Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Design Manager

Company: Entura

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (with potential for hybrid/remote work for non-Hobart residents)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Design Management / Project Management

Date Posted: September 7, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate complex, multidisciplinary engineering design projects, ensuring seamless integration of technical inputs across various disciplines.

• Serve as the primary point of contact and technical expert for client-side Project Managers, fostering strong collaborative relationships and ensuring alignment of project objectives and outcomes.

• Drive the design management of critical electrical utilities projects, leveraging a broad technical understanding and a commercial project management approach.

• Enhance alignment across diverse engineering disciplines and the broader Entura organization to promote cohesive project delivery and operational efficiency.

• Oversee the development of comprehensive scopes, delivery plans, and technical specifications for multi-disciplinary programs and projects, adopting a holistic and integrated lifecycle perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Engineering Design Manager at Entura is positioned as a senior leadership role focused on the strategic coordination and execution of complex engineering design projects, particularly within the electrical utilities sector. The emphasis on client interface, multidisciplinary integration, and commercial project management indicates a need for strong leadership, technical breadth, and strategic thinking, aligning with senior operations and project leadership functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide a singular point of coordination and expertise for internal technical reporting and external client engagement, ensuring clear and consistent communication.

• Collaborate directly with client-side project managers to ensure the strategic alignment of project objectives, deliverables, and successful outcomes throughout the project lifecycle.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for multidisciplinary engineering projects, encompassing electrical, SCADA, control systems, civil, and other relevant technical streams.

• Foster increased alignment and synergy across various engineering disciplines within Entura and promote broader organizational cohesion and shared best practices.

• Effectively lead the coordination and integration of technical inputs for programs and projects, from conceptualization through to completion, ensuring a holistic approach to asset lifecycle management.

• Coordinate the development of detailed project scopes, robust delivery plans, and comprehensive technical specifications for multi-disciplinary programs and projects, liaising with all required technical disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical oversight and client-facing project management. The emphasis on "single point of coordination" and "single point of expertise" suggests a key objective of streamlining communication and decision-making for complex projects. The responsibility to "Increase alignment across engineering disciplines" points to a strategic role in fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the engineering teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Civil, Mechanical) or a related technical field is typically expected for a role of this seniority. Professional engineering accreditation may be beneficial.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to design management and project coordination within the electrical utilities sector. Demonstrated experience in managing multidisciplinary projects is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in multidisciplinary engineering design management.

• Generalist technical understanding across key engineering disciplines (e.g., Primary and Secondary Electrical, SCADA, Control Systems, Civil).

• Strong coordination and facilitation skills with both internal technical teams and external client stakeholders.

• Demonstrated project and/or program management skills with a commercial approach.

• Experience within the electrical utilities sector.

• Ability to act as a single point of contact for technical reporting and client engagement. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with renewable energy and water infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with SCADA and Control Systems engineering principles.

• Advanced project management methodologies and certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "generalist technical understanding" suggests that while deep specialization in every discipline isn't necessary, a solid grasp of how various engineering components interact is crucial for effective coordination and integration. The "commercial approach" indicates that understanding project budgets, timelines, and client expectations is as important as technical execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Multidisciplinary Project Case Studies: Showcase your experience in leading and managing projects involving multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., electrical, civil, control systems). Highlight your role in integrating these disparate elements into a cohesive design.

• Electrical Utilities Project Examples: Provide specific examples of projects within the electrical utilities sector, detailing the scope, challenges, and your contributions to successful outcomes.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Demonstrate instances where you have improved design processes, coordination workflows, or stakeholder communication strategies, leading to measurable efficiency gains or better project delivery.

• Client Engagement & Management Examples: Illustrate your ability to manage client relationships, understand their objectives, and deliver against their expectations, particularly in a consulting or asset owner context.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of your ability to design, document, and optimize workflows for multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and traceability.

• Technical Integration Strategies: Documentation or examples of how you have facilitated the integration of technical inputs from various disciplines, ensuring compatibility and adherence to project standards.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Examples of how you have established metrics for design project performance, reported on progress, and managed technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should go beyond listing projects. It should demonstrate a strategic approach to managing complex engineering designs, highlighting the candidate's ability to synthesize technical information, manage diverse teams, and deliver commercially viable solutions within the utilities sector. The emphasis on "process" suggests a need to showcase how challenges were overcome through structured methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for an Engineering Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Melbourne, Australia, the estimated salary range is AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. This range accounts for the senior nature of the role, the specialized electrical utilities sector, and the responsibilities for multidisciplinary project leadership.

Benefits:

• Genuine work-life balance.

• Industry-leading parental leave entitlements.

• Generous carer and sick leave provisions.

• Subsidised school holiday vacation care.

• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and potential remote options.

• Discounted Health Insurance.

• Access to a free Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families.

