Design Manager- Building Structures

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Building Structures

Company: AECOM

Location: Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Building Structures

Date Posted: 2026-01-30

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and oversee structural engineering production activities within AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities team, focusing on delivering high-quality building structure designs.

• Provide strategic leadership and technical expertise for structural engineering projects, particularly those in the Middle East region, ensuring alignment with AECOM's global standards and client expectations.

• Manage key stakeholder relationships, including senior management within AECOM and external clients, demonstrating strong negotiation and dispute resolution skills.

• Drive the development and implementation of technical standards and guides, ensuring engineering excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in structural design.

• Mentor and develop junior engineering staff through structured technical training programs, contributing to the growth of AECOM's talent pipeline and overall technical capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while based in Manila, has a significant focus on projects in the Middle East region and operations within AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities (EC) team. EC functions as a global workshare and technical expertise hub, implying a need for strong remote collaboration, understanding of international project delivery, and adaptability to diverse project requirements and stakeholder needs across different geographies and time zones. The "Hybrid" work arrangement likely refers to a blend of remote work and office presence in Manila.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all engineering production activities for building structures, ensuring projects meet technical specifications, budget constraints, and project timelines.

• Initiate and maintain strategic relationships with senior-level management across AECOM, facilitating effective communication, collaboration, and alignment on project and business objectives.

• Skillfully negotiate critical project issues, resolve disputes, and manage complex stakeholder expectations to ensure successful project outcomes and client satisfaction.

• Lead and guide multidisciplinary project teams, fostering a collaborative environment that leverages diverse expertise to achieve project goals and deliver innovative structural solutions.

• Develop, implement, and maintain technical standards, design guides, and best practices to ensure consistent high-quality technical excellence across all structural engineering deliverables.

• Anticipate, identify, and resolve routine and complex operational and technical problems, developing strategic approaches to overcome challenges and ensure project continuity.

• Operate with broad general objectives, requiring significant autonomy and administrative supervision, demonstrating strong self-management and proactive problem-solving capabilities.

• Design and deliver comprehensive technical training programs for junior engineers, focusing on structural engineering principles, design methodologies, and the use of advanced tools and software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize leadership, strategic oversight, and technical command within a global operational framework. The role requires not only technical proficiency in structural engineering but also advanced skills in stakeholder management, negotiation, and team development, indicative of a senior leadership position within a large, multinational engineering consultancy. The focus on "engineering production activities" and "workshare" suggests a strong emphasis on process efficiency, resource management, and quality control within the Enterprise Capabilities context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in Structural or Civil Engineering (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in structural engineering, with a significant portion in leadership and management roles.

Required Skills:

• Structural Engineering Expertise: In-depth knowledge of structural design principles, building codes, and construction methodologies for various building types.

• Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams, drive performance, and foster a collaborative work environment.

• Project Delivery Oversight: Expertise in overseeing the full project lifecycle, from design conceptualization to construction support, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and schedule.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills for effective engagement with senior management, clients, and project stakeholders.

• Technical Standards Development: Ability to develop, implement, and enforce technical standards, quality assurance procedures, and design guides.

• Problem-Solving & Strategic Thinking: Capacity to anticipate and resolve complex technical and operational challenges, providing strategic oversight and creative solutions.

• Client Relationship Management: Experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and ensuring successful project outcomes.

• Global Operations Acumen: Understanding of international project delivery, workshare models, and cross-cultural team collaboration within a global organization.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with advanced structural analysis software (e.g., ETABS, SAP2000, STAAD.Pro).

• Proficiency in Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows and associated software.

• Experience with contract administration and managing engineering consultants.

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and green building certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for a seasoned professional with not just technical depth but also significant leadership and client-facing experience. The emphasis on the Middle East region and global workshare suggests that candidates with experience in complex, large-scale international projects will be highly favored. The Chartered/Professional Engineer status is a strong indicator of a commitment to professional standards and a deep understanding of engineering best practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Detailed examples of major building structure projects managed, showcasing your role in design oversight, team leadership, and successful project completion. Emphasize scale, complexity, and regional context (especially Middle East).

• Technical Standards & Guidelines: Examples of technical standards, design guides, or process improvements you have developed or implemented to enhance structural engineering quality and efficiency.

• Team Development & Training Materials: Evidence of your experience in mentoring junior engineers, including sample training materials, development plans, or methodologies you've employed.

