Design Manager (Electrical Engineering)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (Electrical Engineering) Company: Beca Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Job Type: Full-Time Category: Engineering Operations / Infrastructure Design Date Posted: 2025-11-14 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Implied 5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-discipline design teams to deliver complex electrical engineering solutions for industrial sectors including food & beverage, minerals & metals, forestry, energy & manufacturing, water, power, and defence.
• Oversee the end-to-end design delivery process, ensuring projects meet stringent time, budget, and quality objectives, with a strong focus on client satisfaction and sustainable outcomes.
• Champion engineering governance processes, including design reviews, change management, and validation/verification, to uphold technical standards and mitigate project risks.
• Drive innovation in electrical, automation, and instrumentation systems, with a particular emphasis on water/wastewater utilities and industrial electrification projects, including medium and high voltage systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly for an Electrical Engineering Design Manager, indicating a need for strong technical leadership in electrical systems design for industrial and infrastructure projects, particularly within the water sector. The emphasis on "design delivery outputs" and "engineering governance" points towards a structured, process-oriented approach to design management within a consulting engineering environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multi-discipline design teams, fostering a collaborative environment to ensure the successful execution of electrical engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Accountable for the quality, timeliness, and budgetary adherence of all design deliverables, implementing robust project management methodologies to achieve high levels of client satisfaction.
• Manage and execute comprehensive engineering governance processes, including detailed design reviews, rigorous change management procedures, and thorough validation and verification of design outputs against project requirements.
• Collaborate closely with project stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and regulatory bodies, to ensure clear communication, resolve design queries, and manage requests for information (RFIs) effectively.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of innovative electrical, automation, and instrumentation solutions, leveraging expertise in areas such as power distribution, motor control, protection systems, and industrial electrification.
• Uphold and promote adherence to Australian and international standards (e.g., AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 3010) and industry best practices within all design activities.
• Support business development efforts by contributing technical expertise and building strong client relationships, particularly within the water and wastewater utility sectors.
• Actively participate in professional development and continuous learning, staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to enhance design methodologies and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are heavily focused on leadership, project delivery, and governance within an engineering design context, specifically for industrial and water infrastructure. The inclusion of "manage the overall delivery of designs to time, budget and quality" and "guide project delivery to achieve high levels of client satisfaction" highlights a blend of technical oversight and project management accountability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Engineering Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) accreditation is required.

Experience:

• Proven experience in industrial or water/wastewater electrical and automation design within a professional services environment.
• Demonstrated experience in leading multi-discipline design teams and managing the delivery of complex engineering projects.
• Solid understanding of Australian and international electrical engineering standards, including AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3010.
• Experience with engineering governance processes, such as design reviews, change management, and request for information (RFI) handling.

Required Skills:

