Design Manager (Defence)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (Defence)

Company: AECOM

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (with flexibility for Brisbane and Sydney)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: March 18, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and integrate complex, multidisciplinary design teams within the Defence sector, ensuring cohesive and high-quality project outcomes.

• Serve as the primary client interface, translating user requirements into technical briefs and managing scope in secure environments.

• Define and execute front-end design strategy, establishing project execution plans, technical assurance, and programme controls.

• Manage programme, commercial, and governance obligations in compliance with Defence standards and security protocols.

• Provide technical leadership, chairing design reviews and resolving cross-discipline conflicts to ensure buildability, safety, and long-term asset performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for the Defence sector, requiring a strong understanding of its unique contractual frameworks, security protocols, and regulatory controls. The emphasis on "integrated multi-disciplinary design teams" and "front-end design strategy" indicates a need for robust project planning, coordination, and stakeholder management skills, aligning with core Revenue and Sales Operations principles of process optimization and strategic execution, albeit in an engineering context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and integrate large multidisciplinary design teams, driving technical coordination across architecture, civils, structural, MEP, fire, security, acoustics, and specialist Defence consultants to ensure fully integrated solutions.

• Act as the primary client interface, engaging with Defence stakeholders and end-users to extract operational requirements, translate them into technical briefs, and manage evolving scope within secure environments.

• Own the front-end design strategy, establishing project execution plans, technical assurance processes, risk registers, and programme controls from concept through detailed design.

• Manage programme, commercial, and governance obligations, ensuring delivery in line with DSC or framework requirements, maintaining compliance with Defence standards, security protocols, and regulatory controls.

• Provide technical leadership and assurance by chairing design reviews, challenging discipline leads, resolving cross-discipline conflicts, and ensuring buildability, safety, resilience, and long-term asset performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong process governance and compliance, crucial in operations roles. The emphasis on "technical coordination," "front-end design strategy," and "programme controls" directly translates to operational planning, execution, and risk management. Managing "evolving scope within secure environments" implies a need for agile yet controlled change management processes, a key operational competency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degree requirements are not listed, a strong technical background is implied, likely requiring a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or architectural discipline.

Experience: Ideally, 12+ years of experience, with a strong technical grounding before transitioning into design management or multidisciplinary leadership. Proven track record delivering complex projects within Defence or other highly regulated sectors is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record leading full design teams and acting as the Design Manager/Consultant's Representative for clients and key stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of programme control, commercial risk, technical governance, and compliance frameworks.

• Understanding of the Defence contractual framework including DSC, DSSC, MC.

• Credibility and confidence to challenge technical specialists while maintaining collaborative team dynamics.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous Defence experience is strongly preferred.

• Nuclear industry experience is highly regarded.

• Prior Defence clearance is highly advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "12+ years of experience" and a "strong technical grounding before transitioning into design management" suggests this is a senior leadership role, demanding not just project oversight but strategic operational planning. The emphasis on "technical governance," "commercial risk," and "programme controls" aligns with the strategic operational planning and execution components of Revenue Operations and GTM roles, focusing on predictable outcomes and risk mitigation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful leadership of complex, multidisciplinary design projects, showcasing integrated solutions and technical coordination.

• Provide examples of managing client relationships and translating operational requirements into actionable technical briefs within regulated environments.

• Showcase experience in developing and implementing front-end design strategies, including project execution plans, risk registers, and programme controls.

• Present evidence of managing programme, commercial, and governance obligations, with a focus on compliance with specific industry standards (e.g., Defence, DSC).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization of design processes within regulated sectors, emphasizing efficiency and compliance.

• Implementation of robust technical assurance, risk management, and programme control methodologies.

• Measurement of design team performance, stakeholder satisfaction, and project delivery against defined governance and contractual obligations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the nature of this role demands a candidate who can demonstrate their capabilities through past project successes. For operations professionals, this translates to showcasing their experience in process optimization, system implementation, and driving measurable business outcomes. The emphasis on "Defence contractual framework" and "governance obligations" means candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with structured processes and compliance frameworks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in specialized sectors like Defence in Melbourne, Australia, a competitive salary range is estimated to be AUD $150,000 - $220,000 per annum. This range accounts for the seniority, specialized industry knowledge, and leadership responsibilities.

Benefits:

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

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

• Flex public holidays – swap holidays for ones that better suit personal needs.

• Continuous learning and growth opportunities.

• Lunch and learns.

• Professional development courses.

• Financial study assistance.

• 5 days paid study leave.

• Global career opportunities.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with significant flexibility offered through hybrid work arrangements and alternative start/finish times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on AECOM's general compensation practices for senior engineering and management roles in Australia, considering the high demand for specialized Defence sector experience. The comprehensive benefits package reflects a commitment to employee well-being and professional development, common among large engineering consultancies. The explicit mention of "hybrid work options" and "alternative start/finish times" aligns with the "Work Environment" section and indicates a modern, flexible approach to work management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (specifically within the Defence sector). AECOM is a global leader, involved in strategic planning through to project realization, focusing on sustainable outcomes.