• Stakeholder Management & Dispute Resolution: Specific examples or case studies demonstrating your ability to manage senior stakeholders, negotiate critical issues, and resolve complex project disputes effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate proficiency in documenting engineering processes, including workflow design for structural analysis and design, detailing implementation phases, and outlining measurement strategies for performance and quality assurance.

• Provide examples of how you have optimized existing engineering workflows to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance the overall quality of structural design deliverables.

• Showcase experience with process improvement methodologies, such as Lean or Six Sigma, as applied to engineering production and project delivery within a large organizational structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this senior role, a portfolio should extend beyond a simple list of projects. It needs to demonstrate strategic thinking, process ownership, and leadership impact. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the "how" and "why" behind their project successes, focusing on the processes they influenced or managed, and the quantitative and qualitative outcomes achieved. The emphasis on "Enterprise Capabilities" suggests a need to showcase experience with standardized processes and efficient workshare models.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Disability Benefits.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Leaves of Absences.

• Voluntary Benefits and Perks.

• Flexible Work Options and Well-Being Resources.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Business Travel Insurance.

• Service Recognition Awards.

• Retirement Savings Plan.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are likely 40 hours per week. However, given the hybrid work model and the nature of managing international projects, flexibility may be required to accommodate meetings and urgent project needs across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in major metropolitan areas in Southeast Asia, factoring in the significant experience and specialized regional project focus. AECOM's comprehensive benefits package is typical for large multinational corporations and aims to provide a holistic support system for employees. The mention of "Freedom to Grow hybrid working philosophy" suggests a commitment to work-life balance, though international project demands can necessitate flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure, Engineering, Consulting, Construction Management. AECOM operates globally, providing professional services across water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings sectors.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with approximately 50,000 employees worldwide and reported revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. This indicates a large, established, and global organization.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990. The company has a long history of delivering complex projects and has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Enterprise Capabilities (EC) team, a global unit comprising over 3000 technical professionals across nine countries. This team acts as a central hub for workshare, technical expertise, and filling capability gaps for regional and Global Business Line project teams.

• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within EC (e.g., Director of Engineering, Regional Manager) and will have direct oversight of a team of structural engineers, potentially distributed across different locations.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a "Think and Act Globally" strategy, supported by digital adoption and the EC team's role in accelerating delivery and maintaining competitiveness through specialized services.

• The company focuses on delivering innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle, from advisory and planning to design, engineering, and construction management.

• Operations within EC are geared towards efficient workshare, technical excellence, and filling capability/resourcing gaps, requiring robust process management and quality control.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities team is crucial. This isn't a typical project-based engineering role within a regional office. EC operates as a specialized, global service provider. This means the Design Manager will need to excel in managing remote teams, standardizing processes for efficient workshare, and ensuring consistent quality across diverse projects managed by different regional offices. The company's scale and global reach offer significant opportunities for exposure to a wide variety of projects and career development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, equivalent to a Principal Engineer or Director-level role within a specialized technical unit. The Design Manager is expected to provide strategic direction, manage significant technical resources, and influence project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Enterprise Capabilities (EC) division, likely a Director or VP of Engineering. They will directly manage a team of structural engineers, potentially including lead engineers or junior managers, who may be geographically dispersed.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is substantial, directly influencing the technical quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of AECOM's structural engineering services delivered globally through the EC model. Success means ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest technical standards, contributing significantly to AECOM's revenue and reputation. This role also plays a critical part in developing talent and expertise within the EC team.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Advance to higher leadership positions within EC, potentially overseeing larger disciplines or broader service lines, or become a recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) in niche structural engineering areas.

• Global Project Exposure: Gain extensive experience managing diverse projects across different regions (especially the Middle East, as highlighted), leading to a broad understanding of international engineering practices, codes, and client requirements.

• Process Improvement & Strategy: Contribute to the strategic development and refinement of AECOM's global workshare and enterprise capabilities model, influencing how engineering services are delivered across the organization.