• Electrical Engineering Design: Comprehensive knowledge of electrical systems, power distribution, motor control, automation, and instrumentation.
• Team Leadership & Management: Ability to lead, mentor, and manage multi-discipline engineering teams effectively.
• Project Delivery: Proven track record in managing design delivery to time, budget, and quality standards.
• Technical Writing & Communication: Exceptional technical writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Standards & Compliance: Thorough understanding of relevant Australian and international electrical standards and industry best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Medium and High Voltage (MV/HV) Systems: Good understanding of MV/HV systems as applied to water, wastewater, and industrial utilities.
• Australian Water Industry Expertise: Strong understanding of the Australian water industry, particularly water utilities and water treatment processes.
• Automation & Instrumentation Systems: In-depth knowledge of automation and instrumentation systems relevant to industrial applications.
• Sustainability & Innovation: Familiarity with sustainable design principles and innovative electrical solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Chartered Professional Engineer status and a strong understanding of the Australian water industry suggests a role requiring significant local expertise and a high level of professional qualification. The blend of technical depth and leadership/management skills is critical for this Design Manager position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful leadership of multi-discipline design teams, showcasing project scope, team size, and your specific role in driving design delivery.
• Provide case studies illustrating how you have managed design projects to meet strict time, budget, and quality parameters, highlighting key challenges and your strategic solutions.
• Showcase examples of engineering governance processes you have implemented or managed (e.g., design reviews, change control workflows), detailing their impact on project outcomes and risk mitigation.
• Present instances where you have successfully guided project delivery to achieve high levels of client satisfaction, including client feedback or testimonials if available.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of structured design review methodologies and their outcomes, demonstrating your approach to quality assurance and technical validation.
• Documentation illustrating your experience with change management processes for complex engineering designs, including impact assessments and approval workflows.
• Case studies detailing the implementation and automation of electrical, automation, or instrumentation systems, emphasizing efficiency gains and performance improvements.
• Evidence of your ability to develop and present technical documentation, such as design reports, specifications, and RFI responses, adhering to professional standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a Design Manager role at this level in a consultancy like Beca would invariably require a portfolio showcasing project leadership, process management, and successful client delivery. This section infers typical expectations for such a role, focusing on demonstrating process control and outcome achievement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for a Design Manager (Electrical Engineering) in Sydney, Australia, with Chartered Professional Engineer status and relevant experience, typically falls between AUD $140,000 and AUD $190,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major Australian cities, considering the company's standing in the engineering consultancy sector and the specialized nature of the required expertise. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Flexibility & Wellbeing: Access to flexible working options to support work-life balance, alongside dedicated leave for personal wellbeing and community engagement initiatives.
• Belonging & Ownership: Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative team with opportunities to become a shareholder and share in the company's success.
• Parental Leave: Comprehensive parental leave policy, offering up to 14 weeks of fully paid leave for primary caregivers, inclusive of all genders.
• Career Growth & Development: Opportunities for continuous learning through structured training programs, support for professional accreditation (e.g., Chartership with Engineers Australia), and mentorship from industry leaders.
• Professional Accreditation Support: Financial and time support for pursuing and maintaining professional engineering accreditations and chartership.
• Shareholder Opportunities: Unique employee ownership model providing the chance to invest in and benefit from the company's performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 37.5 to 40 hours per week. The company offers flexibility in managing these hours to support work-life balance, subject to project demands and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on market data for Chartered Electrical Engineers in design management roles in Sydney. Benefits are directly pulled from the job description, highlighting Beca's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Engineering Consultancy) within sectors such as Water, Energy & Manufacturing, Defence, Food & Beverage, Minerals & Metals, and Forestry. Company Size: Over 4000 professionals globally, indicating a large, established, and well-resourced organization. Founded: Beca is an employee-owned consultancy with a long history, focused on delivering innovative solutions and making a positive impact.

Team Structure:

• The Electrical Engineering team is part of a larger professional services consultancy, likely structured by discipline and sector specialization.
• Design Managers will report into senior engineering leadership or project directors, with direct management responsibility for multi-discipline design teams.
• Collaboration is emphasized across electrical, mechanical, civil, and automation disciplines, as well as with project managers, clients, and other stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Beca emphasizes a collaborative approach, leveraging collective experience and insights to create resourceful, smart solutions.
• Key values include partnership, tenacity, enjoyment, and care, guiding their work with clients and internally.
• Focus on data-driven insights, process optimization, and sustainable solutions is implied by their work in complex industrial and infrastructure projects.

