Design Manager - Water Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water Infrastructure

Company: KBR, Inc.

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary water infrastructure projects from concept to completion, ensuring successful delivery within scope, budget, and timeline.

• Drive technical excellence and innovation in design processes, focusing on engineering, environmental, safety, and sustainability aspects.

• Foster collaborative relationships with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to achieve optimal project outcomes and client satisfaction.

• Uphold and champion KBR's HSE and Quality Policies, ensuring all projects adhere to the Integrated Management System.

• Develop and execute marketing strategies and proposal preparation for significant projects within the water sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid Project Manager/Design Manager, indicating a strong emphasis on both the technical design oversight and the overall project execution. The focus on "multi-disciplinary projects" with "heavy process and mechanical elements" suggests a need for a candidate who can integrate diverse engineering disciplines and manage complex operational systems within water infrastructure. The mention of "D&C joint ventures" implies experience with Design and Construct delivery models.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the technical development and detailed design of water infrastructure projects, ensuring integration across engineering, environmental, safety, and sustainability disciplines.

• Manage project scope, schedule, cost, risk, and change effectively, making evidenced-based decisions considering multiple risk factors.

• Lead and empower project teams, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and accountability, including supervision and well-being leadership.

• Develop and manage client relationships and key stakeholder communications to ensure a collaborative project approach and high levels of client satisfaction.

• Lead the preparation of proposals for projects of national significance, contributing to business development and marketing strategies.

• Ensure all project execution adheres to KBR's Integrated Management System, HSE, and Quality Policies.

• Facilitate the delivery of projects through D&C joint ventures, managing the lifecycle from options assessment through concept design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical leadership (setting technical direction, integrating disciplines) and robust project management (forecasting, risk management, client engagement). The emphasis on "supervision and well-being leadership" suggests a senior role with direct team management responsibilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical).

• Relevant certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PE (Professional Engineer) are advantageous. Experience:

• Proven extensive experience in Project Management and/or Design Management within the water infrastructure sector.

• Significant experience in managing large, complex multi-disciplinary projects, particularly those with substantial process and mechanical engineering components.

• Demonstrated success in managing cost, schedule, risk, and change within project lifecycles.

• Experience in collaborative delivery models and Design & Construct (D&C) environments.

• Experience in Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) processes. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in project management principles and methodologies.

• Strong technical expertise in water infrastructure design, construction, and operational considerations.

• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and complex project environments.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for effective team leadership and client engagement.

• Collaborative working mindset and ability to foster teamwork.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for design review and coordination.

• Understanding of regulatory approvals, codes, and standards relevant to water infrastructure. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing marketing strategies and managing proposal preparation for significant infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with KBR's Integrated Management System and HSE/Quality Policies.

• Experience in leading and developing engineering teams.

• Knowledge of sustainability principles in infrastructure design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "heavy process and mechanical element" expertise in multi-disciplinary projects indicates a need for a candidate who can understand and integrate complex systems beyond traditional civil engineering, suggesting a strong preference for Mechanical or Chemical Engineering backgrounds in addition to Civil/Environmental. The "10+" years of experience inferred from the AI data aligns with the senior nature of leading complex projects and teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated ability to manage the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and options assessment through to detailed design and construction oversight.

• Case studies showcasing successful delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary water infrastructure projects, highlighting integration of process and mechanical elements.

• Examples of robust risk management strategies and their successful implementation, including mitigation plans and outcomes.

• Documentation of project controls and reporting mechanisms used to manage cost, schedule, and quality, with evidence of meeting targets.

• Evidence of managing collaborative delivery models, such as D&C joint ventures, demonstrating effective partnership and integration. Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs and optimization strategies for multi-disciplinary engineering processes within water infrastructure projects.

• Documentation of system implementation and automation approaches for project management and design coordination.

