Design Manager – Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Water
Company: BECA Group
Location: Multiple Locations Across New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Wellington, Nelson, Queenstown)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Water Infrastructure Design Operations
Date Posted: August 13, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-discipline design teams for critical water infrastructure projects, ensuring high-quality outputs are delivered on time and within budget.
• Drive engineering governance processes, including design reviews, change management, and request for information (RFI) processes, to maintain project integrity and compliance.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development by mentoring junior engineers and sharing expertise across the team.
• Collaborate effectively with leaders across New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia to deliver integrated and innovative water solutions.
• Uphold client expectations and project goals through strong leadership, coordination, and a commitment to client satisfaction in all design activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is squarely within the Operations discipline, specifically focusing on the management and execution of design processes within the water infrastructure sector. The emphasis on project delivery, governance, and team leadership indicates a need for strong operational management skills to ensure efficient and effective project outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multi-discipline design teams for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including conveyance pipelines, hydraulic structures, pump stations, reservoirs, and treatment facilities.
• Take full ownership of design decisions, ensuring alignment with client expectations, project goals, and Beca's quality standards.
• Oversee and execute engineering governance processes, such as design reviews, change management, RFIs, and verification/validation activities.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Foster strong client relationships by understanding their needs and ensuring design outputs meet or exceed expectations.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, providing guidance on technical aspects, project management, and professional growth.
• Champion Beca's vision of "Creative people together transforming our world" by promoting innovation and sustainable design practices.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams to deliver integrated and comprehensive project solutions.
• Identify and implement process improvements within the design function to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership and operational management. The emphasis on "full ownership of design decisions," "managing engineering governance processes," and "delivering high-quality design outputs on time and within budget" points to a critical operations role responsible for the execution and quality assurance of the design lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Postgraduate qualifications or advanced training in project management or water engineering are advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in water and wastewater design.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering complex, multi-disciplinary water infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in managing design teams and leading project execution.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in water and wastewater design principles and applications, covering areas such as conveyance pipelines, hydraulic structures, pump stations, reservoirs, or treatment facilities.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with the ability to motivate and guide diverse engineering teams.
• Excellent coordination and organizational skills for managing multi-disciplinary project workflows and timelines.
• Proficiency in engineering governance processes, including conducting design reviews, managing change orders, and handling RFIs.
• A collaborative approach to problem-solving and stakeholder engagement, ensuring client satisfaction and project success.
• Experience in mentoring and developing junior engineering talent.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status in Civil or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with trenchless or low-disruption construction methods.
• Familiarity with various water treatment technologies and methodologies.
• Knowledge of Australian and New Zealand water industry standards and regulations.
• Proficiency in project management software and design collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level and preferred qualifications suggest a role that requires not only technical design acumen but also significant operational oversight and leadership. The preference for Chartered status and experience with specific construction methods indicates a need for deep industry knowledge and validated professional competence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful leadership of water infrastructure design projects from concept to completion.
• Include examples of managing multi-disciplinary design teams and coordinating various engineering disciplines.
• Provide evidence of managing design processes, including adherence to project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Highlight case studies that illustrate effective problem-solving, innovation, and client satisfaction in water infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrate experience in implementing and overseeing engineering governance frameworks, including design reviews and change management protocols.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of establishing and refining design workflows for water infrastructure projects.
• Documentation of process improvements implemented to enhance design efficiency, quality, or cost-effectiveness.
• Examples of how you have managed design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Case studies detailing the management of design-related risks and the implementation of mitigation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial for showcasing operational leadership in design execution. It should focus on demonstrating the candidate's ability to manage processes, teams, and project outcomes effectively within the water sector, emphasizing efficiency, quality, and client delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in New Zealand, the typical salary range can be estimated between NZD $120,000 and NZD $170,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in consulting firms within New Zealand, considering the demand for specialized skills in water infrastructure and the company's standing. Specific compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the specific location within New Zealand.

Benefits:

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training programs, workshops, and potentially funding for further certifications or advanced degrees to enhance technical and leadership skills.
• Supportive Work Environment: A culture that prioritizes employee well-being, collaboration, and a positive workplace atmosphere.
• Relocation Support: Assistance for suitable candidates relocating to New Zealand, potentially including visa sponsorship and relocation packages.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options for flexible hours or hybrid work models to support work-life balance.
• Learning Opportunities: Access to industry experts, technical gurus, and knowledge-sharing platforms across Beca's Asia Pacific network.
• Collaboration Environment: A workplace that encourages teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Health Insurance Discounts: Reduced rates on health insurance plans for employees and their families.
• Gym Membership Discounts: Savings on gym memberships to promote employee health and wellness.
• Social Club Events: Opportunities to participate in company-sponsored social activities and team-building events.

