Design Manager, Electrical

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Electrical
Company: Acciona
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering Management / Infrastructure Operations
Date Posted: 2026-01-23
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and engineering processes for high voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals and future generations' prospects.
• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering an inclusive environment that supports career growth and innovation within the electrical design domain.
• Drive the development of constructible, cost-effective, and sustainable design solutions for transmission lines, substations, and power systems, adhering to Australian engineering standards.
• Evaluate project performance, identify deficiencies, and implement remedies to optimize engineering activities and outcomes, contributing to ACCIONA's mission of building essential infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "Design Manager, Electrical," the responsibilities and required skills indicate a strong focus on the operational and project management aspects of electrical infrastructure design, especially within the context of large-scale projects like transmission lines and substations. This suggests a blend of technical oversight and team leadership, critical for ensuring successful project delivery and operational readiness. The emphasis on sustainability and future impact points towards a role that integrates long-term environmental and social considerations into the design and operational planning phases.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design inputs, outputs, and overall design process for selected projects from pursuit through to delivery, ensuring successful project outcomes for HV/MV infrastructure.
• Develop innovative and practical engineering designs and solutions that balance immediate project needs with the long-term economic, social, and environmental prospects for future generations.
• Ensure comprehensive understanding and adherence to all relevant Australian engineering standards, codes of practice, and regulatory requirements for electrical infrastructure.
• Conduct thorough evaluations of ongoing projects, products, and processes to identify and diagnose performance deficiencies or potential failures, proposing and implementing effective remedies and solutions.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, guiding and supporting engineers in their technical development and career progression within the electrical design discipline.
• Oversee the integration of constructability considerations, systems integration, and technical governance throughout the design lifecycle to ensure feasibility and efficiency.
• Champion a safety-first mindset, ensuring all designs and engineering practices prioritize the health and safety of personnel and the public.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design methodologies, tools, and processes within the ACCIONA Mechanical & Electrical division to enhance efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a strategic and managerial function rather than pure technical execution. The emphasis on "design inputs, outputs, and overall process" suggests responsibility for the entire design lifecycle management. The mention of "future generations" implies a strong commitment to sustainable engineering practices, which is a key differentiator for ACCIONA and should be a focus for candidates.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering is a mandatory requirement.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience leading engineering teams, with a specific focus on High Voltage (HV) and Medium Voltage (MV) systems and infrastructure (132kV and above).
• Ideally, at least 5 years of fieldwork experience is highly desirable, providing hands-on engineering support and fostering site collaboration.
• Exposure to Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor environments and/or Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) experience is considered highly advantageous for understanding project delivery complexities.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership and team management capabilities in nurturing internal engineering teams.
• Exceptional cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong understanding of constructability principles and their application in design.
• Expertise in systems integration for complex electrical infrastructure.
• Proficient in technical governance and ensuring design compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of Australian engineering standards and practices (e.g., IEC, IEEE, AS/NZS).
• A demonstrated strong safety-first mindset and commitment to occupational health and safety.
• Ability to evaluate engineering performance and implement corrective actions.
• Experience in developing sustainable design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with project pursuit and delivery phases for major infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with power systems analysis and design software.
• Understanding of project financial management and budget adherence for design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of leadership experience specifically in HV/MV systems, coupled with the preference for fieldwork and Tier 1/TNSP exposure, indicates a senior role that demands practical understanding alongside managerial acumen. The emphasis on Australian standards is critical for local project execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase instances where you led design teams through the full project lifecycle, demonstrating successful delivery of HV/MV infrastructure projects. Quantify achievements in terms of scope, budget, and schedule adherence.
• Sustainable Design Integration: Provide examples of how you incorporated sustainability principles (e.g., reduced environmental impact, energy efficiency, long-term lifecycle considerations) into engineering designs.
• Process Improvement Initiatives: Document specific instances where you identified design process deficiencies and implemented solutions that led to improved efficiency, quality, or safety outcomes.
• Team Development & Collaboration: Present evidence of your ability to mentor and develop engineering teams, fostering cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping out and optimizing design workflows for electrical infrastructure projects, from concept to detailed design and handover.
• Technical Governance & Compliance: Show examples of how you implemented and managed technical governance frameworks to ensure designs meet all relevant standards, regulations, and safety requirements.
• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Include examples of how you tracked and reported on design team performance, identifying key metrics and using data to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize leadership and process management over individual technical contributions. The focus should be on demonstrating how you managed teams, optimized design processes, ensured compliance, and delivered projects successfully, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and safety.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Electrical Engineering and HV/MV infrastructure in Brisbane, Australia, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $150,000 - $200,000. This range is influenced by the specific project portfolio, depth of experience, and negotiation.
• Research Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing similar roles advertised on major job boards in Australia, considering the specific technical expertise (HV/MV systems), leadership responsibilities, and the company's standing in the Tier 1 contractor space. Cost of living and average engineering salaries in Brisbane were also factored in.

