Design Manager - Building Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Building Engineering

Company: AECOM

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (and Sydney, NSW, Australia)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management / Building Engineering Operations

Date Posted: March 18, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams on major building engineering projects, ensuring seamless integration across various engineering and architectural disciplines from initial concept through to final project delivery.

• It involves acting as the primary client interface, adeptly facilitating stakeholder engagement, capturing precise functional and operational requirements, and translating these into comprehensive, coordinated design briefs.

• The position requires ownership of the front-end design strategy, encompassing the development of robust project execution plans, rigorous technical assurance processes, comprehensive risk registers, and effective programme controls.

• A key aspect of the role is providing high-level technical direction and leadership to resolve complex challenges, including navigating technical, functional, and legislative requirements, with the ability to dive deep into specific technical areas when necessary.

• The Design Manager will oversee quality and design governance, chairing crucial coordination reviews and ensuring strict compliance with sector-specific standards (e.g., healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, transport).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Building Engineering" aspect suggests a focus on the operational and technical execution of building designs, particularly concerning structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, rather than purely architectural aesthetics. The role's emphasis on "multidisciplinary design coordination" and "sector-specific standards" indicates a need for strong operational planning and execution skills within a complex project environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design coordination across a portfolio of complex building projects, ensuring alignment between architectural, civil, structural, and building engineering disciplines from concept initiation to project handover.

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

• Develop and own the front-end design strategy, establishing detailed project execution plans, implementing robust technical assurance frameworks, maintaining comprehensive risk registers, and defining programme controls from the conceptual stage through detailed design.

• Provide expert design direction and leadership to effectively resolve emergent challenges, including technical complexities, functional requirements, and legislative compliance, maintaining a high-level technical understanding across the entire project while being prepared to delve into specific areas as needed.

• Oversee strict quality control and design governance processes, including chairing critical coordination reviews and ensuring adherence to sector-specific standards (e.g., healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, transport), thereby maintaining technical assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional team leadership, which are core to operations roles. The "front-end design strategy" and "project execution plans" point towards strategic operational planning and resource allocation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical) or a related field. Advanced degrees or professional certifications in project management or design are advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 12 years of progressive engineering experience, with a significant portion dedicated to hands-on technical delivery, followed by demonstrated success in multidisciplinary design leadership roles. Experience leading complex building projects across sectors such as healthcare, aviation, sports venues, commercial, or transport infrastructure is highly desired.

Required Skills:

• Multidisciplinary Design Coordination: Proven ability to integrate and manage diverse engineering disciplines (architectural, civil, structural, building services) and their respective technical requirements.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong client-facing capabilities, with the ability to represent the entire design team effectively at senior stakeholder levels and manage expectations.

• Design Strategy & Planning: Expertise in defining front-end design strategies, developing comprehensive project execution plans, and establishing clear programme controls from concept to detailed design.

• Technical Assurance & Quality Governance: Demonstrated experience in implementing technical assurance processes, overseeing quality control, and chairing design review meetings to ensure compliance and buildability.

• Risk Management: Clear understanding and practical application of risk mitigation strategies, including the establishment and maintenance of risk registers.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proficiency in facilitating stakeholder workshops, extracting functional requirements, and translating them into cohesive design briefs.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to lead, mentor, and motivate discipline leads, fostering collaboration and resolving interface challenges.

• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of commercial implications within project delivery and the ability to manage design within budgetary and schedule constraints.

Preferred Skills:

• Sector-Specific Expertise: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with sector-specific standards and requirements for healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, defence, education, and transport infrastructure projects.

• Programme Management: Solid understanding of programme management principles and their application in complex project environments.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address technical, functional, and legislative challenges.

• Australian Citizenship/Defence Clearance: Preferred due to the nature of some projects, indicating a need for security-cleared personnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "hands-on technical delivery before moving into multidisciplinary design leadership" suggests that candidates with a strong operational engineering background who have transitioned into management will be highly valued. The preference for "Australian Citizenship" and "defence clearance" points to potential government or defense sector projects, requiring specific operational vetting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Detailed examples showcasing leadership of complex, multidisciplinary building engineering projects from inception to completion, highlighting your role in design coordination and problem-solving.

• Client Engagement & Brief Development: Evidence of successfully managing client relationships, facilitating requirements gathering, and translating these into clear, coordinated design briefs.

• Design Strategy & Execution Plans: Demonstrations of front-end design strategy development, including project execution plans, technical assurance frameworks, and programme controls.

• Risk Management & Governance: Documentation illustrating the implementation of risk registers, quality oversight processes, and design governance structures in past projects.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Case studies detailing how you've provided technical direction and resolved complex challenges, showcasing your deep understanding of engineering principles.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of how you have designed or optimized design workflows to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Implementation & Automation: Any instances where you've implemented new processes, technologies, or automation tools to enhance design delivery or coordination.

