Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Fyfe (formerly Middleton Group)

Location: Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Renewable Energy Design

Date Posted: 2026-02-24

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of complex renewable energy design projects, leveraging engineering excellence and innovative solutions.

• Drive business development initiatives, cultivate client relationships, and identify new project opportunities to foster strategic growth within the renewable energy sector.

• Oversee commercial responsibility for major projects, ensuring they are accurately budgeted, adequately resourced, and completed within scheduled timeframes.

• Provide strong technical and people leadership, mentoring a multi-disciplinary team of engineering professionals to achieve project and organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within Fyfe's renewable energy division, emphasizing a blend of technical expertise, commercial acumen, and strategic business development. The integration of Middleton Group into Fyfe suggests an expansion of capabilities and market reach, requiring a Design Manager who can navigate and contribute to this growth. The emphasis on "data centres" within renewable energy projects indicates a specialized focus area for this role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the identification and pursuit of new project opportunities within existing client portfolios and by engaging new clients in the renewable energy sector.

• Ensure all assigned projects are meticulously budgeted, adequately resourced, and delivered within agreed-upon scheduled timeframes, with a focus on scope, quality, and cost control.

• Provide effective leadership, mentorship, and development for a multi-disciplinary team of engineering professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

• Actively participate in and drive the preparation of compelling tender responses and project proposals, ensuring alignment with client requirements and Fyfe's strategic objectives.

• Prepare and present comprehensive monthly reports detailing project performance against budgets, key milestones, risks, and resource allocation to senior management.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and internal stakeholders, proactively managing relationships to enhance Fyfe's presence and market position within the renewables sector.

• Contribute to the strategic growth of the renewable energy sector for Fyfe, identifying market trends and developing new service offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a dual focus on project execution and business growth. The emphasis on "commercial responsibility" and "strategic growth" suggests this role has significant P&L accountability and is expected to be a key driver of revenue for the renewable energy division.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to project management and design leadership within a design consultancy environment.

• Demonstrated success in delivering major renewable energy projects, with a specific emphasis on data centre projects being highly desirable.

• Proven track record in business development, client acquisition, and cultivating strong, lasting client relationships within the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Required Skills:

• Business Development: Proven ability to identify, pursue, and secure new project opportunities and clients.

• Client Management: Strong skills in building and maintaining productive relationships with key clients and stakeholders.

• Project Delivery: Extensive experience in managing the full lifecycle of engineering design projects, from conception to completion, within a consultancy context.

• Commercial Acumen: Ability to manage project budgets, understand financial performance, and contribute to commercial strategy.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Experience in leading, motivating, and developing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

• Technical Expertise: Solid understanding of engineering principles relevant to renewable energy systems, with a preference for Civil, Electrical, or Structural backgrounds.

• Proposal & Tender Management: Proficiency in preparing and presenting winning bids and proposals.

• Analytical & Reporting Skills: Strong capability in analyzing project data, financial reports, and technical information, with excellent report writing skills.

Preferred Skills:

• CAD Experience: Proficiency or familiarity with CAD software for design visualization and review.

• Network of Client Relationships: Pre-existing relationships within the Australian renewable energy or data centre sectors.

• Strategic Planning: Ability to contribute to the long-term strategic vision and growth of the renewable energy business unit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "network of client relationships" and "demonstrated success in business development and acquisition of clients" indicates that this role is heavily focused on revenue generation and market expansion, not just project execution. The specific mention of "data centres" suggests a specialized technical requirement or market focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase successful delivery of complex renewable energy projects, highlighting your role in technical oversight, budget management, and schedule adherence. Include at least one case study specifically detailing experience with data centre projects if available.

• Business Development & Client Acquisition Examples: Provide evidence of successful client engagement, new business generation, and relationship management strategies that resulted in secured projects.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring Examples: Document instances where you have led, mentored, and developed engineering teams, including examples of performance improvement initiatives or team development programs.

• Commercial & Financial Management: Illustrate your ability to manage project budgets, track financial performance, and report on project profitability. Include examples of budgeting and resourcing plans.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate your understanding of designing and optimizing engineering workflows for efficiency, quality, and timely project delivery within a consultancy setting.

• Risk Management Protocols: Present your approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks, including those related to technical challenges, budget overruns, and client satisfaction.

• Stakeholder Communication Frameworks: Detail your methods for effective communication and interface management with clients, internal teams, and other project stakeholders to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role like Design Manager, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate strategic thinking, commercial impact, and leadership. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable achievements and demonstrable process improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Conditions: Contemporary and inclusive work environment.

• Employee Referral Program: Opportunity to earn up to $5,000 for successful referrals.

• Diverse Role: Engagement in a variety of responsibilities and projects, offering broad professional exposure.

• Inclusive Culture: Access to a social, collaborative team environment with regular social and networking events.

• Professional Development: Competitive remuneration package with financial support for continuous professional growth and learning.

• Exclusive Discounts: Access to discounts at over 470 retailers covering banking, accommodation, cars, and general retail.

