Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Mace

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Project Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-16

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years assumed)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and shape the design strategy, planning, and execution for a complex, large-scale infrastructure program in Sydney, ensuring alignment with time, quality, and budget objectives.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary internal and external design teams, ensuring clear deliverables and efficient resource allocation to drive project success.

• Oversee key operational aspects including consultant appointments, senior stakeholder engagement, and fostering strong client relationships across all project workstreams.

• Champion robust design governance, performance reporting, and continuous process improvement initiatives to maintain high standards and operational excellence.

• Drive best practices, training, and net-zero carbon principles throughout the project lifecycle, contributing to sustainable and efficient project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description focuses on "Design Manager" within the construction/infrastructure sector. To align with Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM roles, I've interpreted the core responsibilities through an operational lens. This involves translating design strategy into project execution, managing teams and stakeholders as operational functions, and emphasizing process improvement and governance as key operational drivers. The "aviation programme experience" requirement is noted but not directly translated into operations-specific skills, as it's a domain-specific requirement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and refine project design strategy, encompassing planning, execution, and delivery phases to achieve strategic objectives within defined time, quality, and budget constraints.

• Lead, mentor, and coordinate internal and external design teams, ensuring clear scope definition, effective resource allocation, and seamless collaboration to meet project milestones.

• Manage the end-to-end process of consultant appointments, from procurement to performance management, and cultivate strong relationships with senior stakeholders and the client.

• Implement and oversee design governance frameworks, establish performance reporting mechanisms, and drive continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and project outcomes.

• Manage day-to-day design operations, including risk assessment, issue resolution, and actively support business development activities to secure future project opportunities.

• Champion and embed best practices, professional training programs, and net-zero carbon principles across all project activities, aligning with Mace's corporate values and sustainability goals.

• Ensure client-side assurance and manage engineering frameworks during the construction phase, maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.

• Lead the delivery of EM (Engineering & Manufacturing / Enabling Works) services and sophisticated execution planning, integrating technical requirements with project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to highlight operational management aspects such as resource allocation, performance reporting, process improvement, and client relationship management, which are critical in operations roles. The specific mention of "EM services" and "aviation programme experience" are retained as domain-specific requirements but framed within a broader operational context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, project management, or a similar leadership role within the construction, infrastructure, or engineering sectors.

Required Skills:

• Design Strategy & Planning: Ability to develop and articulate comprehensive design strategies that align with project objectives and operational requirements.

• Project Delivery Management: Expertise in managing project lifecycles, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery of design elements and construction phases.

• Team Leadership & Coordination: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate diverse internal and external teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent skills in managing relationships with senior stakeholders, clients, and consultants, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Design Governance & Process Improvement: Experience in establishing and maintaining design governance frameworks, driving continuous improvement in design processes, and performance reporting.

• Operations Management: Sound understanding of day-to-day operational management, including risk mitigation, resource allocation, and process optimization.

• Net-Zero Carbon Principles: Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of sustainable design practices and net-zero carbon principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Aviation Programme Experience: Specific experience managing large-scale aviation infrastructure projects is highly advantageous.

• Client-Side Assurance Expertise: Experience in managing client-side assurance processes, particularly during construction phases.

• EM Services Delivery: Proven ability to lead the delivery of EM services and complex execution planning.

• Business Development Acumen: Aptitude for supporting business development initiatives and contributing to organizational growth.

• Advanced Technical Design Guidance: Experience in guiding multidisciplinary technical design teams through complex challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section has been structured to emphasize operational competencies such as project delivery management, stakeholder engagement, and operations management, while also incorporating the specific technical requirements like aviation program experience. The experience level is inferred based on the typical responsibilities of a Design Manager overseeing large-scale projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant infrastructure or complex program projects managed, detailing your role in shaping design strategy, managing teams, and ensuring successful delivery against key performance indicators (KPIs) like time, quality, and budget.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Include examples of implemented process improvements within design management or project delivery workflows, highlighting the specific problem, your solution, and quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, improved quality).