• Mentorship & Talent Development: Take on greater responsibility for developing talent pipelines, establishing best practices, and shaping the future technical workforce within AECOM.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Expand influence and understanding by collaborating with other EC teams (e.g., transportation, environmental) and regional business lines, potentially leading to broader leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for this role within AECOM's EC structure is significant. It offers a path to high-level technical leadership and strategic influence within a global engineering powerhouse. The emphasis on "Enterprise Capabilities" suggests a unique opportunity to shape how a global firm leverages its talent pool and technical expertise, offering a distinct career path compared to traditional project-based roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "Hybrid" with a primary location in Manila, Philippines. This suggests a blend of remote work and in-office presence. AECOM typically maintains modern, professional office spaces designed to foster collaboration and provide necessary resources.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Manila, Philippines, specifically noted as "Taguig City, Bonifacio Stopover." AECOM also has a significant presence and project involvement in the Middle East, which may involve occasional travel.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and the nature of EC necessitate strong digital collaboration tools and practices. Expect regular virtual team meetings, project reviews, and discussions with colleagues across different geographies. When in the office, expect a professional, team-oriented atmosphere conducive to design reviews and brainstorming.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's standard suite of engineering software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided. This includes advanced structural analysis software and BIM platforms, crucial for the role's responsibilities.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a global team of structural engineers, project managers, and senior leadership within EC. This includes leading team meetings, providing technical guidance, and fostering a cohesive team spirit despite geographical dispersion.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours in Manila (e.g., 9 AM - 6 PM PHT). However, managing projects in the Middle East will require flexibility to attend meetings outside of these hours to accommodate time zone differences. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in daily scheduling, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role, combined with its international project scope, requires strong self-discipline and effective time management. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and utilizing digital tools for communication and collaboration. The mention of "Freedom to Grow hybrid working philosophy" suggests AECOM supports a flexible approach, but the demands of managing complex global projects will shape the practical application of this flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your career trajectory and why you're interested in AECOM's EC team.

• Hiring Manager Interview: This will focus on your technical expertise in structural engineering, leadership experience, and understanding of project delivery within a global context. Expect questions about your approach to managing teams, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving.

• Technical/Panel Interview: A panel of senior engineers and/or managers from EC may assess your technical depth, strategic thinking, and ability to handle complex scenarios. This is where your portfolio will be discussed in detail. Be ready to articulate your contributions and methodologies.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio (e.g., a complex Middle East project) or tackle a hypothetical design management challenge. Focus on demonstrating your strategic approach, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior executive within EC or the regional leadership, focusing on strategic alignment, cultural fit, and long-term vision for the role and the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects, emphasizing those with significant structural complexity, leadership responsibilities, and ideally, Middle East exposure. For each, highlight your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, technical innovations).

• Process-Oriented Storytelling: Don't just present project descriptions. Narrate your involvement through a process lens: how you managed design development, coordinated multidisciplinary teams, ensured quality control, resolved issues, and delivered the final product.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics wherever possible. For example, "Managed a team of 12 engineers, delivering X number of projects totaling Y square meters in value," or "Implemented a new design review process that reduced design iterations by Z%."

• Demonstrate Leadership: For each project, clearly articulate your leadership actions – how you motivated teams, made critical decisions, managed stakeholders, and overcame obstacles.

• Tailor to AECOM's EC: Frame your experience in the context of global workshare, technical excellence, and efficiency. Show how your skills align with AECOM's "Think and Act Globally" strategy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you manage a conflict between design requirements from two different regional offices?" or "How would you ensure consistent quality on a project where the design team is distributed across three countries?"

• Focus on Principles, Not Just Tools: While tool proficiency is important, interviewers will be more interested in your underlying engineering principles, problem-solving methodologies, and leadership approach.

• Articulate Vision: Be ready to discuss your vision for structural engineering management within a global enterprise capabilities framework and how you would contribute to AECOM's strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role of this caliber will be rigorous. The emphasis on a portfolio and case studies suggests a practical, evidence-based approach to evaluation. Candidates should prepare to not only discuss their past achievements but also demonstrate their strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities through structured responses and presentations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Structural Analysis Software: Proficiency with industry-leading tools such as ETABS, SAP2000, STAAD.Pro, RAM Structural System, or similar is essential for performing and overseeing complex structural analysis.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with BIM platforms like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and other collaborative BIM tools is expected, given the "advanced structural analysis tools and BIM workflows" preference.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for tracking progress, resources, and timelines.

• CAD Software: Proficiency with AutoCAD for reviewing and managing 2D drawings and plans.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret performance metrics using tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, Power Query), potentially Tableau or Power BI for dashboard creation and data visualization.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and interpreting performance dashboards related to project delivery, team productivity, and technical quality.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how CRM data influences project pipelines and client management might be beneficial.

