Design Manager - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water (Mechanical & Civil)
Company: Beca Group
Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering / Water Infrastructure Operations
Date Posted: September 30, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multi-disciplinary design teams to deliver high-quality water infrastructure projects.
• Manage engineering governance processes, ensuring adherence to design standards and best practices.
• Drive project delivery to meet time, budget, and quality objectives, fostering high client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide innovative and sustainable water solutions across Australia.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to professional growth within a supportive and inclusive environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior engineering leadership opportunity, focusing on the operational delivery of complex water infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "Design Governance" and "Client Satisfaction" implies a strong focus on process adherence, quality control, and relationship management, which are critical in operations roles. The mention of leading "multi-discipline design teams" suggests a need for strong project management and coordination skills, typical of operations leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multi-discipline design teams throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring seamless execution and delivery of engineering outputs.
• Accountable for the quality, timeliness, and budget adherence of all design deliverables, aligning with client expectations and project scope.
• Implement and oversee engineering governance processes, including design reviews, change management, requests for information (RFIs), validation, and verification.
• Foster a collaborative environment that promotes innovation, problem-solving, and the development of sustainable water solutions.
• Manage client relationships, acting as a key point of contact to ensure high levels of client satisfaction and identify opportunities for future engagement.
• Guide project teams in the delivery of designs for water and wastewater infrastructure, including conveyance pipelines, hydraulic structures, pump stations, service reservoirs, and water facilities.
• Support the professional development of team members through mentorship, training, and performance feedback, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and operational oversight. The focus on "engineering governance processes" and "client satisfaction" points towards a role that requires robust process implementation and stakeholder management, which are core tenets of operations management within engineering consultancies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related discipline).
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in engineering design, with a significant focus on water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams and managing design delivery.
• Demonstrated understanding of Australian water industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in a professional services or consultancy environment is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Civil Engineering / Mechanical Engineering: Strong technical foundation in either discipline as it applies to water and wastewater systems.
• Water Infrastructure Design: Comprehensive knowledge of designing conveyance pipelines, hydraulic structures, pump stations, service reservoirs, and water facilities.
• Project Management: Ability to manage design projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and mentor engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Technical Writing: Excellent technical writing skills for reports, specifications, and project documentation.
• Stakeholder Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with internal teams, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Design Governance: Deep understanding and practical application of engineering governance processes (design reviews, change management, RFIs, validation, verification).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with major water utility projects (e.g., Sydney Water Corporation design development partnerships).
• Familiarity with specific Australian water industry standards and guidelines.
• Experience with project management software and design collaboration tools.
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and resilient infrastructure solutions.
• Experience in managing engineering risk and implementing mitigation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical engineering background coupled with leadership and process management skills. The "Chartered Professional Engineer" requirement and emphasis on "Australian water industry standards" indicate a need for seasoned professionals familiar with established operational frameworks and compliance within the Australian market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase successful management of complex water infrastructure design projects, detailing your role in leading teams, managing scope, and achieving project milestones.
• Process Improvement Examples: Provide evidence of implementing or improving engineering governance processes, such as design review workflows, change management protocols, or RFI tracking systems, with demonstrable results.
• System Implementation & Integration: Highlight experience in integrating design processes with broader project management systems and ensuring seamless data flow between different engineering disciplines.
• Client Satisfaction Metrics: Include examples or testimonials demonstrating your ability to manage client expectations and achieve high levels of client satisfaction through effective communication and quality delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate your ability to map, analyze, and optimize design workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve turnaround times.
• Implementation & Automation: Show examples of how you have implemented new processes or leveraged technology to automate aspects of the design or governance process.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Present how you track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery, team performance, and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role within an operations context, a portfolio demonstrating not just technical design but also process management, team leadership, and client relations is crucial. The emphasis on "Engineering Governance Processes" and "Process Improvement Examples" suggests a need for candidates to showcase their ability to implement and refine operational procedures that ensure quality and efficiency in design delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in Adelaide, South Australia, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $130,000 - $180,000. This range is subject to variation based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Flexibility & Wellbeing: Flexible working options to support work-life balance, along with dedicated leave for personal wellbeing and community engagement.
• Belonging & Ownership: Inclusive and collaborative team environment with opportunities to become a shareholder and share in the company's success.
• Parental Leave: Up to 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave, available to all parents.
• Career Growth & Development: Comprehensive training programs, support for professional accreditation (e.g., Chartership with Engineers Australia), and opportunities to work with industry leaders.
