Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Design Manager

Company: Sedgman

Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-17

Experience Level: 2-5 years (Specific to Design Management)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Implied by office-based role with potential for flexible arrangements)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and direct the engineering design function for complex mineral processing and supporting site infrastructure projects on a global scale.

• Oversee the technical competence and performance of engineering and drafting teams, ensuring project requirements are met through effective guidance and resource allocation.

• Manage the entire design lifecycle, from initial studies and detailed design through to supporting project delivery, adhering to Sedgman's stringent quality and safety standards.

• Drive the development and implementation of project-specific Design Management Plans and ensure seamless coordination of design interfaces across internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders.

• Uphold Sedgman's commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and a robust safety culture within the engineering design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical leadership function within Sedgman's engineering operations, requiring a blend of technical expertise in mineral processing and strong management capabilities. The emphasis on global projects and diverse infrastructure suggests a need for adaptability and a comprehensive understanding of international engineering standards and practices. The "Hybrid" work arrangement is inferred from the mention of flexible arrangements and an office-based role in Brisbane.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate the technical performance of assigned engineers and drafting staff, providing constructive feedback and ensuring alignment with project objectives and Sedgman's quality benchmarks.

• Program and allocate workloads for design engineering staff, offering comprehensive technical and administrative guidance to foster professional development and project efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with management on resource planning processes, proactively identifying and securing the necessary human resources to meet project design demands.

• Administer technical briefs for the engagement of sub-consultants, ensuring clear scope definition, performance expectations, and contractual adherence.

• Prepare, control, and issue the Project Design Management Plan, establishing the framework for all design activities and stakeholder communication.

• Coordinate intricate design interfaces with the Client’s other designers and external stakeholders to ensure integrated and cohesive project outcomes.

• Manage Engineers and Designers to ensure the timely and accurate authorization and issue of all project documents and drawings to the project team, vendors, sub-consultants, statutory authorities, and other relevant parties.

• Coordinate timely and effective responses to technical queries from contractors and other project staff, ensuring minimal disruption to project timelines.

• Identify, investigate, record, monitor, and report on actions, resolutions, and costs associated with identified design non-conformances, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

• Ensure all project designs reflect current industry standards and Sedgman's standard specifications, typical/standard drawings, and calculations/simulations.

• Ensure strict compliance of the project design team with Sedgman’s ‘Design Management Systems’, including the proper handling and resolution of Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process adherence, quality control, and team leadership. The role requires proactive problem-solving, particularly in managing non-conformances and design interfaces, which are common challenges in large-scale engineering projects. The emphasis on "Design Management Systems" and "NCRs" indicates a need for candidates familiar with formal engineering quality frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Engineering.

Experience:

• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience within the Mineral Processing industry.

• Minimum 2 years of direct experience in an engineering design management role, demonstrating leadership and oversight of design functions. Required Skills:

• Mineral Processing Expertise: Deep understanding of mineral processing operations, equipment, and typical project lifecycles within this industry.

• Engineering Design Management: Proven ability to lead, plan, and execute design processes for complex projects, including managing scope, schedule, and resources.

• Technical Leadership: Demonstrated capacity to guide and mentor engineering and drafting teams, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring technical excellence.

• Resource Planning & Allocation: Proficiency in assessing project needs and coordinating with management to secure appropriate staffing and resources for design activities.

• Project Design Management Plan Development: Experience in creating, implementing, and managing comprehensive design management plans that align with project goals and company standards.

• Cross-functional Coordination: Ability to effectively coordinate design interfaces with internal teams, clients, vendors, sub-consultants, and statutory authorities.

• Documentation Control: Strong understanding of document control procedures, including authorization, issue, and tracking of engineering documents and drawings.

• Problem-Solving & Non-conformance Management: Skill in identifying, investigating, and resolving design non-conformances, including cost tracking and reporting.

• Industry Standards Compliance: Knowledge of and ability to apply current industry standards in engineering design and ensure adherence to company specifications.

• Design Management Systems: Familiarity with and ability to ensure compliance with formal Design Management Systems and quality assurance processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Base Metals Experience: Specific experience with base metals processing projects.

• Heavy Industry Environment Acclimation: Experience working within demanding heavy industry settings, understanding their unique operational and safety considerations.