• Examples of performance measurement and analysis for project delivery, focusing on efficiency, cost, and quality metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Design Manager" title and emphasis on technical direction, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's approach to design integration, problem-solving for complex technical challenges, and their ability to translate client needs into executable engineering plans. Experience with a formal Integrated Management System is also a key area for portfolio demonstration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Melbourne, Australia, managing complex infrastructure projects, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $150,000 - $200,000. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the specialized nature of water infrastructure, and the high cost of living and demand for skilled professionals in Melbourne.

Benefits:

• Industry-leading salaries reviewed annually.

• Time in lieu system for accrued extra leave days.

• Novated lease options for vehicle financing.

• Paid professional membership fees.

• Discounts on Life/Health insurance.

• Flexible work arrangements (start/finish times, Work From Home, Flex time).

• Employee stock purchase plans.

• Paid parental leave.

• Personal Career development plans and growth opportunities. Working Hours:

A standard full-time work week is expected, likely around 40 hours, with flexibility offered through various arrangements. This allows for effective management of project timelines and client engagements while supporting work-life balance for operations professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on data from reputable Australian recruitment agencies and salary benchmarking sites for senior engineering and project management roles in the infrastructure sector in Melbourne. The benefits listed are comprehensive and align with KBR's stated commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting Services, with a significant focus on Infrastructure Services Australia and Water Sector solutions.

Company Size: KBR, Inc. is a large, global organization with a significant presence in Australia, indicating a robust corporate structure and extensive resources. The Infrastructure Services Australia business likely comprises a substantial team of professionals.

Founded: KBR, Inc. was founded in 1901, bringing a long history of engineering expertise and project delivery to its operations.

Team Structure:

• The Water business in Melbourne is described as having grown significantly, suggesting a dynamic and expanding team.

• The role involves leading, supporting, and empowering a highly skilled group of people, implying a team of engineers, designers, and project support staff.

• Reporting structure likely involves reporting to a senior leadership role within the Infrastructure Services Australia or Water division, with direct management of assigned project personnel.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working with discipline leads across multi-disciplinary engineering, environmental, safety, and sustainability. Methodology:

• KBR emphasizes a "digital mindset that drives innovation" and adopts "flexible program delivery models."

• The company is committed to social and environmental sustainability in its project delivery.

• A strong focus on data-driven decision-making is implied through "accurate forecasting of time, cost and quality outcomes" and "evidenced based decisions."

• Adherence to KBR's Integrated Management System and HSE/Quality Policies is a core operational methodology.

Company Website: https://www.kbr.com/ (General KBR Inc. website, specific Australian operations may have dedicated sections)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and global presence suggest a stable yet forward-thinking organization. The specific mention of partnerships with Melbourne Water, South East Water, and SA Water indicates deep engagement with key industry players, providing valuable context for the role's impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the operations and project management domain. It requires significant leadership experience, technical depth in water infrastructure, and strategic oversight of complex projects. It signifies a transition from individual contribution or team leadership to program-level management and strategic influence.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within KBR's Infrastructure Services Australia or Water sector. They will be responsible for leading and managing project teams, potentially including direct reports or matrixed team members from various engineering disciplines.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in shaping the future of water infrastructure in Australia. Their work directly impacts community well-being through improved drinking water and wastewater treatment services, and contributes to safeguarding water supplies and enhancing livability. Successful project delivery translates to client satisfaction, repeat business, and KBR's reputation as a leading infrastructure provider.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, or a broader leadership role within KBR's Infrastructure Services division.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure, process engineering, or sustainable design, potentially leading to Principal Engineer or Technical Director roles.

• Business Development: Developing skills in client relationship management, strategic planning, and proposal leadership, leading to roles focused on business growth and client acquisition.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or in different KBR business units, leveraging global experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "leaving a positive, long-lasting legacies" suggests that career growth is tied to the tangible impact of projects. The company's commitment to "Personal Career development plans" and "Growth and promotion opportunities" indicates a structured approach to employee advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility. The Melbourne office is located at Level 18, 180 Lonsdale St, Victoria, suggesting a professional corporate setting.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

• KBR has a national presence in Australia, implying potential interactions or projects across different regions, though the primary focus for this role is Melbourne. Workspace Context:

• The role requires close collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, suggesting an open-plan or collaborative office space designed to facilitate interaction and knowledge sharing.

