Design Manager - Building Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Building Engineering

Company: AECOM

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Building Engineering Design Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-09

Experience Level: 12+ Years (including 5-10 years in Design Leadership)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads multidisciplinary design coordination efforts for complex building engineering projects, ensuring seamless integration across architectural, civil, structural, and specialized building engineering disciplines.

• Serves as the primary client interface, adept at facilitating stakeholder workshops to extract and translate functional and operational requirements into comprehensive design briefs.

• Owns the strategic direction of front-end design processes, encompassing the development of project execution plans, robust technical assurance frameworks, and proactive risk management.

• Provides essential technical leadership and high-level oversight across the entire project lifecycle, with the capacity to delve into specific technical challenges as needed.

• Manages design governance and quality assurance, chairing coordination reviews and ensuring strict adherence to sector-specific standards and legislative requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior Design Manager within Building Engineering, focusing on complex, multi-disciplinary projects. The emphasis on client leadership, front-end design strategy, and managing diverse project sectors (healthcare, aviation, defense, etc.) indicates a strategic and client-facing operational role rather than a pure technical specialist. The "12+ years of engineering experience, including substantial hands-on technical delivery before moving into multidisciplinary design leadership" suggests a need for both deep technical understanding and proven leadership in a design operations context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design coordination for major building engineering projects, ensuring seamless integration and alignment between architectural, civil, structural, and building engineering disciplines from concept to detailed design.

• Act as the principal client liaison, facilitating stakeholder workshops to effectively capture functional and operational requirements and translate them into clear, actionable design briefs.

• Develop and own the front-end design strategy, establishing comprehensive project execution plans, robust technical assurance processes, detailed risk registers, and effective programme controls.

• Provide strategic design direction and technical leadership to resolve complex challenges, including those related to technical specifications, functional requirements, and regulatory compliance, maintaining a high-level overview while diving deep into specifics when necessary.

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

• Mentor and lead discipline leads, fostering a collaborative environment, proactively resolving interface challenges between different engineering disciplines, and ensuring the delivery of buildable, efficient, and sustainable design solutions.

• Drive the integration of digital capabilities and innovations within the design process to enhance consistency and efficiency, aligning with AECOM's strategic focus on digital transformation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic oversight, which are core to operations roles. The mention of "digital capabilities and innovations" points towards an expectation of leveraging technology for operational efficiency in design delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive engineering experience, with a significant portion (ideally 5-10 years) dedicated to hands-on technical delivery and subsequently transitioning into multidisciplinary design leadership roles.

Required Skills:

• Multidisciplinary Design Coordination: Expertise in orchestrating and integrating design efforts across multiple engineering disciplines (structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.) and architectural requirements.

• Client Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong client relationships, effectively represent the design team at senior levels, and manage client expectations.

• Front-End Design Strategy: Proficiency in developing and implementing initial design strategies, including scope definition, feasibility studies, and concept development.

• Project Execution Planning: Experience in creating detailed project execution plans that outline scope, resources, timelines, and deliverables for the design phase.

• Technical Assurance & Quality Governance: Strong understanding of quality management systems, technical review processes, and ensuring design compliance with standards and codes.

• Risk Management: Capability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of project financials, budgeting, and the commercial implications of design decisions.

• Programme Management: Familiarity with programme controls, scheduling, and managing design timelines effectively.

• Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and mentor design teams and discipline leads, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital design tools and workflows (e.g., BIM, advanced visualization, simulation software).

• Familiarity with sustainability frameworks and green building certifications (e.g., Green Star, LEED).

• Knowledge of relevant Australian building codes, standards, and regulatory frameworks.

• Prior defence clearance or experience working on defence projects.

• Understanding of AECOM’s specific project delivery methodologies and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "12+ years of engineering experience, including substantial hands-on technical delivery before moving into multidisciplinary design leadership" strongly suggests a need for a candidate who can bridge the gap between technical execution and strategic management, a common requirement in senior operations roles. The preferred skills align with modern design operations, focusing on efficiency and compliance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Complex Projects: Showcase detailed examples of leading multidisciplinary design teams on large-scale building projects (healthcare, aviation, sports, transport). Highlight your role in integrating diverse engineering disciplines and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Design Strategy & Execution Plans: Present examples of front-end design strategies, project execution plans, and programme controls you have developed and implemented. Demonstrate how these plans led to efficient project delivery.

• Risk Management & Technical Assurance Frameworks: Include documentation or descriptions of how you have identified, assessed, and mitigated design risks, and how you've implemented technical assurance processes to maintain quality and compliance.

• Client Engagement & Requirements Gathering: Provide evidence of your ability to lead client workshops, extract functional and operational requirements, and translate them into clear design briefs.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate your approach to designing and optimizing multidisciplinary design workflows, ensuring seamless integration and communication between different engineering and architectural teams.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Illustrate how you have implemented new processes, technologies, or digital tools to enhance design efficiency, improve coordination, or manage project delivery more effectively.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase how you track and measure the performance of design processes, using metrics related to design quality, programme adherence, budget control, and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with a strong operational component, a portfolio demonstrating process management, strategic planning, and risk mitigation is crucial. The focus should be on showcasing how you've structured and improved design delivery operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements (alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing, hybrid work options).

