Design Manager - Building Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Building Engineering

Company: AECOM

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Building Engineering Design Management

Date Posted: March 23, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multidisciplinary design coordination for complex building projects, ensuring seamless integration of architectural, civil, structural, and building engineering disciplines.

• Serve as the primary client liaison, facilitating workshops to extract functional and operational requirements and translate them into comprehensive design briefs.

• Own and execute front-end design strategy, including project execution plans, technical assurance processes, risk registers, and program controls.

• Provide critical technical direction and leadership to resolve design challenges, encompassing technical, functional, and legislative requirements.

• Oversee quality and design governance, chairing coordination reviews and ensuring compliance with sector-specific standards across healthcare, aviation, sports, and transport infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role explicitly calls for a Design Manager with a strong background in Building Engineering, indicating a focus on the technical and functional aspects of building design rather than purely project management. The emphasis on leading multidisciplinary teams and client engagement suggests a senior role requiring significant technical credibility and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams across key market sectors including healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, defence, education, and transport infrastructure.

• Drive design coordination from concept through to detailed design and delivery, ensuring all engineering disciplines are aligned with architectural intent and project objectives.

• Facilitate and lead stakeholder workshops to elicit, define, and document functional and operational requirements for complex building projects.

• Develop and implement comprehensive front-end design strategies, including detailed project execution plans, robust technical assurance frameworks, and proactive risk management strategies.

• Establish and maintain program controls, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

• Provide expert technical direction and problem-solving expertise to overcome design challenges, ensuring adherence to technical, functional, and legislative requirements.

• Champion quality and design governance by chairing coordination reviews, ensuring compliance with relevant sector-specific standards, and maintaining technical assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Mentor and lead discipline leads, fostering a collaborative environment, resolving complex interface challenges, and ensuring the delivery of buildable, efficient, and sustainable design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, client management, and strategic project planning. The emphasis on "owning the front-end design strategy" and "technical assurance processes" suggests a proactive role in defining project direction and mitigating risks early in the design phase.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical) or a related technical field. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications would be advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 12 years of progressive engineering experience, with a significant portion dedicated to hands-on technical delivery before transitioning into a multidisciplinary design leadership role. Demonstrated experience leading complex building projects across sectors such as healthcare, aviation, sports venues, commercial, or transport infrastructure is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams effectively.

• Strong technical foundation and broad understanding across architectural, civil, structural, and building engineering disciplines.

• Extensive experience in complex building project delivery, ideally within sectors like healthcare, aviation, sports, commercial, or transport infrastructure.

• Exceptional client-facing capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to represent the entire design team at a senior level.

• Comprehensive understanding of program management principles, commercial awareness, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Expertise in integrated design delivery methodologies and processes.

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital design tools and workflows (e.g., BIM, Revit).

• Knowledge of sustainability principles and green building certifications (e.g., Green Star, LEED).

• Familiarity with contract administration and procurement processes.

• Experience with defence projects and holding or ability to obtain defence clearance.

• Australian Citizenship is preferred due to the nature of the projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "12+ years of engineering experience, including substantial hands-on technical delivery before moving into multidisciplinary design leadership" is a critical differentiator. This indicates the company values deep technical expertise and practical experience over purely managerial capabilities in this senior design leadership role. The preference for Australian Citizenship and defence clearance suggests potential work on sensitive government projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating leadership of complex, multidisciplinary building design projects from concept to completion.

• Examples showcasing successful client engagement, stakeholder management, and requirement elicitation for large-scale developments.

• Documentation illustrating the development and implementation of project execution plans, technical assurance processes, and risk registers.

• Evidence of managing program controls and ensuring timely, budget-compliant project delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Workflows detailing the process for leading multidisciplinary design coordination, including interface management between disciplines.

• Methodologies for facilitating stakeholder workshops and translating functional requirements into design briefs.

• Frameworks for technical assurance, quality oversight, and design governance across various project phases.

• Approaches to risk identification, assessment, and mitigation within the design process.

• Examples of how design leadership has driven efficiency, buildability, and sustainability in past projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's strategic approach to design leadership, process management, and technical problem-solving. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating how the candidate has influenced project outcomes through effective design strategy and coordination.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in a major Australian city like Brisbane, and considering AECOM's status as a Fortune 500 company, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $160,000 - $220,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the exact scope of projects assigned.

Benefits:

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

• Opportunity to purchase up to 6 weeks of additional annual leave per year.

• Flexible public holidays, allowing employees to swap standard holidays for others that better suit them.

• Continuous learning and professional growth opportunities, including lunch and learns, professional development courses, and financial study assistance.

• 5 days of paid study leave per year.

• Access to global career opportunities within AECOM's international network.

• Robust global well-being program.

