Design Manager Roads/Civil Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Roads/Civil Lead

Company: Aurecon

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Design Management / Civil Infrastructure

Date Posted: February 17, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design process for significant Roads and Civil infrastructure projects, ensuring the delivery of innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective engineering solutions.

• Drive technical excellence and proactive problem-solving to ensure project milestones are met on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards, aligning with sustainability and carbon neutrality goals.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with clients, delivery partners, and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.

• Manage complex interdisciplinary coordination, ensuring seamless integration of various engineering and design elements throughout all project delivery phases, from concept to construction liaison.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Aurecon's "Transport Land and Water" team, indicating a focus on sustainable and carbon-neutral infrastructure development. The "Design Manager Roads/Civil Lead" title suggests a senior position requiring not only technical design expertise but also strong leadership and project coordination capabilities. The "Hybrid" work arrangement implies a blend of office-based collaboration and remote flexibility, common in large engineering firms.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the end-to-end design process for major Roads and Civil projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives, stakeholder expectations, and stringent regulatory compliance.

• Proactively identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical and design challenges, implementing effective solutions to mitigate risks and ensure timely project delivery.

• Foster a thriving, collaborative, and high-performance culture within project teams, promoting open communication and mutual support.

• Build and nurture strong, trust-based relationships with external delivery partners, construction contractors, government agencies, and key stakeholders to facilitate seamless project execution.

• Manage the critical interface between various engineering disciplines, ensuring effective communication and integration throughout all project stages, from conceptualization to detailed design and construction.

• Provide concise and impactful communication to project governance groups, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.

• Contribute strategic input and technical expertise to the pursuit and win of future market opportunities, supporting Aurecon's business development objectives.

• Mentor and develop the next generation of leaders within the Major Projects domain, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design leadership and people/stakeholder management. Emphasis on "carbon neutral and sustainable" design and "re-imagining problems" points to an innovative and forward-thinking approach expected from candidates. The requirement to "input into the pursuit of future opportunities" suggests involvement in business development and client engagement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience as a Design Manager on major Roads and/or Civil infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated understanding of how design decisions impact construction methodologies and project feasibility.

• Solid grasp of project and consortium commercial aspects, including contractual obligations and financial management considerations.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive ability to lead and coordinate complex design processes for large-scale infrastructure.

• Roads & Civil Design: Deep technical knowledge in the design principles and practices for road networks and civil infrastructure.

• Project Leadership: Proven capability to guide project teams, drive outcomes, and ensure successful delivery.

• Stakeholder Management: Expertise in building and maintaining effective relationships with clients, contractors, and government agencies.

• Technical Problem Solving: Skill in analyzing and resolving complex engineering challenges swiftly and effectively.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Ability to manage and integrate work across multiple engineering disciplines.

• Positive Leadership: Demonstrated ability to create followship through a positive, team-oriented leadership style.

• Mentoring: Passion and ability to guide and develop junior engineers and future project leaders.

• Decision Making: Strong analytical and decisive capabilities to make informed choices under pressure.

• Drive & Persistence: A resilient and proactive approach to overcoming obstacles and achieving project goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with sustainable design principles and carbon-neutral project delivery.

• Familiarity with Aurecon's specific project delivery methodologies and systems.

• Knowledge of relevant Australian engineering standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., WA specific).

• Advanced project commercial acumen and contract management understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Tertiary qualifications in Engineering" and "experience as a Design Manager on major Roads projects" clearly defines the core technical and leadership requirements. The inclusion of "understanding of how the design impacts the construction methodology" and "project and consortium commercial aspects" indicates a need for a holistic project view beyond pure design. The "positive leadership style" and "mentoring" aspects point to a culture-focused leadership role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful management of the design process for at least one major Roads or Civil project, showcasing innovation and quality.

• Provide case studies or project examples that highlight your ability to resolve complex technical and design challenges, detailing the problem, your approach, and the outcome.

• Showcase instances of effective interdisciplinary coordination and management of interfaces between different engineering streams.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating and implementing structured design management processes that ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance.

• Examples of workflow optimization or process improvements implemented within design teams to enhance productivity and collaboration.

• Documentation or descriptions of how performance metrics were used to monitor and improve design delivery processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio showcasing past project leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement is crucial for a Design Manager role. The emphasis on "innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions" suggests that portfolio pieces should highlight these achievements. The need to manage "interface between disciplines" implies that examples of cross-functional collaboration are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, advanced training, and professional certifications.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for growth within Aurecon's global network, including leadership opportunities on larger-scale projects.

• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive health insurance, wellness programs, and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

• Superannuation: Competitive employer contribution to superannuation (Australia's retirement savings scheme).