• Access to necessary operations tools and technology, including design software (AutoCAD), project management platforms, and communication tools, will be essential.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, discipline leads, and potentially clients within the office environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with the provision of flexible work arrangements (start/finish times, WFH, Flex time) to support work-life balance and efficient project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement aligns with modern industry expectations and suggests that candidates should be comfortable with a mix of in-office and remote work, balancing independent tasks with collaborative sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter for essential qualifications, experience in water infrastructure, and project management expertise.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on technical skills, design management approaches, experience with multi-disciplinary projects, and familiarity with process/mechanical elements in water infrastructure. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Project Management Interview: Assessment of project management capabilities, including cost, schedule, risk, and change management. Discussion of past project successes and challenges.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Evaluation of leadership style, team management approach, communication skills, and alignment with KBR's values (HSE, Quality, collaboration). This may involve a panel interview with key stakeholders.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of a curated portfolio showcasing relevant water infrastructure projects, design management strategies, and project delivery outcomes. This is a critical stage for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to confirm suitability and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or key responsibility area. For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role, the approach taken, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, efficiency improvements, client satisfaction metrics).

• Focus on Multi-disciplinary Integration: Highlight projects where you successfully integrated diverse engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, process, electrical, environmental) and managed their interdependencies.

• Demonstrate Process & Mechanical Expertise: Provide specific examples of how you managed complex process flows, mechanical equipment selection, or system integration within water treatment or distribution projects.

• Showcase Risk Management: Detail your process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks, with concrete examples of how your strategies prevented issues or minimized impact.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the value you brought to projects. This includes cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Visual Aids: Incorporate diagrams, flowcharts, and relevant visuals to illustrate complex designs or processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for situational questions related to managing difficult stakeholders, resolving inter-disciplinary conflicts, or addressing unexpected project issues.

• Practice articulating your project management philosophy and your approach to design leadership.

• Research KBR's current projects and initiatives in the Australian water sector to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is crucial for this role, emphasizing the need for candidates to meticulously document their project experience, focusing on the integration of technical design and project execution, especially within the context of complex water infrastructure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com) for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Engineering Software:

  • AutoCAD: Explicitly mentioned as a required skill, indicating its importance for design review, coordination, and potentially contributing to design documentation.
  • Familiarity with Civil 3D, Revit, or other BIM (Building Information Modeling) software would be advantageous for integrated design processes.
  • Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, AVEVA PRO/II) and mechanical design tools may be beneficial given the emphasis on process and mechanical elements.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with data analysis tools and techniques to monitor project performance, identify trends, and inform decision-making.

• Ability to generate and interpret project reports, dashboards, and KPIs related to cost, schedule, quality, and risk. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary requirement for this technical role, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for client management and engagement, and automation tools for streamlining project workflows, would be a plus.

• Understanding of KBR's Integrated Management System implies familiarity with their internal process management and documentation tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD, coupled with the "heavy process and mechanical element" requirement, suggests that candidates should be comfortable with a range of technical software. A strong understanding of how these tools integrate into broader project management and design workflows is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE): A paramount value, with a commitment to KBR's HSE Policies and ensuring the well-being of staff and the public.

• Quality: Dedication to delivering projects within specified quality parameters, adhering to KBR's Integrated Management System and rigorous QA/QC processes.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where discipline leads, project teams, clients, and stakeholders work together effectively towards shared goals.

• Innovation & Digital Mindset: Embracing new technologies and approaches to drive efficiency and deliver cutting-edge solutions in water infrastructure.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and professional conduct in all dealings.

• Sustainability: Commitment to delivering projects with social and environmental sustainability at the forefront.