• Collaboration & Communication Platforms: Extensive use of Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Zoom, or similar platforms for seamless communication and collaboration across distributed teams.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document control systems for managing project documentation and revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes core structural engineering software, BIM integration, and robust project/collaboration tools. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with these tools and how they leverage them to enhance design quality, team efficiency, and project delivery within a global, hybrid work environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to delivering the highest standards of structural engineering, underpinned by rigorous analysis, design, and quality assurance processes.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging novel solutions, embracing new technologies (like advanced BIM and analysis tools), and fostering a forward-thinking approach to design challenges.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Promoting a culture of open communication, mutual support, and shared responsibility, essential for managing distributed and multidisciplinary teams effectively.

• Accountability & Precision: Emphasizing personal and team accountability for deliverables, accuracy, and meeting commitments, crucial for safety-critical engineering work.

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

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Global & Remote-First: The EC team operates with a global mindset and a strong reliance on digital tools for remote collaboration. Expect structured virtual meetings, asynchronous communication, and a need for clear documentation.

• Cross-Functional Integration: A collaborative approach is essential to bridge the gap between the EC team and regional project offices, ensuring seamless integration of services and clear communication channels.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on processes, workflows, and technical approaches to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across the global team to elevate collective capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture, as reflected in the "Freedom to Grow" philosophy and its emphasis on innovation and sustainability, suggests an environment that values professional development, forward-thinking solutions, and a diverse, inclusive workforce. The EC team's specific focus on global workshare implies a need for highly adaptable, communicative, and process-driven individuals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Geographically Dispersed Teams: Effectively leading and motivating engineers located in different countries and time zones, ensuring consistent performance and communication.

• Bridging Regional & Global Standards: Reconciling potentially different design codes, standards, and client expectations between the Middle East region and AECOM's global EC framework.

• Maintaining Technical Consistency: Ensuring uniform high-quality technical output across diverse projects and teams operating under the EC workshare model.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Managing the expectations and requirements of senior internal management and external clients across different regions.

• Adopting New Technologies & Workflows: Staying abreast of and integrating emerging technologies and evolving BIM workflows into the EC team's standard practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training programs and workshops to deepen expertise in cutting-edge structural analysis techniques, materials, and design methodologies.

• Leadership & Management Development: Opportunities to enhance leadership skills through AECOM's global management training programs, focusing on areas like strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending major industry conferences and pursuing advanced certifications relevant to structural engineering and project management.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in mentorship initiatives, either as a mentor to junior engineers or as a mentee to senior leaders within AECOM, fostering career growth.

• Exposure to Diverse Project Types: Working on a wide array of iconic and complex projects globally, providing invaluable experience and exposure to different engineering challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to operating within a large, global, and distributed organization like AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities team. Success will depend on strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for career advancement within a leading global infrastructure firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multidisciplinary engineering team on a complex building structure project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on leadership, team dynamics, and project management).

• "How would you approach developing and implementing new technical standards for structural engineering within a global workshare team like AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities?" (Focus on process development, stakeholder buy-in, and implementation strategy).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities team and its role within the company's global strategy?" (Demonstrate research and understanding of the EC model).

• "How do you foster a culture of collaboration and technical excellence when working with a remote and distributed team?" (Address hybrid work challenges and team engagement strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear structure: Project Overview -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Key Challenges -> Strategic Approach/Solutions -> Outcomes & Impact (Quantified).

• Highlight Process & Leadership: Emphasize the processes you managed or improved, and clearly articulate your leadership actions and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with relevant diagrams, photos, or charts to illustrate project complexity and your solutions. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Engage and Interact: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your projects, your decision-making process, and how you handled specific technical or managerial challenges. Treat it as a collaborative discussion.

• Connect to AECOM: Throughout your presentation, subtly link your experiences and skills back to AECOM's values, goals, and the specific requirements of the Design Manager role within EC.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a strategic understanding of global operations within a large corporate structure. Candidates should be ready to provide specific, evidence-based examples that showcase their ability to manage complex projects and teams effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Curate Your Operations Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your structural engineering leadership, project delivery success, and experience managing complex teams, particularly those in the Middle East region. Prepare to discuss the processes you managed, the challenges you overcame, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "Building Structures," "Structural Engineering," "Project Delivery," "Leadership," "Middle East," "Multidisciplinary Teams," "Technical Excellence," and "Enterprise Capabilities." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse a concise presentation of one or two key portfolio projects, focusing on your strategic approach, problem-solving methodology, leadership impact, and how your experience aligns with AECOM's global operations and values.

• Research AECOM & EC: Deeply understand AECOM's global presence, its "Think and Act Globally" strategy, and the specific function of the Enterprise Capabilities team. Familiarize yourself with their recent projects and sustainability initiatives.

⚠️ 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.