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Project Impact: The chance to work on significant, legacy-defining infrastructure projects that contribute to community development and sustainability.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 37.5 to 40 hours per week. The role is described as Hybrid, suggesting flexibility in how and where these hours are worked, with an expectation of office presence for key meetings, collaborative sessions, and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering design management roles in Perth, Australia, considering the specialized nature of roads and civil infrastructure and Aurecon's standing as a major engineering consultancy. Benefits are inferred from typical offerings by large, reputable engineering firms in Australia.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design, and Advisory Services; Infrastructure Development; Sustainability Consulting.

Company Size: Aurecon is a large, global engineering and advisory firm, typically employing over 6,000 people across numerous countries. This scale offers significant opportunities for cross-border collaboration and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Aurecon was formed in 2009 through the merger of Australian firm Connell Wagner and South African firm Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten (SRK), and later integrated with other entities. This history points to a company with deep roots in engineering excellence and a forward-looking vision.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the "Transport Land and Water" team, suggesting a specialized unit focused on sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• As a Lead, the Design Manager is expected to lead project teams, potentially managing a mix of internal Aurecon staff and external consultants/partners.

Methodology:

• Aurecon emphasizes embedding sustainability and carbon neutrality into all decision-making and project delivery.

• The company likely employs robust project management frameworks and design management systems to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency.

• Data-driven insights and innovative digital tools are likely integral to their design and advisory processes.

Company Website: www.aurecongroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's stated commitment to sustainability and "re-imagining problems" suggests a culture that values innovation, forward-thinking, and environmental responsibility. The company's global presence implies a diverse workforce and potential for international project involvement, while its size offers stability and extensive resources.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Lead" and "Design Manager," indicating a senior-level position. It requires significant technical expertise in roads and civil design, coupled with proven leadership and project coordination skills. The candidate is expected to manage complex projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute to business development, placing them at a strategic level within the operations.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or a senior manager within the Transport Land and Water division. They will, in turn, lead and direct project-specific design teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects. Effective design leadership ensures projects are technically sound, cost-effective, sustainable, and meet client expectations, thereby contributing significantly to Aurecon's reputation, client satisfaction, and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Progression to Project Director or Program Manager roles, overseeing larger and more complex multi-disciplinary projects.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of civil engineering or sustainable design, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Business Development: Taking on more responsibility in client engagement, proposal development, and securing new project opportunities.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other Aurecon offices worldwide.

• Leadership Development: Access to formal leadership training programs and mentorship to hone management and strategic thinking skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" designation and the responsibilities outlined suggest a role that bridges senior technical expertise with management and strategic contribution. Growth opportunities are likely tied to increasing project scale, leadership scope, and business development involvement, aligning with typical career paths in major engineering consultancies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Aurecon operates modern, collaborative office spaces designed to foster innovation and teamwork. The Perth office will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Perth, Western Australia. Aurecon has multiple offices globally.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on team culture suggest a workspace that encourages interaction, knowledge sharing, and joint problem-solving among engineers, designers, and project managers.

• Technology Integration: Expect access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and communication platforms essential for managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with project teams, discipline leads, and potentially clients, balanced with remote work flexibility.

Work Schedule: The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in managing work hours, with a core expectation of availability during standard business hours for team collaboration and client engagement. This structure supports the need for focused design work alongside collaborative sessions and project meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement is a key aspect of the work environment, indicating a modern approach to workplace flexibility. The emphasis on collaboration suggests that the office space is designed to facilitate teamwork and knowledge sharing, crucial for complex engineering projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion with senior engineers or discipline leads focusing on your technical expertise in roads and civil design, design management experience, and problem-solving capabilities. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Leadership & Culture Fit Interview: A conversation with a hiring manager or senior leader to assess your leadership style, team collaboration approach, mentoring capabilities, and cultural alignment with Aurecon's values (e.g., sustainability, innovation).

• Case Study/Presentation (Potentially): You may be asked to prepare and present a case study on a past project, detailing your role, challenges overcome, design solutions, and outcomes. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your portfolio.

• Final Interview: A discussion with a senior executive or director to finalize the decision, often focusing on strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 significant roads or civil projects where you held a key design management role. Highlight your specific contributions, challenges, and innovative solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and management efforts (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, technical improvements, sustainability gains).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your approach to design management and problem-solving, the technologies or methodologies used, and the final outcome.

• Showcase Leadership & Collaboration: Include examples of how you led teams, managed interdisciplinary interfaces, collaborated with stakeholders, and mentored junior staff.

• Highlight Sustainability: Emphasize any contributions to sustainable design, carbon reduction, or environmental considerations within your projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Prepare to discuss hypothetical technical challenges related to road geometry, drainage, pavement design, or traffic management, and how you would approach resolving them.

• Leadership Scenarios: Think about how you would handle team conflicts, motivate a diverse project team, manage stakeholder expectations, or drive a culture of continuous improvement.

• Sustainability Integration: Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate sustainability principles into the design process of a typical road or civil project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage, involving technical assessment, leadership evaluation, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio showcasing relevant project experience and leadership is essential. Preparing specific examples for leadership and problem-solving scenarios will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Bentley's MicroStation suite is expected for design creation and documentation.