• Clear career path development, robust support networks, and funded professional development opportunities.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid and potential remote work arrangements, accommodating the demands of project management and client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from Australian engineering recruitment agencies and salary aggregators for similar roles in major metropolitan areas like Melbourne. Factors considered include the specialized nature of the electrical utilities sector, the leadership component, and the company's stated commitment to employee well-being, which often translates to competitive compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entura operates within the specialized power and water consulting firm sector, with a significant focus on renewable energy and water infrastructure. This positions them at the forefront of sustainable development and critical infrastructure projects.

Company Size: Entura is part of the Hydro Tasmania group, suggesting a substantial organizational backing and resources. While Entura's specific size isn't detailed, its specialized nature implies a focused, expert team. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to work on impactful projects with a high degree of autonomy and specialized knowledge sharing.

Founded: Entura boasts over 100 years of experience, stemming from its heritage within Hydro Tasmania. This deep history signifies stability, established expertise, and a long-standing commitment to the power and water sectors.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a broader engineering or project delivery division, potentially comprising multiple technical disciplines. The team size could vary, but the emphasis on multidisciplinary coordination suggests collaboration with specialists in electrical, civil, control systems, and SCADA engineering.

• Reporting likely involves a direct line to a senior engineering director or head of projects, with dotted-line responsibilities or close collaboration with client-side Project Managers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, requiring seamless interaction with technical specialists, project managers, commercial teams, and potentially business development. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Entura's consulting background suggests a strong reliance on data-driven analysis for project feasibility, design optimization, and risk assessment.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The company's focus on comprehensive solutions throughout the asset lifecycle implies structured approaches to workflow planning, design management, and project execution.

• Automation & Efficiency: As a modern engineering firm, Entura likely embraces automation and efficiency practices in design, analysis, and project management to deliver high-quality outcomes effectively.

Company Website: www.entura.com.au

📝 Enhancement Note: Entura's positioning as an "asset owner and consultant" is a unique differentiator. This dual capability suggests a practical, hands-on understanding of the long-term implications of design decisions, which is highly valuable for operations-minded professionals. The company's long history and connection to Hydro Tasmania imply a strong foundation in reliable infrastructure and sustainable energy practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within engineering management and project delivery. It requires a blend of technical leadership, strategic oversight, and commercial acumen, positioning the individual as a key contributor to Entura's project success and client relationships.

Reporting Structure: The Engineering Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within Entura's engineering or project management function (e.g., Head of Engineering, Director of Projects). They will also work closely with client-side Project Managers, acting as a critical liaison.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on revenue generation and client satisfaction by ensuring the successful, efficient, and high-quality delivery of complex engineering design projects. Effective management of these projects directly contributes to Entura's reputation and ability to secure future work in the power and water sectors.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in electrical utilities, renewable energy, and water infrastructure design, potentially leading to more specialized or larger-scale project engagements.

• Advanced Project & Program Management: Develop skills in managing complex, multi-year programs and potentially transition into broader program director roles.

• Client Relationship Management: Enhance strategic client management capabilities, potentially leading to business development or key account management roles within the consulting arm.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and contribute to building Entura's internal technical capabilities and leadership pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" experience requirement clearly places this role at a senior level. The growth opportunities emphasize a path that can lead to greater strategic influence, larger project portfolios, and specialized leadership within the energy and water sectors, aligning with typical career progression for experienced operations and engineering professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Entura offers a hybrid work environment, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the flexibility of remote work. This suggests a modern office setup designed to facilitate both focused work and collaborative sessions.

Office Location(s): The primary locations are Melbourne and Hobart. For candidates not residing in Hobart, there is a potential for hybrid or remote work arrangements, indicating a commitment to attracting talent regardless of immediate proximity to a physical office, provided the role's demands can be met.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on multidisciplinary coordination suggest an office designed to encourage interaction, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing among engineering teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard engineering design software, project management platforms, and communication tools is expected to support efficient workflow and collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, project reviews, and informal interactions with colleagues across various engineering disciplines are integral to the work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week, with flexibility offered. This allows operations professionals to manage their workloads effectively, balancing project deadlines with personal commitments, which is crucial for sustained performance in demanding roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of potential hybrid/remote work for non-Hobart residents is a significant factor. It indicates Entura's willingness to adapt employment arrangements to secure the right talent, a common practice for senior roles in specialized fields. This flexibility is a key consideration for operations professionals balancing career advancement with lifestyle preferences.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements and experience.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves detailed discussions about your experience in multidisciplinary design management, electrical utilities projects, and your approach to technical coordination and problem-solving. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges and solutions.

• Case Study/Scenario-Based Interview: You may be presented with a hypothetical project scenario to assess your design management, stakeholder engagement, and commercial decision-making skills.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, highlighting key projects and demonstrating your impact and methodologies.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within Entura.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the specific actions you took, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, risk reduction, successful project completion).

• Showcase Multidisciplinary Coordination: Use examples to illustrate how you successfully integrated diverse technical inputs and managed competing priorities across different engineering disciplines.

