Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: SYSTRA (BG&E)

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Design Management / Infrastructure

Date Posted: April 09, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical and design delivery of complex civil and structural engineering projects from concept through to detailed design packages.

• Manage the entire project lifecycle, ensuring designs are innovative, constructible, safe, and sustainable, with a strong focus on Design & Construct (D&C) environments.

• Serve as the primary technical liaison for clients, Tier 1 contractors, and government authorities, including Transport for NSW (TfNSW).

• Harmonize civil design with other disciplines such as utilities, structures, and environmental considerations to achieve integrated project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within BG&E, a civil and structural engineering consultancy now part of the SYSTRA Group, implying a focus on large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in transportation. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities for D&C bid phases and IFC packages, indicates a hands-on technical leadership role requiring deep engineering knowledge and project management acumen. The emphasis on TfNSW and Sydney Metro projects suggests a specialization in Australian public infrastructure delivery models.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute the technical delivery of designs across the full project spectrum, from initial concept development and D&C bid phases through to final detailed design and Issued For Construction (IFC) packages.

• Ensure all design solutions adhere to stringent standards of safety, quality, sustainability, and buildability, particularly within Design & Construct (D&C) project delivery frameworks.

• Proactively manage design programs, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure timely achievement of milestones without compromising technical integrity or project objectives.

• Act as the key technical point of contact and representative for clients, Tier 1 contractors, and relevant government authorities, fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

• Integrate and harmonize civil design elements with utilities, structural engineering, and environmental requirements to ensure a cohesive and seamless project outcome.

• Conduct rigorous design reviews and quality assurance checks to uphold the highest technical standards and identify potential risks or constructability issues early in the design process.

• Contribute to the development of innovative and practical design solutions that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of engineering possibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of technical engineering leadership and project management within a D&C context. The emphasis on "technical linchpin" and "harmonise civil design" points to a role that requires strong interdisciplinary coordination and problem-solving skills. Managing design programs, budgets, and resources indicates a need for robust project controls experience, further reinforcing the management aspect of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in civil and structural engineering, with a significant focus on design management.

• Demonstrated experience in managing the full project lifecycle, from concept and bid phases through to detailed design and construction documentation.

• Proven track record of working on significant Sydney Metro projects, understanding their specific standards, safety protocols, and delivery models.

• Substantial experience in Roads and Highways design, specifically adhering to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) standards, including geometric design, pavement engineering, and drainage systems.

Required Skills:

• Civil Engineering Design: Expertise in geometric design, pavement engineering, drainage design, and earthworks.

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead, coordinate, and oversee design teams and processes.

• D&C Environment Acumen: Deep understanding of the D&C lifecycle, including tender processes, constructability, and value engineering.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with clients, contractors, and authorities.

• Technical Documentation: Proficiency in producing and reviewing detailed design documentation, specifications, and reports.

• Project Controls: Experience in managing design programs, budgets, and resource allocation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other major Australian infrastructure projects beyond Sydney Metro.

• Familiarity with advanced BIM (Building Information Modeling) and digital engineering tools.

• Knowledge of structural engineering principles and their integration with civil designs.

• Understanding of environmental regulations and sustainable design practices in infrastructure.

• Experience with advanced analytics for design optimization and risk assessment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize specialized experience in Australian infrastructure, particularly Sydney Metro and TfNSW/RMS standards, which are critical for success in this role. Chartered status is a key differentiator. The required skills cover both deep technical engineering knowledge and strong project management and communication capabilities, essential for a Design Manager in a consultancy operating within D&C frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Lifecycle Management: Showcase examples of managing design projects from inception through to construction, detailing your role in each phase.

• D&C Project Successes: Present case studies of successful D&C projects you've managed, highlighting your contribution to meeting bid requirements, constructability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Technical Standards Compliance: Demonstrate your ability to ensure designs meet rigorous standards, using examples of compliance with TfNSW/RMS or similar authority requirements.

• Integrated Design Delivery: Provide evidence of projects where you've successfully harmonized civil design with other disciplines (structural, utilities, environmental), showcasing your coordination capabilities.