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Demonstrate your approach to managing complex stakeholder relationships, including examples of successful client engagement, consultant coordination, and conflict resolution.

• Governance & Reporting Documentation: Provide brief examples or descriptions of design governance frameworks you have implemented or contributed to, along with sample performance reports or dashboards used to track project progress and operational metrics.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of how you have documented, analyzed, and optimized design workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and ensure compliance with project standards.

• System Implementation & Integration: Evidence of experience with project management information systems (PMIS), design collaboration platforms, or other relevant technologies used to manage design processes and data.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Illustrate your approach to measuring the effectiveness of design processes and outcomes, including the use of metrics, data analysis, and feedback loops for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the "Design Manager" role into operations-centric portfolio requirements. It focuses on demonstrating project delivery capabilities, process optimization, stakeholder management, and the strategic use of systems, which are core to operations roles. The emphasis is on quantifiable results and demonstrable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: As outlined above, reflecting the seniority and demands of the role.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution to a superannuation fund, compliant with Australian regulations.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and pursuing relevant certifications, aligning with Mace's commitment to employee growth.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holiday entitlements.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Potential for Flexible Working: While the role is primarily on-site, Mace may offer flexibility in working arrangements where operationally feasible.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the nature of large-scale project management, some flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and critical operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on Sydney market data for similar roles and experience levels, considering the industry and company size. Benefits are standardized for senior roles in Australia, with a focus on professional development and well-being relevant to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure Consulting, Project Management, Real Estate. Mace operates globally, providing strategic advice and delivery expertise across a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, real estate, and energy.

Company Size: Mace is a large global company with over 6,000 employees worldwide, indicating a robust organizational structure and extensive resources.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990, giving it over three decades of experience and a well-established reputation in delivering complex projects.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role operates within a project-specific team structure, likely reporting to a Program Director or Senior Project Manager, with direct management of internal and external design teams.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with various departments including engineering, procurement, construction, finance, legal, and client representatives to ensure integrated project delivery.

• Global Network: As part of a global organization, there are opportunities to leverage expertise and best practices from other Mace offices and project teams worldwide.

Methodology:

• Delivery Excellence: Mace emphasizes a commitment to delivering projects to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency, often employing structured project management methodologies.

• Consultative Approach: The company's core strength lies in its consulting expertise, meaning a focus on strategic planning, problem-solving, and client advisory services.

• Sustainability & Innovation: A strong emphasis on net-zero carbon principles and continuous improvement suggests a culture that values innovation, sustainability, and forward-thinking solutions.

Company Website: https://careers.macegroup.com/gb/en

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides context about Mace as a global leader in construction and consulting, highlighting its experience, scale, and commitment to values. The team structure and methodology are framed to emphasize the operational aspects of managing large projects and collaborating across functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step in a career focused on project delivery and operational management within the construction and infrastructure sector. It signifies a transition from managing specific design disciplines to overseeing the entire design strategy and its integration into broader program delivery. This level demands strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex operational workflows.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Program Director or a senior executive responsible for the overall project delivery. They will, in turn, manage and lead teams of Design Coordinators, Architects, Engineers, and other design professionals, as well as external consultants.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the project's operational success. Their ability to shape design strategy directly impacts project timelines, budget adherence, quality outcomes, and the overall constructability of the infrastructure. Effective design management minimizes costly changes during construction and ensures the final product meets client and community needs, significantly contributing to Mace's reputation and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership Roles: Progression to roles such as Head of Design, Program Director, or other senior project management positions responsible for larger, more complex programs.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, BIM management, or particular infrastructure sectors (e.g., aviation, transport).

• Consulting & Advisory: Moving into strategic consulting roles within Mace, advising clients on design strategy and project delivery best practices.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to take on international assignments and contribute to Mace's global project portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Design Manager role within an operational career path, detailing its impact, reporting structure, and potential growth trajectories. It emphasizes how operational excellence in design directly contributes to business success and offers pathways for career advancement within the company and industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Sydney, Australia, likely within a project office or a Mace corporate office that supports project operations. This environment is expected to be dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting the nature of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, with specific office details typically provided upon engagement or during the interview process. The project itself is a large-scale infrastructure program within the Sydney region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will likely foster collaboration among the project team, including designers, engineers, project managers, and client representatives. Expect a mix of individual work areas and meeting spaces for design reviews and stakeholder discussions.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to advanced design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be essential for effective design management and operational coordination.