• Sub-consultant Management: Experience in administering technical briefs and managing the performance of sub-consultant engineering firms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience levels suggest that candidates are expected to have a solid foundation in mineral processing engineering before stepping into a management role. The distinction between "minimum 3-5 years" in the industry and "minimum 2 years" in management indicates that candidates may be transitioning from senior engineering roles. The preferred skills point towards specialization within the broader mineral processing sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Showcase instances where you successfully managed design teams and processes for significant mineral processing or infrastructure projects, detailing challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Project Design Management Plan Examples: Include a sample or detailed description of a Project Design Management Plan you developed or significantly contributed to, highlighting its structure, key components, and alignment with project requirements.

• Non-Conformance Resolution Documentation: Present examples of how you identified, investigated, and resolved design non-conformances, including documentation of actions taken, costs incurred, and lessons learned for process improvement.

• Team Leadership & Resource Management: Demonstrate through project examples how you effectively programmed workloads, provided technical guidance, and managed engineering and drafting staff to meet project deadlines and quality standards.

• Interface Management Examples: Illustrate your experience in coordinating design interfaces with clients, vendors, sub-consultants, and statutory authorities, showing how you ensured seamless integration and communication.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your approach to designing and optimizing engineering workflows from initial concept through to detailed design, emphasizing efficiency and risk mitigation.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Explain your experience with implementing design processes and leveraging technology or automation tools to enhance design delivery and accuracy.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Describe how you measure the performance of design teams and processes, including the use of KPIs, quality metrics, and feedback mechanisms to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Engineering Design Manager role, a portfolio should clearly demonstrate leadership in process management, team oversight, and the ability to deliver complex engineering designs on time and within budget. Emphasis should be placed on documented successes in managing design quality, mitigating risks, and coordinating diverse stakeholder groups.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AU$130,000 - AU$180,000 per annum (Estimated)

Explanation for Estimate:

Based on industry benchmarks for Engineering Design Managers in Brisbane, Australia, with 2-5 years of specific management experience in the mineral processing sector. This range accounts for the responsibility of managing global projects and complex infrastructure. Research conducted using industry salary guides for engineering management roles in major Australian cities and specific data for the mining and resources sector.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Opportunities for flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Investment in your growth through training, workshops, and opportunities to enhance your technical and leadership skills.

• Career Growth Opportunities: Clear pathways for advancement within Sedgman, with potential to take on larger projects or more senior roles.

• Collaborative Work Environment: A supportive and social atmosphere that encourages teamwork, continuous improvement, and innovation.

• Safety Culture Focus: A strong emphasis on safety, with opportunities to contribute to and uphold a robust safety culture.

• Global Project Exposure: The chance to work on diverse and challenging projects across Australia and internationally.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for flexibility as indicated by benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range reflects the specialized nature of the role, the required experience, and the location in a major Australian city. The benefits package emphasizes professional growth and work-life integration, common in established engineering firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mining, Minerals Processing, Engineering, Construction, and Management (EPC/EPCM). Sedgman operates within the global resources sector, providing essential design and construction services.

Company Size: Sedgman is a wholly owned subsidiary of CIMIC Group Limited, a large, diversified construction and mining conglomerate. This implies Sedgman itself is a substantial organization with significant operational reach.

Founded: Sedgman Pty Limited was founded to provide specialized technical expertise in mineral processing. While the exact founding year is not provided, its established presence as a market leader suggests a history of successful project delivery and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Engineering Design Department: This role sits within the core engineering function, likely managing a team of engineers and drafting staff dedicated to specific projects or disciplines.

• Project-Based Teams: The Engineering Design Manager will work within project-specific teams, collaborating with project managers, discipline engineers, procurement, construction, and operations personnel.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close interaction with clients, sub-consultants, vendors, and internal management for resource planning and stakeholder alignment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using technical data, simulations, and calculations to inform design decisions and ensure adherence to industry standards.

• Process Optimization: Continuous focus on improving design workflows, efficiency, and quality through systematic review and implementation of best practices.

• Rigorous Quality Assurance: Strict adherence to Sedgman's Design Management Systems, including thorough documentation and NCR management.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encouraging teamwork and open communication to address technical challenges and design non-conformances effectively.

