Design Manager - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water

Company: Mott MacDonald

Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations (Water Sector)

Date Posted: March 16, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead Design and Construction contracts for major water infrastructure projects, ensuring technical excellence and quality delivery.

• Drive innovative solutions development for complex water sector challenges, contributing to the strategic growth of the water market in South Australia.

• Oversee project governance, manage budgets, and champion safety-in-design principles to ensure successful project outcomes.

• Foster strong client relationships and identify new business opportunities within the water infrastructure sector.

• Implement and leverage digital tools and solutions to enhance project efficiency and delivery workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager in the water sector for a global consultancy like Mott MacDonald implies a need for strong technical leadership, project governance, and client-facing skills. The emphasis on "Design and Construction contracts" suggests a hands-on approach to managing the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept through to construction oversight, with a focus on multi-disciplinary coordination and technical compliance. The mention of specific clients like SA Water and DIT indicates a need for familiarity with Australian public sector infrastructure projects and procurement models.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the primary Design Manager for Design and Construction contracts within the water infrastructure sector, ensuring all technical specifications, quality standards, and multi-disciplinary coordination requirements are met.

• Develop and present innovative technical solutions to address complex client challenges, effectively shaping the design of medium to large-scale water infrastructure projects, both locally and nationally.

• Implement robust project governance frameworks to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables that adhere to budget constraints, and proactively champion health, safety, and wellbeing through meticulous safety-in-design processes.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to achieve commercial success for projects, cultivate and maintain strong professional relationships with public and private sector clients, and actively identify and pursue new business opportunities within the water market.

• Spearhead the implementation and adoption of digital tools and advanced solutions to optimize project workflows, improve design efficiency, and enhance overall project delivery performance.

• Mentor and develop junior engineers and technical staff within the water team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and capability building to support team growth and expertise.

• Provide critical support for project pursuits and tender submissions, with a particular focus on water-related opportunities, ensuring competitive and high-quality proposals.

• Effectively liaise with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders, maintaining professionalism, integrity, and clear communication throughout all project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, project management oversight, and business development. Specific emphasis on "safety-in-design processes" and "digital tools implementation" suggests a modern approach to infrastructure design and project delivery, requiring a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also forward-thinking in their methodologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in managing Design and Construction contracts for infrastructure projects.

• Proven track record in technical design and civil engineering within the water sector.

• Experience working effectively with both public and private sector clients.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage the design process for complex water infrastructure projects.

• Water Sector Expertise: Deep technical understanding of water treatment, distribution, wastewater systems, and related infrastructure.

• Civil Engineering Proficiency: Strong foundation in civil engineering principles and their application to water projects.

• Design and Construction Contracts: In-depth knowledge of managing projects under Design and Construction contract frameworks.

• Technical Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ability to ensure designs meet stringent technical requirements and quality standards.

• Multi-disciplinary Coordination: Skill in coordinating diverse engineering disciplines to achieve cohesive project designs.

• Project Governance: Experience in establishing and maintaining effective project governance structures.

• Health, Safety & Wellbeing (HSW): Commitment to and experience in implementing HSW principles, particularly Safety-in-Design.

• Client Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain strong, professional relationships with clients and stakeholders.

• Verbal & Written Communication: Excellent command of English for clear and effective communication with all parties.

• Teamwork & Inclusion: Ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse team environment, valuing inclusion and promoting equitable practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Engineer status or demonstrated equivalent professional credentials.

• Experience with digital tools and solutions for project enhancement and delivery.

• Skills in project pursuits and tender submission processes.

• Mentoring and team development capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong blend of technical engineering expertise, project management acumen, and client-facing capabilities. The explicit mention of "Chartered or demonstrate equivalent credentials" points towards a professional who is recognized within the engineering community and has a deep understanding of industry standards and best practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed case studies of water infrastructure projects managed from design through to construction, highlighting your role, responsibilities, and key contributions.

• Include examples of innovative solutions developed for complex water sector challenges, demonstrating your problem-solving approach and technical acumen.

