Design Manager – Water Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Water Infrastructure

Company: AECOM

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Contract

Category: Operations - Infrastructure Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary project delivery teams for complex water infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to quality, time, and budget constraints.

• Drive the overall design delivery process, making ultimate design decisions and ensuring seamless integration of systems, processes, and stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with internal AECOM leaders and external clients/contractors to achieve project success and support business initiatives.

• Apply a strong understanding of water infrastructure, including pumps, pipes, and treatment systems, with a focus on sustainable outcomes.

• Manage project resourcing and contribute to broader business development and operational strategies within the Water business group.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager within AECOM's Water Infrastructure group, indicating a focus on the operational aspects of project execution and design oversight rather than pure technical design. The emphasis on "carriage on any design project decisions" and "overall design delivery" suggests a leadership role responsible for the successful outcome of design phases. The "Contract" employment type and "Hybrid" work arrangement are key logistical details for potential candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for water and wastewater treatment, civil infrastructure, and defence sector projects.

• Lead, coordinate, and mentor multidisciplinary project delivery teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

• Ensure all design projects are delivered within agreed-upon quality standards, timelines, and budgetary allocations.

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients and contractors, managing their expectations and ensuring effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.

• Make critical design decisions, balancing technical requirements with project constraints and client objectives.

• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks related to design, scope, schedule, and budget.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of design processes and methodologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

• Support business initiatives by assisting with project resourcing, business development efforts, and the continuous improvement of AECOM's water business operations.

• Champion the integration of sustainable design principles and practices in all project deliverables.

• Ensure compliance with relevant Australian standards, regulations, and client-specific requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of project management, team leadership, and technical oversight specific to water infrastructure. The emphasis on client and contractor engagement, alongside internal collaboration, points to a role that requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. The requirement to make "ultimate carriage on any design project decisions" signifies a high level of accountability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline. Experience:

• A successful track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects, specifically within the water sector, on time, within budget, and to high quality standards.

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, project management, or a similar leadership role within engineering consulting or construction.

• Demonstrated experience in overseeing the planning, design, and execution phases of infrastructure projects. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage the entire design lifecycle, from concept through to detailed design delivery.

• Water Infrastructure Expertise: In-depth knowledge of water and wastewater treatment systems, including pumps, pipes, and associated infrastructure.

• Project Delivery Excellence: Strong history of successful project completion, meeting key performance indicators for quality, schedule, and budget.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Ability to effectively lead, coordinate, and motivate diverse engineering and technical teams.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication and collaboration skills to engage with clients, contractors, and internal teams.

• Financial Acumen: Proficiency in budget management, cost control, and financial reporting for design projects.

• Quality Assurance: Experience in implementing and maintaining quality management systems for design deliverables.

• Contractor Coordination: Experience working with and managing contractors in design and construct or similar project delivery models.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with key water infrastructure clients and regulatory bodies within New South Wales.

• Experience with design and construct project delivery models.

• Understanding of sustainability principles and their application in water infrastructure design.

• Proficiency in project management software and collaboration tools.

• Experience in proposal development and business development within the infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical experience in design management and water infrastructure. The requested experience level (5-10 years) suggests a need for a candidate who can operate autonomously and lead significant project components. The inclusion of "all applications will be considered" implies a degree of flexibility in the exact profile, encouraging candidates with transferable skills to apply.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant water infrastructure design projects managed, detailing your specific role, the project's complexity, challenges faced, and the ultimate outcomes.

• Process Optimization Examples: Provide evidence of how you've improved design processes, workflows, or team efficiencies, including quantifiable results (e.g., time saved, cost reduction, quality improvement).

• System Integration Demonstrations: Illustrate your ability to integrate various project systems, processes, and stakeholder requirements, highlighting your "bigger-picture" approach.

• Budget and Schedule Management: Examples demonstrating your successful management of project budgets and timelines, including any recovery plans implemented for projects that faced challenges.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrated understanding of design workflow development and optimization phases for infrastructure projects.

• Experience in implementing and documenting design processes, including quality control checks and review cycles.

• Ability to articulate how design outcomes are measured and analyzed against project objectives and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio demonstrating successful project leadership, process improvement, and stakeholder integration is crucial. The emphasis should be on showcasing the management and delivery aspects, not just individual design contributions. Providing quantifiable results will be key to demonstrating impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on AECOM's presence in Sydney, Australia, and the "Contract" employment type for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in water infrastructure, the estimated hourly rate would likely fall within the range of AUD $60 - $90 per hour, or an equivalent annual salary of AUD $125,000 - $187,000. This estimate considers the senior nature of the role, the specialized industry, and the general cost of living and market rates in Sydney. Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time options, job-sharing, and hybrid work.