Company Website: https://www.sedgman.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Sedgman's affiliation with CIMIC Group suggests a professional, structured, and performance-oriented work environment. The company's specialization in mineral processing and global reach imply a culture that values technical expertise, project execution excellence, and a strong commitment to safety and client satisfaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level management position focused on the technical leadership and execution of engineering design within projects. It requires a solid engineering foundation coupled with proven management capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Engineering Design Manager likely reports to a senior engineering leader, such as a Chief Engineer, Head of Engineering, or a Project Director, depending on the organizational structure and project phase. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and drafters.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on project success by ensuring the technical integrity, feasibility, and constructability of mineral processing and infrastructure designs. Effective design management minimizes costly rework, delays, and safety incidents during construction and operation, directly influencing project profitability and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Engineering Leadership: Progression to roles such as Chief Engineer, Principal Engineer, or Head of Engineering, overseeing larger engineering departments or more complex programs.

• Project Director/Manager: Transition into broader project leadership roles, managing all aspects of large-scale projects from conception through to completion.

• Specialized Technical Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific areas of mineral processing or advanced engineering design, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to lead design efforts for international projects, gaining exposure to diverse regulatory environments and operational challenges.

• Operational Improvement Roles: Leverage design experience to contribute to broader operational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives within Sedgman.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear trajectory for individuals looking to advance from technical engineering into management and leadership within the resources and infrastructure sectors. The global nature of Sedgman's projects provides substantial opportunities for diverse experience and international career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Sedgman operates in a professional office environment in Brisbane, supporting a hybrid work model. This suggests a structured workplace with dedicated office spaces for collaboration and individual work, balanced with the flexibility to work remotely.

Office Location(s): Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. This location is a major hub for the resources and engineering sector in Australia, offering access to talent and industry networks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office is likely equipped with meeting rooms, project war rooms, and open areas conducive to brainstorming and team discussions, essential for design coordination.

• Technical Infrastructure: Access to high-performance computing, specialized design software, and potentially advanced visualization tools necessary for complex engineering tasks.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of engineers, project managers, and support staff, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work week, likely Monday to Friday, with the potential for flexible arrangements as outlined in the benefits. This flexibility allows for efficient management of design tasks and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect, allowing for focused individual work at home and collaborative, interactive sessions at the Brisbane office. This model is increasingly standard in professional services firms like Sedgman, aiming to balance productivity with employee well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application for essential qualifications and experience in mineral processing and design management.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your engineering background, design management methodologies, experience with specific project types (mineral processing, infrastructure), and technical problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing design teams and processes.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a case study from their portfolio, detailing a significant design project, their role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact on project outcomes. This is a critical step to assess practical application of skills.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential peers and senior management to assess your leadership style, collaboration skills, and alignment with Sedgman's values and culture.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior executive or department head to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final offer negotiation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state the scale, complexity, budget, and timeline. Use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Reduced design cycle time by 15%," "Managed a team of 10 engineers and 5 drafters," "Successfully resolved 25+ critical non-conformances").

• Structure Your Narrative: For case studies, follow a clear structure: Project Background -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Key Challenges -> Design Solutions & Processes Used -> Outcomes & Impact (including cost/schedule/quality benefits).

• Highlight Design Management: Focus on your leadership in planning, resource allocation, team coordination, interface management, and quality assurance. Show your ability to implement and manage Design Management Systems.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Clearly articulate how you identified and resolved design non-conformances, and what process improvements resulted.

• Tailor to Sedgman: Research Sedgman's recent projects and values. Frame your experience in a way that resonates with their specific needs and industry focus (mineral processing, global EPC/EPCM).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to design challenges, interface conflicts, or managing underperforming team members.

• Process Improvement Scenarios: Think about how you would improve a specific design process within Sedgman or address a common industry challenge.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've managed difficult stakeholders or navigated complex communication challenges.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about your leadership style, how you motivate teams, and handle conflict resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and case studies is crucial for engineering management roles. Candidates should prepare tangible examples that showcase their practical application of design management principles, leadership skills, and ability to deliver complex projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, or similar, depending on the specific engineering disciplines involved.

• 3D Modeling & Visualization Tools: Experience with software for 3D modeling, clash detection, and visualization (e.g., Navisworks, Bentley Systems software) is highly beneficial for complex infrastructure and processing plants.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools for project planning, scheduling, and tracking, such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar enterprise-level solutions.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms for managing engineering documents, drawings, and revisions (e.g., Aconex, SharePoint, or proprietary Sedgman systems).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret technical data, performance metrics, and non-conformance reports. While not a primary data analyst role, understanding data is key.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating reports on design progress, team performance, and non-conformance status for management and clients.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/Project Costing Systems: While not a direct CRM, understanding how design inputs affect project costs and resource management within an ERP system is valuable.