• Highlight Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate your understanding of project budgets, timelines, client expectations, and how you balanced technical requirements with commercial realities.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by skill demonstrated. Use clear visuals, concise descriptions, and highlight your specific contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Strategy: Be ready to discuss your approach to managing the entire design lifecycle, from scope definition to final design approval.

• Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you have managed difficult stakeholders, resolved conflicts, and built strong working relationships.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Think about complex technical challenges you've faced in electrical utilities projects and how you used your generalist understanding and coordination skills to overcome them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The agile recruitment process mentioned means candidates should be prepared for potentially faster-than-usual interview scheduling. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates the candidate's ability to manage complex, multidisciplinary projects and engage effectively with clients will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with standard project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Jira) for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.

• Engineering Design Software: Familiarity with common CAD/BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and potentially specialized electrical design software (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E) is beneficial for understanding technical inputs.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project reports, financial statements, and performance metrics. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and analysis is essential.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or interpreting project progress reports and dashboards for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how customer relationship management systems track client interactions and project history can be advantageous.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with any tools or methodologies used to automate routine tasks in project planning or reporting could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role's emphasis on coordination, project management, and technical integration implies a need for proficiency in standard industry tools. The ability to interpret and leverage data from these systems for decision-making and reporting is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: Entura fosters a culture that encourages new ideas and creative solutions for complex engineering challenges, particularly in sustainability.

• Professional Growth: A strong commitment to personal and professional development, providing opportunities for learning and career advancement.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines and with clients to achieve shared goals, promoting a supportive and integrated work environment.

• Sustainability & Purpose: A dedication to making the world more sustainable through engineering solutions, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment in the work.

• Expertise & Experience: Valuing deep knowledge and extensive experience, encouraging the sharing of insights among team members.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Entura emphasizes the integration of technical inputs across disciplines, suggesting a collaborative style where engineers from different backgrounds work closely together.

• Client-Centric Approach: The role requires a strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs, indicating a collaborative style that prioritizes client satisfaction and partnership.

• Knowledge Sharing: The presence of experienced professionals suggests a culture that encourages mentorship and the sharing of best practices, fostering continuous learning and development within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values like "creativity and innovation," "personal and professional growth," and "making the world more sustainable" indicate a forward-thinking and employee-centric culture. For operations professionals, this translates to an environment where their contributions are valued, and they are supported in developing their careers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multidisciplinary Complexity: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering teams with potentially differing priorities and technical approaches requires strong leadership and communication.

• Client Expectation Management: Balancing client demands with technical feasibility, project timelines, and budget constraints in a consulting environment can be challenging.

• Technical Integration Risks: Ensuring seamless integration of various engineering components (electrical, civil, SCADA, etc.) to avoid design flaws or operational issues.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of new technologies and methodologies in renewable energy, water infrastructure, and engineering design to maintain Entura's competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to funded professional development, including courses and certifications relevant to electrical utilities, renewable energy, and advanced project management.

• Industry Exposure: Involvement in a wide array of exciting projects, providing exposure to cutting-edge technologies and diverse engineering challenges.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals within Entura and potentially Hydro Tasmania, fostering career growth and skill development.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into more senior management roles, leading larger teams or programs, and influencing strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in complex engineering environments. Entura's commitment to professional development and a wide array of projects directly addresses these challenges by providing the necessary support and experience for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a multidisciplinary engineering design project from concept to completion, focusing on how you ensure technical alignment and stakeholder satisfaction." (Focus on process, integration, and client management.)

• "How do you handle conflicting technical requirements or priorities between different engineering disciplines within a project? Provide a specific example." (Focus on problem-solving, facilitation, and conflict resolution.)

• "Walk me through a challenging project you managed in the electrical utilities sector. What were the key risks, how did you mitigate them, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on experience, risk management, and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Entura's work in renewable energy and water infrastructure, and how do you see your skills contributing to our mission?" (Focus on alignment with company values and industry focus.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within a team of diverse technical experts?" (Focus on teamwork and communication style.)

• "Entura emphasizes innovation and sustainability. How have you incorporated these principles into your previous engineering design management roles?" (Focus on proactive thinking and aligning with company ethos.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role and actions, the methodologies used, and the measurable results achieved.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly connect your portfolio examples to the required skills: multidisciplinary coordination, electrical utilities experience, commercial approach, and stakeholder management.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., % improvement in efficiency, reduction in project timeline, cost savings).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about technical details, decision-making processes, and challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Entura's "agile recruitment process," candidates should be prepared for interviews to occur promptly. Demonstrating a clear understanding of Entura's values and how their experience aligns with the company's mission in sustainable infrastructure will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Entura careers page.

• Tailor your CV and Cover Letter: Emphasize your experience in multidisciplinary design management, electrical utilities projects, and your commercial project management skills. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Curate examples of your most relevant projects, focusing on demonstrating your ability to coordinate diverse engineering teams, manage client relationships, and deliver successful outcomes.

• Research Entura: Familiarize yourself with Entura's projects, values, and approach ("Our Way") to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

• Practice your responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to technical leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving, using specific examples from your experience.

⚠️ 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.