• Design & Analysis Tools: Familiarity with specialized civil engineering design and analysis software (e.g., for road design, drainage analysis, pavement engineering, traffic simulation) will be advantageous.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and team collaboration within a hybrid work environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and reports to track design progress, project performance, and identify areas for improvement.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, understanding how CRM data (e.g., client project history) might inform business development and project pursuits could be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or principles to streamline design processes or reporting tasks might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager role in a large engineering firm will heavily involve CAD and specialized civil engineering software. Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools is also critical, especially in a hybrid work setting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability First: A deep-seated commitment to embedding environmental responsibility and carbon neutrality into all design decisions and project outcomes.

• Innovation & Re-imagining: Encouraging creative thinking, challenging conventional approaches, and actively seeking novel solutions to complex engineering problems.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse teams work cohesively, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve common goals.

• Client Focus: Building strong, trust-based relationships with clients by delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and value-driven solutions.

• Technical Excellence: Upholding the highest standards of engineering practice, continuous learning, and professional development.

• Mentorship & Growth: Valuing the development of talent, actively mentoring junior professionals, and supporting career progression.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Encouraging seamless communication and coordination between various engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, geotechnical, environmental, traffic) to produce integrated designs.

• Open Feedback Culture: Promoting constructive feedback and continuous improvement through regular project reviews and team discussions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in internal forums, workshops, and communities of practice to share best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights.

• Proactive Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and regulators, early and often to ensure alignment and mitigate risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's stated values, particularly around sustainability and innovation, are central to their culture. The emphasis on collaboration and mentorship suggests a supportive and developmental work environment for operations and engineering professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and requirements of clients, government agencies, community groups, and internal project teams on large, complex infrastructure projects.

• Technical Complexity & Innovation: Ensuring designs are not only technically sound and compliant but also innovative and sustainable, often pushing the boundaries of current practice.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Effectively managing the intricate interfaces and potential conflicts between multiple engineering disciplines to achieve a cohesive and optimized design.

• Driving a High-Performance Culture: Motivating and leading diverse teams towards a common goal, particularly within a hybrid work model and under project deadlines.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying abreast of rapidly changing design codes, sustainability requirements, and technological advancements in the civil engineering and construction sectors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops in areas like advanced road design, sustainable infrastructure, BIM, and digital engineering.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship opportunities to enhance project management, team leadership, and strategic decision-making skills.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend and present at leading industry events, expanding professional networks and staying current with best practices.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to gain experience in different aspects of project delivery, from concept design to construction support and business development.

• Mentorship: Being mentored by senior leaders within Aurecon and having the opportunity to mentor emerging talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in major infrastructure projects, focusing on complexity, stakeholder management, and technical leadership. The growth opportunities align with a structured career path within a large engineering consultancy, emphasizing both technical depth and leadership breadth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a major Roads or Civil project you led the design for. What were the key challenges, how did you ensure innovative and sustainable solutions, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your design management, problem-solving, and sustainability integration).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within a diverse project team, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Prepare to discuss leadership style, team motivation, and communication strategies).

• "Walk us through your process for managing the interface between different engineering disciplines on a complex project. How do you ensure seamless integration and minimize conflicts?" (Highlight your coordination and communication skills).

• "Tell us about a time you had to resolve a significant technical design challenge. What was your approach, and what did you learn?" (Demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Aurecon, and specifically our Transport Land and Water team's focus on sustainability and carbon neutrality?" (Research Aurecon’s recent projects and sustainability initiatives).

• "How do your personal values align with Aurecon's values of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence?" (Connect your experience and approach to their stated values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your most impactful project, summarizing the scope, your role, and key achievements.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project case study, follow a clear narrative: Project Context -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Key Challenges -> Design Solutions & Innovations -> Outcomes & Impact (quantified where possible) -> Lessons Learned.

• Visual Aids: Use concise slides with key visuals (e.g., project photos, diagrams, key metrics) to support your presentation. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly point out instances where you demonstrated leadership, team management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving.

• Address Sustainability: Clearly articulate how sustainability principles were integrated into the design and delivery.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific technical aspects, design decisions, or management approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, leadership capability, and alignment with Aurecon's sustainability-driven culture. The portfolio presentation is a critical component for showcasing practical experience and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager Roads/Civil Lead position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in leading design for major roads and civil projects. Quantify achievements related to innovation, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and successful stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description like "Design Management," "Civil Engineering," "Project Leadership," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects to showcase. Prepare a concise presentation or document that clearly outlines your role, the challenges, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes, with a strong focus on leadership and sustainability.

• Research Aurecon: Familiarize yourself with Aurecon's recent projects, particularly in Western Australia, their commitment to sustainability, and their company values. Understand their approach to engineering and advisory services.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions related to leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and stakeholder management. Be ready to articulate your vision for sustainable design 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.