Company Website: www.beca.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's identity as a large, employee-owned consultancy shapes its culture towards collaboration, shared success, and a focus on long-term impact. The mention of "creative people together transforming our world" suggests an environment that values innovation and diverse perspectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering design field. As a Design Manager, you are expected to have a strong technical foundation, significant project experience, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. This is a critical role in project execution, bridging technical design with project management and client relationship aspects. Reporting Structure: Typically, Design Managers report to a Senior Manager, Principal Engineer, or Project Director, depending on the organizational structure and project scale. They, in turn, lead and mentor junior engineers and design teams. Operations Impact: Design Managers have a direct and significant impact on project success by ensuring the technical integrity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of electrical engineering designs. Their leadership influences project timelines, budget adherence, client satisfaction, and the ultimate performance and reliability of the delivered infrastructure. Their work directly contributes to Beca's vision of "making everyday better" through impactful engineering solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Principal Design Manager, Technical Director, or Project Director roles, managing larger projects or multiple project portfolios.
• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific industrial sectors (e.g., water, defence) or technical areas (e.g., HV systems, advanced automation), becoming a recognized subject matter expert.
• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers, develop training programs, and contribute to Beca's knowledge-sharing initiatives, fostering leadership skills.
• Global Mobility: As a large international consultancy, there may be opportunities for international assignments or collaboration on global projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key leadership function within the engineering design process. Growth pathways are clearly linked to increasing technical complexity, leadership scope, and strategic impact within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Sydney, Australia, and will be primarily office-based, supporting on-site project delivery. Beca emphasizes a supportive and inclusive work environment that values collaboration and continuous improvement. Office Location(s): Sydney, Australia. Specific office details would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for interaction among design teams and across disciplines.
• Access to essential engineering software, design tools, and technology infrastructure required for electrical engineering and project management will be provided.
• Regular opportunities for team meetings, design workshops, and cross-functional project reviews are integral to the work environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 37.5-40 hours per week) apply.
• Beca offers flexibility in managing working hours where feasible, allowing for a better work-life balance, provided project deadlines and team collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Sydney is confirmed. The description highlights a collaborative office environment that supports both individual focus and team interaction, with an emphasis on flexible working arrangements where possible.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with core requirements (Chartered Engineer, degree, industry experience).
• Technical & Behavioural Interview: In-depth discussion covering your technical expertise in electrical engineering, design management experience, leadership style, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect questions related to handling project challenges, managing teams, and client interactions.
• Portfolio Review / Case Study: Presentation of selected projects showcasing your leadership in design delivery, governance implementation, and client satisfaction. This may involve a specific case study to analyze a design challenge or project scenario.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with potential peers or senior management to assess cultural alignment, collaborative approach, and suitability for Beca's values (partnership, tenacity, enjoyment, care).
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and confirm overall suitability for the role and long-term contribution to the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose projects that best demonstrate your leadership in electrical design management, particularly within industrial or water/wastewater sectors.
• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the project's scope, key challenges, your strategic approach, and measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, client satisfaction metrics).
• Showcase Governance: Present examples of how you have effectively managed design reviews, change controls, and RFI processes to ensure design integrity and project success.
• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your experience in leading and mentoring multi-discipline teams, demonstrating your ability to foster collaboration and drive performance.
• Tailor to Beca: Research Beca's projects and values to subtly align your portfolio presentation with their focus on sustainability, innovation, and client partnership.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions regarding project delivery issues (e.g., budget overruns, design conflicts, client disputes) and how you would resolve them.
• Consider how you would approach leading a design review for a complex electrical system or managing a significant design change request.
• Practice articulating your understanding of relevant Australian standards and best practices in electrical engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is inferred to be a multi-stage approach common for senior engineering management roles in consultancies, emphasizing technical competence, leadership, and cultural fit. Portfolio preparation advice is tailored to showcase management of design processes and outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software for electrical design, such as AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP, or similar platforms.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or SharePoint for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Analysis Tools: Use of specialized software for electrical system analysis, load calculations, fault current analysis, and protection coordination (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, SKM Power*Tools).
• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate comprehensive design reports, progress updates, and performance metrics using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing project documentation, drawings, and revisions (e.g., ProjectWise, Aconex, or similar enterprise content management systems).