• Salary Sacrificing Options: Opportunities for salary packaging on motor vehicles, portable devices, and e-bikes, providing tax advantages.

• Additional Leave: Option to purchase an additional 6 weeks of paid leave annually.

Working Hours:

• The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week, typical for full-time professional positions in Australia. While on-site presence is expected, the company culture promotes flexible and contemporary working conditions, allowing for a degree of adaptability within the operational framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on Australian market data for senior engineering management roles with business development responsibilities. The benefits package is comprehensive and includes several attractive lifestyle and financial advantages, particularly the salary sacrificing options and additional leave.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Environment, Planning, and Survey Services, with a strong focus on Energy & Resources, Renewables, Infrastructure, and Property sectors. Fyfe's acquisition of Middleton Group specifically enhances their capabilities in power and energy challenges.

Company Size: Fyfe is a significant national firm with 16 offices across Australia, indicating a substantial employee base and a broad operational footprint. This size allows for both depth of expertise and national reach.

Founded: While Fyfe's founding date isn't specified, Middleton Group joined Fyfe on September 1, 2025, signifying a recent integration aimed at strengthening their market position. The company values innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of engineers and designers within the renewable energy division, potentially comprising specialists in electrical, civil, and structural engineering.

• Reporting will be to senior management within the renewable energy business unit or a broader operations/technical director, with close collaboration expected with business development and project management teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data and technical analysis to inform project decisions, identify opportunities, and report on performance.

• Collaborative Project Planning: A focus on teamwork and shared ownership in planning and executing projects, leveraging the collective expertise of the team and broader organization.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouragement of proactive approaches to complex engineering challenges, fostering an environment where innovative solutions are sought and implemented.

Company Website: [Fyfe Website URL - e.g., fyfe.com.au - this would be inserted here if available and confirmed.]

📝 Enhancement Note: The integration of Middleton Group into Fyfe suggests a dynamic and growing organization. The company culture emphasizes collaboration, client focus, and a commitment to a sustainable energy future, which are key selling points for operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level management position, typically associated with a "Principal," "Director," or "Senior Manager" designation within an operations or technical division. It requires significant autonomy, strategic input, and accountability for both technical delivery and commercial outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive, likely a General Manager, Director of Operations, or Head of Renewable Energy. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and designers. This structure provides exposure to executive leadership and the opportunity to influence strategic direction.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in driving revenue growth and ensuring the successful execution of projects that are fundamental to Fyfe's strategic objectives in the renewable energy sector. Their work directly impacts client satisfaction, profitability, and the company's reputation for engineering excellence, particularly in specialized areas like data centres.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into broader leadership roles, such as General Manager of a business unit, National Technical Director, or executive positions within Fyfe.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in niche areas like renewable energy infrastructure or data centre design and management, becoming a recognized thought leader.

• Business Unit Expansion: Lead the expansion and development of Fyfe's renewable energy service offerings, potentially managing larger teams and a more extensive project portfolio.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop strong mentoring skills and contribute to the professional development programs for emerging engineers within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in a firm like Fyfe is typically one of increasing responsibility, both in terms of team size, project scope, and commercial oversight. The acquisition of Middleton Group signals growth, which often translates to new opportunities for ambitious leaders.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, requiring a presence in one of Fyfe's offices, likely Melbourne or Sydney, given the job posting. This environment fosters direct collaboration, team cohesion, and accessibility to project resources.

Office Location(s): The primary locations mentioned are Melbourne and Sydney, both major Australian cities offering extensive infrastructure and access to key clients and industry networks within the renewable energy sector.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a central point for team meetings, client consultations, and cross-functional project discussions, promoting a dynamic and interactive work atmosphere.

• Technology & Tools: Access to modern office facilities, engineering software, and communication tools necessary for design, project management, and client engagement.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with direct reports, peers, and senior management, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week provides a structured framework, but the emphasis on "flexible and contemporary working conditions" suggests that Fyfe supports a results-oriented approach, potentially allowing for some flexibility in managing personal schedules around project deadlines and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is typical for leadership roles that necessitate direct team management and client interaction. However, the company's stated commitment to "flexible and contemporary working conditions" indicates a potentially modern approach to work-life balance within an office-based structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in renewable energy design, project delivery, and business development.

• Competency-Based Interview: Likely to involve behavioral questions assessing your leadership style, problem-solving capabilities, client management skills, and experience in managing complex projects and teams. Expect questions related to your approach to budgeting, resourcing, and risk management.

• Technical & Commercial Discussion: A deeper dive into your technical expertise in renewable energy design (especially data centres) and your track record in business development, client acquisition, and commercial responsibility. This may involve case studies or scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, demonstrating your achievements in project delivery, business growth, and team leadership. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your impact.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership, focusing on cultural fit, strategic alignment with Fyfe's vision, and your long-term career aspirations within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule improvements, client satisfaction metrics, revenue generated).