• Employee-Owned Structure: As an employee-owned company, Beca fosters a culture of shared responsibility and collective success.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The company offers flexible working arrangements to accommodate individual needs, allowing for potential adjustments to daily schedules where feasible and aligned with project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Design Manager role with this experience level in Adelaide, Australia. The inclusion of specific benefits like "Employee-Owned Structure" and "Parental Leave" adds value and context for potential candidates. The note on flexible working arrangements is important for operations roles where balance is often a key consideration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy, Water Infrastructure, Professional Services. Beca operates within a sector critical to public health, environmental sustainability, and urban development, providing essential services that underpin community resilience and growth. Company Size: Over 4,000 professionals globally. This scale provides access to a vast pool of expertise, resources, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration, while maintaining agility in project delivery. Founded: Beca was founded in 1918. With over a century of experience, the company has a deep-rooted legacy of innovation, client partnership, and delivering significant infrastructure projects.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Beca HunterH2O team is comprised of over 300 water sector specialists, indicating a significant and dedicated unit focused on water infrastructure.
• Reporting Structure: Design Managers will likely report to a Senior Manager or Director within the Water business unit, with direct oversight of project design teams.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with project managers, discipline engineers, environmental specialists, and client representatives to ensure integrated and successful project outcomes.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Beca emphasizes leveraging collective experience and insights to develop resourceful, smart solutions, implying a data-informed and analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The company's vision, "Creative people together transforming our world," suggests a proactive approach to workflow design and continuous improvement to achieve impactful results.
• Automation & Efficiency Practices: While not explicitly detailed, a large consultancy like Beca likely employs modern practices and technologies to enhance efficiency in design and project delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's long history and global presence as an employee-owned firm are key cultural differentiators. The structured team and methodology notes infer a professional environment that values collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous operational improvement, essential for effective engineering operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering operations framework. It bridges technical expertise with leadership and management responsibilities, focusing on the operational execution of design projects within the water sector. It requires the ability to manage teams, processes, and client relationships to ensure successful project outcomes. Reporting Structure: Design Managers typically report to higher-level management within the engineering or project delivery structure, such as a Principal Engineer, Technical Director, or Business Unit Manager. They, in turn, lead teams of engineers and designers. Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct impact on revenue through the successful and efficient delivery of client projects, influencing client satisfaction, repeat business, and the company's reputation for quality and reliability in the water infrastructure space. Effective operations management here directly translates to profitability and organizational success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to move into roles with broader project management responsibilities, program management, or leadership of larger design departments.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure design or management, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.
• Leadership Development: Progress into senior leadership positions, contributing to strategic planning, business development, and operational strategy for the Beca HunterH2O business unit. Opportunities for Chartership with Engineers Australia are explicitly supported.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the operational aspects of career progression. For an operations professional, understanding the path from Design Manager to broader operational leadership or specialized technical leadership is key. The emphasis on "impact on revenue" and "profitability" highlights the business-critical nature of this role within the consultancy's operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Beca operates from modern, professional office environments designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The Adelaide office will likely provide a structured workspace conducive to engineering design and team interaction. Office Location(s): Adelaide, South Australia. This location offers a base for serving clients within South Australia and potentially contributing to national projects. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company culture emphasizes collaboration and creativity, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed for team-based problem-solving and knowledge sharing.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided to support efficient design processes and team coordination.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with fellow design managers, project managers, engineers, and other specialists, facilitating a dynamic and supportive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, Beca is committed to offering flexible working arrangements. This flexibility is crucial for operations roles, allowing professionals to manage demanding project schedules alongside personal commitments, ensuring sustained productivity and well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment highlights the importance of collaboration and access to tools, which are fundamental to effective operations. The mention of "flexible working arrangements" is a key aspect for operations professionals seeking balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in water infrastructure and design leadership.
• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your technical expertise in civil or mechanical engineering for water systems, your understanding of design governance, and your approach to leading design teams. Expect to be asked about specific project challenges and how you navigated them.
• Case Study / Presentation: You may be asked to present a past project or a hypothetical scenario, demonstrating your problem-solving skills, project management approach, and ability to articulate technical concepts clearly. This is a key opportunity to showcase your portfolio.
• Team / Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues and management to assess cultural alignment, collaboration style, and your fit within the Beca team.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, potentially covering strategic alignment and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly highlight your leadership in managing design teams, implementing governance processes, and delivering successful water infrastructure projects.
• Process Improvement Focus: Dedicate sections to demonstrating how you've improved design workflows, managed change effectively, and enhanced client satisfaction through process optimization. Use metrics where possible.
• Quantifiable Results: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your role, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, client feedback).
• Tailor to Beca: Research Beca's current projects and values. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your experience aligns with their strategic goals and operational approach in the water sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Governance Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common design governance challenges, such as scope creep, conflicting stakeholder requirements, or technical disagreements within a team.
• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about motivating teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering professional development within a design engineering context.