• Risk Mitigation & Quality Assurance: Include examples of how you've identified and mitigated design risks, implemented quality assurance processes, and ensured the technical integrity of deliverables.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your approach to designing and optimizing engineering workflows, particularly for complex infrastructure projects.

• Design Delivery Methodologies: Illustrate your understanding and application of various design delivery methodologies, with a focus on D&C and traditional design-build contracts.

• Stakeholder Communication Protocols: Outline your strategies for establishing and maintaining effective communication channels with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies throughout the design process.

• Quality Assurance Frameworks: Present your experience in developing and implementing robust quality assurance plans for design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, especially in infrastructure and D&C, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase completed projects but also demonstrate the candidate's thought process, project management methodologies, and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and regulatory landscapes. Emphasis on D&C and specific Australian standards is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options to support a healthy work-life balance, accommodating personal needs and enhancing productivity.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services available for employees and their immediate families, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

• Competitive Remuneration: A strong base salary package designed to attract and retain top talent in the engineering consulting sector.

• On-the-Job Coaching & Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement through practical experience, mentorship, and access to BG&E’s global network of experts.

• Health and Wellbeing Support: Comprehensive programs and resources dedicated to fostering a safe and healthy work environment.

• Global Network Access: Opportunity to leverage the expertise of SYSTRA Group's international professionals for career growth and knowledge sharing.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered to support work-life balance. This arrangement allows for effective management of design programs and project deadlines while respecting employee wellbeing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in Sydney, Australia, considering the specialized experience with Sydney Metro and TfNSW/RMS standards. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are tailored to appeal to experienced professionals seeking work-life balance and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Civil and Structural Engineering Consultancy, part of the global SYSTRA Group, specializing in transportation infrastructure.

Company Size: SYSTRA is a large, multinational organization with a significant global presence. BG&E, as part of SYSTRA, benefits from this scale while maintaining its specialized consultancy identity. This provides access to a vast pool of resources and expertise.

Founded: BG&E has decades of experience, and its integration into the SYSTRA Group (founded in 1957) signifies a long-standing commitment to engineering excellence and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Design Manager will likely lead or be a key member of a project-specific design team, comprising various engineering disciplines (civil, structural, utilities, environmental).

• Reporting Structure: Typically, a Design Manager would report to a Project Director or a Senior Engineering Manager, with direct oversight of a team of engineers and designers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with project managers, construction teams, client representatives, government authorities (e.g., TfNSW), and potentially external consultants and subcontractors.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data and analytics to inform design decisions, optimize performance, and ensure constructability.

• Integrated Design Approach: A strong focus on harmonizing different engineering disciplines and stakeholder requirements to deliver cohesive project outcomes.

• Innovation & Practicality: A culture that encourages pushing engineering boundaries while prioritizing practical, constructible, and sustainable solutions.

Company Website: https://www.systra.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided highlights SYSTRA's global reach and BG&E's specialized expertise in Australian infrastructure. This suggests an environment that values technical rigor, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering complex, impactful projects. The emphasis on sustainability and innovation positions the company as forward-thinking within the engineering sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level role, positioned as a Design Manager. It requires significant technical expertise, proven project leadership, and a deep understanding of the infrastructure sector, particularly in Sydney. It sits at a critical junction between technical design execution and project delivery management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or a Senior Principal Engineer, overseeing a team of civil and structural engineers, CAD technicians, and design coordinators. This structure indicates a leadership role with direct reports and significant project influence.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the success of major infrastructure projects by ensuring designs are technically sound, cost-effective, safe, and constructible. Their role is crucial in translating client visions into tangible, high-quality engineering solutions that benefit the public and support sustainable development. This role is central to SYSTRA's mission of delivering complex transportation projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of civil engineering, such as advanced rail design, complex earthworks, or sustainable drainage systems.

• Project Leadership: Progress to higher-level project management roles, such as Project Director or Program Manager, overseeing larger and more complex infrastructure portfolios.

• Global Mobility: Leverage the SYSTRA Group's international presence for opportunities in different regions or on global flagship projects.

