Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager
Company: Beca
Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (with potential for Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Defence Infrastructure Design Management
Date Posted: 2025-10-12
Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years inferred)
Remote Status: On-site (with potential for hybrid discussion)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams within the Defence sector, ensuring the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects.
• Uphold and guide the overall design intent and direction throughout the planning, design, and delivery phases of Defence Estate and Infrastructure initiatives.
• Oversee all design, design-related activities, and documentation, including reports, to meet stringent Defence project requirements and quality standards.
• Foster a collaborative and proactive team environment, acting as a role model for Beca's values and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Drive the development and implementation of robust Design Management Plans, ensuring alignment with project objectives, program requirements, and best practices in value management and safety in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for experienced design management professionals with a strong background in the Defence sector. The emphasis on "Defence Estate and Infrastructure projects" and the requirement for an Australian Government Security Clearance at Baseline level or higher strongly indicate a focus on government contracting and sensitive projects. The role involves significant stakeholder management, quality assurance, and adherence to rigorous project delivery frameworks. The inferred experience level of 5-10 years is based on the seniority of managing multidisciplinary teams and Defence projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as a technical lead and role model, championing Beca's collaborative culture within the Design team and across project stakeholders.
• Provide expert technical coordination and ensure the effective delivery of design solutions across all Defence design phases, from conceptualization to completion.
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive Design Management Plans, taking full ownership of their execution and ongoing management.
• Guarantee the quality of all design deliverables, ensuring they precisely meet end-user requirements, functional specifications, and the project brief.
• Proactively coordinate design inputs, manage the design program, oversee design deliverables, and facilitate project communications, including value management initiatives and Safety in Design processes.
• Create and manage a detailed Design Program, clearly outlining all necessary activities, tasks, and critical milestones to ensure timely and efficient project execution.
• Oversee the management of design subconsultants and specialist consultants, ensuring their contributions align with the overall project objectives and quality standards.
• Lead the development of winning bid submissions for Defence projects, contributing significantly to business development efforts.
• Ensure adherence to Australian Government security protocols and project-specific security requirements throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strategic planning, operational execution oversight, and strong leadership within a highly regulated environment. The emphasis on "Defence Estate and Infrastructure projects" implies a deep understanding of government procurement processes, security protocols, and project lifecycle management within the defence sector. The inclusion of "Safety in Design" and "Value Management" points to a comprehensive approach to project delivery that prioritizes risk mitigation and cost-effectiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related discipline.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience as a Design Manager within an engineering consultancy environment.
• Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary design teams, with a specific focus on Defence Estate and Infrastructure projects.
• Experience in leading the development of successful bid submissions for complex projects.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams for large-scale projects.
• Defence Sector Knowledge: In-depth understanding of Defence Estate and Infrastructure project requirements and standards.
• Australian Government Security Clearance: Possession of a current Baseline level or higher clearance, or the ability to obtain one (Australian Citizenship required).
• Communication Excellence: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to build strong internal and external relationships.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to reviewing design documents and ensuring accuracy.
• Problem-Solving: Tenacious attitude and ability to identify and resolve complex design challenges effectively.
• Quality Assurance: Commitment to ensuring the highest quality of design deliverables.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to foster teamwork and work effectively across diverse teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Relevant professional membership and accreditation/chartership with a recognized professional body (e.g., Engineers Australia).
• Experience in leading the development of winning bid submissions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an Australian Government Security Clearance is a critical gate for this role, underscoring the sensitive nature of Defence projects. The emphasis on "Defence Estate" indicates a need for familiarity with government infrastructure standards, procurement processes, and potentially specific Defence asset types. The preference for professional accreditation suggests a commitment to continuous professional development and industry best practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a history of successfully managing multidisciplinary design teams on Defence infrastructure projects.
• Provide detailed case studies demonstrating your approach to Design Management Plans, highlighting implementation and outcomes.
• Illustrate your ability to ensure the quality and compliance of design deliverables against stringent end-user and functional requirements.
• Present examples of how you have coordinated design inputs, managed design programs, and facilitated project communications to achieve project objectives.
• Include evidence of your involvement in Safety in Design initiatives and Value Management exercises, demonstrating a holistic approach to project delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing, implementing, and managing Design Management Plans, including their lifecycle from creation to ongoing oversight.
• Provide examples of your process for technical coordination and delivery of design solutions throughout various project phases.
• Showcase your methods for coordinating design inputs, programs, deliverables, and communications across complex project structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, particularly in Defence, a portfolio should clearly articulate a candidate's ability to manage complex processes, teams, and deliverables under strict regulatory and client requirements. The emphasis should be on demonstrable outcomes, quality assurance, and effective stakeholder communication within the defence infrastructure context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum (full-time equivalent)
• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior Design Managers in engineering consultancies in Australia, particularly those working on Defence projects. Factors considered include the specialized nature of Defence work, the requirement for security clearances, the seniority of managing multidisciplinary teams, and the cost of living in major Australian cities like Adelaide and Brisbane. Salary data from reputable Australian recruitment agencies and industry surveys for similar roles were referenced.