• Performance Measurement: Metrics and outcomes demonstrating the effectiveness of your design leadership, such as improvements in project timelines, budget adherence, quality standards, or client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating structured approaches to design coordination, risk management, and client engagement will be crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the processes they followed to achieve project outcomes and the operational efficiencies gained.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on typical Design Manager roles in major engineering consultancies in Australia (Brisbane/Sydney), with 12+ years of experience and specialized sector knowledge, the estimated annual salary range would be AUD $180,000 - $250,000, depending on specific experience, project complexity, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing, and hybrid work options, offering significant operational flexibility.

• Opportunity to purchase up to 6 weeks of additional annual leave per year, allowing for enhanced work-life balance and personal time management.

• Flex public holidays – ability to swap standard holidays for ones that better suit personal circumstances.

• Continuous learning and growth opportunities, including:

  • Lunch and learn sessions.

  • Professional development courses.

  • Financial study assistance.

  • 5 days paid study leave per year.

  • Access to global career opportunities within AECOM. Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work model that allows for flexibility in scheduling and location, supporting efficient project operations and personal work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for senior engineering management roles in Australia. The benefits package is comprehensive and emphasizes flexibility and professional development, aligning with modern operational work environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering Services. AECOM is a global leader in providing end-to-end solutions for complex infrastructure projects across various sectors.

Company Size: Large (Fortune 500 company, extensive global presence). This scale offers opportunities for diverse project exposure, robust internal processes, and extensive career mobility.

Founded: 1910. With over a century of experience, AECOM has a deep-rooted history in engineering excellence and a proven track record of delivering transformative projects.

Team Structure:

• The Building Engineering team is part of the broader Buildings & Places (B&P) business line, likely comprising specialized discipline leads (structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.), project engineers, and support staff.

• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leadership role within the B&P division, such as a Director or Sector Lead, and will directly manage discipline leads on specific projects.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes leveraging data and digital capabilities for consistent and efficient project delivery, suggesting a data-centric approach to design and operations.

• Integrated Design Delivery: The company focuses on connecting people and place to provide sustainable outcomes, indicating a holistic and integrated approach to project planning and execution.

• Innovation & Digital Capabilities: AECOM invests in digital tools and innovations, aiming for efficiency and consistency in their scalable work, which will be reflected in the design and project management processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's commitment to "digital capabilities and innovations" and "sustainable outcomes" suggests that this role will involve leveraging technology for operational efficiency and integrating sustainability principles into design and project management processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineer. This role represents a significant step in leadership, moving from specialized technical delivery to overseeing complex, multidisciplinary design operations and client relationships. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise and strong operational management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the Buildings & Places division and will manage teams of discipline leads and engineers. This position offers visibility to senior leadership and significant project autonomy.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's operations have a direct and significant impact on project success, influencing client satisfaction, project timelines, budget adherence, technical quality, and the overall sustainability and buildability of projects. Effective design management is critical to the firm's reputation and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of Building Engineering, Sector Lead, or Program Director for larger, more complex projects or portfolios.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to further specialize in high-demand sectors (e.g., advanced healthcare facilities, major aviation hubs, sustainable commercial developments) and become a recognized subject matter expert.

• Global Mobility: As a global firm, AECOM offers opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to different regions, expanding professional experience and cultural understanding.

• Continuous Skill Development: Access to extensive professional development programs, training, and certifications to enhance leadership, technical, and operational management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path clearly indicates a trajectory towards senior operational leadership within the infrastructure consulting sector. The emphasis on "global career opportunities" suggests that successful performance in this role can open doors to international assignments or leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates with a hybrid work model, meaning a combination of in-office and remote work. Offices are typically professional, collaborative environments designed to facilitate team meetings, client interactions, and focused work.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Brisbane, Queensland, with potential for work in Sydney, NSW, Australia. These are major metropolitan hubs with access to significant infrastructure projects.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices will likely feature meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan workstations designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among design teams.

• Technology Integration: Access to advanced design software, project management tools, and communication platforms is standard, supporting efficient operations and remote collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with discipline leads, project managers, and other engineering professionals, fostering a strong team dynamic and facilitating quick problem resolution.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the hybrid model offering flexibility in how and where these hours are completed. This structure supports effective project planning and execution while allowing for personal work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills to maintain operational continuity and team cohesion, regardless of physical location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter to assess alignment with core requirements, particularly experience level and sector focus.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with senior engineers or managers to evaluate technical expertise, design philosophy, and understanding of building engineering principles.

• Leadership & Operations Interview: Assessment of leadership style, ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, stakeholder management skills, and experience with project execution, risk management, and quality assurance processes. This stage will likely involve behavioral questions.

• Client/Stakeholder Simulation (Potentially): A scenario-based discussion or a brief presentation task designed to assess client-facing capabilities and ability to articulate design strategy.

• Final Interview: Meeting with a senior executive or director to discuss strategic fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for AECOM's culture and operational demands.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantifiable Achievements: Highlight specific projects where you led design coordination, demonstrating measurable outcomes such as cost savings, schedule adherence improvements, or enhanced design quality.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate the methodologies and processes you employed for design coordination, risk management, quality assurance, and client engagement. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of complex technical or operational challenges you faced and how you successfully resolved them, detailing your thought process and the impact of your solutions.