• Comprehensive compensation and benefits programs tailored to diverse employee needs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility in terms of where work is performed, but core working hours are expected to align with project demands and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location (Brisbane, Australia) and the role's seniority (Design Manager with 12+ years of experience), a competitive salary is expected. Researching comparable roles in Australia's engineering and construction consulting sector, particularly at large firms like AECOM, supports the estimated range. The provided benefits are extensive and align with a large, reputable multinational corporation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting Services. AECOM operates globally, providing a broad spectrum of professional services for infrastructure projects. The company is a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, highlighting its stability and industry standing.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded global firm with a significant presence worldwide. In fiscal year 2025, its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion, indicating a substantial operational scale. This size implies a structured environment with opportunities for diverse project involvement and career progression.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, boasting over a century of experience in delivering complex infrastructure solutions. This long history suggests a culture built on expertise, resilience, and a commitment to long-term client relationships and project success.

Team Structure:

• The Building Engineering team is part of AECOM's Buildings & Places (B&P) Business Line, indicating a specialization within the larger organization.

• The Design Manager will lead multidisciplinary teams, suggesting a matrixed structure where individuals report functionally to their discipline and operationally to project-specific leads like the Design Manager.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes investing in digital capabilities and innovations to bring consistency and efficiency to its work, suggesting a commitment to modern design and project management tools.

• The company focuses on delivering sustainable outcomes and promoting long-term health and wellbeing, indicating a strategic approach to design that considers environmental and social impact.

• The culture promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, aiming for a workplace where diverse perspectives lead to great ideas.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description as a "trusted infrastructure consulting firm" and its "Fortune 500" status are key indicators of its market position and operational sophistication. The emphasis on digital capabilities, sustainability, and DEI points to a forward-thinking and inclusive workplace culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level within the Building Engineering discipline. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise, proven multidisciplinary design leadership, and strong client-facing and program management skills. The Design Manager is responsible for the technical integrity and successful delivery of complex projects, acting as a key technical authority and client representative.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, Design Managers typically report to a higher-level Director or Principal within the Building Engineering or Buildings & Places business unit. They will, in turn, lead and mentor Discipline Leads and their respective teams. This structure facilitates specialized technical guidance and overarching project oversight.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a significant impact on AECOM's success by ensuring the technical excellence and client satisfaction for major building projects. Their ability to lead teams, manage complex designs, and mitigate risks directly influences project profitability, client relationships, and AECOM's reputation for delivering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific sectors (e.g., advanced healthcare facilities, complex aviation hubs) or emerging areas like sustainable design and smart buildings.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to roles such as Director of Building Engineering, Technical Director, or Project Director, with greater responsibility for business development, client relationships, and strategic direction.

• Global Mobility: Leverage AECOM's international presence for opportunities in different regions or on larger-scale global projects.

• Mentorship & Training: Participate in AECOM's continuous learning programs, gain certifications, and mentor junior engineers, developing leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's emphasis on client leadership and front-end design strategy suggests a path towards broader project leadership or regional management responsibilities. AECOM's global footprint provides ample opportunities for international experience and career diversification.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates with a "Hybrid" work location model. This indicates a blend of working from an AECOM office and remotely, allowing for flexibility while maintaining in-person collaboration. The office environment is likely professional, equipped with modern facilities to support design and engineering work.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. AECOM also has offices in Sydney and Melbourne, suggesting potential collaboration or project support across these locations.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for adaptable work schedules, balancing focused independent work with collaborative team sessions in the office.

• Employees will have access to AECOM's digital capabilities and innovations, likely including advanced design software, BIM platforms, and project management tools.

• Opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues, discipline leads, and potentially clients will be available during office-based workdays, fostering team cohesion and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the "Flexible work arrangements" and "Hybrid work options" suggest a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule, provided project deadlines and collaborative needs are met. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for roles involving extensive design work and client meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work model, combined with "Flexible work arrangements," signifies a modern approach to work-life balance. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of remote and in-office work and possess the self-discipline to manage their time effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications, focusing on experience alignment with the core requirements, particularly the 12+ years of technical and leadership experience.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves a discussion with senior members of the Building Engineering team or discipline leads. Expect questions about your approach to multidisciplinary design coordination, technical problem-solving, and client management. You may be asked to elaborate on specific projects from your portfolio.

• Design Leadership & Strategy Interview: This stage will focus on your ability to lead teams, develop design strategies, manage risks, and oversee quality and governance. Behavioral questions assessing leadership style, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement will be common.

• Client Engagement Simulation (Potentially): You might be asked to role-play a client interaction or discuss your approach to managing senior client relationships and extracting requirements.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership within the business unit to assess overall fit and strategic alignment with AECOM's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 3-5 complex building projects that best demonstrate your multidisciplinary design leadership, client management, and technical problem-solving skills. Prioritize projects completed within the last 5-7 years.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, your specific contributions, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, successful technical solutions, client satisfaction metrics).

• Highlight Process: Showcase your methodology for design coordination, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and technical assurance. Visual aids like process diagrams can be effective.

• Sector Relevance: Emphasize projects within healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, defence, education, or transport infrastructure, as these are key sectors for AECOM.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio concisely, focusing on the most impactful aspects relevant to the Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Design Challenge: Be prepared for a scenario-based question where you might need to outline your approach to a complex design problem or a challenging stakeholder situation. Focus on your structured problem-solving methodology.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate your leadership style, how you manage conflicts within a team, and how you drive collaboration.

