Design Manager - Defence

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Defence
Company: AECOM
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Operations & Project Management (Defence Sector)
Date Posted: December 09, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design delivery for critical Defence projects, encompassing concept to detailed design and design & construct solutions.
• Serve as a principal point of contact and trusted advisor for Commonwealth representatives, industry partners, and internal technical teams, fostering strong relationships through demonstrated leadership and domain expertise.
• Drive the integration of innovative practices such as sustainability, digital engineering, and design excellence across all project phases.
• Collaborate with ANZ leadership to optimize the design delivery of Defence projects, contributing to project resourcing and broader business initiatives.
• Ensure seamless integration of various systems, processes, and stakeholders to achieve a cohesive and effective project outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Defence sector, requiring a unique blend of technical design leadership and operational project management. The emphasis on "carriage on any design project decisions" signifies a high degree of autonomy and accountability, characteristic of senior management or lead roles within operations. The "bigger-picture approach" and system integration aspects highlight the need for strategic thinking beyond individual design components.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end design process for Defence infrastructure and capability projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements and strategic objectives.
• Provide ultimate decision-making authority and accountability for design project outcomes, acting as the primary design authority.
• Develop and maintain strong, credible relationships with key stakeholders, including government clients, industry partners, and internal project teams, through effective communication and delivery.
• Champion and implement advanced design methodologies, including sustainable design principles, digital engineering tools (e.g., BIM, digital twins), and innovative construction techniques.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and execution of Defence projects by assisting with project resourcing, business development initiatives, and the identification of new opportunities within the Defence portfolio.
• Ensure all design activities adhere to stringent Defence security protocols, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
• Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development among design and engineering staff.
• Manage design team performance, provide mentorship, and facilitate knowledge sharing to enhance overall team capability and project delivery efficiency.
• Proactively identify and mitigate design risks, ensuring project timelines, budgets, and quality objectives are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize both strategic oversight and hands-on leadership in design delivery. The need to act as a "trusted advisor" and manage "ultimate carriage on any design project decisions" points to a role with significant influence and responsibility, requiring strong operational acumen in managing complex project lifecycles and stakeholder expectations within the high-stakes Defence environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Tertiary Engineering Qualifications (e.g., Bachelor of Engineering in relevant discipline).

Experience:

• Proven track record in design management, with demonstrable experience in overseeing the planning, design, and execution of complex infrastructure or capability projects.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design leadership and project management roles.
• Experience within the Defence sector or on projects with similar security and regulatory requirements is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding of design lifecycles, methodologies, and best practices for large-scale projects.
• Leadership & Decision Making: Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and make decisive project-related decisions with confidence and clarity.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with Commonwealth representatives, clients, contractors, and internal teams.
• System Integration: Strong capacity to understand and manage the interdependencies between various systems, processes, and stakeholders to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Technical Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of engineering principles relevant to Defence projects and infrastructure.
• Project Planning & Execution: Proficiency in planning, scheduling, and executing design phases of complex projects.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design and project risks.

Preferred Skills:

• Sustainability & Digital Engineering: Familiarity with sustainable design principles and advanced digital engineering tools (e.g., BIM, digital twins).
• Business Acumen: Understanding of project resourcing, business initiatives, and opportunity identification within a consulting or engineering firm.
• Security Clearances: Current Baseline Defence clearance is essential; higher clearances are a plus.
• Australian Citizenship: Mandatory requirement due to the nature of Defence projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Tertiary Engineering Qualifications" combined with "proven experience in design management" and "understanding of how various systems, processes, and stakeholders interconnect" strongly suggests a role that bridges technical expertise with operational project governance. The emphasis on "Australian Citizenship" and "Defence clearance" highlights the security-sensitive nature of the operations within this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Delivery Case Studies: Showcase successful management of complex infrastructure or capability design projects from initiation to completion, detailing challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
• Stakeholder Management Examples: Illustrate instances where effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders (clients, government bodies, multidisciplinary teams) led to successful project progression.
• Innovation Implementation: Provide examples of how innovative design approaches, sustainability initiatives, or digital engineering tools were integrated and their impact on project efficiency or outcomes.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Present case studies demonstrating proactive identification and successful mitigation of design or project execution risks.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Documented experience in refining design processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and compliance, particularly within regulated environments like Defence.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Evidence of developing and implementing processes that ensure seamless collaboration and data flow between design teams, engineering disciplines, construction partners, and client representatives.
• Performance Measurement: Familiarity with establishing metrics and reporting mechanisms to track design progress, identify deviations, and report on project performance against key operational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in Defence, a portfolio demonstrating successful management of complex, multi-stakeholder projects is crucial. The emphasis on process documentation should highlight the candidate's ability to standardize and optimize workflows, particularly in areas like risk management and cross-functional integration, which are paramount in the Defence sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: AUD $140,000 - $190,000 per annum (base salary)
• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in engineering consulting firms within Australia, specifically in major urban centers like Brisbane. Factors considered include the specialized Defence sector, the required level of responsibility, and the typical compensation structures for roles involving significant project oversight and stakeholder management. Salary will also depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and security clearance level.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for alternative start/finish times, part-time work, job-sharing, and hybrid work models to support work-life balance.
• Additional Annual Leave: Opportunity to purchase up to 6 additional weeks of annual leave per year.
• Flex Public Holidays: Ability to swap standard public holidays for others that better suit personal needs.
• Continuous Learning & Growth: Access to regular lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial assistance for studies, and 5 days of paid study leave.
• Global Career Opportunities: Potential for international career progression within AECOM's global network.
• Well-being Programs: Comprehensive global well-being initiatives.
• Retirement Savings: Superannuation contributions as per Australian legislation.
• Professional Memberships: Support for professional body memberships and certifications.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid options are available, allowing for a degree of autonomy in managing work schedules to balance project demands with personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for the Brisbane, Australia market, reflecting the seniority and specialized nature of the Defence Design Manager role. The inclusion of "Australian Citizenship" and "Baseline Defence clearance" as requirements can significantly influence the compensation, potentially justifying a higher end of the range for candidates possessing these. The benefits package is robust, reflecting AECOM's commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking long-term career growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering Services. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide array of services across sectors including transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment. The Defence sector is a significant area of focus for their Australian operations. Company Size: Fortune 500 company with a substantial global workforce. AECOM employs thousands of professionals worldwide, indicating a large, well-resourced organization with diverse capabilities and opportunities. Founded: AECOM's origins trace back to 1910, with significant growth and evolution through mergers and acquisitions, establishing it as a long-standing leader in the infrastructure consulting space.

Team Structure:

• The Defence team within AECOM Australia is experiencing sustained growth, suggesting a dynamic and expanding operational unit.
• This role will likely involve collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, project managers, and subject matter experts, both within Australia and potentially leveraging global AECOM resources.
• Reporting structure is expected to involve a senior leadership position within the Defence sector, with direct oversight of design delivery for key projects.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes delivering sustainable outcomes and innovative solutions, underpinned by strong technical and digital expertise.
• The company promotes a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging diverse perspectives to drive innovation.
• For Defence projects, methodology will incorporate rigorous project management, adherence to stringent security protocols, and a focus on resilience and mission-critical system delivery.

Company Website: https://aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's status as a Fortune 500 company and its long history provide a foundation of stability and extensive resources. The explicit mention of "sustained growth" in the Defence team signals an exciting period for potential hires, offering opportunities to contribute to significant projects and shape evolving operational strategies within this specialized sector. The company's commitment to diversity and sustainability, alongside its focus on digital engineering, indicates a forward-thinking operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Mid-Senior Level position, likely equivalent to a Principal or Senior Manager within a typical operations or project management framework. It requires substantial experience in design management and leadership, with a focus on strategic execution and stakeholder relations within a specialized industry.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within AECOM's Defence business unit in Australia. They will lead project design teams and collaborate closely with other functional leaders across the ANZ region, including project directors, client relationship managers, and technical specialists.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in the success of Defence projects, directly influencing project outcomes, client satisfaction, and AECOM's reputation. Their ability to effectively manage design delivery, champion innovation, and ensure seamless integration contributes significantly to the company's revenue generation and long-term strategic goals within the Defence sector. By ensuring efficient and high-quality design, they minimize project risks and optimize resource utilization, directly impacting profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into more senior leadership roles, such as Defence Sector Director, Program Director, or broader operational management positions within AECOM's infrastructure divisions.
• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific Defence capability areas, digital engineering, or sustainable design, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.
• Global Mobility: Opportunities to leverage experience gained in Australia for roles within AECOM's extensive global network, particularly on international Defence or major infrastructure projects.
• Professional Development: Access to AECOM's extensive learning resources, mentorship programs, and support for advanced certifications or postgraduate studies relevant to engineering and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical leadership function within AECOM's Defence operations. The "Operations Impact" section highlights how this role directly contributes to business success through efficient project delivery and risk mitigation, a key focus for operations professionals. The "Growth Opportunities" are framed around career progression within operations management and specialized technical leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates a hybrid work model. This role will involve working from a combination of AECOM's professional office locations, remote settings, and potentially client sites. The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and client engagement.