• Opportunity to purchase up to 6 weeks of additional annual leave per year.

• Volunteer and representation leave.

• Flex public holidays – ability to swap holidays for ones that better suit personal needs.

• Access to a robust global well-being program.

• Potential for engagement in transformational work with significant impact.

• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid work arrangements and alternative start/finish times.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical contract rates for similar roles in Sydney, Australia, considering the experience level and industry. AECOM is known for offering comprehensive benefits, and the listed items are directly from the provided text, tailored to highlight aspects attractive to operations and management professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing advisory, planning, design, engineering, and program management services across transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and environmental sectors.

Company Size: Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This large scale provides opportunities for diverse project involvement and career progression.

Founded: AECOM's professional services business revenue was $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. The company's history and scale suggest a well-established, stable organization with a strong market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Water Infrastructure group is part of AECOM's ANZ Water business, serving both internal and external clients.

• This role is based in the Sydney office, likely collaborating with a larger team of water engineers, designers, and project managers.

• The Design Manager will work collaboratively with leaders across the ANZ team for project delivery and business initiatives.

• Expect a matrixed reporting structure common in large consulting firms, where the Design Manager reports to a Program Director or Business Unit Leader while managing project-specific teams. Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes delivering a "better world" through its projects, focusing on sustainable outcomes and solving complex infrastructure challenges.

• The company champions an "equity, diversity and inclusion" culture, aiming for a safe and respectful workplace where employees can bring their "whole selves to work."

• Data-driven decision-making and a focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities are likely integral to project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description highlights a global reach, a commitment to sustainability, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. For an operations-focused role like Design Manager, understanding how these values translate into project execution, team collaboration, and stakeholder interactions is key. The company's size implies robust processes and potential for structured career development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-to-senior level, focusing on Design Management within the Water Infrastructure sector. It requires a candidate who can independently manage design delivery, lead teams, and make critical decisions. This position is a stepping stone to broader program management or leadership roles within AECOM's Water business.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the ANZ Water business (e.g., a Director or Senior Manager) and will be responsible for leading project-specific multidisciplinary teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful planning, design, and execution of critical water infrastructure projects. This involves ensuring projects meet client needs, regulatory requirements, and AECOM's standards for quality, safety, and sustainability, thereby contributing to the company's reputation and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to Senior Design Manager, Program Manager, or Business Unit Leader roles within AECOM's Water division.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific water infrastructure areas (e.g., advanced treatment technologies, network optimization) through project involvement and training.

• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Opportunity to gain exposure to other AECOM business lines or project types through internal mobility or cross-functional project involvement.

• Professional Development: Access to AECOM's global learning and development programs, potential for certifications, and industry conference participation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level suggests a candidate ready for significant responsibility and with a clear path for advancement. The growth opportunities are framed around increasing leadership scope, technical depth, and broader business exposure within AECOM's extensive infrastructure operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM offers a Hybrid Work Location Model. This means the role involves a combination of working from an AECOM office and remotely.

Office Location(s): The primary location is listed as AU - Newcastle, NSW, with an alternative listed as Sydney, NSW, Australia. Given the role's description, the Sydney office is the most likely base for this hybrid role.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model, combined with AECOM's emphasis on collaboration, suggests a workspace designed for team interaction, project meetings, and knowledge sharing, alongside periods of focused individual work.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to AECOM's suite of engineering design software, project management tools, and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, senior leadership, and cross-functional colleagues within the Sydney office.

Work Schedule: Standard professional hours (likely 40 hours/week) with flexibility in start/finish times and the hybrid arrangement, allowing for better work-life integration for operations tasks and project management duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, offering flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of office-based collaboration and remote work. The Sydney location is the primary operational hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct initial screenings to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Hiring Manager focusing on your experience in design management, water infrastructure, project delivery, and leadership capabilities. Be prepared to discuss specific project examples.

• Technical/Team Interview: This may involve meeting with other senior members of the Water Infrastructure team or key stakeholders. You might be asked to walk through specific case studies from your portfolio or discuss your approach to common design management challenges.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or Director, focusing on strategic thinking, alignment with AECOM's values, and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific competencies (e.g., Project Leadership, Process Improvement, Stakeholder Engagement).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the scale, your role, the challenges, the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality metrics, sustainability improvements).

• Focus on Management: Highlight your leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills as a manager, not just your technical design input. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your examples.

• Tailor to AECOM: Emphasize projects and experiences that align with AECOM's focus on water infrastructure, sustainability, and delivering a better world.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common design management challenges, such as scope creep, budget overruns, team conflicts, or difficult client negotiations.

