Design Manager - Defence

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Defence Company: AECOM Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia / Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Job Type: Full-time Category: Defence Infrastructure Design Management Date Posted: 2025-12-09 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Estimated 5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design delivery for complex Defence infrastructure projects, encompassing concept to detailed design and design-construct solutions.
• Serve as a critical, trusted advisor and delivery partner to Commonwealth representatives, industry stakeholders, and internal technical teams, leveraging deep domain knowledge and strong leadership.
• Drive innovation in design, championing sustainability, digital engineering practices, and overall design excellence across the ANZ Defence portfolio.
• Collaborate with leadership across the AECOM ANZ team to ensure seamless design delivery, contribute to project resourcing strategies, and support broader business initiatives within the Defence sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "Design Manager - Defence" and the description's emphasis on "overall design delivery," "key projects," and "trusted advisor" strongly indicate a mid-to-senior level position. The mention of "Tertiary Engineering Qualifications" and "Proven experience in design management" further supports an estimated 5-10 years of experience. The hybrid work arrangement is inferred from the "Flexible work arrangements" benefit which includes "hybrid work options."

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain ultimate accountability for all design project decisions, ensuring alignment with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and AECOM's quality standards.
• Develop and implement comprehensive design management plans, including scope definition, scheduling, budget control, risk management, and resource allocation for Defence projects.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with internal multidisciplinary teams (e.g., engineers, architects, planners, environmental specialists) to ensure integrated and optimized design outcomes.
• Proactively engage with external stakeholders, including Defence personnel, government agencies, contractors, and consultants, to build rapport, manage expectations, and facilitate effective communication throughout the design lifecycle.
• Champion the adoption of advanced design technologies and methodologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital twins, and data analytics, to enhance project efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.
• Oversee the quality assurance and control processes for all design deliverables, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with relevant Defence standards and project specifications.
• Contribute to business development activities by supporting proposal development, client presentations, and identifying opportunities for design excellence and innovative solutions within the Defence sector.
• Mentor and guide junior design professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and knowledge sharing within the Defence design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed above are derived from the core duties of a Design Manager in a complex project environment like Defence, expanding on the provided description to offer a comprehensive view of typical tasks and expectations for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Tertiary Engineering Qualifications (e.g., Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline).
• A strong understanding of engineering principles and design methodologies relevant to Defence infrastructure.

Experience:

• Proven track record in design management, with demonstrated experience overseeing the planning, design, and execution of complex infrastructure projects, preferably within the Defence sector.
• Experience in managing design teams, coordinating multidisciplinary inputs, and ensuring timely and within-budget delivery of design packages.
• Familiarity with Defence procurement processes, standards, and security requirements is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and managing the full design lifecycle, from conceptualization to detailed design, ensuring quality, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including clients (Commonwealth representatives), industry partners, contractors, and internal technical teams.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Demonstrated leadership capabilities to guide project teams, foster a collaborative environment, and mentor junior engineers.
• Systems Thinking & Integration: Acute understanding of how various systems, processes, and stakeholders interconnect, enabling a holistic, big-picture approach to design solutions and seamless integration.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Defence Security Clearance: Current Baseline Defence clearance is essential due to the nature of the role.
• Australian Citizenship: Required for this position due to Defence sector access and security requirements.
• Digital Engineering/BIM: Proficiency and experience in implementing and managing digital engineering workflows and BIM processes for complex projects.
• Sustainability Principles: Knowledge and application of sustainable design practices relevant to infrastructure projects.
• Project Resourcing: Experience in contributing to resource planning and allocation for design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifications" section in the raw input explicitly states "Tertiary Engineering Qualifications" and "Proven experience in design management." The need for Australian Citizenship and a Defence clearance are critical requirements directly stated. The estimated experience level is based on the descriptor "Proven experience" in a management role, typically aligning with 5-10 years for demonstrable expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful end-to-end design delivery on complex projects, showcasing your role in decision-making and project carriage.
• Provide case studies illustrating effective stakeholder engagement and collaboration, particularly with government or Defence representatives.
• Showcase examples of championing design innovation, sustainability, and the implementation of digital engineering tools.
• Include documentation or descriptions of processes used to manage design risks, quality assurance, and resourcing within project constraints.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to developing comprehensive design management plans, including scope, schedule, budget, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Provide examples of how you ensure seamless integration of multidisciplinary designs and manage interdependencies between various project systems.
• Detail your methodology for quality control and assurance in design deliverables, including review processes and compliance checks against relevant standards.
• Describe how you foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within design teams, leading to enhanced efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, particularly in Defence, a robust portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management principles, stakeholder interaction, and innovation is expected. The emphasis on "overall design delivery," "trusted advisor," and "championing innovation" necessitates a portfolio that highlights these specific areas of competence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the strategic importance of this role, the senior level of experience implied, and the specialized Defence sector focus, a competitive salary package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in Australia, particularly in major metropolitan areas like Perth and Melbourne, the estimated annual salary range would be AUD $140,000 - $190,000. This estimate accounts for the specialized skills, responsibility level, and the high demand for experienced professionals in the Defence infrastructure domain.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options including alternative start/finish times, part-time arrangements, job-sharing, and hybrid work models, allowing for better work-life integration.
• Additional Annual Leave: Opportunity to purchase up to 6 additional weeks of annual leave per year, providing extended periods for rest and personal pursuits.
• Flex Public Holidays: Ability to swap standard public holidays for others that better suit personal preferences or cultural needs.
• Continuous Learning & Growth: Access to ongoing professional development, including lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, and 5 days of paid study leave.
• Global Career Opportunities: Prospects for international assignments and career advancement within AECOM's global network.
• Well-being Program: A robust global well-being program designed to support employee health and happiness.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for employees and their families.
• Superannuation Contributions: Employer contributions to the Australian superannuation system.
• Recognition Programs: Opportunities for formal and informal recognition of contributions and achievements.