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

• Flex public holidays: ability to swap standard public holidays for others that better suit personal needs.

• 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.

• Comprehensive well-being program.

• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking.

Working Hours:

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for senior engineering management roles in Melbourne, Australia, considering the experience level and the specialized nature of the role. The benefits package is detailed from the provided information, emphasizing flexibility and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global Infrastructure Consulting. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm specializing in advisory, planning, design, engineering, and program/construction management across sectors like transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment.

Company Size: Large, global organization (Fortune 500, indicating thousands of employees worldwide). This offers extensive resources, global reach, and diverse project opportunities.

Founded: AECOM was formed in 1990 through the merger of its predecessor companies, with roots tracing back much further. This long history signifies stability and extensive experience in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Building Engineering team in Melbourne is looking for multi-disciplinary design managers. This suggests a team structure that likely comprises specialized discipline leads (structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.) reporting into a Design Manager, who in turn collaborates with project managers and client stakeholders.

• This role will lead multidisciplinary design coordination across key market sectors, implying close collaboration with sector-specific experts and project teams.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes investing in digital capabilities and innovations for consistency and efficiency in their work.

• The company focuses on sustainable outcomes and solutions that promote long-term health and wellbeing.

• Design operations likely involve rigorous technical assurance, robust risk management, and integrated design delivery processes.

Company Website: https://aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights AECOM's global presence, commitment to innovation, and strong emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, which are increasingly important in operations and project delivery. The "Buildings & Places" business line further contextualizes the role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a senior leadership position within the operational delivery of building engineering projects. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic planning capabilities, and strong people management skills, placing it at a high level within the project execution framework.

Reporting Structure: The role involves leading multidisciplinary design teams and likely reports to a senior project director, program manager, or a regional head of Building Engineering. Collaboration with architectural leads, project managers, and direct client engagement at senior levels are key aspects of its reporting relationships.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to project success, directly influencing:

• Project Delivery Efficiency: Ensuring designs are coordinated, buildable, and delivered on time and within budget.

• Client Satisfaction: Meeting and exceeding client expectations through effective communication and delivery of functional, operational requirements.

• Technical Excellence & Innovation: Driving high-quality, sustainable, and innovative design solutions.

• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identifying and managing design-related risks to prevent costly issues downstream.

• Team Performance: Fostering a high-performing, collaborative design team.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into Program Management, Sector Leadership (e.g., Head of Healthcare Design), or broader Project Director roles.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific high-demand sectors like healthcare or aviation, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Global Mobility: Leverage AECOM's global network for international project opportunities or assignments.

• Digital Transformation: Contribute to and lead the adoption of digital tools and processes within design operations, a growing area of focus for AECOM.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and team-building skills further through AECOM's extensive professional development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth from technical leadership to strategic operational management within a large, global firm. The emphasis on client-facing responsibilities and strategic planning indicates a move towards higher-level operational influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. Employees are expected to work from the AECOM office in Melbourne, Victoria, but with flexibility for remote work. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed for team interaction, design reviews, and client meetings, balanced with personal flexibility.

Office Location(s): Specifically located at Collins Square, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. This is a prime business district location, offering excellent accessibility and proximity to other professional services.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is likely equipped with meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and potentially design studios to facilitate teamwork and stakeholder engagement.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's suite of design and project management software, BIM platforms, and digital collaboration tools is expected.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with multidisciplinary engineering teams, architectural partners, project managers, and clients, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility in start and finish times to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity. The hybrid model allows for a blend of office-based collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement and specific office location in a major business hub point to a professional, client-centric work environment that balances team collaboration with individual flexibility, typical for senior roles in consulting firms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application, focusing on demonstrated experience in leading complex building engineering projects and client management.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with senior engineering leaders to assess technical depth, understanding of design principles, and problem-solving capabilities related to building engineering challenges.

• Leadership & Operations Interview: Focus on your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams, developing design strategies, handling client relations, and demonstrating commercial awareness and risk management. This may involve behavioral questions and scenario-based assessments.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates are expected to present selected case studies from their portfolio, detailing their role, the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved, with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency and project success.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or regional lead to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and long-term potential within AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the scale, complexity, and your specific contribution. Use metrics to demonstrate impact (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction, client satisfaction scores).

• Showcase Process Integration: Highlight how you managed the integration of diverse disciplines, resolved interface issues, and ensured a cohesive design output. Focus on the operational aspects of design coordination.

• Demonstrate Client Leadership: Include examples of how you successfully managed client relationships, navigated stakeholder expectations, and translated client needs into design outcomes.

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Present examples of how you developed and executed front-end design strategies, managed risks, and ensured technical assurance.