• Client Management Scenarios: Think about how you address client concerns, manage expectations, and ensure project success from a client's perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review advice are tailored to a leadership role in engineering operations, emphasizing the need to demonstrate not just technical skill but also process management, leadership, and client-facing capabilities. The focus on "governance processes" and "process improvement" is key for an operations-centric role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or Bentley MicroStation for detailed design and drafting.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or Monday.com for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project management systems and design software for performance analysis.
• Reporting Tools: Experience generating reports on project progress, team performance, and design delivery metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly client-facing for sales, an understanding of how design projects integrate with CRM data (e.g., project pipeline, client history) can be beneficial.
• Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied to repetitive design tasks or workflow management within the engineering process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are relevant to a Design Manager role in an engineering consultancy, covering design, project management, and communication. The emphasis on "project planning, scheduling, and tracking" and "performance analysis" aligns with the operational aspects of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Partnership: Beca highly values collaboration and working closely with clients and internal teams to achieve shared goals, fostering strong working relationships.
• Tenacity: A commitment to overcoming challenges, driving projects forward with persistence, and delivering solutions even in complex situations.
• Enjoyment: Encouraging a positive and engaging work environment where people can find satisfaction and fulfillment in their work.
• Care: Demonstrating genuine care for people, communities, and the environment, reflected in sustainable design practices and employee well-being initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Beca promotes a highly collaborative approach, encouraging seamless integration between design teams, project management, and specialist disciplines to deliver comprehensive solutions.
• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that supports open feedback and continuous review of processes and methodologies to drive improvement and innovation.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share expertise and insights, fostering a learning environment that benefits the entire organization and its project delivery capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values and collaboration style are crucial for operations professionals who thrive in environments that emphasize teamwork, continuous improvement, and a shared sense of purpose. These values directly influence how design and project delivery operations are conducted.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Overseeing large-scale, multi-discipline water infrastructure projects with tight deadlines and significant stakeholder engagement.
• Navigating Evolving Standards: Keeping abreast of and implementing new Australian water industry standards, regulations, and sustainable design practices.
• Team Dynamics & Resource Management: Effectively leading diverse teams, managing workloads, and ensuring adequate resource allocation to meet project demands.
• Technological Advancements: Adapting to and integrating new design technologies and software to enhance efficiency and innovation in the design process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to develop advanced project management, program management, and leadership skills within the engineering operations domain.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending industry events and pursuing relevant certifications to stay current with best practices and network with peers.
• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Access to mentorship programs and leadership training designed to cultivate future leaders within Beca's operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and corresponding growth opportunities is vital for operations professionals. This section highlights the developmental aspects of the role, linking challenges directly to skill enhancement and career progression within an operational leadership track.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Governance & Process: "Describe a situation where you had to implement or significantly improve a design governance process. What was the challenge, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" Focus on your understanding of process, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.
• Team Leadership & Conflict Resolution: "How do you motivate a design team facing tight deadlines? Can you provide an example of how you managed a conflict within your team or with a stakeholder?" Highlight your leadership style, communication strategies, and problem-solving approach.
• Client Management & Project Delivery: "Walk me through a challenging water infrastructure project you managed. What were the key operational hurdles, how did you ensure client satisfaction, and what lessons did you learn?" Emphasize your ability to deliver on time, within budget, and to client expectations.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Beca Values: "How do Beca's values of Partnership, Tenacity, Enjoyment, and Care align with your own professional approach?" Be ready to provide examples of how you embody these values in your work.
• Operations Culture: "What do you look for in a collaborative work environment, and how do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?" Show your understanding of Beca's emphasis on being "creative people together."
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond technical completion? What metrics do you prioritize?" Discuss your approach to operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and team performance.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your leadership in design management and process improvement.
• Focus on Operations: For each project, clearly articulate the operational challenges, your management approach, the processes you implemented or optimized (governance, workflow, etc.), and the measurable results.
• Visual Aids: Use slides or documents that visually represent your process improvements, team structures, and project outcomes. Highlight key metrics and client feedback.
• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, explaining the context, your actions, and the positive impact of your operational leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for operations candidates, focusing on how to frame their experience and prepare for questions that assess their understanding of process, leadership, and client management within an engineering operations context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Beca careers site.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in leading design teams, managing engineering governance processes, and delivering water infrastructure projects. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Design Manager," "Water Infrastructure," "Civil Engineering," "Mechanical Engineering," "Project Management," and "Design Governance."
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, focusing on your leadership, process management, and client satisfaction achievements. Prepare specific examples to discuss during interviews, such as process improvements you implemented or challenges you successfully overcame.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Beca Group, its values, its work in the water sector (especially in Australia), and any recent projects or news. Understand their vision of "Creative people together transforming our world" and how your operational approach aligns.
• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your experience and answering strategy questions related to design management, team leadership, and operational excellence. Be ready to discuss your approach to process optimization and client engagement.

⚠️ 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.

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