• Field Integration: Depending on project phase, there may be a need for site visits to the construction location to oversee design implementation and address site-specific challenges, requiring adaptability in work environment.

Work Schedule: While the standard working hours are Monday to Friday, the nature of managing large infrastructure projects often requires flexibility. This may include occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines, respond to urgent issues, or attend key stakeholder meetings. The emphasis is on achieving project objectives through efficient operational management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section describes the work environment from an operational perspective, highlighting the collaborative nature, technological support, and the dynamic pace typical of large projects. It also addresses the potential need for site integration and schedule flexibility, which are common in operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume by a recruiter to assess alignment with core requirements, particularly experience in large-scale project management and design leadership.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Program Director or Head of Design) focusing on your experience, leadership style, strategic approach to design management, and understanding of operational delivery. Be prepared to discuss your approach to team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: You may be asked to present a portfolio review or discuss specific case studies from your past projects. This could involve a presentation on how you managed a complex design challenge, improved a design process, or navigated stakeholder conflicts. Focus on demonstrating your operational impact and strategic thinking.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential team members or other key stakeholders to assess cultural alignment with Mace's values (Safety, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) and your ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion for any remaining questions and the potential extension of an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing large-scale infrastructure design, your leadership capabilities, and your impact on operational outcomes (time, budget, quality).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, the strategies you employed, and the measurable results achieved. Use data and metrics whenever possible to showcase your operational effectiveness and ROI.

• Process Focus: Highlight your approach to design governance, process improvement, stakeholder management, and team coordination. Explain how you ensure efficiency and quality in the design lifecycle.

• Mace Alignment: Be prepared to discuss how your experience and approach align with Mace's values and their commitment to net-zero carbon principles and delivering high-quality projects.

• Concise Presentation: Structure your presentation clearly and concisely, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your experience. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your decision-making process and operational strategies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Problem Solving: Anticipate questions related to managing project risks, resolving design conflicts, optimizing workflows, or handling challenging stakeholder situations. Prepare specific examples from your experience.

• Mace Values Integration: Think about how you embody Mace's core values in your professional practice and how you would apply them in this role.

• Net-Zero Carbon: Be ready to discuss your understanding of and experience with sustainable design principles and net-zero carbon initiatives in large projects.

• Aviation Sector Knowledge: If you have aviation experience, be prepared to discuss specific challenges and best practices relevant to this domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides detailed, tactical advice for preparing for the interview process, with a strong emphasis on showcasing operational capabilities, portfolio management, and alignment with Mace's values, which are crucial for success in operations-focused roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Oracle Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Aconex) for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Experience using tools like BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar platforms for integrated design workflows, document management, and clash detection.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with enterprise-level document control systems for managing project documentation, revisions, and approvals.

• Communication & Collaboration Tools: Expertise in platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time team communication, virtual meetings, and knowledge sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Dashboards: Experience in utilizing or contributing to the development of dashboards for tracking key project metrics and operational KPIs (e.g., schedule adherence, budget variance, design review cycles).

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating comprehensive reports on design progress, risks, and stakeholder engagement using tools like Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, or specialized reporting modules within PMIS.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Limited Applicability): While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design impacts client relationships and potential business development is key. Familiarity with client management principles is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation (Conceptual): Awareness of how automation can streamline design review processes, approval workflows, and data dissemination, even if direct tool experience is not required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are interpreted through an operational lens, focusing on project management, collaboration, documentation, and reporting tools essential for managing complex projects and ensuring operational efficiency. Specific design software expertise is noted as important but secondary to overall project and operations management capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First - Going Home Safe and Well: A paramount value that translates into rigorous safety protocols in design and construction planning, ensuring the well-being of all project personnel and stakeholders. This means prioritizing safety in design reviews and site coordination.