Company Size: Large (Fortune 500 company), indicating a structured environment with established processes and global reach. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and diverse career pathways.

Founded: AECOM's history dates back to 1910, providing a long-standing reputation and deep expertise in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Building Engineering Team, part of the Buildings & Places (B&P) business line.

• This specific role involves leading "integrated multi-disciplinary design teams," suggesting a collaborative structure where various engineering and architectural disciplines work in concert.

Methodology:

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

• A strong focus on "sustainable outcomes" and "long-term health and wellbeing" guides their project approach.

• The company culture promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, recognized by various awards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's established presence and its focus on digital capabilities and sustainability are highly relevant. For operations professionals, this means an environment that likely values data-driven decision-making, process efficiency, and long-term strategic planning, mirroring the principles of Revenue Operations. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion is also a key cultural indicator for potential employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior Design Manager position, equivalent to a senior leadership role in operations, with significant responsibility for strategy, execution, and team management within a specialized domain. It requires a blend of technical expertise and managerial acumen.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will lead multidisciplinary teams and likely report to a Director or Vice President within the Building Engineering or Defence division. This structure offers visibility to senior leadership and influence over project strategy.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is direct and significant, influencing the successful delivery of high-stakes Defence projects. This involves ensuring technical integrity, client satisfaction, adherence to stringent security and regulatory requirements, and ultimately, the successful realization of critical infrastructure. This mirrors the impact of operations leaders in driving predictable revenue, optimizing GTM efficiency, and ensuring client success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within the Defence sector, becoming a subject matter expert for complex projects and contractual frameworks.

• Leadership Expansion: Progress to higher leadership roles, managing larger teams, multiple projects, or entire business units within AECOM's Defence or broader infrastructure consulting practice.

• Cross-Sectoral Experience: Leverage Defence project experience to transition into other highly regulated or complex sectors AECOM serves (e.g., critical infrastructure, advanced technology).

• Mentorship & Development: Participate in AECOM's continuous learning programs, professional development courses, and potentially mentor junior engineers and design managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path strongly suggests progression from technical specialist to strategic leader. For operations professionals, this role represents a significant step up in responsibility, akin to moving from a Senior Analyst to a Manager or Director role, where strategic planning and cross-functional influence become paramount. The emphasis on "Defence contractual framework" and "security protocols" indicates a need to develop specialized operational knowledge within a regulated industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, combining office-based collaboration with remote flexibility. AECOM offices are likely modern, professional environments designed for collaborative work.

Office Location(s): Primary location is Melbourne, VIC, with flexibility for candidates based in Brisbane or Sydney. AECOM has a significant presence across Australia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires leading and integrating multidisciplinary teams, necessitating strong communication and collaboration skills. Office time will likely be dedicated to team meetings, design reviews, and stakeholder engagements.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-leading design and project management software, likely including BIM (Building Information Modelling) platforms, project scheduling tools, and secure communication systems.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with discipline leads, project managers, clients, and other stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours (e.g., 40 hours/week) with flexibility in start/finish times. The hybrid model allows for planning work around critical project phases and personal needs, while ensuring availability for key meetings and client interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key aspect, indicating a balance between focused individual work and essential team collaboration. For operations roles, this environment often supports deep analytical work, process refinement, and strategic planning, balanced with necessary cross-functional meetings and stakeholder engagements. The mention of "secure environments" for Defence projects implies strict protocols around data access and communication, a critical operational consideration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely review applications for basic qualifications, including experience in Defence or regulated sectors and leadership capabilities.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on technical expertise, leadership style, Defence sector knowledge, and alignment with company values. Expect questions on managing multidisciplinary teams and client engagement.

• Technical/Panel Interview: A more in-depth discussion of project experience, design management methodologies, risk management, and programme control. This may involve a panel of senior engineers, project managers, or Defence representatives.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): Candidates might be asked to present a portfolio of past projects, focusing on a complex Defence project, demonstrating their approach to technical coordination, stakeholder management, and problem-solving.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership, focusing on strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Defence Experience: Clearly showcase projects within the Defence sector or similarly regulated environments. Emphasize understanding of specific contractual frameworks (DSC, DSSC, MC) and security protocols.

• Demonstrate Integrated Leadership: Use case studies to illustrate how you led and integrated diverse disciplinary teams, resolved conflicts, and ensured cohesive project delivery. Quantify outcomes where possible (e.g., improved efficiency, cost savings, on-time delivery).

• Showcase Strategic Planning: Present examples of developing and implementing front-end design strategies, risk registers, and programme controls. Explain your approach to technical assurance and governance.