Benefits:

• Annual pay review and discretionary bonus, acknowledging performance and contribution.
• Professional development opportunities, supporting continuous learning and career advancement.
• Income protection insurance, providing financial security.
• Salary packaging options, allowing for tax-efficient benefits.
• Novated leases for vehicles, offering potential cost savings.
• Competitive paid parental leave, supporting work-life balance for new parents.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring active presence during core business hours for team management and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar senior engineering management roles in Australia. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and negotiation. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are standard for senior roles in large organizations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• ACCIONA operates in the Infrastructure and Renewable Energy sectors, focusing on sustainable development and regenerative solutions. This industry context means a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, innovation, and long-term impact.
• Operations Implications: For operations professionals, this translates to a work environment that values efficiency, safety, and a forward-thinking approach to resource management and project execution. Expect a culture that supports sustainable practices and contributes to societal well-being.

Company Size:

• ACCIONA is a global leader with over 65,000 professionals worldwide and more than 3,000 employees in Australia & New Zealand. This large scale provides stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.
• Operations Implications: Working within a large organization means established processes and systems, but also potential for bureaucracy. However, it offers structured career paths, significant project impact, and exposure to international best practices.

Founded:

• ACCIONA established its presence in Australia in 2002. The company's global history and commitment to sustainability underpin its operational philosophy.
• Operations Implications: The company's long-standing presence in Australia suggests a stable operational framework and a deep understanding of the local market and regulatory landscape.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the ACCIONA Mechanical & Electrical division, a specialist unit focused on end-to-end services for low-carbon infrastructure.
• The Design Manager will lead multidisciplinary teams of engineers and technical professionals focused on HV/MV electrical infrastructure projects.
• This role requires close collaboration with project managers, construction teams, procurement, and potentially external stakeholders like TNSPs.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Expect a focus on using data to evaluate performance, identify issues, and drive improvements in design and project execution.
• Process Optimization: ACCIONA emphasizes continuous improvement, so a methodical approach to refining workflows and methodologies is likely valued.
• Integrated Project Delivery: The "end-to-end" service model suggests an integrated approach where design, construction, and commissioning teams work closely together.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: ACCIONA's global scale and commitment to sustainability are key cultural drivers. For an operations-focused role like Design Manager, this means an emphasis on ethical practices, long-term planning, and efficient resource utilization within a structured corporate environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This is a senior management position within the engineering and project delivery function, specifically focused on electrical infrastructure design. It sits at a strategic level, responsible for leading teams, managing complex design processes, and ensuring alignment with broader company objectives like sustainability and profitability. The role requires a blend of deep technical expertise and strong leadership and project management skills.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Manager likely reports to a senior executive within the ACCIONA Mechanical & Electrical division, such as a Head of Engineering, a Program Director, or a General Manager.
• They will manage a team of electrical engineers and designers, potentially including junior design managers or project engineers.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager's work directly impacts project success by ensuring designs are technically sound, constructible, cost-effective, and meet stringent safety and sustainability standards. Successful design management leads to efficient project execution, reduced rework, optimized resource allocation, and ultimately, contributes to ACCIONA's profitability and reputation as a provider of regenerative infrastructure. The integration of sustainable design practices also contributes to ACCIONA's broader mission and brand value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Progression to roles such as Head of Engineering, Program Director, or General Manager within ACCIONA's infrastructure divisions.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of HV/MV systems, renewable energy integration, or advanced power system technologies.
• International Exposure: Opportunities to work on global projects or contribute to ACCIONA's international operations, leveraging experience gained in Australia.
• Business Development: Transitioning into roles focused on pre-project strategy, tendering, and business development for major infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step in a career focused on electrical infrastructure management. Growth opportunities are geared towards broader leadership, strategic influence, and potentially international experience within the company's extensive global network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is based at ACCIONA's Brisbane Corporate Office, an environment designed to support professional collaboration and project coordination.
• Workspace Context: Expect a professional office setting with modern amenities, equipped to facilitate team meetings, design reviews, and administrative tasks. The emphasis on "on-site" work suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct engagement with project documentation and support functions.