• ERP/Financial Systems: Basic understanding or familiarity with how project costs and billing integrate with company-wide financial systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the typical technology stack for an Electrical Design Manager in a large engineering consultancy, focusing on design, project management, and documentation tools. Specific software names are examples of common industry tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Partnership: Emphasizes collaborative relationships internally and with clients, working together to achieve common goals and deliver exceptional outcomes.
• Tenacity: Demonstrates perseverance and a problem-solving attitude in the face of complex challenges, driving projects to successful completion.
• Enjoyment: Fosters a positive work environment where individuals can find satisfaction and fulfillment in their work and contributions.
• Care: Highlights a commitment to the well-being of people (employees, clients, communities) and the environment, integrating sustainability and ethical practices into operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encourages close collaboration between electrical engineers and other disciplines (mechanical, civil, automation, structural) to ensure holistic project design and execution.
• Client-Centric Approach: Works closely with clients to understand their needs, provide transparent updates, and build strong, trust-based relationships.
• Knowledge Sharing: Promotes an environment where team members share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned to drive continuous improvement and collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's four core values are explicitly stated and are central to their culture. This section elaborates on how these values translate into the daily work and collaborative style expected of employees, particularly in a leadership role like Design Manager.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the diverse requirements and expectations of multiple clients, internal teams, and regulatory bodies on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Navigating Technical Complexity: Overseeing intricate electrical, automation, and instrumentation designs, including MV/HV systems, in demanding industrial environments and ensuring compliance with stringent standards.
• Driving Innovation within Constraints: Fostering creative solutions and adopting new technologies while adhering to strict project budgets, timelines, and established governance processes.
• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively managing and motivating multi-disciplinary teams with varying expertise, experience levels, and communication styles to achieve cohesive project delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like renewable energy integration, advanced control systems, or digital twin technologies within industrial settings.
• Leadership Training: Access to Beca's leadership development programs, focusing on areas such as strategic decision-making, advanced project management, and people leadership.
• Industry Exposure: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and professional development courses relevant to electrical engineering, infrastructure, and project management.
• Mentorship Programs: Engage in formal or informal mentorship relationships with senior leaders to gain insights and accelerate career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the typical complexities of managing large engineering projects in a consultancy, focusing on stakeholder management, technical depth, and leadership. Growth opportunities are tied to both technical specialization and leadership development within Beca's framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multi-discipline design team through a significant project challenge. What was the challenge, how did you guide the team, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses leadership, problem-solving, and project delivery)
• "How do you ensure engineering governance, such as design reviews and change management, is effectively implemented on your projects to maintain quality and mitigate risks?" (Evaluates understanding of process and quality assurance)
• "Walk us through a complex electrical design project you managed. What were the key technical considerations, how did you ensure client satisfaction, and what was your specific contribution to its success?" (Focuses on technical depth, project management, and client relations)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Beca's values of partnership, tenacity, enjoyment, and care align with your own professional approach?" (Assesses cultural fit and understanding of Beca's ethos)
• "Describe your experience working in a collaborative team environment. How do you foster effective communication and knowledge sharing among engineers from different disciplines?" (Probes collaboration style and team dynamics)
• "How do you approach ensuring sustainable and innovative solutions within the constraints of project budgets and timelines?" (Tests alignment with Beca's vision and focus on innovation/sustainability)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the context, your role, the challenges, your actions/strategies, and the results. Use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method where appropriate.
• Highlight Governance & Process: Explicitly detail how you managed design reviews, change control, and RFI processes. Showcase your understanding of engineering governance.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate project success – e.g., percentage of budget saved, adherence to schedule, reduction in design errors, client feedback scores.
• Focus on Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading, mentoring, and motivating the design team. Explain how you fostered collaboration across disciplines.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your technical decisions, project management approach, and how you handle conflicts or difficult situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe the core competencies of a Design Manager: technical leadership, project execution, team management, and cultural alignment. Portfolio presentation advice focuses on demonstrating these competencies effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Electrical Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on the Beca careers page.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your Chartered Engineer status, Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, and specific experience in industrial/water sector electrical design and management. Use keywords from the job description such as "design governance," "multi-discipline teams," "automation," "instrumentation," and "AS/NZS standards."
• Portfolio Preparation: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your leadership in design delivery, governance, and client satisfaction. Prepare a concise presentation or summary document that quantises your achievements and details your process management.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Beca's projects, particularly their work in the water sector and other industrial areas mentioned. Understand their company values (partnership, tenacity, enjoyment, care) and their vision.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method, focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Be ready to articulate your approach to design management and team leadership.

⚠️ 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.