• Process Improvement Discussion: Articulate your approach to identifying inefficiencies in design processes and implementing solutions.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice explaining complex technical or project management issues clearly and concisely to various audiences (technical teams, clients, senior management).

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is likely to be multi-stage, common for management roles in large organizations. A strong, well-documented portfolio that showcases leadership and quantifiable results is essential for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design Software: Familiarity with industry-standard CAD and BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D) is beneficial, though the primary focus is management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint, or AECOM's internal equivalents for communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project performance data, KPIs, and financial reports. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and reporting is essential.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or interpreting project dashboards to communicate progress, risks, and key metrics to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles and how design projects integrate with client management is advantageous.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can streamline design processes, documentation, or reporting within a project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is not a purely technical design role, a Design Manager needs to be proficient with the tools used by their teams and for project oversight. Emphasis is on project management and reporting tools, with an understanding of design software capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: As a global firm, AECOM emphasizes ethical conduct, trustworthiness, and a secure recruitment process.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a "one global team" approach, encouraging cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Encouraging "bold ideas and big dreams" to solve complex challenges and drive progress.

• Sustainability & ESG: A core commitment to delivering sustainable outcomes and prioritizing environmental, social, and governance factors in projects.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Creating a safe, respectful workplace where everyone's unique talents and perspectives are valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with various engineering disciplines, project managers, and potentially commercial teams.

• Stakeholder-Centric: A strong focus on client and contractor engagement, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

• Process-Oriented: A culture that values well-defined processes for design, quality control, and project delivery, with an openness to continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values are central to its operations. A candidate should demonstrate how their work ethic and approach align with these principles, particularly in fostering collaboration, driving for sustainable solutions, and managing diverse teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of clients, contractors, internal teams, and regulatory bodies in a complex project environment.

• Navigating Project Constraints: Successfully delivering high-quality designs within tight deadlines and budget limitations, requiring strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.

• Leading Multidisciplinary Teams: Effectively coordinating and motivating teams with different specializations and working styles to achieve a unified project goal.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of new design methodologies, software advancements, and sustainable engineering practices in the water infrastructure sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to AECOM's internal leadership training and mentorship programs.

• Technical Upskilling: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specific areas of water infrastructure through project involvement and specialized training.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and professional development courses relevant to infrastructure design and management.

• Global Exposure: Potential to work on diverse projects across different regions and gain exposure to international best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior design management role, requiring strategic thinking and strong interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities highlight AECOM's commitment to employee development and career progression within the infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to make a difficult design decision that impacted project cost or schedule. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on decision-making process, stakeholder communication, and results.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication across a multidisciplinary design team, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Highlight strategies for team cohesion, conflict resolution, and information flow.)

• "Walk me through a process you've implemented to improve design quality or efficiency. What were the metrics you used to measure success?" (Demonstrate analytical thinking, process optimization, and data-driven approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do AECOM's values of 'delivering a better world' and 'equity, diversity, and inclusion' align with your professional approach to managing projects?" (Connect your personal values and past experiences to AECOM's mission.)

• "Describe your experience working with clients and contractors. How do you build and maintain strong working relationships?" (Showcase client-centricity and negotiation skills.)

• "How do you ensure sustainability principles are integrated into the design process for water infrastructure projects?" (Demonstrate understanding of ESG priorities and practical application.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each case study, focus on the narrative: the challenge, your specific role and actions, and the measurable results. Keep it high-level but impactful.

• Highlight Management: Emphasize your leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving as a manager. Use phrases like "I led," "I managed," "I coordinated," "I decided."

• Visual Aids: Use clean, professional slides with key data points, project timelines, and outcome metrics. Avoid overly technical jargon unless explaining a specific design challenge you managed.

• Interactive Q&A: Be prepared for detailed questions about your projects, your management style, and how you would handle specific scenarios within AECOM's context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, and a proven ability to manage complex projects and diverse teams within the water infrastructure domain. Quantifiable achievements are paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Design Management," "Water Infrastructure," "Project Delivery," "Multidisciplinary Team Leadership," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify your achievements with numbers and data wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 compelling case studies of water infrastructure projects you've managed. Focus on demonstrating your leadership, process improvements, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present or discuss these in detail.

• Research AECOM: Understand AECOM's recent projects, values (sustainability, DEI), and their approach to infrastructure consulting. Familiarize yourself with their presence in Australia and the ANZ Water business.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common behavioral and situational questions, using the STAR method, and practice articulating your experience and approach to design management challenges.

⚠️ 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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