Office Location(s):

• Primarily Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The job description also mentions Sydney as a potential base, indicating flexibility or project-related needs across major Australian cities.
• Accessibility: Corporate offices in major cities are typically well-connected by public transport and offer convenient access for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close interaction with various internal departments (e.g., project management, construction, safety) and potentially external parties. The office environment will likely facilitate these interactions through meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and open communication channels.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided to support the engineering and management tasks.
• Team Interaction: Frequent team meetings, design review sessions, and cross-functional project updates are integral to the daily work of a Design Manager.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. As an on-site role, adherence to core business hours is expected to ensure effective team management and project coordination. Deadlines for major project milestones may require flexibility, but the company culture generally supports work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement in Brisbane points to a traditional office-based role where face-to-face collaboration is prioritized for effective project leadership and team management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely review applications for basic qualifications (degree, years of experience, specific technical background).
• Technical/Hiring Manager Interview: This will delve into your technical expertise in HV/MV systems, leadership experience, understanding of Australian standards, and approach to design management. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges.
• Portfolio Review: You will be asked to present and discuss your portfolio, highlighting key projects, your role, methodologies used, and quantifiable outcomes. Focus on demonstrating leadership, process optimization, and sustainable design contributions.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Potential interviews with peers, direct reports, or cross-functional stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and leadership effectiveness.
• Final Interview: Likely with a senior executive to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by key responsibility area (e.g., Leadership, Sustainability, Process Improvement).
• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state your role, the project's scope and objectives, the challenges faced, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, efficiency gains, safety improvements).
• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize how you managed teams, delegated tasks, mentored engineers, and fostered collaboration.
• Demonstrate Process: Showcase your understanding of design workflows, technical governance, and how you've improved these processes.
• Sustainability Focus: Explicitly detail how you integrated sustainable design principles and their impact.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio concisely, focusing on the most relevant examples for this role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: You may be given a hypothetical design challenge or asked to analyze a past project scenario. Prepare to discuss your approach to problem-solving, risk assessment, stakeholder management, and decision-making under pressure.
• Technical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss complex technical issues related to HV/MV systems, power distribution, and grid integration, and how you would address them from a design management perspective.
• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing team conflict, motivating underperformers, and fostering innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not just technical capability but also leadership potential, strategic thinking, and an alignment with ACCIONA's values of sustainability and continuous improvement. A well-structured portfolio that showcases leadership and process management is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electrical Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and engineering design software such as AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP, ETAP, PSS/E, or similar platforms for schematic design, single-line diagrams, and power system analysis.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and tracking design deliverables.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or SharePoint for team communication, document sharing, and project collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Tracking Tools: Ability to utilize or oversee the use of tools for tracking design progress, resource allocation, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Reporting Software: Experience generating reports using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint) or business intelligence tools for presenting design status and performance to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how design inputs feed into CRM or ERP systems for project costing and resource management would be beneficial.
• Experience with workflow automation tools within design processes could be an advantage, though not explicitly required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager will primarily revolve around design and project management tools. The ability to leverage these tools for efficient team management, process oversight, and reporting is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability & Regenerative Impact: A core value at ACCIONA, this translates to a focus on designing infrastructure that benefits society and the environment long-term. Operations professionals are expected to integrate these principles into their daily work and decision-making.
• Innovation: The company encourages new ideas and approaches to overcome global challenges. Expect a culture that supports creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.
• Excellence: A commitment to high standards in all aspects of work, from technical design to project delivery and safety. This drives a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all business dealings. This is crucial for maintaining trust with stakeholders and the public.
