Design Manager – Water Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Water Infrastructure

Company: AECOM

Location: Newcastle West, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Contract

Category: Engineering & Design Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multidisciplinary project delivery teams for water infrastructure projects, ensuring successful project outcomes.

• Manage the end-to-end design process, from concept to delivery, with ultimate responsibility for design decisions.

• Ensure projects are delivered within stringent quality, time, and budget parameters, aligning with AECOM's commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal leaders, external clients, and contractors to achieve project and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on the operational execution of water infrastructure design projects. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities for "overall design delivery," "carriage on any design project decisions," and managing "quality, time and budget," clearly positions this as a senior operational management role within engineering. The emphasis on multidisciplinary teams, client and contractor engagement, and delivery within constraints are core to operations management in this sector. The "Contract" employment type suggests a project-specific need, common in large infrastructure initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide multidisciplinary project delivery teams, ensuring alignment with project scope, objectives, and AECOM's standards.

• Take ultimate responsibility for all design project decisions, ensuring technical integrity and client satisfaction.

• Drive project execution to meet defined quality benchmarks, timelines, and budgetary constraints throughout the project lifecycle.

• Collaborate closely with internal ANZ leadership to ensure effective project resourcing, strategic alignment, and business development initiatives.

• Act as a key liaison between clients, contractors, and internal design teams, facilitating clear communication and effective problem-solving.

• Prioritize and integrate sustainable outcomes into all aspects of project design and delivery, reflecting AECOM's global mission.

• Manage the planning, design, and execution phases of water infrastructure projects, including pumps, pipes, and treatment systems.

• Coordinate with stakeholders across NSW to ensure seamless integration of various systems, processes, and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical oversight and project execution management, typical for a Design Manager in an engineering consultancy. The emphasis on "ultimate carriage on any design project decisions" and managing "quality, time and budget" are critical operational control functions. The need to "coordinate with leaders across our ANZ team for delivery" and "assisting with project resourcing and business initiatives" indicates a strategic operational involvement beyond individual projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Project Management, or a related field is required. Experience:

• Demonstrated success in delivering projects on time, within budget, and to exceptional quality standards.

• Proven experience in design management, with a comprehensive understanding of project lifecycles from planning through execution.

• Substantial experience in water infrastructure, including specific knowledge of pumps, pipes, or treatment systems.

• Established understanding of key water infrastructure clients within New South Wales (NSW). Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage the entire design process for complex infrastructure projects.

• Water Infrastructure Expertise: In-depth knowledge of water and wastewater treatment systems, pumps, and pipeline networks.

• Project Delivery Excellence: Track record of successful project completion against quality, time, and budget targets.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding and ability to manage project budgets and financial constraints.

• Quality Assurance: Commitment to upholding and driving high-quality design standards.

• System Integration: Ability to understand and manage the interconnection of various systems, processes, and stakeholders.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for effective stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design and construct solutions.

• Exposure to civil infrastructure and defence sector projects within AECOM's Water business.

• Familiarity with the specific regulatory and client landscape in NSW water infrastructure.

• Experience in strategic planning and business initiatives related to project resourcing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical experience and specific technical domain knowledge in water infrastructure, which is crucial for operational success in this role. The blend of project management skills with technical depth is a hallmark of effective Design Managers in the engineering consultancy sector. The preference for NSW-specific client exposure and broader sector experience suggests a need for immediate impact and integration into existing business lines.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated examples of successfully managed water infrastructure projects, showcasing the full design lifecycle from concept to completion.

• Case studies detailing how quality, time, and budget constraints were effectively managed on previous projects.

• Evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams through complex design challenges, highlighting leadership and coordination skills.

• Documentation illustrating a strong understanding of system integration and stakeholder management in project delivery.

• Proof of contributions to sustainable outcomes in infrastructure design and delivery. Process Documentation:

• Examples of project planning and design management methodologies employed.

• Documentation showcasing workflow optimization and efficiency improvements in project delivery.

• Evidence of process implementation for quality assurance and risk mitigation in design projects.

• Metrics and reporting frameworks used to track project performance against key operational indicators (KPIs) such as budget adherence, schedule compliance, and quality metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate the process of managing them. This includes how challenges related to quality, time, and budget were overcome, how teams were led, and how systems were integrated. The ability to articulate and present these processes, often through case studies, is a key expectation for assessing operational competence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the contract nature of the role, experience level, and location in Newcastle, NSW, Australia, a competitive hourly rate or project-based fee is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in Australian infrastructure consulting, the estimated annual equivalent salary range would be AUD $150,000 - $200,000. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the specialized nature of water infrastructure, and the cost of living in New South Wales.

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times.

• Hybrid work options, balancing remote and office-based work.