Benefits:

• Flexibility & Wellbeing: Access to flexible working options to support work-life balance, alongside dedicated leave for personal wellbeing and community engagement.
• Belonging & Ownership: Inclusion in a diverse and inclusive team environment that fosters collaboration and creativity. Opportunity to benefit from unique shareholder opportunities, sharing in the company's collective success.
• Parental Leave: Up to 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave, inclusive of all genders, to support significant life events.
• Career Growth & Development: Comprehensive continuous learning programs, support for professional accreditation and pathways to Chartership (e.g., with Engineers Australia), and opportunities to work alongside industry leaders.
• Employee Ownership: Beca is an employee-owned company, offering potential for profit sharing and a vested interest in the company's success.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.
• Discussions around flexible working arrangements are encouraged to accommodate personal and family priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation given no explicit figures were provided. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and highlight Beca's commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development, and a strong company culture driven by employee ownership.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services Consulting (Engineering, Architecture, Defence Infrastructure)
Company Size: Over 4000 employees across the Asia-Pacific region.
Founded: Beca is a well-established consultancy with a long history, fostering a culture of expertise and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Advisory team is a key division within Beca, focusing on client partnerships and delivering innovative solutions.
• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Defence sector group, potentially reporting to a Practice Lead or Director within the Advisory team.
• This role requires extensive collaboration with internal design teams, subconsultants, specialist consultants, and client representatives within the Defence organization.

Methodology:

• Beca emphasizes a proactive, collaborative, and client-centric approach, aiming to "Make Everyday Better" through resourceful and smart solutions.
• The company values partnership, tenacity, enjoyment, and care, which are integrated into daily operations and decision-making.
• Data-driven insights and a focus on efficiency are implied through the nature of engineering consultancy and project management.

Company Website: www.beca.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's description as an employee-owned consultancy with a vision to "Creative people together transforming our world" suggests a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and shared success. The specific emphasis on the Advisory team and Defence sector indicates a specialized focus within the broader organization, requiring professionals who can navigate complex, often government-led, projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management/Lead Role. This position is for an experienced professional capable of leading complex technical projects and managing teams, directly impacting project outcomes and client satisfaction within the Defence sector.
Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Defence Advisory team, such as a Director or Practice Lead. They will, in turn, manage and guide a team of design professionals, subconsultants, and specialist consultants.
Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct and significant impact on the successful planning, cost-effectiveness, quality, and timely delivery of critical Defence infrastructure projects. Their expertise ensures that Beca meets its contractual obligations and client expectations, thereby contributing to the company's reputation and revenue generation within the Defence sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles within the Defence sector, managing larger programs or business units.
• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific Defence infrastructure domains or advanced design management methodologies.
• Mentorship: Chance to mentor junior designers and engineers, contributing to the development of future talent within Beca.
• Professional Accreditation: Continued support for professional development, including pathways to Chartership with relevant professional bodies.
• Client Relationship Management: Develop and strengthen key client relationships within the Australian Defence Force and related government bodies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a critical leadership function. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding leadership scope, deepening technical specialization within the Defence context, and contributing to Beca's strategic objectives in the government sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role within Beca's professional office environments in Adelaide and potentially Brisbane. The company culture promotes collaboration within these spaces.
Office Location(s): Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Workspace Context:

• A professional office setting designed to facilitate collaboration among design teams, project managers, and client representatives.
• Access to standard office technology, design software, and IT infrastructure necessary for project execution.
• Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of engineering and design professionals, fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected.
• Beca offers flexibility in working arrangements, encouraging discussions to balance personal and professional commitments, which can support the demands of managing complex design programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While primarily on-site, Beca's emphasis on flexible working indicates a willingness to discuss arrangements that accommodate individual needs, a valuable consideration for senior professionals managing demanding roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, focusing on Defence sector experience, Design Management qualifications, and security clearance status.
• Technical Interview: Discussion with senior members of the Defence Advisory team to assess technical expertise, project management methodologies, and understanding of Defence infrastructure requirements. Expect questions on managing multidisciplinary teams, design program development, and quality assurance.
• Case Study Presentation/Discussion: Potential for a scenario-based question or a request to present a relevant project from your portfolio that demonstrates your leadership in design management, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement within a complex project environment.
• Cultural Fit & Values Alignment: An interview to assess alignment with Beca's values (partnership, tenacity, enjoyment, care) and their vision to "Make Everyday Better."
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, long-term contribution, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Defence Focus: Prioritize projects within the Defence sector, clearly outlining your role as Design Manager and the scope of your responsibilities.
• Process & Methodology: Detail your approach to Design Management Plans, risk management (especially Safety in Design), and quality assurance processes. Use flowcharts or diagrams where appropriate.
• Team Management: Showcase examples of how you have led, coordinated, and motivated multidisciplinary teams, including subconsultants and specialists.
• Problem-Solving & Results: Present specific challenges encountered and how you resolved them, quantifying the impact of your solutions (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, quality enhancements).
• Communication & Collaboration: Provide evidence of effective stakeholder engagement, client communication, and cross-functional collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a Design Management Plan for a hypothetical Defence infrastructure project.
• Anticipate questions about managing competing priorities, resolving design conflicts, and ensuring compliance with stringent Defence standards.
• Practice articulating your leadership style and how you foster collaboration and accountability within a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the Defence context and the seniority of the role, expect a rigorous interview process that heavily scrutinizes practical experience, process adherence, and leadership capabilities. A well-curated portfolio is essential for demonstrating these competencies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in standard project management tools for scheduling, task tracking, and resource allocation (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).
• Design & Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms that facilitate multidisciplinary team collaboration and document management (e.g., BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud, SharePoint).
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, controlling, and distributing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret project progress reports, design status reports, and quality assurance metrics.
• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Client Relationship Management): While not a primary sales role, understanding client relationship management principles is beneficial for client engagement.
• Automation: Awareness of how automation can streamline design processes, document control, and reporting may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools will depend on Beca's internal systems, but a strong foundation in project management, collaboration, and document management software is critical for a Design Manager. Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) is highly probable given the nature of Defence infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Partnership: Emphasizes building strong, collaborative relationships with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Tenacity: Encourages perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving project goals with a "can-do" attitude.
• Enjoyment: Fosters a positive work environment where team members can find satisfaction and engagement in their work.
• Care: Promotes a culture of looking after each other, clients, and the communities in which Beca operates, including a focus on wellbeing and safety.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing across disciplines and teams.
• Proactive engagement with clients and stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.
• A focus on collective problem-solving and shared responsibility for project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's values are central to their identity as an employee-owned firm. Candidates should demonstrate how their work style embodies these principles, particularly in the context of managing demanding Defence projects where collaboration and strong partnerships are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Defence Procurement & Regulations: Understanding and complying with the specific, often complex, procurement processes and regulatory requirements of the Australian Defence Force.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and expectations of various Defence stakeholders, internal teams, and external consultants.
• Ensuring Design Quality & Safety: Maintaining exceptionally high standards for design quality and safety in a high-stakes environment where errors can have significant consequences.
• Team Management Across Multiple Disciplines: Effectively leading and integrating design efforts from various engineering and architectural disciplines, often with differing methodologies and priorities.
• Adapting to Evolving Defence Requirements: Staying abreast of changing Defence strategies, technological advancements, and infrastructure needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Defence Training: Access to training programs focused on Defence infrastructure standards, security protocols, and project delivery frameworks.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to enhance leadership and people management skills through Beca's internal programs and potentially external courses.
• Industry Engagement: Participation in industry events, conferences, and forums related to Defence infrastructure and engineering consulting.
• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders or to mentor emerging talent within Beca.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working within the Defence sector and managing large-scale infrastructure projects. Beca's commitment to growth and development suggests a supportive environment for professionals looking to expand their expertise in these areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex multidisciplinary design team on a Defence infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on team dynamics, problem-solving, and process management).
• "How would you develop and implement a Design Management Plan for a new Defence facility, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and quality standards are met?" (Focus on strategic planning, process documentation, and stakeholder engagement).
• "Walk me through your approach to Safety in Design and Value Management within a project lifecycle. Provide specific examples of how you've influenced positive outcomes." (Focus on risk mitigation and cost-effectiveness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody Beca's values of Partnership, Tenacity, Enjoyment, and Care in your professional life?" (Prepare examples that link your experience to these values).
• "What interests you about working within the Defence sector and for Beca specifically?" (Research Beca's Defence projects and culture).
• "How do you approach collaboration with diverse teams, including subconsultants and client representatives?" (Highlight your communication and interpersonal skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly stating the project type, your role (Design Manager), key responsibilities, and significant achievements.
• Quantify Impact: For each project, highlight quantifiable results – e.g., percentage of budget saved, schedule improvements, reduction in design errors, successful stakeholder sign-offs.
• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design management process, including how you developed and managed the Design Management Plan, coordinated teams, and ensured quality.
• Defence Relevance: Emphasize aspects of your projects that are most relevant to Defence infrastructure, such as security considerations, specific building codes, or operational requirements.
• Preparedness: Be ready to discuss any project in detail, including challenges, solutions, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating practical experience, strategic thinking, and alignment with Beca's operational values, particularly within the demanding context of Defence projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Beca careers portal at [insert URL if different from org_url].
• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your experience managing multidisciplinary design teams on Defence Estate and Infrastructure projects. Include detailed case studies showcasing your Design Management Plans, quality assurance processes, and problem-solving abilities.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Design Manager," "Defence," "Infrastructure," "Multidisciplinary Teams," "Project Management," "Security Clearance," and "Quality Assurance." Quantify achievements with specific metrics where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare concise answers for strategy questions related to Defence project management and team leadership.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Beca's Defence sector projects, company culture, and values. Understand their vision ("Creative people together transforming our world") and how your contributions can align with it.

⚠️ 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.