolving conflicts.

• Digital Delivery Strategy: Be ready to discuss the benefits of BIM and digital tools in design and how you would champion their adoption within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely involve demonstrating practical experience and leadership through case studies and scenario-based questions. A well-curated portfolio is essential for showcasing relevant project management and technical expertise.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and potentially Bentley Systems products (e.g., OpenRoads, WaterGEMS).

• BIM & 3D Modeling: Experience with BIM platforms like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks for model coordination, and other 3D visualization tools.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for program and schedule management.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Potentially exposure to tools for analyzing project performance data, budget tracking, and schedule adherence.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience using or interpreting reports from project management or financial systems to track design progress and key performance indicators.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (for Client Management): While not directly hands-on for design, understanding how CRM data informs client engagement and project pursuits can be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automated workflows can streamline design processes, though direct implementation might be less common at this level.

📝 Enhancement Note: A Design Manager needs to be proficient in the tools used for design execution and project oversight. The emphasis on BIM and digital delivery indicates a need for hands-on experience or strong understanding of these technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding high professional standards, honesty, and ethical conduct in all project dealings and decision-making.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where open communication and mutual respect enable collective success.

• Innovation & Excellence: Driving continuous improvement, embracing new technologies, and striving for technical excellence in design delivery.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing the health and safety of all individuals and contributing to environmentally responsible and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building long-term relationships through reliable and high-quality service delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless interaction and knowledge sharing between different engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, process) and project management teams.

• Open Communication: Promoting a culture where feedback is welcomed, challenges are discussed openly, and solutions are developed collaboratively.

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking input from and providing support to clients, contractors, and internal teams to ensure alignment and smooth project progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values emphasize integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability, which are critical for successful operations in the infrastructure sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Coordinating multiple engineering disciplines on large-scale water infrastructure projects, each with unique requirements and potential conflicts.

• Navigating Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in digital design tools (BIM, AI, digital twins) and integrating them effectively into existing workflows.

• Balancing Client Expectations with Project Constraints: Managing client demands while adhering to strict budgets, schedules, and regulatory requirements.

• Risk Mitigation in Dynamic Environments: Proactively identifying and managing unforeseen risks associated with complex engineering projects, site conditions, or regulatory changes.

• Resource Allocation and Management: Ensuring adequate staffing of skilled engineers and designers across multiple projects, especially during periods of high demand.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops in areas like advanced water treatment technologies, hydraulic modeling, or digital engineering.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship opportunities focused on enhancing project management, team leadership, and strategic decision-making skills.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending industry events and pursuing professional certifications relevant to water engineering and design management.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to gain experience and knowledge in different areas of AECOM's Water business or related sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges in managing complex technical operations and evolving technologies, but offers substantial growth through specialized training and leadership development within a global firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Leadership Approach: "Describe your philosophy for leading multi-disciplinary design teams on complex water infrastructure projects. How do you ensure alignment and technical quality?" (Focus on communication, delegation, technical oversight, and team motivation).

• Risk Management Strategy: "Walk me through a challenging design risk you identified and managed on a past water infrastructure project. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer showcasing proactive identification, mitigation, and impact).

• Digital Delivery Championing: "How would you champion the adoption of BIM and digital delivery tools within a design team? What are the key benefits and potential challenges?" (Discuss benefits like clash detection, visualization, efficiency, and strategies for overcoming resistance).

• Stakeholder Management: "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting expectations between a client and a contractor regarding design scope or technical requirements. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight negotiation, communication, and finding mutually agreeable solutions).

Company & Culture Questions:

• AECOM's Values: "How do your professional values align with AECOM's commitment to integrity, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability?" (Research AECOM's stated values and prepare examples from your career that demonstrate these).

• Hybrid Work Environment: "How do you ensure effective team collaboration and project progress in a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss strategies for communication, accountability, and team cohesion).

• Mentorship: "How do you approach mentoring junior engineers and developing future technical leaders?" (Showcase your commitment to talent development and knowledge transfer).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly present the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented (especially regarding design processes and technical decisions), and the measurable outcomes (budget, schedule, quality, safety, client satisfaction).

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the tangible results of your design management efforts.

• Focus on Process & Methodology: Explain your approach to design management, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and the use of digital tools.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about technical aspects, decision-making processes, and challenges encountered in your presented projects.

• Showcase Leadership: Emphasize your leadership in driving the design process, motivating teams, and ensuring successful project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong leadership, technical acumen in water infrastructure, and a strategic understanding of design operations, project management, and digital tools.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Water Infrastructure position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience in water infrastructure design management, project leadership, budget control, stakeholder engagement, and digital delivery (BIM). Use keywords from the job description such as "multi-disciplinary design," "water infrastructure," "HAZID/HAZOP," and "BIM."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in leading complex water infrastructure designs. Ensure each case study clearly outlines your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable achievements, with a focus on design process and outcomes.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's Water business, their recent projects in Australia, their commitment to sustainability and digital transformation, and their company values.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions related to design management, leadership, risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and technical problem-solving, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

⚠️ 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.