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, with an estimated standard of 40 hours per week. However, AECOM emphasizes "Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times," suggesting a degree of autonomy and flexibility in managing daily work schedules, provided project deadlines and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Australia, considering experience level, industry (Defence), and location (Perth/Melbourne). Benefits are directly extracted from the "Additional Information" section of the job description. The working hours are inferred as standard full-time, with flexibility noted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering, with a significant focus on the Defence sector. AECOM operates globally, providing a broad spectrum of services from advisory and planning to design, engineering, and construction management. Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm, indicating a large, established global organization with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale provides access to extensive resources, diverse expertise, and global project opportunities. Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, signifying a long history of expertise and stability in the infrastructure consulting field. This longevity suggests a well-established corporate structure and a deep understanding of industry best practices.

Team Structure:

• The Defence team in Australia is experiencing sustained growth, indicating a dynamic and expanding unit within AECOM.
• The Design Manager will collaborate with leaders across the ANZ team, suggesting a matrixed reporting structure where the manager contributes to broader team objectives while leading specific projects.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving internal technical teams (engineers, architects, etc.) and external stakeholders, including Commonwealth representatives and industry partners.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes delivering "sustainable outcomes" and "innovative and resilient solutions."
• The company champions "design innovation, sustainability, digital engineering, and design excellence."
• A strong focus on "data-driven decisions," "equity, diversity, and inclusion," and "environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities" shapes their operational approach.