• Client Interaction: Include examples of how you managed client expectations, facilitated requirements gathering, and presented design solutions or progress reports.

• Sector Relevance: Tailor your portfolio presentation to emphasize experience in healthcare, aviation, sports, transport, or defense sectors, if applicable, as these are key areas for AECOM.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach coordinating a complex design involving multiple engineering disciplines for a specific type of project (e.g., a hospital expansion).

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would handle conflicting requirements from different stakeholders or manage a challenging client relationship.

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Be ready to identify potential design or operational risks for a given project type and outline your strategies for mitigation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical competence but also operational leadership, risk management capabilities, and client relationship skills. A well-structured portfolio that clearly demonstrates these operational aspects will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Proficiency with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and potentially others for 3D modeling, clash detection, and integrated design visualization.

• CAD Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD and other Computer-Aided Design tools for detailed drawing production.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Utilization of platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint, or AECOM's internal systems for communication, document sharing, and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with tools for analyzing project data, performance metrics, and identifying trends for operational improvement.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret reports from project management and BIM software to track progress, identify risks, and inform decision-making.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Project-Focused): While not a sales role, understanding how client interaction data is managed within project management or CRM-like systems could be beneficial for client relationship tracking.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with any tools or scripting (e.g., Dynamo for Revit) that can automate repetitive design or coordination tasks to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in BIM and related project management tools is essential for this role, reflecting AECOM's emphasis on digital capabilities and integrated design delivery. The ability to leverage these tools for operational efficiency and coordination is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Excellence: Upholding the highest standards of professional conduct and delivering technically sound, high-quality engineering solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Digital Transformation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive efficiency, improve project outcomes, and stay at the forefront of the industry.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships, and delivering exceptional value and service.

• Sustainability & Resilience: Commitment to designing solutions that are environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and built to last, contributing to a better world.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM promotes a highly collaborative approach, encouraging open communication and shared responsibility across disciplines and functional teams to ensure holistic project success.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: The culture encourages proactive identification and resolution of issues, with a focus on constructive dialogue and finding optimal solutions rather than assigning blame.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on continuous learning and sharing best practices across the organization, supported by internal forums, training programs, and mentorship initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and pioneering mindset" suggests a culture that values proactive individuals who can drive innovation and take ownership within the operational framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the often-conflicting needs and priorities of clients, internal teams, regulatory bodies, and end-users across complex projects.

• Navigating Technical Complexity: Ensuring high-quality design and technical integrity across multiple engineering disciplines, requiring deep knowledge and effective oversight.

• Maintaining Project Schedule & Budget: Effectively managing design processes to meet demanding timelines and financial constraints in a dynamic project environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in BIM, digital design tools, and sustainable engineering practices to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Digital Tools Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in cutting-edge design and project management software.

• Sector-Specific Specialization: Access to training and project experience to become a subject matter expert in high-growth sectors like healthcare, aviation, or sustainable development.

• Leadership Development Programs: Structured programs focused on enhancing strategic thinking, people management, and executive leadership skills for advancement within AECOM.

• Professional Certifications & Memberships: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional engineering licenses, project management certifications (e.g., PMP), and industry accreditations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of managing large-scale engineering projects, while the growth opportunities point to a clear career path for ambitious professionals focused on continuous improvement and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully led a multidisciplinary design team through a significant technical challenge on a major building project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your operational strategy, leadership, and problem-solving methodology).

• "How do you ensure alignment between architectural intent and building engineering requirements from concept through to detailed design? Provide examples of your process." (Prepare to discuss your workflow and interdisciplinary coordination strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "AECOM emphasizes digital capabilities and sustainability. How would you integrate these principles into your design management approach for a new project?" (Showcase your understanding of AECOM's operational values and how you can apply them).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with your team and clients when working remotely?" (Prepare examples of your remote operational management and communication strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by key responsibility areas (e.g., Design Coordination, Client Management, Risk Mitigation).

• Storytelling: For each case study, clearly outline the challenge, your specific role and approach (your operational process), the actions you took, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Visuals: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or screenshots of design coordination tools to visually represent processes and outcomes.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key achievements concisely, focusing on the most impactful examples relevant to the role's core responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of strong operational leadership, strategic thinking, and a proven ability to manage complex projects and teams effectively. Your portfolio should be a tangible demonstration of these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Building Engineering position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Resume Tailoring: Customize your resume to highlight your 12+ years of engineering experience, specifically emphasizing your multidisciplinary design leadership, client-facing capabilities, and experience with complex building projects in relevant sectors (healthcare, aviation, transport, etc.). Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a robust portfolio showcasing your leadership in design coordination, project execution planning, risk management, and client engagement. Prepare specific case studies that demonstrate your operational processes and problem-solving skills.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common behavioral and situational questions, focusing on your operational strategies, leadership style, and how you manage technical and stakeholder complexities. Practice articulating your portfolio examples clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's global projects, its commitment to sustainability, digital innovation, and its company values. Understand how your operational expertise aligns with their strategic objectives.

⚠️ 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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