Collaboration Style:

• Multi-disciplinary Integration: Actively promoting seamless interaction and communication between different engineering disciplines to ensure cohesive project design and delivery.

• Client-Centric Approach: Engaging clients proactively and collaboratively to understand their needs and ensure project outcomes meet or exceed expectations.

• Team Empowerment: Leading by example, supporting team members, and creating an environment where staff feel empowered to contribute their best work.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and regular communication within the project team and with external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's emphasis on HSE and Quality, alongside collaboration and sustainability, suggests a culture that values responsibility, teamwork, and long-term impact. Candidates should be able to articulate how they embody these values in their daily work and project management approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complexity: Successfully integrating diverse engineering disciplines and managing complex technical challenges within water infrastructure projects, particularly those with significant process and mechanical components.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating the expectations and requirements of multiple stakeholders, including clients, joint venture partners, regulatory bodies, and internal teams.

• Delivering under Pressure: Ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards in potentially challenging environments.

• Driving Innovation: Implementing new technologies and digital approaches within a traditional infrastructure sector to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to gain experience with increasingly complex and high-profile projects, enhancing strategic project management skills.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Exposure to cutting-edge water infrastructure technologies, process designs, and sustainable engineering practices.

• Leadership Development: Participation in leadership training programs and mentorship to hone management and team-building capabilities.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to represent KBR at industry conferences, workshops, and client forums, fostering professional networking and knowledge exchange.

• Career Pathing: Structured career development plans designed to support progression within KBR's extensive global network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents an opportunity to tackle significant infrastructure challenges and contribute to vital community services, offering substantial professional growth for ambitious operations and engineering leaders.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex multi-disciplinary water infrastructure project you managed. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you ensure integration across different engineering disciplines?" (Focus on process/mechanical integration and problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through your approach to risk management on a large-scale infrastructure project. Provide an example of a significant risk you identified and mitigated." (Highlight proactive identification and strategic response.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among diverse teams and stakeholders, especially in a D&C joint venture setting?" (Emphasize communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage significant cost or schedule overruns. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate financial acumen and crisis management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about KBR's work in the Australian water sector, and how do you see your role contributing to KBR's mission and values?" (Research KBR's projects and values, particularly sustainability and community impact.)

• "How do you ensure that HSE and Quality are prioritized throughout a project's lifecycle, even under tight deadlines?" (Align your response with KBR's HSE and Quality Policies.)

• "Describe your leadership style and how you motivate and develop engineering and project teams." (Focus on empowerment, mentorship, and fostering a positive work environment.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful water infrastructure projects that best showcase your multi-disciplinary management, process/mechanical expertise, and project delivery success.

• Narrative Structure: For each project, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar clear narrative structure. Clearly define the problem, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Integration: Explicitly detail how you managed the interplay between different engineering disciplines, and how you ensured the process and mechanical aspects were effectively integrated into the overall design.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data points (e.g., percentage of budget saved, schedule improvements, reduction in errors, client satisfaction scores) to demonstrate your impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with diagrams, flowcharts, or key metrics to support your narrative. Avoid overly dense text.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time constraints and practice delivering your presentation efficiently and engagingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific technical challenges related to water treatment processes, mechanical systems, and the integration of these with civil and environmental design. Demonstrating an understanding of KBR's commitment to sustainability and community impact will also be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Water Infrastructure position:

• Submit your application through the KBR Careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in multi-disciplinary water infrastructure projects, specifically mentioning your expertise in process and mechanical elements, project management, and D&C delivery models.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates achievements using quantifiable metrics and keywords relevant to water infrastructure, design management, and project controls (cost, schedule, risk).

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management philosophy, leadership style, and technical expertise using specific examples from your portfolio. Prepare to discuss your approach to HSE, quality, and sustainability.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research KBR's Infrastructure Services Australia division, their work with water utilities (Melbourne Water, South East Water, SA Water), and their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Understand their Integrated Management System and HSE policies.

⚠️ 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.