• People First: ACCIONA is recognized for its commitment to its employees, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working collaboratively across different departments (e.g., design, construction, procurement, safety, project management) to ensure seamless project execution.
• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, direct, and respectful communication to resolve issues and share knowledge effectively.
• Team-Oriented Problem Solving: Tackling challenges collectively, leveraging the diverse expertise within the team and across departments.
• Feedback Culture: A willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in processes and individual performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: ACCIONA's strong emphasis on sustainability and its "People First" approach are defining cultural elements. Operations roles are expected to embody these values, focusing on responsible engineering and fostering a positive, collaborative team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Complexity with Project Demands: Managing intricate HV/MV system designs while adhering to strict project timelines and budget constraints.
• Ensuring Sustainable Design Integration: Effectively translating sustainability goals into practical, constructible, and cost-effective engineering solutions that meet client requirements.
• Leading Diverse Teams: Motivating and managing multidisciplinary engineering teams, potentially with varying levels of experience and specializations, to achieve unified project objectives.
• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Keeping abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving Australian engineering standards, safety regulations, and environmental policies.
• Driving Continuous Improvement: Fostering a culture of innovation and process optimization within a large, established organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in HV/MV technologies, power system analysis, and emerging sustainable energy solutions.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance management and strategic leadership skills through internal programs or external courses.
• Industry Certifications & Conferences: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications and attending industry events to stay current with best practices and network with peers.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within ACCIONA or to mentor junior engineers, fostering knowledge transfer and leadership growth.
• Project Variety: Exposure to a diverse range of impactful infrastructure projects, providing broad experience and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior engineering management role in infrastructure, emphasizing the need for strong technical, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Growth opportunities are well-defined, aligning with ACCIONA's commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the design lifecycle for a major HV transmission line project. How do you ensure constructability and cost-effectiveness while meeting sustainability targets?" (Prepare to discuss phases, key decision points, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.)
• Team Management: "How do you foster innovation and collaboration within your engineering teams? Provide an example of a time you successfully motivated a team through a challenging project." (Focus on leadership style, communication strategies, conflict resolution, and team-building.)
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design issue arises late in a project that threatens the schedule. How would you assess the situation, develop solutions, and communicate with stakeholders?" (Demonstrate a structured problem-solving methodology, risk assessment, and clear communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Sustainability Alignment: "ACCIONA is committed to regenerative infrastructure. How have you incorporated sustainability into your past design projects, and how would you champion this value within your team?" (Research ACCIONA's sustainability initiatives and align your experience.)
• Cultural Fit: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture." (Highlight your collaborative approach, respect for diversity, and commitment to people-first values.)
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your engineering designs and your team's performance beyond project completion?" (Discuss KPIs related to efficiency, safety, lifecycle impact, and client satisfaction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Focus: For each project, tell a story: what was the problem/objective, what was your role and strategy, what actions did you take, and what were the quantifiable results?
• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your responsibilities as a leader, not just an individual contributor. Emphasize team management, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data wherever possible to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Reduced design iteration time by 15%," "Ensured 100% compliance with AS/NZS standards," "Contributed to a project that will offset X tonnes of CO2 annually").
• Sustainability & Safety: Explicitly call out how sustainability and safety were integrated and managed throughout the projects presented.
• Concise & Relevant: Select 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best align with the requirements of this role. Be prepared for deep dives into these examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a clear alignment with ACCIONA's core values, especially sustainability. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is critical for this role.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your 10+ years of leadership experience in HV/MV electrical design, your understanding of Australian engineering standards, and your commitment to sustainable infrastructure.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience leading engineering teams, managing design processes, and delivering complex infrastructure projects. Use keywords from the job description like "HV/MV systems," "constructability," "technical governance," and "sustainability."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience through the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills, especially concerning electrical infrastructure.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research ACCIONA's current projects, sustainability initiatives, and company values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and aspirations align with the company's mission and culture.

⚠️ 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.