Company Website: aecom.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information is derived from the provided LinkedIn data and the job description's "About AECOM" section. The team structure and methodology are inferred from the description of growth, collaboration needs, and AECOM's stated values and practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level within the Defence design function. It involves significant autonomy, responsibility for overall design delivery, and direct influence on project outcomes and client relationships. It represents a progression from project engineering or design lead roles, requiring strategic oversight and advanced leadership skills. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior Defence leader within AECOM's ANZ operations (e.g., a Director of Defence, Regional Manager, or similar). They will also work collaboratively with other leaders across the ANZ team, indicating a peer relationship with other functional managers while maintaining a clear reporting line for their specific project responsibilities. Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the successful execution of Defence projects. Their leadership ensures that designs meet stringent defence requirements, are delivered on time and within budget, and incorporate innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions. This directly contributes to AECOM's reputation, client satisfaction, and revenue generation within the lucrative Defence sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into more senior leadership roles within AECOM's Defence business, such as Program Director, Sector Lead, or Regional Operations Manager, overseeing larger portfolios and strategic initiatives.
• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in niche Defence infrastructure areas or become a recognized authority in digital engineering, sustainable design, or complex project delivery within the sector.
• Global Mobility: Leverage AECOM's global presence for international project assignments or career development opportunities in other regions.
• Mentorship & Training: Access to AECOM's extensive learning and development programs, including leadership training, technical certifications, and mentorship opportunities to enhance professional capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career and growth analysis is based on the typical trajectory for a Design Manager in a large, global firm like AECOM, especially within a specialized and high-stakes sector like Defence. The emphasis on "sustained growth" and "expanding portfolio" suggests a supportive environment for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM offers hybrid work arrangements, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. The specific office environments in Perth and Melbourne are likely modern, professional corporate settings designed to support collaborative work, client meetings, and focused individual tasks. Office Location(s): The role is based in either Perth, Western Australia, or Melbourne, Victoria. These are major Australian cities with significant business infrastructure, offering accessibility and professional amenities. AECOM will have established offices in these locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates a workspace that facilitates teamwork and knowledge sharing. Expect access to meeting rooms, project collaboration zones, and technology for seamless virtual and in-person interaction.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's advanced technology stack, including sophisticated design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D), BIM platforms, project management tools, and communication systems.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a diverse team of engineering and design professionals, project managers, and leadership, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, with an estimated 40-hour work week. The "flexible work arrangements" benefit suggests that while core hours may exist for collaboration, there's likely autonomy in structuring the workday to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity, especially when balancing office and remote work days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is inferred from the "Hybrid" remote status, the mention of "Flexible work arrangements," and the general nature of a large infrastructure consulting firm's office setup in major Australian cities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and potentially a brief introductory call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your experience in design management, Defence projects, leadership style, and technical expertise. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing complex projects and stakeholders.
• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve meeting with key team members or senior technical leads. You might be asked to present a portfolio piece or discuss a specific technical challenge. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills and understanding of design integration.
• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to prepare a presentation on a past project or a hypothetical scenario related to Defence design management. This assesses your strategic thinking, communication, and ability to articulate complex solutions.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the Defence division to discuss strategic alignment, long-term career aspirations, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your design management capabilities, Defence sector experience, and ability to drive innovation and sustainability.
• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and responsibilities, the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction, sustainability metrics).
• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you effectively managed diverse stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and internal teams. Use specific examples of communication strategies and conflict resolution.
• Showcase Innovation: Feature projects where you championed new technologies (digital engineering, BIM), sustainable practices, or innovative design approaches. Explain the benefits and implementation process.
• Be Prepared to Discuss Processes: Be ready to explain the design management methodologies, quality assurance processes, and risk management frameworks you have successfully implemented.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about managing difficult stakeholders, resolving design conflicts, mitigating project risks, or handling scope changes in a Defence context. Prepare concise, STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers.
• Strategic Thinking: Be ready to discuss your approach to long-term design strategy, incorporating sustainability and digital transformation into Defence projects.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's Defence projects, values, and recent achievements. Understand their commitment to sustainability and digital engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are tailored to a Design Manager role in a major consultancy, specifically within the Defence sector, emphasizing practical experience, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software Suite: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and BIM software such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks, and potentially specialized Defence-related design platforms.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking design deliverables.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or AECOM's internal collaboration suites for team communication and document sharing.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems like SharePoint, Aconex, or similar for managing project documentation and workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data and performance metrics. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced), Power BI, or Tableau for data visualization and reporting on design progress, risks, and sustainability metrics.
• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or utilizing dashboards to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery, budget, and schedule.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Client-Facing): While not directly for design, understanding how CRM data informs project needs or how design projects align with client relationship management within AECOM.
• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with any internal AECOM tools or general principles of automating design review processes, approvals, or reporting to improve efficiency.
• Integration Tools: Understanding how different software and systems within the project lifecycle integrate to ensure data consistency and streamline workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is based on typical tools used in large-scale infrastructure design and project management, with a specific emphasis on those relevant to the Defence sector and modern digital engineering practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards is paramount, especially in the Defence sector where security and reliability are critical. Building trust with clients and team members through transparent and honest dealings.
• Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative design solutions that push the boundaries of what's possible in Defence infrastructure, driving continuous improvement and embracing new technologies.
• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Encouraging cross-functional teamwork to achieve collective success.
• Sustainability & Resilience: Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into design processes, creating infrastructure that is not only functional but also sustainable, resilient, and beneficial to the community.
• Client Focus: Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, understanding their needs deeply, and delivering solutions that exceed expectations and build long-term partnerships.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Integrated: Encouraging early and continuous engagement between design teams, project managers, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and mitigate risks.
• Data-Informed: Utilizing data analytics and performance metrics to inform decision-making, track progress, and identify areas for process optimization.
• Feedback-Oriented: Cultivating a culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged, promoting continuous learning and adaptation in design processes and project execution.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to elevate the collective capability of the Defence design group.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values (diversity, inclusion, sustainability, integrity) and the nature of Defence projects inform the expected team culture and collaboration style. The emphasis on being a "trusted advisor" and "delivery partner" highlights a client-centric and collaborative approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Defence Requirements: Understanding and adhering to the stringent security, technical, and regulatory standards specific to Defence projects can be demanding.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of Commonwealth representatives, internal teams, contractors, and other industry partners requires exceptional negotiation and communication skills.
• Driving Digital Transformation: Integrating new digital engineering tools and workflows into established Defence project processes can face resistance and require significant change management efforts.
• Ensuring Design Resilience & Sustainability: Developing infrastructure that is not only functional but also resilient to future threats and environmentally sustainable within budget constraints presents a continuous challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Engineering Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications in areas like BIM management, sustainable design, or project risk management.
• Leadership Development Programs: Accessing AECOM's internal leadership training, executive coaching, and mentorship programs to hone management and strategic decision-making skills.
• Industry Conferences & Forums: Attending Defence and infrastructure industry events to stay abreast of emerging trends, network with peers, and gain insights into best practices.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse project types across AECOM's portfolio, expanding understanding of different engineering disciplines and project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the inherent complexities of the Defence sector, large-scale project management, and the drive towards digital and sustainable practices in a global consultancy. Growth opportunities are aligned with typical career development paths within such organizations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the overall design delivery of a complex Defence infrastructure project from concept to completion. What are the key phases and critical decision points?" (Focus on your structured methodology, risk management, and quality assurance.)
• "How do you build and maintain trust as a 'trusted advisor' with Commonwealth representatives and other key Defence stakeholders? Provide an example." (Emphasize communication, reliability, deep domain knowledge, and proactive problem-solving.)
• "Discuss your experience in championing design innovation, sustainability, and digital engineering. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight specific initiatives, technologies, and their positive impact on project outcomes.)
• "How would you collaborate with leaders across AECOM's ANZ team and contribute to project resourcing and business initiatives within the Defence sector?" (Showcase your understanding of cross-functional teamwork, resource management, and strategic contribution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to AECOM and specifically to our Defence team in Australia?" (Research AECOM's Defence projects, company values, and growth strategy.)
• "How do you foster a culture of inclusion and collaboration within your design teams, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Align your response with AECOM's DEI commitments and your leadership style.)
• "AECOM is committed to delivering sustainable legacies. How would you integrate sustainability principles into the design of Defence infrastructure?" (Demonstrate your understanding of ESG and resilience in design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate the context, your role, the actions you took, and the positive outcomes achieved.
• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your design management efforts (e.g., % cost savings, % schedule improvement, reduction in design queries, sustainability metrics achieved).
• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, charts, project photos if permissible) to illustrate key points and make your presentation engaging.
• Focus on Collaboration and Leadership: Explicitly highlight instances where your leadership influenced team performance and how you successfully managed diverse stakeholder expectations.
• Address Defence Context: Tailor your examples to resonate with the specific challenges and requirements of Defence projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to probe the core competencies of a Design Manager in a Defence context, focusing on leadership, technical expertise, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking, as well as aligning with AECOM's stated values and business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific experience in design management, Defence projects, stakeholder engagement, innovation, and sustainability, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong project examples that showcase your design delivery leadership, stakeholder management skills, and any contributions to innovation or sustainability. Be ready to discuss these in detail.
• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on the STAR method for behavioral questions and practicing your articulation of strategic approaches to Defence design challenges.
• Research AECOM: Thoroughly understand AECOM's Defence capabilities, recent projects in Australia, and their company values regarding sustainability, inclusion, and digital engineering.

⚠️ 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.