Working Hours: The role is expected to require approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time employment. However, Beca offers flexible working arrangements, which may allow for adjustments in daily or weekly schedules to accommodate project demands and personal commitments, provided operational needs and project delivery are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry data for similar roles in New Zealand. The benefits listed are typical for large engineering consultancies and are designed to attract and retain skilled professionals in operations and technical leadership positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy (Water Infrastructure)
Company Size: Over 4,000 employees globally, indicating a large, established organization with significant resources and a broad reach.
Founded: Over a century ago, highlighting a long history of stability, expertise, and adaptation in the engineering sector.

Team Structure:

• The Water team likely comprises a diverse group of engineers (civil, mechanical, environmental), designers, project managers, and technical specialists.
• The Design Manager will likely report to a Practice Lead or Sector Director within the Water division, with direct management responsibility for a team of design engineers and technicians.
• Collaboration is expected across various Beca offices in New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia, as well as with client organizations and construction partners.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Utilizes technical data, client feedback, and project performance metrics to inform design decisions and process improvements.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focuses on creating efficient design processes, managing project lifecycles, and ensuring quality control.
• Automation & Efficiency Practices: Likely leverages design software, BIM, and other digital tools to streamline workflows and enhance productivity in the design phase.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's established presence and global reach suggest a structured yet innovative operational environment. The company's vision, "Creative people together transforming our world," implies a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact through engineering solutions. The focus on water infrastructure positions the operations team within a critical sector for community and environmental sustainability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into operational leadership within the water infrastructure design sphere. It's positioned at a mid-to-senior management level, requiring a blend of technical expertise, project management proficiency, and people leadership. The Design Manager is expected to influence design strategy and operational execution within their domain.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Design Manager would report to a Director or Head of Water/Infrastructure within a regional business unit. They would manage a team of design engineers and potentially drafters/technicians, collaborating closely with Project Managers, Commercial Managers, and other discipline leads.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is direct and significant. By leading design teams and ensuring quality, efficiency, and adherence to project goals, they directly influence project profitability, client satisfaction, and the successful delivery of vital water infrastructure. Their operational decisions affect project timelines, resource utilization, and risk management.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership Advancement: Progression to senior management roles such as Practice Lead, Sector Director, or General Manager within the Water business unit.
• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of water engineering (e.g., advanced water treatment, smart water networks) and becoming a recognized technical authority.
• Broader Project Management: Transitioning into full Project Director roles with greater commercial and strategic responsibility for large-scale infrastructure programs.
• International Opportunities: Leveraging Beca's global presence for assignments or leadership roles in other regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in operations is typically one of increasing responsibility, moving from managing specific projects to overseeing entire business units or strategic initiatives. The emphasis on leadership, technical authority, and cross-regional collaboration suggests ample opportunities for career growth within Beca.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Beca operates from modern, professional office spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Expect a well-equipped workspace with amenities conducive to focused work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Multiple locations across New Zealand, including major centers like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, and regional hubs such as Tauranga, New Plymouth, Dunedin, Nelson, and Queenstown. This provides flexibility for candidates based on their preferred location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Offices are likely designed with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces to encourage interaction and idea sharing among team members.
• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management platforms, BIM tools, and communication systems essential for effective operations management.
• Operations Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design teams, project managers, and other engineering professionals, fostering a supportive and knowledge-rich environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. However, Beca's commitment to flexible working arrangements means that while core hours may exist for team collaboration, there is likely scope for adjusting start/end times or working remotely on certain days, depending on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement and multiple office locations suggest a modern and flexible work environment. The emphasis on collaboration and access to technology is critical for operational efficiency in design management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess your qualifications and experience against the role requirements.
• Technical/Operations Interview: This stage will likely involve discussions with senior members of the Water team or hiring managers to delve into your technical expertise, leadership style, and project management approach. Be prepared to discuss your experience with design governance, team management, and problem-solving.
• Portfolio Review Presentation: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, highlighting key projects, your role in them, and the operational processes you managed. Focus on demonstrating leadership, process efficiency, and successful project outcomes.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues and assess how you would integrate into the team and Beca's culture. This may involve behavioral questions.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive for final approval, discussing your strategic vision and alignment with Beca's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 water infrastructure projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, focusing on complexity, scale, and impact.
• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your operational approach (design processes, team management, governance), the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., on-time delivery, budget adherence, quality improvements, client satisfaction).
• Highlight Operational Processes: Emphasize your role in managing design workflows, implementing quality assurance, conducting reviews, and handling change management.
• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data wherever possible to demonstrate the success of your projects and your contributions.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle challenges, and your leadership philosophy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might need to address a design delay, budget overrun, or interdisciplinary conflict. Focus on your structured approach to problem-solving and communication.
• Process Improvement Discussion: Think about how you would improve a specific design process or implement new technologies to enhance efficiency.