• Mentorship & Thought Leadership: Become a mentor to junior engineers and contribute to the development of design standards and best practices within the company and the wider industry.

• Business Development Support: Contribute technical expertise to bid and proposal efforts, helping to secure future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Design Manager in a firm like SYSTRA is typically towards larger project oversight, program management, or specialized technical leadership. The global nature of SYSTRA offers significant international career potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a professional office environment at Level 15, Chifley Tower, Sydney. This suggests a modern, well-equipped corporate setting typical of major engineering consultancies. The "Hybrid" work arrangement indicates a blend of on-site work for collaboration and office-based tasks, and remote work for focused individual tasks.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Sydney, Australia, specifically at Chifley Tower, a prominent CBD address known for housing major corporate and professional services firms.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster collaboration, essential for a Design Manager who needs to work closely with internal teams, clients, and contractors.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software, modeling tools, and communication platforms will be provided to support efficient project delivery and virtual collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with engineering teams, project management, and senior leadership for strategic discussions and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility offered to manage project demands and personal commitments. This allows for effective planning of design reviews, client meetings, and site visits, balanced with focused individual work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Chifley Tower address in Sydney's CBD implies a high-caliber, professional work environment. The hybrid model is standard for senior roles, balancing collaborative needs with personal flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application to assess technical qualifications, experience (especially with Sydney Metro and TfNSW/RMS), and career progression.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on engineering principles, design management methodologies, D&C experience, and specific project examples. Expect questions on geometric design, drainage, pavements, and rail standards.

• Case Study/Problem-Solving Exercise: A practical assessment, potentially involving a design challenge or a scenario requiring problem-solving related to project constraints, constructability, or stakeholder conflicts. This might be presented as a take-home assignment or an in-interview task.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Discussion with potential peers or senior management to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with SYSTRA/BG&E's values and culture.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader (e.g., Director) to confirm suitability, discuss career aspirations, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Sydney Metro, Roads, D&C), clearly outlining your specific role, responsibilities, and key contributions for each.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., budget savings achieved through design optimization, schedule improvements from efficient design delivery, reduction in RFI’s due to constructability focus).

• Highlight D&C Expertise: Showcase your understanding of tender processes, risk management in D&C bids, and how you've delivered cost-effective, buildable designs.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Include examples of complex design challenges you've overcome, demonstrating your command of civil engineering principles and relevant Australian standards (TfNSW/RMS).

• Showcase Collaboration: If possible, include examples of how you've effectively managed diverse stakeholder groups and harmonized different design disciplines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Scenarios: Prepare for challenges related to site constraints, conflicting requirements, budget limitations, or accelerated timelines common in infrastructure projects.

• Focus on Process: Be ready to articulate your design process, from initial concept to IFC, emphasizing quality assurance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement at each stage.

• TfNSW/RMS Standards: Refresh your knowledge on key aspects of these standards, as they are critical for Sydney-based roles.

• Constructability First: Emphasize how you ensure designs are practical and efficient to build, a key requirement for D&C environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical experience with Australian infrastructure standards and D&C delivery. A portfolio that clearly articulates project contributions, technical solutions, and management of complex project phases is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, and associated modules for civil design.

• Design & Analysis Software: Experience with specialized civil engineering design and analysis tools for geometric design, earthworks, drainage (e.g., HEC-RAS), and potentially structural analysis software.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools for program management, scheduling, and resource allocation (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6).

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms facilitating document management, communication, and workflow tracking (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, BIM 360).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret design data, performance metrics, and project progress reports.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating technical reports, design summaries, and progress updates for stakeholders.

• Dashboarding Tools: Familiarity with creating or interpreting dashboards for project KPIs, design status, and resource utilization.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, versioning, and distributing design documentation.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how to leverage technology to automate repetitive design tasks or streamline approval processes, particularly within D&C workflows.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different design and project management tools can be integrated to improve data flow and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a Design Manager in this field would be expected to be proficient with leading CAD/BIM software for civil engineering, project scheduling tools, and robust document management systems crucial for managing complex infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality, and constructible engineering solutions that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing the safety of designs and the environmental impact, aligning with global best practices and SYSTRA's commitment to sustainable development.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together effectively, sharing knowledge and expertise to achieve common goals.