• Client Management: Detail your experience engaging with clients and stakeholders, translating requirements, and managing scope in challenging environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a complex technical challenge or conflict within a multidisciplinary Defence project.

• Process Improvement: Think about how you would improve design processes, enhance technical assurance, or manage risks more effectively in a Defence context.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of navigating complex stakeholder relationships, particularly with Defence representatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process likely mirrors that of senior operational leadership roles, emphasizing strategic thinking, process management, and stakeholder influence. The portfolio review is crucial, requiring candidates to articulate their experience in managing complex projects with a strong emphasis on compliance and risk, similar to how operations professionals must demonstrate their ability to optimize GTM processes and drive revenue predictability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Engineering Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and BIM software (e.g., Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks) is essential for understanding and overseeing design outputs.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme control, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for secure team communication and document sharing, especially critical given the Defence sector's security requirements (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, specialized secure platforms).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with reporting tools to track project progress, budget adherence, and risk status. This may include internal AECOM systems or standard reporting suites.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding client relationship management principles is crucial for stakeholder engagement.

• Familiarity with workflow automation in project management or design processes, where applicable, to enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes project execution and collaboration tools rather than typical CRM or marketing automation platforms. However, the underlying principle of leveraging technology for efficiency, data management, and effective communication is common across all operations roles. For this Design Manager position, proficiency in project scheduling, BIM, and secure collaboration tools is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Paramount in the Defence sector, requiring adherence to security protocols and ethical standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Essential for leading multidisciplinary teams and achieving integrated solutions.

• Excellence & Innovation: AECOM's commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of programme, commercial, and governance obligations.

• Safety & Resilience: Ensuring buildability, safety, and long-term asset performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively fostering collaboration between diverse engineering disciplines, architecture, and specialist consultants.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive and transparent communication with Defence clients and end-users.

• Constructive Challenge: Encouraging a culture where technical specialists are empowered to challenge and refine designs, leading to optimal outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values directly reflect the demands of the Defence sector and AECOM's broader corporate ethos. For operations professionals, understanding and aligning with these values is key, particularly regarding integrity, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving, which are foundational to successful GTM operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Defence Security & Compliance: Ensuring all aspects of the design process meet stringent Defence security protocols and regulatory requirements.

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs of Defence clients, end-users, and various internal teams.

• Resolving Cross-Discipline Conflicts: Effectively mediating and resolving technical disagreements between specialized engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Adapting to Evolving Requirements: Managing scope changes and client needs within secure, often rigid, project environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Defence Sector Specialization: Deepening expertise in Defence contracting, security clearances, and project delivery methodologies.

• Leadership Development: Access to AECOM's extensive leadership training programs, focusing on strategic management, team building, and high-stakes project oversight.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of advancements in design technology, sustainable building practices, and relevant Defence industry standards through continuous learning initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong operational discipline, risk management, and change control capabilities. These are areas where experienced operations professionals can draw parallels, applying their skills in managing complex processes and mitigating risks within their own domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex, multidisciplinary design team on a project with stringent security requirements. What was your approach to technical coordination and conflict resolution?" (Focus on integrated leadership and process management.)

• "How do you ensure compliance with Defence standards and security protocols throughout the design lifecycle?" (Focus on governance and risk mitigation strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to AECOM and specifically to our Defence sector projects?" (Demonstrate research into AECOM's values and industry focus.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among diverse technical specialists?" (Highlight your leadership and team-building approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Select 2-3 key projects, ideally from Defence or regulated sectors. For each, clearly define the challenge, your role and approach, the integrated team structure, and the successful outcomes (quantified if possible).

• Highlight Process & Governance: Explicitly detail your role in establishing and managing project execution plans, risk registers, technical assurance, and compliance frameworks.

• Showcase Leadership: Emphasize your ability to lead, motivate, and guide multidisciplinary teams, and your effectiveness as a client interface.

• Defence Context: Ensure your presentation clearly articulates your understanding of Defence-specific requirements, contracts, and security considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating experience in managing complex, regulated projects, similar to how operations candidates would prepare for roles requiring a deep understanding of GTM processes, CRM systems, and revenue forecasting. The emphasis on "Defence contractual framework," "security protocols," and "governance" requires candidates to demonstrate operational rigor and compliance expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager (Defence) position:

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

• Resume Tailoring: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in Defence or highly regulated sectors, emphasizing your leadership of multidisciplinary teams, technical strategy development, and program/governance management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a portfolio or be ready to discuss specific projects that demonstrate your capabilities in integrated design leadership, client engagement, and managing complex projects from concept to detailed design within regulated environments.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions focusing on leadership, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and your understanding of Defence sector requirements. Practice articulating your experience with frameworks like DSC.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's work in the Defence sector, their company values, and their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Understand their approach to digital innovation and sustainability.

⚠️ 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.