• Leadership & Mentoring Examples: Prepare examples of how you have led teams, mentored junior engineers, and fostered a positive team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process likely emphasizes practical application of operations management skills in a design context. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates process management, team leadership, and successful project delivery is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation for detailed design and drafting.
• BIM Software: Autodesk Revit, Navisworks for integrated design, clash detection, and project visualization.
• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource planning, and progress tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel, Power BI, or similar for analyzing project performance data, resource utilization, and design metrics.
• Reporting Tools: Capabilities to generate project status reports, design review summaries, and performance dashboards for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding CRM principles for client relationship management and project tracking is beneficial.
• Automation tools might be used for repetitive design tasks or workflow automation within design processes.
• Integration Tools: Familiarity with integrating different software platforms to ensure seamless data flow between design, project management, and other operational systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM software is essential. Experience with project management and collaboration tools is critical for operational efficiency. The ability to leverage data for reporting and analysis will be key for demonstrating performance and driving improvements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions and embracing new technologies to transform the world through engineering.
• Client Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations through excellent service and delivery.
• Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where people work together, share knowledge, and leverage collective expertise across disciplines and geographies.
• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards and professional conduct in all operations and client interactions.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in design, project delivery, and professional development.
• Sustainability: Integrating environmental and social considerations into design processes to create lasting value.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with project managers, commercial teams, other engineering disciplines, and clients to ensure cohesive project execution.
• Process Review Culture: Openness to feedback on design processes, methodologies, and project delivery, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise within the team and across the wider Beca network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's values emphasize a people-centric approach combined with a drive for innovation and excellence in engineering operations. The collaborative style is crucial for managing complex, multi-discipline projects effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Project Portfolios: Balancing the demands of multiple water infrastructure projects with varying timelines, client requirements, and technical complexities.
• Leading Remote/Hybrid Teams: Effectively managing, motivating, and ensuring productivity and cohesion within design teams that may not always be co-located.
• Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements: Continuously adapting to and implementing new design software, BIM technologies, and digital tools to maintain competitive advantage.
• Navigating Regulatory and Environmental Standards: Ensuring all designs comply with evolving New Zealand and Australian water industry regulations and environmental protection standards.
• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Balancing project delivery demands with the crucial responsibility of nurturing and developing the next generation of water engineers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to lead specialized training sessions, attend project management workshops, and gain certifications in areas like risk management or advanced BIM.
• Industry Conference and Certification Participation: Support to attend key water industry conferences and pursue professional development certifications relevant to design management and water engineering.
• Operations Mentorship and Leadership Development: Access to formal mentorship programs with senior leaders and participation in leadership development initiatives focused on strategic thinking, financial acumen, and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior operations management roles in engineering, requiring strong adaptability, leadership, and a commitment to continuous learning. Growth opportunities are clearly tied to advancing within operations leadership and technical specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach developing a design strategy for a large-scale water treatment plant upgrade to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and long-term sustainability?" (Focus on your structured approach, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between design teams or stakeholders on a water project. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design element for a major pipeline project is found to be non-compliant late in the design phase. What steps would you take to address this operationally and technically?" (Demonstrate your process for issue resolution, impact analysis, and corrective action.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How does Beca's vision, 'Creative people together transforming our world,' resonate with your approach to leading design operations?" (Connect your values and leadership style to Beca's mission.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within your engineering teams?" (Provide specific examples of your team-building and communication strategies.)
• "How do you measure the success and impact of your design operations and teams?" (Discuss your approach to KPIs, quality metrics, and client feedback.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation around a compelling narrative for each project, starting with the client's challenge, detailing your operational management approach, showcasing key design decisions and process improvements, and concluding with the successful outcomes.
• Metrics and ROI: Quantify achievements with data. For example, "Reduced design review cycle time by 15% through implementing a new RFI tracking system" or "Ensured project delivery within 5% of the allocated budget by optimizing resource allocation."
• Interactive Demonstration: Be ready to walk through key drawings, models, or process diagrams to illustrate your points. Use visual aids effectively to explain complex design and operational aspects.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Explain how you ensured alignment with client needs and project objectives throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of operations management principles applied to design execution, leadership capabilities, and a client-centric approach. Your portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these skills in action.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Beca careersite.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experiences in water infrastructure design management, emphasizing leadership, process optimization, and successful project delivery. Select key projects for your portfolio that best showcase your operational capabilities.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, relevant technical skills (CAD, BIM, project management software), leadership responsibilities, and achievements in managing design processes and teams. Use keywords like "Design Manager," "Water Infrastructure," "Project Delivery," "Engineering Governance," and "Team Leadership."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your approach to design management, team leadership, and problem-solving, drawing from your portfolio examples.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Beca's projects, values, and recent news. Understand their approach to sustainability and innovation in the water sector to demonstrate your alignment with their culture and operational philosophy.

⚠️ 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.