Design Manager - Building Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Building Engineering

Company: AECOM

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (also considering Sydney and Melbourne)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management / Building Engineering Operations

Date Posted: March 18, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years (explicitly 12+ years of engineering experience with substantial hands-on technical delivery before moving into multidisciplinary design leadership)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the leadership of multidisciplinary design coordination for complex building engineering projects, ensuring seamless integration from concept to delivery across architectural, civil, structural, and building engineering disciplines.

• Drive client engagement and stakeholder management by facilitating workshops, extracting critical functional and operational requirements, and translating them into comprehensive, coordinated design briefs.

• Own and define the front-end design strategy, establishing robust project execution plans, technical assurance frameworks, comprehensive risk registers, and rigorous programme controls.

• Provide high-level technical direction and leadership to resolve complex challenges, encompassing technical, functional, and legislative requirements, with the ability to delve deep into specific technical areas when necessary.

• Oversee stringent quality and design governance processes, including chairing coordination reviews and ensuring strict adherence to sector-specific standards (e.g., healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, transport).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior Design Manager within AECOM's Building Engineering team, focusing on the operational aspects of design delivery for large-scale, complex projects. The emphasis on client leadership, front-end strategy, and technical governance suggests a critical operations-focused role in ensuring project success and client satisfaction. The requirement for prior hands-on technical delivery before design leadership highlights the need for a candidate with a strong, practical engineering foundation to effectively manage and guide specialist teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary design coordination across major building projects, ensuring alignment and integration between architectural, civil, structural, and building engineering disciplines from concept through to project realization.

• Act as the primary client liaison, responsible for facilitating stakeholder workshops, meticulously extracting functional and operational requirements, and translating these into clear, coordinated, and actionable design briefs.

• Own and establish the front-end design strategy for projects, including the development and implementation of project execution plans, technical assurance processes, comprehensive risk registers, and robust programme controls from concept through detailed design phases.

• Provide decisive design direction and leadership to effectively solve emergent challenges, encompassing technical, functional, and legislative requirements, maintaining a high-level overview of the entire project while possessing the capability to deep-dive into specialist areas as needed.

• Oversee quality assurance and design governance, which includes chairing coordination review meetings, ensuring compliance with relevant sector-specific standards (e.g., healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, transport), and maintaining rigorous technical assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Offer leadership and mentorship to discipline leads, fostering a collaborative environment, proactively resolving interface challenges between different engineering and architectural disciplines, and ensuring the delivery of buildable, efficient, and sustainable design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities clearly delineate a strategic and operational leadership role. The emphasis on "owning the front-end design strategy," "establishing project execution plans," and "overseeing quality and design governance" highlights the operational management aspects of design delivery. The requirement to "guide specialists and maintain credibility across multiple disciplines" points to the need for strong operational oversight and technical acumen.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A strong technical foundation is essential, enabling the candidate to effectively guide specialists and maintain credibility across multiple engineering disciplines.

Experience:

• 12+ years of engineering experience, with a significant portion dedicated to hands-on technical delivery before transitioning into multidisciplinary design leadership.

Required Skills:

• Multidisciplinary Design Coordination: Proven ability to lead and integrate diverse engineering and architectural disciplines for complex building projects.

• Client-Facing Leadership: Strong capability to represent the full design team at senior client levels, manage relationships, and facilitate effective communication.

• Front-End Design Strategy: Expertise in developing and implementing project execution plans, technical assurance processes, and programme controls from the initial concept phase.

• Technical Assurance & Governance: Solid understanding and practical application of quality control, design compliance, and technical governance methodologies within engineering projects.

• Risk Management: Experience in establishing and managing comprehensive risk registers and implementing mitigation strategies.

• Programme Management: Clear understanding of programme management principles, commercial awareness, and integrated design delivery processes.

• Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, mentor, and inspire discipline leads, fostering collaboration and resolving inter-disciplinary challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Australian Citizenship: Preferred due to the nature of some projects.

• Prior Defence Clearance: Highly advantageous, indicating experience or ability to work on sensitive projects.

• Sector-Specific Expertise: Deep understanding of standards and requirements for healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, and transport projects.