• Tailor to AECOM: Research AECOM's recent projects, values, and key sectors. Frame your portfolio examples to align with their strategic priorities and areas of expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for case studies or scenario-based questions that test your ability to:

  • Develop a design strategy for a hypothetical complex project.
  • Address a significant design coordination issue between disciplines.
  • Respond to a challenging client request or a project-related risk.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, explaining the operational steps you would take.

• Be ready to discuss your approach to team leadership, conflict resolution within design teams, and fostering a collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review for this role will heavily scrutinize operational management capabilities, client engagement, and strategic project delivery, in addition to technical acumen. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their ability to manage the complex operational aspects of large-scale design projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software: Proficiency with BIM platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) is essential for multidisciplinary coordination, clash detection, and design visualization.

• Project Management Software: Experience with enterprise-level project management tools (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Oracle Aconex) for programme controls, scheduling, and resource allocation.

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

• Design Software Suites: Experience with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) and potentially specialized engineering design software relevant to building services (MEP), structural analysis, or civil engineering.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and risk reports. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced functions), Power BI, or Tableau for generating insights and reports.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and utilizing dashboards to track design progress, key performance indicators (KPIs), and project health.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles for client management and stakeholder engagement is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with any tools or methodologies used to automate repetitive tasks within the design or project management processes, enhancing efficiency.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust document control systems (e.g., SharePoint, AECOM's internal systems) for managing design documentation, revisions, and approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of tools that facilitate integrated design processes, project execution, and client communication, reflecting the operational demands of managing complex engineering projects in a digital environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings with clients, team members, and stakeholders.

• Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and forward-thinking design solutions, embracing new technologies and methodologies.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support within multidisciplinary teams to achieve shared project goals.

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

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

• Inclusion & Belonging: Actively contributing to a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactively engaging with architects, other engineering disciplines, project managers, and client representatives to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and frequent communication to resolve issues quickly and ensure alignment across all project stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback: Participating in and providing constructive feedback during design reviews and team meetings to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing expertise and lessons learned to elevate the capabilities of the entire team and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of integrity, excellence, innovation, collaboration, client focus, and inclusion are central to its operational ethos and expected from individuals in leadership roles like this Design Manager position.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the often-conflicting requirements of various clients, regulatory bodies, and internal discipline leads.

• Technical Complexity & Innovation: Staying abreast of rapidly evolving building technologies, sustainable design practices, and digital tools while ensuring robust, buildable solutions.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Overcoming potential communication barriers and interface challenges between highly specialized engineering and architectural teams.

• Programmatic and Commercial Pressures: Delivering complex projects on time and within budget while maintaining high design quality and managing project risks.

• Adapting to Digital Transformation: Driving the adoption and effective use of new digital tools and processes within a traditionally structured engineering environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sector Specialization: Deepen expertise in high-growth sectors like healthcare, aviation, or defense infrastructure through AECOM's projects and internal training.

• Digital Design Leadership: Lead initiatives in adopting and mastering advanced digital design tools, BIM strategies, and data analytics for design operations.

• Global Project Exposure: Gain experience on international projects and learn from diverse global teams and best practices.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participate in AECOM's structured leadership and management training to enhance skills in team building, strategic planning, and executive communication.

• Professional Certifications & Conferences: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications and attending industry conferences to stay current with engineering and design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in complex project delivery operations, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging AECOM's global reach and commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a front-end design strategy for a complex building project." (Focus on process, stakeholder engagement, and risk identification.)

• "How do you ensure effective coordination and collaboration between multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., MEP, structural, civil) and architectural teams on a large-scale project?" (Highlight your methods for communication, conflict resolution, and integration.)

• "Walk us through a situation where you had to manage significant design risks or technical challenges. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your risk management and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's work in the building engineering sector, and how do you see your skills contributing to our goals?" (Research AECOM's projects, values, and digital initiatives.)

• "How do you foster a culture of inclusion and collaboration within your design teams?" (Align your response with AECOM's stated values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the client, project scope, your role, key challenges, the operational processes you implemented (design coordination, risk management, client engagement), the solutions, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Focus on Operational Impact: Emphasize how your leadership and process management led to efficiency gains, risk mitigation, improved design quality, and client satisfaction.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your technical contributions, decision-making rationale, and how you managed specific project phases or issues.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides or visuals to support your presentation, but ensure the focus remains on your narrative and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, operational management capabilities, and ability to lead complex design delivery within AECOM's framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your experience in leading multidisciplinary building engineering design, client management, and front-end design strategy. Emphasize case studies that showcase your operational approach to coordination, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "multidisciplinary design coordination," "client lead," "design strategy," "technical assurance," and "programme controls." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your approach to leadership, problem-solving, and managing complex projects, aligning your answers with AECOM's values and the role's operational demands.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM, its recent projects, its Building Engineering sector focus, and its commitment to digital innovation and sustainability. Understand their company culture and values to demonstrate a strong cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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