Office Location(s): While the primary location is listed as Perth, Western Australia, the job description also mentions Brisbane, QLD, Australia as an alternate location. This suggests flexibility or potential for the role to be based in either of these major Australian cities, both of which have significant Defence industry presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are equipped with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and technology to facilitate team collaboration and client presentations.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's advanced technological infrastructure, including sophisticated design software, digital engineering platforms, and communication tools.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design teams, project managers, and senior leadership, fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours per week) apply.
• The hybrid work model and flexible arrangements (alternative start/finish times) offer a degree of autonomy, allowing professionals to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring project deliverables and collaboration needs are met. This flexibility is crucial for operations roles that require deep focus and responsive stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment and flexible arrangements are key aspects of the work environment that appeal to operations professionals seeking a balance between focused work and collaborative engagement. The mention of "client sites" indicates that the role may require occasional on-site presence, typical for project management roles in infrastructure and Defence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on CV and alignment with core requirements (qualifications, experience, Defence sector knowledge, Australian Citizenship/clearance).
• First Interview: Typically with an HR representative and a hiring manager from the Defence team. Focus on behavioral questions, career history, and initial assessment of fit.
• Technical/Case Study Interview: Involves a deeper dive into design management experience, problem-solving skills, and potentially a presentation of portfolio work. Candidates may be asked to discuss specific project challenges, their approach to design leadership, and how they would handle hypothetical scenarios relevant to Defence projects.
• Stakeholder/Panel Interview: May involve meeting with senior leaders or key stakeholders to assess leadership style, strategic thinking, and cultural fit within AECOM's Defence operations. This stage often requires demonstrating an understanding of AECOM's values and operational approach.
• Final Offer & Pre-employment Checks: Successful candidates will undergo background checks, including verification of qualifications, employment history, and essential Defence security clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize portfolio documents logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific competencies (e.g., design leadership, stakeholder management, innovation).
• Case Study Focus: For each case study, clearly articulate the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented (highlighting any process improvements or innovative approaches), and the quantifiable outcomes achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, risk reduction).
• Defence Relevance: Tailor examples to highlight experience with complex projects, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder management within sensitive or high-security environments, if possible.
• Visual Aids: Use clear graphics, diagrams, or charts to illustrate complex processes or project scopes where appropriate.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key aspects of your portfolio concisely and effectively, focusing on the most impactful achievements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical project challenges (e.g., design conflicts, stakeholder disagreements, budget constraints) and ask for your approach to resolution. Focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving methodologies, and collaborative leadership.
• Process Improvement Examples: Be ready to discuss instances where you identified inefficiencies in design or project delivery processes and implemented improvements, detailing the steps taken and the results.
• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex technical information or project statuses clearly and concisely to various audiences, demonstrating strong communication and presentation skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a multi-stage evaluation, common for senior operations and management roles. The "Portfolio Review Tips" and "Challenge Preparation" sections provide actionable advice tailored to showcasing operational leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, crucial for a Defence Design Manager.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and progress tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other enterprise collaboration tools for team communication and document sharing.
• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD), BIM tools (e.g., Revit), and potentially specialized engineering analysis software relevant to Defence infrastructure.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms like SharePoint or similar for organizing and managing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, reporting, and financial modeling.
• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance data.
• Reporting Frameworks: Understanding of how to develop and present project status reports, risk assessments, and performance metrics to senior management and clients.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly stated as a core requirement for this role, general familiarity with CRM principles for understanding client relationships and project pipelines can be beneficial.
• Experience with any workflow automation tools that streamline project approval processes or document control would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" section highlights the need for proficiency in project management and collaboration tools, essential for managing complex Defence projects. While specific design software is implied, the focus for this operations-centric role is on tools that enable planning, execution, reporting, and communication across multidisciplinary teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of design delivery and project outcomes.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.
• Innovation & Excellence: Continuously seeking better ways to design and deliver projects, embracing new technologies and methodologies.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building long-term trusted partnerships.
• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing the safety of all personnel and promoting environmentally responsible design practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively promotes and facilitates seamless collaboration between design disciplines, engineering teams, construction partners, and client representatives.
• Open Communication: Encourages transparent and proactive communication, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.
• Feedback & Continuous Improvement: Values constructive feedback and uses it to refine processes, enhance team performance, and drive continuous improvement in design delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Integrity & Accountability" and "Client Focus" aligns with typical values for senior operations roles, particularly in sectors like Defence where trust and reliability are paramount. The "Collaboration Style" highlights the importance of strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster a cohesive working environment across diverse teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Defence Projects: Navigating the inherent complexity, stringent requirements, and evolving needs of Defence infrastructure and capability projects.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing diverse and sometimes competing interests among government clients, industry partners, and internal teams to achieve consensus.
• Security & Compliance: Ensuring strict adherence to Defence security protocols, regulatory frameworks, and quality assurance standards.
• Technological Integration: Keeping pace with and effectively integrating rapidly advancing digital engineering tools and sustainable design practices into established project workflows.
• Resource Management: Optimizing the allocation and utilization of design resources across multiple demanding projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Defence Project Management: Gaining in-depth experience on high-profile, strategic Defence projects, enhancing expertise in this specialized sector.
• Digital Transformation: Leading the adoption and implementation of cutting-edge digital engineering tools and methodologies within design processes.
• Sustainability Leadership: Developing and applying expertise in sustainable design principles to create resilient and environmentally conscious infrastructure.
• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, RPEQ, specific Defence-related accreditations).
• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Access to senior leaders for mentorship and participation in leadership development programs designed to cultivate future organizational leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section identifies key operational hurdles specific to the Defence sector, such as security compliance and stakeholder management, offering insights into potential areas of focus for an applicant. The "Learning & Development Opportunities" highlight pathways for professional growth within operations and specialized technical leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Defence Project Lifecycle: "Describe your experience managing the full design lifecycle for a complex Defence project. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on process, risk, and stakeholder management).
• Stakeholder Engagement: "How do you approach building and maintaining trust with diverse stakeholders, particularly Commonwealth representatives and senior Defence personnel? Provide an example of a challenging stakeholder situation you resolved." (Highlight communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills).
• Innovation & Digital Engineering: "How have you championed or implemented innovative design solutions, sustainability initiatives, or digital engineering tools in previous roles? What was the impact on project outcomes and operational efficiency?" (Showcase forward-thinking and adaptability).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM's Defence business and this specific Design Manager role?" (Demonstrate research into AECOM's projects, values, and the role's strategic importance).
• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture, especially within a hybrid work environment and a sector with stringent requirements?" (Align with AECOM's emphasis on teamwork and DEI).
• "AECOM values integrity and accountability. Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision that upheld these values, even if it was unpopular." (Illustrate ethical decision-making).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Impactful Case Studies: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your design management capabilities, focusing on complexity, scale, and outcomes.
• Quantifiable Results: For each project, clearly articulate the measurable impact of your work (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk mitigation, client satisfaction metrics).
• Process & Methodology: Briefly explain your approach to design management, risk assessment, stakeholder communication, and quality assurance.
• Concise & Engaging: Practice presenting your portfolio within a set timeframe, highlighting your most significant contributions and leadership qualities. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Interview Preparation" section provides targeted questions and strategies designed to help candidates showcase their operational leadership, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with AECOM's values and the specific demands of the Defence sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and portfolio to prominently feature your experience in large-scale project design management, stakeholder engagement, and any relevant Defence sector experience. Highlight specific achievements related to process optimization, risk mitigation, and innovative solution implementation.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your qualifications, years of experience, key skills (e.g., Design Management, Leadership, Collaboration, Defence Projects), and quantifiable achievements. Tailor keywords to match those in the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate your understanding of Defence project complexities and AECOM's operational approach.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's Defence projects, company values, commitment to sustainability, and DEI initiatives. Understand their approach to digital engineering and how your skills align with their strategic objectives.

⚠️ 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.