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

• Volunteer and representation leave to support community and professional activities.

• Flex public holidays, allowing employees to swap holidays for those more personally significant.

• Access to a robust global well-being program.

• Potential for extended contract duration based on project needs and performance. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility in start and finish times may be available, subject to project demands and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for contract roles in Australia requires careful consideration of equivalent full-time compensation, factoring in the absence of typical permanent employee benefits like superannuation contributions (though this can vary) and potential for overtime. The provided range reflects a senior, specialized role in a high-demand sector. Benefits listed are directly from the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

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

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established, and resource-rich organization. This size offers stability and access to extensive internal expertise and resources.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, though the specific founding date isn't provided in the snippet, its Fortune 500 status and global presence suggest decades of operation and evolution.

Team Structure:

• The Water Infrastructure group is part of AECOM's broader Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Water business.

• This role involves leading multidisciplinary project delivery teams, implying a matrixed structure where individuals report functionally within their discipline and operationally to project managers or design managers.

• Close collaboration with internal ANZ leaders for project delivery, resourcing, and business initiatives is expected. Methodology:

• AECOM prioritizes sustainable outcomes in its project delivery.

• The company emphasizes utilizing technical and digital expertise to solve complex challenges.

• A global team approach is fostered, driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world.

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

Company Website: https://aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's positioning as a "trusted infrastructure consulting firm" and its commitment to "delivering a better world" and "sustainable outcomes" are key cultural pillars. For an operations role, understanding how these values translate into project execution, team collaboration, and decision-making processes is important. The large company size suggests established operational frameworks and processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and project management sphere of the engineering consultancy sector. It requires significant experience in design management and a deep understanding of water infrastructure project execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the ANZ Water business and will be responsible for leading project-specific multidisciplinary teams. This involves managing direct reports or project team members and collaborating with functional managers for resourcing.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and critical impact on the successful delivery of water infrastructure projects. Their ability to manage quality, time, and budget directly influences client satisfaction, AECOM's profitability, and the realization of sustainable infrastructure solutions that benefit communities. Effective operational leadership ensures AECOM meets its contractual obligations and enhances its reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to manage larger, more complex, or multiple concurrent water infrastructure projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure (e.g., advanced treatment technologies, large-scale pipeline networks) or move into broader program management roles.

• Business Development: Contribute to securing new projects by leveraging successful delivery experience and client relationships.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and design coordinators, developing future operational leaders within AECOM.

• Transition to Permanent: Depending on contract performance and business needs, there might be opportunities to transition into a permanent role within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Contract" nature of the role suggests it might be project-based, offering intensive experience. Growth opportunities are likely tied to successful project delivery and demonstrating leadership potential within AECOM's operational framework. The ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and deliver results is key to career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates with a "Hybrid Work Location Model," indicating a blend of remote work and office-based collaboration. This suggests modern office facilities designed to support collaborative work and individual focus.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Newcastle, NSW, Australia. AECOM has multiple offices across Australia, providing a network for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and focus on multidisciplinary teams mean the office environment is likely set up for teamwork, design reviews, and client meetings.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management platforms, and communication tools will be available to support efficient operations.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with fellow project managers, design engineers, discipline leads, and other operational staff within the Water business.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (estimated 40 hours/week) with flexibility in start/finish times are offered. This allows operations professionals to manage their workload effectively while ensuring project commitments are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a significant aspect of the work environment, requiring individuals to be self-disciplined and effective in both remote and in-office settings. The emphasis on collaboration within this model means that effective communication and team engagement are paramount for operational success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and cover letter focusing on relevant experience in design management and water infrastructure.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on water infrastructure knowledge, design management methodologies, project delivery experience, and handling quality, time, and budget constraints. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Manager/Team Interview: Assessment of leadership style, stakeholder management capabilities, and cultural fit with AECOM's values and team dynamics. This may involve meeting senior leadership from the ANZ Water business.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and project outcomes.

• Final Offer: Subject to reference checks and contract finalization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Project Scope & Your Role: Clearly articulate the scale and complexity of water infrastructure projects managed and your specific responsibilities as Design Manager.

• Showcase Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, detail the design management process you followed, emphasizing how you addressed challenges related to quality, time, budget, and stakeholder alignment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Quantify Achievements: Present metrics that demonstrate project success – e.g., projects delivered X% under budget, Y% ahead of schedule, achieved Z quality standard, managed teams of N people.

• Focus on Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and contractors to achieve project goals.

• Sustainability Integration: If applicable, highlight how sustainable design principles were incorporated and delivered.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific project challenges, such as scope creep, budget overruns, team conflicts, or client disputes.

• Technical Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss technical aspects of water infrastructure (pumps, pipes, treatment systems) and design management principles.