• Workflow Automation (Desirable): Familiarity with any tools or methodologies used to automate design review processes, document approvals, or data validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for an Engineering Design Manager is heavily oriented towards CAD, BIM, project management, and document control. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with these tools and how they leverage them to enhance design efficiency and quality.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value where the well-being of employees and the public is prioritized above all else. This translates to rigorous safety protocols in design and a culture of proactive hazard identification.

• Integrity & Honesty: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering designs that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methods to enhance design processes, project delivery, and operational efficiency.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common project goals.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, design decisions, and project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with project managers, discipline engineers, procurement, construction teams, and clients to ensure a cohesive and integrated project approach.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparency and open dialogue within the design team and with all project stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback: Promoting a culture where feedback on designs and processes is welcomed and used for improvement.

• Proactive Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders early and often to identify and resolve potential issues before they impact project timelines or budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sedgman's culture, as part of CIMIC Group, likely emphasizes a structured, professional, and safety-conscious approach. The values highlight a drive for high performance and ethical conduct, crucial in the high-stakes engineering and construction industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Design Teams: Coordinating diverse teams across different time zones, cultures, and regulatory environments, ensuring consistent quality and communication.

• Complex Technical Requirements: Delivering designs for highly specialized and large-scale mineral processing plants and infrastructure projects that have unique technical demands.

• Balancing Project Demands with Resource Availability: Effectively managing resource planning and allocation to meet fluctuating project needs while ensuring team well-being and preventing burnout.

• Ensuring Strict Compliance: Maintaining adherence to Sedgman's Design Management Systems, safety standards, and international engineering regulations across all projects.

• Resolving Design Non-Conformances: Proactively identifying, investigating, and resolving design issues that can impact project cost, schedule, and safety.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Engineering Design Techniques: Access to training and exposure to cutting-edge design methodologies, software, and technologies in mineral processing.

• Project Management Skills Enhancement: Opportunities to develop broader project management expertise through exposure to different project phases and leadership roles.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship to enhance leadership, team management, and strategic decision-making capabilities.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in engineering design and mineral processing.

• Exposure to Diverse Project Types: Gaining experience on a variety of mineral processing and infrastructure projects globally, broadening technical and operational knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to managing large-scale, international engineering projects. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement within a leading global contractor.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a Project Design Management Plan for a complex mineral processing project."

• "How do you ensure technical competence and performance within your engineering and drafting teams, and how do you provide guidance and feedback?"

• "Walk me through a time you had to resolve a significant design non-conformance. What was the process, what were the challenges, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you manage design interfaces between internal teams, clients, and external sub-consultants to ensure project alignment?"

• "Describe your experience with resource planning for design engineering teams and how you collaborate with management to secure necessary resources." Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Sedgman and our position in the mineral processing industry?"

• "How do you foster a strong safety culture within a design team?"

• "Describe a time you worked in a highly collaborative environment. What was your role, and what made it successful?"

• "How do you ensure your designs align with current industry standards and company specifications?"

• "What are your thoughts on continuous improvement and innovation in engineering design?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your design management leadership, technical problem-solving, and ability to deliver results in mineral processing or heavy industry.

• Quantify Everything: For each project, be ready to present metrics on team size managed, project scale, budget impact, schedule adherence, and quality improvements.

• Focus on Process & Methodology: Clearly explain your design management process, how you handled interfaces, managed risks, and resolved issues.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear beginning (challenge), middle (your actions/solutions), and end (results/impact).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical contributions, decision-making processes, and team management strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily focus on demonstrating practical experience in design management, leadership, and problem-solving within the specific context of mineral processing and large-scale projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit your CV and cover letter through the Sedgman careers portal by clicking "apply" now.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights your experience in mineral processing, engineering design management, team leadership, and any relevant global project experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather documentation and case studies that exemplify your design management skills, process adherence, and problem-solving capabilities. Be ready to discuss specific examples of project success and challenges.

• Research Sedgman: Understand their core business, recent projects, values, and their role within the CIMIC Group. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples (STAR method) and technical scenarios relevant to design management and mineral processing. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively.

⚠️ 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.