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

• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a proactive approach to learning, process optimization, and embracing new technologies to enhance project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between civil designers, structural engineers, utility coordinators, environmental specialists, and construction teams.

• Open Communication: Promoting a culture where feedback is welcomed, challenges are discussed openly, and solutions are developed collaboratively.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of lessons learned, best practices, and technical expertise across project teams and the wider organization.

• Client-Centric Approach: Working closely with clients to understand their needs, manage expectations, and ensure their vision is realized through effective design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: SYSTRA's global presence and BG&E's established reputation suggest a culture that values technical expertise, collaborative problem-solving, and a strong commitment to client success and project delivery, with an increasing focus on sustainability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Environments: Managing the expectations and requirements of multiple stakeholders, including clients, government bodies (TfNSW), Tier 1 contractors, and internal teams, can be demanding.

• Balancing Design Rigor with D&C Pace: Ensuring high technical standards and constructability while meeting the fast-paced demands and cost pressures of Design & Construct tender and delivery phases.

• Integrating Diverse Disciplines: Effectively harmonizing civil design with structural, utilities, and environmental considerations requires strong coordination and communication skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards & Technologies: Staying current with the latest TfNSW/RMS standards, rail industry requirements, and advancements in design technology and software.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to specialize in areas like advanced rail engineering, complex earthworks, or sustainable infrastructure design.

• Leadership Development Programs: Structured programs to enhance project management, team leadership, and strategic decision-making skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working on projects that involve a wider range of engineering disciplines and project types.

• Global Expertise Access: Leveraging SYSTRA's international network for insights into global best practices, innovative solutions, and potential international project involvement.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within SYSTRA and BG&E, and to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to large-scale infrastructure projects and D&C environments. The growth opportunities are significant, leveraging the scale and expertise of SYSTRA.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing the full lifecycle of a major civil infrastructure project, from concept to IFC, focusing on your role in a D&C environment." (Prepare with a specific project example highlighting your contribution to bid, design, and coordination.)

• "How do you ensure designs meet stringent TfNSW/RMS standards while also being cost-effective and constructible for a Tier 1 contractor?" (Focus on your process for review, risk assessment, and value engineering.)

• "Walk us through a complex design challenge you faced on a Sydney Metro project and how you resolved it, considering technical, stakeholder, and constructability aspects." (Prepare a STAR method response for a technical problem.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about SYSTRA and BG&E's work, particularly our involvement in Sydney Metro and TfNSW projects?" (Research recent SYSTRA/BG&E projects and their impact.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a design team and with external stakeholders?" (Discuss your leadership and communication style.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Prepare a brief overview of your most relevant projects, focusing on your role, key challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Highlight D&C Successes: Clearly articulate your contributions to winning bids and delivering successful D&C projects, emphasizing constructability and value.

• Quantify Results: Use data to showcase achievements (e.g., "Reduced design queries by X% through detailed constructability reviews," "Contributed to a successful bid by identifying Y% cost savings in design").

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss technical details of your designs, especially relating to geometric design, drainage, pavements, and rail infrastructure, referencing relevant standards.

• Showcase Leadership: Explain how you managed teams, resolved conflicts, and ensured effective communication among diverse project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize practical experience with Sydney infrastructure, D&C delivery, and the ability to articulate technical solutions and project management skills clearly and concisely.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SYSTRA careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your experience with Sydney Metro projects, TfNSW/RMS standards, D&C delivery, and your Chartered Engineer status. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, focusing on design management, D&C successes, and technical achievements in civil infrastructure. Be ready to present specific case studies.

• Research SYSTRA & BG&E: Familiarize yourself with the company's recent projects, values, and their role in the Australian infrastructure landscape. Understand their approach to design and construction.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to your technical expertise, D&C experience, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities. Rehearse presenting your portfolio.

⚠️ 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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