• Leadership & Communication: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and communication strategies for managing diverse teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical for this role. Candidates must be prepared to "show, not just tell" their capabilities by presenting concrete examples of their process, problem-solving skills, and project outcomes, specifically tailored to water infrastructure and design management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools that facilitate document sharing, markups, and collaboration among design teams (e.g., Autodesk BIM 360, Bentley ProjectWise, or similar).

• Data Analysis & Reporting Tools: Ability to utilize standard office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for reporting, and potentially experience with business intelligence tools for performance tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating and interpreting project status reports, financial summaries, and performance dashboards.

• Data Visualization: Ability to present complex project data in an understandable format for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, experience with CRM systems for client management and project tracking, and any workflow automation tools used in project delivery or administration, would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role of a Design Manager in a large consultancy like AECOM implies a need for proficiency in industry-standard project management, design collaboration, and reporting tools. A strong understanding of how these tools support operational efficiency and project control is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all project dealings and decision-making.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Proactively seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation within project delivery.

• Pioneering Mindset: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive better outcomes.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where all team members can contribute their best.

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

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging seamless teamwork between different engineering disciplines, project managers, and support functions.

• Open Communication: Promoting transparent and honest communication channels to address challenges and share information effectively.

• Client-Centric Approach: Working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and deliver solutions that exceed expectations.

• Contractor Partnership: Building constructive working relationships with contractors to ensure smooth project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a pioneering mindset are crucial for operations professionals. In a Design Manager role, this translates to taking ownership, finding efficient solutions, and driving projects forward with a forward-thinking approach, all while maintaining ethical standards and fostering an inclusive environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively managing the inherent tensions between quality, time, and budget constraints on complex water infrastructure projects.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the diverse interests and expectations of clients, contractors, internal teams, and regulatory bodies.

• Technical Complexity: Staying abreast of evolving water infrastructure technologies and best practices to ensure optimal design solutions.

• Contract Management: Managing contract terms and conditions to ensure compliance and mitigate risks for AECOM.

• Remote/Hybrid Team Management: Ensuring effective communication, productivity, and team cohesion within a hybrid work environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Project Leadership Skills: Enhancing capabilities in managing complex projects, leading diverse teams, and strategic decision-making.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening knowledge in specific water infrastructure technologies or engineering disciplines.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or specific engineering accreditations.

• AECOM Internal Training: Access to AECOM's extensive learning and development programs covering technical skills, leadership, and business acumen.

• Networking: Building professional relationships within the Australian water industry and with AECOM's global network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical of senior operational management in large-scale infrastructure projects. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding leadership scope, technical depth, and strategic influence within AECOM's operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a water infrastructure project where you had ultimate carriage of design decisions. What was your process for ensuring quality, managing budget, and meeting deadlines?" (Focus on your methodology, decision-making framework, and results.)

• "How do you approach leading and motivating a multidisciplinary project delivery team in a hybrid work environment to ensure seamless integration and project success?" (Highlight your leadership style, communication strategies, and experience with hybrid teams.)

• "Walk us through a challenging situation where you had to balance conflicting stakeholder demands (client, contractor, internal) on a design project. How did you achieve a resolution?" (Use the STAR method to illustrate your problem-solving and negotiation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "AECOM emphasizes sustainability. How have you incorporated sustainable outcomes into your design management approach in previous roles?" (Prepare specific examples.)

• "How do you see your role as a Design Manager contributing to AECOM's mission of 'delivering a better world' through infrastructure?" (Connect your responsibilities to the company's broader goals.)

• "Describe your experience working with clients and contractors in the NSW water infrastructure sector." (Showcase your understanding of the local market and relationships.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or complexity. For each key project, clearly define the objective, your role, the challenges, the processes/solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable results.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise slides with diagrams, charts, and key metrics. Avoid text-heavy slides; focus on key takeaways.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about each project, highlighting your decision-making process, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Emphasize the 'why' behind your actions.

• Focus on Operations: Explicitly link your portfolio examples back to the core responsibilities of the Design Manager role: managing quality, time, budget, stakeholder relations, and team leadership.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, challenges, and lessons learned. Be prepared to elaborate on any aspect of your presented work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of design management principles within the water infrastructure context, highlighting leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to manage complex operational parameters. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to prove these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your CV: Emphasize your experience in design management, water infrastructure projects, project delivery (quality, time, budget), and stakeholder management, using keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your capabilities as a Design Manager in water infrastructure. Be ready to discuss your specific role, the processes you used, challenges overcome, and quantifiable results.

• Research AECOM: Understand their recent projects, values, and presence in the Australian water sector to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

• Practice your pitch: Prepare to articulate your experience and suitability for the role confidently, focusing on how you can contribute to AECOM's project success and operational excellence.

⚠️ 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.