• Sustainability Design Principles: Integration of sustainable outcomes into design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical, hands-on experience and leadership in complex project environments. The explicit mention of "12+ years of engineering experience, including substantial hands-on technical delivery before moving into multidisciplinary design leadership" is a key differentiator, indicating a need for a candidate who understands the practicalities of engineering execution before managing design processes. The preference for Australian Citizenship and Defence Clearance suggests potential work on government or sensitive projects, which implies a need for robust operational security and compliance understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Complex Projects: Demonstrating leadership in coordinating multidisciplinary design teams on large-scale building projects (e.g., healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, transport).

• Client Engagement Examples: Evidence of successfully managing client relationships, facilitating workshops, and translating stakeholder requirements into actionable design briefs.

• Design Strategy & Execution Plans: Examples of front-end design strategies, project execution plans, and programme controls developed and implemented for significant projects.

• Technical Assurance & Quality Governance: Documentation showcasing involvement in technical assurance processes, quality oversight, and compliance with sector-specific standards.

• Risk Management Documentation: Samples of risk registers and mitigation strategies implemented for complex engineering designs.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Presentation of how complex technical, functional, or legislative challenges were identified and resolved within design projects.

Process Documentation:

• Design Coordination Workflows: Visualizations or descriptions of established processes for coordinating disparate engineering disciplines.

• Stakeholder Management Protocols: Outlined procedures for client engagement, workshop facilitation, and requirements gathering.

• Technical Assurance Frameworks: Documentation detailing how technical integrity and compliance are maintained throughout the design lifecycle.

• Programme Control Mechanisms: Examples of systems and processes used for programme management, scheduling, and progress tracking.

• Risk Identification and Mitigation Processes: Structured approaches to identifying, assessing, and mitigating design and project risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with a strong operations focus, the portfolio should highlight not just the final designs, but the processes and systems used to achieve them. Evidence of structured approaches to coordination, client management, risk mitigation, and technical governance will be crucial. The ability to demonstrate how these operational processes led to successful project outcomes is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Including alternative start/finish times, part-time options, job-sharing, and hybrid work.

• Additional Annual Leave Purchase: Option to purchase up to 6 weeks of additional annual leave per year.

• Flex Public Holidays: Ability to swap public holidays for others that better suit individual needs.

• Continuous Learning and Growth: Access to lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, and 5 days of paid study leave.

• Global Career Opportunities: Prospects for international career progression within AECOM.

• Well-being Program: A robust global well-being program.

• Access to Industry-Leading Technology and Thinking: Benefits of working for a global, publicly traded firm.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through alternative start/finish times and hybrid work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar senior engineering management roles in major Australian cities and within large engineering consultancies. AECOM's listed benefits are comprehensive and align with industry standards for attracting and retaining senior talent, with a notable emphasis on work-life balance and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting, Engineering, Design & Consulting Services, Construction. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of professional services across the project lifecycle from advisory and planning to design, engineering, and construction management.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded, Fortune 500 company with a substantial global workforce (over 50,000 employees). This indicates a well-established corporate structure, significant resources, and a broad range of project opportunities.

Founded: AECOM was formed in 1990 through the merger of companies that trace their roots back to 1910. This long history signifies stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of the engineering and construction industry.

Team Structure:

• Building & Places (B&P) Business Line: This role sits within the Buildings & Places business line, which focuses on designing iconic and award-winning buildings and landscapes.

• Multi-disciplinary Teams: The Design Manager will lead teams composed of various discipline leads (architectural, civil, structural, building engineering).

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong emphasis on collaboration across disciplines and with client stakeholders, project managers, and potentially other AECOM business lines.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a Director or Senior Director within the Building Engineering or Design Management function, with direct accountability for project design delivery.

Methodology:

• Digital Capabilities & Innovation: AECOM places a premium on leveraging digital tools and innovations to bring consistency and efficiency to their work.

• Sustainable Outcomes: Focus on delivering sustainable outcomes for clients and communities, promoting long-term health and well-being.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Implicit in managing complex projects and ensuring technical assurance.

• Integrated Design Delivery: Emphasis on seamless integration of disciplines and project phases.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's scale and history suggest a culture that values expertise, innovation, and a structured approach to project delivery. The company's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability is also a key cultural aspect. The "Building & Places" focus indicates a strong emphasis on the aesthetic and functional aspects of the built environment, alongside the technical engineering.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level Design Manager position, requiring extensive experience in engineering delivery and multidisciplinary design leadership. It represents a significant step beyond individual contributor or junior management roles, focusing on strategic project leadership and client management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leadership figure within the Building Engineering or Design Management division, such as a Director or Vice President. They will, in turn, manage and mentor discipline leads and project design teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is critical to the operational success of AECOM's building projects. They directly influence project quality, efficiency, client satisfaction, risk mitigation, and profitability by ensuring designs are coordinated, compliant, buildable, and meet client objectives. Their operational leadership directly impacts the firm's reputation and ability to secure future work.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into Director-level roles, overseeing larger portfolios, business units, or strategic initiatives within the Building & Places division.

• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific high-demand sectors like healthcare, aviation, or advanced facilities.

• Business Development: Involvement in client relationship management, proposal development, and securing new projects.

• Operational Excellence: Leading initiatives to improve AECOM's design processes, implement new technologies, and enhance overall project delivery efficiency.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to shape the next generation of design leaders within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a key operational leadership position within AECOM's Building & Places business. Growth potential is significant, moving from project-level design management to broader strategic and business leadership roles. The emphasis on "operations" in this context refers to the systematic and efficient execution of the design process, ensuring project success and client value.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates with a hybrid work model. This means employees will split their time between working remotely and in the office, fostering collaboration and flexibility.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, with consideration for candidates in Sydney or Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. AECOM has multiple offices across these major Australian cities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Office days are likely focused on team collaboration, client meetings, workshops, and in-depth design reviews.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to AECOM's advanced digital tools, BIM software, and collaboration platforms will be integral to the role.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with discipline leads, project managers, and other senior engineering professionals.

• Professional Environment: A corporate setting that values expertise, innovation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), with AECOM offering flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, which can help operations professionals manage their time effectively around project demands and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at AECOM is designed to balance the need for focused, individual work with the benefits of in-person collaboration crucial for complex design management. The specific office locations in Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne indicate a strong presence in Australia's key economic hubs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, likely by HR or a recruitment specialist, to assess alignment with core requirements (experience, qualifications).

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on technical experience, project leadership, client management skills, and understanding of multidisciplinary design processes. This stage will likely probe your operational approach to design management.

• Technical/Design Challenge: A potential exercise or case study presentation. This could involve analyzing a complex design problem, developing a high-level execution strategy, or presenting a past project detailing your operational approach to challenges.

• Panel Interview: Meeting with a panel of senior leaders, potentially including discipline leads or directors, to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and broader leadership capabilities.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussion with senior management, potentially leading to a formal offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operational Excellence: Showcase how you've managed complex design processes, coordinated diverse teams, and ensured technical assurance and quality.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the success of your design strategies, efficiency improvements, risk mitigation, and client satisfaction.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your operational approach (processes, systems, leadership), the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Client Interaction: Include examples of how you've effectively managed client expectations and translated their needs into design deliverables.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: While leading, show your ability to engage with technical details and guide specialist teams effectively.

• Prepare for Process Questions: Be ready to explain your methodologies for design coordination, risk management, and quality assurance in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand AECOM's Sectors: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's work in healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, and transport.

• Review Design Management Best Practices: Refresh your knowledge on integrated design delivery, BIM, risk management frameworks, and quality assurance standards.

• Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific design challenges, manage difficult stakeholders, or resolve inter-disciplinary conflicts.

• Articulate Your Leadership Style: Be ready to discuss your approach to leading and motivating multidisciplinary teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, assessing both technical expertise and operational leadership capabilities. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates a systematic and effective approach to managing complex design processes will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software: Proficiency with industry-standard BIM platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) is essential for managing integrated design models and facilitating coordination.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme planning, scheduling, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or AECOM's internal systems for team communication and document sharing.

• Design Coordination Tools: Proficiency in using clash detection software (e.g., Navisworks) and other tools to identify and resolve design conflicts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data from various sources to inform design decisions and track progress.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience using tools to create and present project status reports, risk assessments, and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly client-facing sales, understanding client relationship management principles and potentially using CRM systems for tracking client interactions and project pipeline.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can be applied to design processes, reporting, and administrative tasks to improve efficiency.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust systems for managing project documentation, drawings, and specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM, as a leading infrastructure consultancy, will utilize a sophisticated technology stack. Proficiency with BIM and project management software is non-negotiable. The role requires an understanding of how these tools facilitate efficient design operations and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards in professional conduct and project delivery.