• Client Communication: Practice articulating technical concepts clearly and concisely, and demonstrate your ability to understand and respond to client needs and concerns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong technical foundation" and "hands-on technical delivery" suggests that interviewers will probe deeply into your technical understanding and problem-solving capabilities, not just your management skills. Prepare to discuss specific technical challenges and how you navigated them.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software: Proficiency with platforms like Autodesk Revit is highly expected for managing complex building designs and facilitating multidisciplinary coordination.

• CAD Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD and other relevant Computer-Aided Design tools.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for program controls, scheduling, and resource management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and risk registers. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and analysis is fundamental.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating project reports, design review summaries, and technical assurance documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (for Client Management): While not the primary focus, an understanding of how CRM systems support client relationship management can be beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms like Aconex, Procore, or SharePoint for managing project documentation, drawings, and communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, modern building engineering design relies heavily on BIM and integrated project delivery platforms. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these technologies and how they leverage them for design coordination and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Innovation: A drive to deliver high-quality, technically sound designs, coupled with a willingness to embrace new technologies and innovative solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively across disciplines and with clients to achieve shared project goals.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding professional standards, honesty, and ethical conduct in all dealings, crucial for client trust and project success.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: Commitment to designing solutions that are environmentally responsible, promote wellbeing, and contribute positively to communities.

• Inclusion & Diversity: Fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and can contribute their unique perspectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates seamless collaboration between building engineering, structural, civil, and architectural disciplines, requiring active communication and coordination.

• Proactive Engagement: A collaborative style that involves proactively seeking input, resolving interface issues, and ensuring alignment across all project stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where lessons learned and best practices are shared to continuously improve design processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of "equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging" and its commitment to sustainability are central to its culture. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and professional approach align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

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

• Navigating Technical Complexity: Resolving intricate technical challenges that arise from the integration of multiple engineering disciplines and unique project requirements.

• Driving Design Innovation: Pushing for creative and efficient design solutions within project constraints while ensuring buildability and compliance.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in design software, construction methods, and sustainability practices to maintain a competitive edge.

• Geopolitical/Security Considerations: For projects involving defence or sensitive infrastructure, navigating strict security protocols and clearances can be a challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sector-Specific Training: Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge in specialized sectors like advanced healthcare facilities, large-scale aviation hubs, or sustainable urban development.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to AECOM's internal leadership training, executive coaching, and mentorship programs to hone management and strategic thinking skills.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional engineering licenses and certifications relevant to the industry and chosen sectors.

• Global Project Exposure: Opportunities to contribute to or lead projects in different geographical regions, broadening international experience and understanding of diverse markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "Australian Citizenship is preferred, with prior defence clearance highly advantageous" indicates that some projects may involve national security aspects, presenting unique challenges and requiring specific compliance measures.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary design team on a large-scale, complex building project. What are the key elements of your strategy for ensuring alignment and successful collaboration?" (Focus on your process for coordination, communication, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure that client functional and operational requirements are accurately captured and translated into a cohesive design brief? Walk me through a specific example." (Highlight your client engagement methodology and requirement elicitation techniques.)

• "Discuss a time you had to make a critical technical decision that resolved a significant design challenge. What was the challenge, your thought process, and the outcome?" (Use the STAR method to demonstrate technical problem-solving and leadership.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and this specific Design Manager role within our Building Engineering team?" (Research AECOM's recent projects, values, and strategic priorities. Connect your skills to their stated goals.)

• "AECOM values equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. How have you fostered these values within teams you've led?" (Provide specific examples of inclusive leadership and team building.)

• "How do you balance the need for design innovation with project constraints such as budget, schedule, and constructability?" (Showcase your pragmatic approach to design management.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and key achievements, setting the stage for your portfolio presentation.

• Project Deep Dive: For each selected project, clearly articulate the scope, your leadership role, the multidisciplinary challenges, your strategic solutions, and the tangible results (technical, financial, client satisfaction).

• Visuals: Use diagrams, concept sketches, or project renderings where appropriate to illustrate complex designs or processes. Keep slides clean and focused.

• Focus on Process: Beyond the final outcome, emphasize how you achieved it – your management methodologies, problem-solving frameworks, and collaboration techniques.

• Tailor to AECOM: Where possible, draw parallels between your experience and AECOM's project types and stated values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given AECOM's emphasis on digital capabilities, be prepared to discuss your experience with BIM and other advanced design technologies and how you leverage them to drive efficiency and collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and responsibilities directly related to "Multidisciplinary Design Coordination," "Building Engineering," "Client Lead," "Design Strategy," "Technical Assurance," and "Program Management." Quantify achievements with numbers where possible (e.g., "Managed design teams of up to X engineers," "Delivered projects valued at $Y million").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in leading complex building engineering designs across relevant sectors. Focus on showcasing your technical leadership, client management, and process optimization skills. Be ready to present these concisely.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects in Australia, their company values (especially regarding DEI and sustainability), and their approach to innovation. Understand their key market sectors.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management. Practice articulating your technical approach and project experiences clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.