• Highlight Business Development Success: Dedicate specific sections or case studies to demonstrate your ability to win new business, grow client accounts, and contribute to strategic growth.

• Showcase Leadership Impact: Provide examples of how you have led and developed teams, fostered a positive work environment, and driven performance improvements.

• Tailor to Renewables & Data Centres: Emphasize projects and experience directly relevant to the renewable energy sector and, if applicable, data centre design and delivery.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically (e.g., by project type, by responsibility area) with clear summaries and visually appealing presentations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing challenging project scenarios, such as budget constraints, scope creep, or difficult client negotiations.

• Consider how you would address a hypothetical scenario related to expanding Fyfe's market share in a specific renewable energy niche or improving the efficiency of the design process.

• Practice articulating your business development strategy and how you would leverage your network to secure new projects for Fyfe.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that clearly demonstrate their impact in project delivery, business development, and team leadership, with a specific focus on the renewable energy sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience using tools for team communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom).

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM platforms for managing client relationships, tracking leads, and supporting business development efforts (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial & Budgeting Tools: Ability to utilize spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel) and potentially specialized financial software for project budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or interpreting performance dashboards for project status, financial health, and business development metrics.

Design & Engineering Software:

• CAD Software: While preferred, familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) is beneficial for understanding design outputs and potentially contributing to design reviews.

• Engineering Design Software: Awareness of specialized software used in electrical, civil, and structural engineering for renewable energy projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a Design Manager at this level is expected to be proficient with a range of project management, financial, and collaboration tools. Familiarity with CRM and CAD software is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Valuing the contributions of colleagues and clients, fostering an inclusive environment.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all business dealings and project execution.

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

• Responsiveness: Prompt and effective communication and action in addressing client needs and project challenges.

• Passion: Demonstrating commitment and enthusiasm for engineering excellence and creating a sustainable energy future.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with various departments (e.g., planning, environment, survey, business development) to ensure integrated project delivery and client service.

• Open Communication: Promoting an environment where ideas, concerns, and feedback can be shared openly and constructively, supported by an "open-door policy."

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of expertise and lessons learned across the organization's 16 national offices to foster continuous improvement and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fyfe's stated values (Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Responsiveness, Passion) are core to its operational ethos. The "open-door policy" and emphasis on knowledge sharing across national offices highlight a culture that values collaboration and accessibility.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integration of Services: Effectively leveraging the combined capabilities of Fyfe and Middleton Group to offer seamless, integrated solutions to clients in the renewable energy sector.

• Market Competition: Navigating a competitive landscape for renewable energy projects, particularly in specialized areas like data centres, requiring a strong business development strategy.

• Resource Management: Balancing project demands with resource availability, ensuring optimal allocation of a multi-disciplinary team across various projects.

• Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in renewable energy technologies and design methodologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to formal training and mentorship designed to enhance management and strategic leadership skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events, conferences, and workshops to stay abreast of market trends and engage with peers.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working with Fyfe's diverse teams in environment, planning, and survey, potentially leading to broader career paths.

• Mentorship Support: Transitioning into the role will be supported by mentoring, providing guidance on Fyfe's specific processes, culture, and strategic priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a growing firm within a dynamic industry. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to advance into executive leadership or deepen specialized technical and commercial expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to identifying and securing new business opportunities in the renewable energy sector. How would you leverage your network to benefit Fyfe?"

• "Walk us through your process for managing the commercial aspects of a major renewable energy project from bid stage to completion. How do you ensure profitability and manage financial risks?"

• "How do you lead and motivate a multi-disciplinary engineering team to achieve ambitious project goals, especially under tight deadlines?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Fyfe's recent integration with Middleton Group, and how do you see this synergy benefiting our clients and our renewable energy business?"

• "How do you align with Fyfe's core values of Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Responsiveness, and Passion in your daily work and leadership style?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your career, then present 2-3 key projects that best showcase your capabilities in design management, business development, and team leadership within the renewable energy sector.

• Data-Driven Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific contribution, and the measurable results (e.g., revenue secured, cost savings, efficiency gains, client retention).

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your work has directly contributed to client success and business growth for previous employers.

• Relevance: Ensure your selected projects directly align with the requirements of this Design Manager role, particularly any experience with data centres.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical competence, commercial leadership, and strong business development acumen. Be ready to provide specific examples that align with Fyfe's values and strategic objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided "APPLY FOR THIS JOB" button on the careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your most relevant experience in renewable energy design management, business development, and client relationship management. Prepare your portfolio with specific case studies that demonstrate your impact and achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, specific engineering discipline, project delivery successes, business development wins, and leadership roles. Utilize keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "Renewable Energy," "Business Development," "Client Management," and "Project Delivery."

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering competency-based and scenario-based interview questions, focusing on providing STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples. Prepare your portfolio presentation to be clear, concise, and impactful.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Fyfe and the renewable energy sector in Australia. Understand their mission, values, recent projects, and strategic goals. Consider how your experience aligns with their vision for the future.

⚠️ 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.