• Excellence & Innovation: Driving for superior design outcomes and embracing new technologies and methodologies.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a strong sense of shared purpose and mutual support across diverse teams and disciplines.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations through effective communication and delivery.

• Sustainability: Commitment to creating environmentally responsible and socially beneficial designs.

• Inclusion & Belonging: Creating a safe and respectful workplace where all individuals feel valued and can contribute their best work.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated and Proactive: Encouraging seamless interaction between all design disciplines and stakeholders from project inception.

• Open Communication: Promoting transparency and direct communication to swiftly address challenges and share information.

• Mentorship-Driven: A culture where senior professionals actively guide and develop junior team members, fostering knowledge transfer.

• Data-Informed: Utilizing data and analytics to support decision-making and performance evaluation.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Client Focus, Sustainability, and Inclusion are central to its operational ethos. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and professional conduct align with these principles, particularly in the context of leading complex, collaborative design projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse needs and priorities of various clients, internal teams, and regulatory bodies on complex projects.

• Resolving Inter-Disciplinary Conflicts: Effectively mediating and resolving technical disagreements or interface issues between different engineering and architectural specialists.

• Navigating Complex Technical & Legislative Requirements: Ensuring designs meet stringent, sector-specific codes, standards, and regulations, particularly in sensitive sectors like healthcare and aviation.

• Driving Innovation within Established Processes: Integrating new digital tools or methodologies into existing project workflows while maintaining efficiency and compliance.

• Delivering on Tight Timelines and Budgets: Maintaining high-quality design output under pressure, optimizing resource allocation and programme controls.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sector-Specific Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in high-growth areas like advanced healthcare facilities, sustainable transport infrastructure, or resilient aviation hubs.

• Advanced Digital Skills: Training and application of cutting-edge BIM, digital twins, generative design, and data analytics tools.

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM offers extensive programs for leadership, strategic management, and business development.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending key industry events and obtaining relevant professional certifications.

• Global Mobility: Potential to work on international projects or transfer to other AECOM offices worldwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and complex nature of managing large-scale engineering designs. These challenges also present significant opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and career advancement within AECOM's global network.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary design team on a complex healthcare project. How do you ensure alignment and manage potential conflicts between disciplines?" (Focus on your operational framework, communication strategies, and problem-solving techniques).

• "Walk me through a time you had to translate complex functional requirements from a client into a clear, actionable design brief. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Highlight your client engagement methodology and requirement-gathering skills).

• "How do you establish and manage technical assurance and design governance on a project to ensure compliance and mitigate risks?" (Detail your processes for quality control, risk assessment, and adherence to standards).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM's work in the Building & Places sector, and how do your values align with AECOM's commitment to sustainability and inclusion?" (Demonstrate your research into AECOM's projects and values, and articulate your personal alignment).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within your project teams?" (Provide specific examples of how you promote teamwork and respect).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and key achievements, focusing on design leadership and project success.

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best exemplify your experience in leading complex, multidisciplinary building engineering projects, ideally across AECOM's target sectors.

• Process-Centric Narrative: For each project, detail your operational approach: how you set up the design process, managed teams, coordinated disciplines, engaged clients, mitigated risks, and ensured quality.

• Quantify Outcomes: Present concrete results – e.g., project completion on time/budget, cost savings achieved through efficient design, client satisfaction ratings, successful navigation of complex regulatory environments.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in guiding teams, mentoring discipline leads, and driving the overall design strategy.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Ensure you can elaborate on any aspect of your projects, including specific technical challenges, software used, and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical knowledge but also strong operational leadership, strategic thinking, and an understanding of AECOM's business context and values. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase practical application of design management principles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Building Engineering position:

• Submit your application: Utilize the provided application link on the AECOM careers portal (jobs.smartrecruiters.com).

• Tailor your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 12+ years of engineering experience, specifically emphasizing your transition into multidisciplinary design leadership and your experience with complex building projects across relevant sectors. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a compelling cover letter: Articulate your interest in AECOM, this specific role, and how your experience in operationalizing design processes, leading teams, and managing client relationships makes you an ideal candidate.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of projects that best showcase your capabilities in multidisciplinary design coordination, front-end strategy development, technical assurance, and client leadership. Be ready to discuss the operational aspects of these projects in detail.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects, their focus areas (e.g., sustainability, digital innovation), and their company values to tailor your application and interview responses effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. The Australian Citizenship preference and Defence Clearance advantage should be carefully considered by applicants.