• Client Focus - Deliver on Our Promise: Commitment to understanding and meeting client objectives through meticulous planning, high-quality deliverables, and proactive communication. This emphasizes delivering on the operational promise of the project's design.

• Integrity - Always Do the Right Thing: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, managing projects with transparency, and adhering to compliance obligations. This influences decision-making processes and project governance.

• Create Opportunity - For Our People to Excel: Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and empowering team members to contribute their best work. This includes providing opportunities for learning and growth within the project team and wider organization.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Delivery: Encouraging a collaborative approach where all disciplines (design, construction, client) work together seamlessly, breaking down traditional silos to achieve shared project goals.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Promoting an environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructive, and challenges are addressed collaboratively through open dialogue.

• Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices: Actively sharing lessons learned, insights, and best practices across the project team and with the wider Mace organization to foster collective growth and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes how Mace's core values directly influence the operational execution of projects. It highlights the importance of safety, client satisfaction, integrity, and employee development within the team's collaborative framework, providing a clear picture of the expected work environment for operations professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Large-Scale Infrastructure: Managing the intricate interdependencies of a major infrastructure program, requiring meticulous planning, risk management, and cross-functional coordination.

• Navigating Regulated Environments: Ensuring strict adherence to industry regulations, client-specific requirements, and quality standards within a heavily regulated sector.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder expectations and interests to maintain project momentum and consensus.

• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Integrating new technologies and sustainable practices (like net-zero carbon) while adhering to strict budget, timeline, and technical constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Gaining deeper expertise in managing complex, multi-faceted projects with significant operational and financial implications.

• Sustainability Leadership: Developing advanced knowledge and practical application of net-zero carbon principles and sustainable construction practices.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Broadening understanding across various engineering disciplines, construction methodologies, and client management strategies.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing leadership skills through managing diverse teams, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

• Industry Exposure: Access to high-profile, landmark projects that offer significant professional visibility and career advancement potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in a role of this nature within a large infrastructure project, framing them as opportunities for skill development and professional growth. It highlights Mace's commitment to fostering learning and advancement for its operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a design strategy for a large-scale infrastructure project, and how you ensure it aligns with broader program objectives and operational constraints." (Focus on strategic planning, risk assessment, and integration with delivery phases.)

• "Walk me through a situation where you had to manage conflicting priorities or significant challenges with senior stakeholders or clients. How did you navigate this, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate stakeholder management, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your experience contributing to Mace's values, particularly 'Client Focus' and 'Create Opportunity'?" (Showcase alignment with company ethos and how you foster team growth.)

• "Describe your leadership style and how you motivate and manage multidisciplinary design teams, especially in a project-driven environment." (Emphasize leadership, collaboration, and team empowerment.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Impact-Oriented Narrative: For each project in your portfolio, structure your story around the challenge, your strategic operational approach, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., % time saved, % budget reduction, quality improvements, safety metrics).

• Process Demonstration: Clearly articulate the design governance, workflow optimization, and stakeholder management processes you employed. Use visual aids if possible to illustrate complex workflows or reporting structures.

• Mace Relevance: Connect your experience and approach directly to the requirements of this role and Mace's stated values. Highlight any experience in aviation or regulated environments.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your decision-making rationale, risk mitigation strategies, and how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to large infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice for interview preparation, focusing on how to articulate your experience and skills in a way that demonstrates operational leadership, strategic thinking, and alignment with Mace's specific requirements and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Mace careers portal using the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, design strategy, team leadership, stakeholder management, and operational process improvement. Use keywords from the job description and incorporate quantifiable achievements.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases 2-3 key projects demonstrating your ability to manage design strategy, deliver complex programs, and drive operational efficiency. Be ready to present case studies focusing on impact and process.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mace's projects, values, and commitment to sustainability (net-zero carbon). Understand their approach to project delivery and client engagement.

• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your experience and strategic approach using STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and prepare to discuss your portfolio and operational methodologies.

⚠️ 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.

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