• Present evidence of effective multi-disciplinary coordination and technical compliance management on past projects, illustrating your ability to ensure quality deliverables.

• Provide documentation or examples of project governance implementation, including how you managed budgets, schedules, and risks to ensure project success.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design and optimization for design processes within the water sector.

• Documentation illustrating the implementation of digital tools or new technologies to enhance project efficiency.

• Case studies detailing how you managed project risks, budgets, and stakeholder communications to ensure successful project delivery.

• Evidence of your approach to quality assurance and technical compliance throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. It should not just list achievements but narrate the process, challenges, and impact. Emphasis on "innovative solutions" and "digital tools" suggests a need to showcase forward-thinking approaches and adaptability to new technologies within traditional engineering domains.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

While not explicitly stated, an estimated salary range for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Adelaide, South Australia, in the water sector, typically falls between AUD $130,000 and AUD $180,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major engineering consultancies within Australia, considering the cost of living in Adelaide and the specialized nature of water infrastructure management.

Benefits:

• Agile Working Environment: Support for flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Insurance: Includes Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, and Salary Continuance Insurance for employee security.

• Employee Resource Groups: Access to groups such as the Inclusive Network for Women, fostering community and professional development.

• Health & Wellness: Annual Health Checks provided, alongside ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Professional Development Pathways: Structured opportunities for career advancement and skill enhancement.

• Global Network: Opportunity to work within a global team, leveraging diverse expertise.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The "Agile working environment" suggests flexibility in how these hours are structured, within project and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for engineering management roles in Australia. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package reflects a supportive and comprehensive approach to employee well-being and career growth, common in large, established engineering firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Management, and Development Consultancy. Mott MacDonald operates across various sectors including transport, energy, water, buildings, and wider infrastructure.

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees globally). This indicates a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and a wide network of expertise.

Founded: 1989 (through merger). Mott MacDonald has a long-standing history and a strong reputation in delivering complex global projects.

Team Structure:

• The Water team in Adelaide is part of a larger, growing sector within Mott MacDonald Australia.

• The Design Manager will likely lead a multi-disciplinary design team, potentially comprising civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, environmental scientists, and CAD technicians.

• Reporting structure typically involves a Project Manager or Sector Lead, with collaboration across various project teams and functional groups.

Methodology:

• Mott MacDonald emphasizes "connected thinking" and a collaborative, global team approach to problem-solving.

• Data analysis and insights are integral to engineering design and project management, driving evidence-based decision-making.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key to delivering projects efficiently, with a focus on digital tools and innovation.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged to improve project delivery and client value.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to positive social and environmental impact. For operations and engineering roles, this translates to a focus on process improvement, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional teamwork. The company's global presence means exposure to diverse projects and methodologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, functioning as a key technical leader within the water sector. It requires significant experience to effectively manage complex design and construction contracts and mentor junior staff.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Manager or a Senior Engineering Manager/Sector Lead, depending on project scale and organizational structure. They will, in turn, lead and guide a team of engineers and designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager directly influences project success by ensuring technical integrity, quality, and cost-effectiveness of designs. Their strategic input impacts client satisfaction, business development, and the company's reputation in the water infrastructure market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within specific areas of water infrastructure (e.g., wastewater treatment, water security, digital water solutions).

• Leadership Progression: Advance to Senior Design Manager, Technical Director, or Project Director roles, managing larger and more complex programs.

• Business Development: Take on greater responsibilities in client engagement, strategic planning, and winning new business.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or transfer to other Mott MacDonald offices.

• Continuous Learning: Access to extensive professional development programs, training, and industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest technologies and best practices in water engineering and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Design Manager at Mott MacDonald is clearly defined. The emphasis on mentoring and capability building suggests a commitment to developing internal talent into future leaders. The opportunity to influence strategic direction and business development is significant for ambitious professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mott MacDonald likely operates modern, professional office spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The Adelaide office would be equipped with the necessary technology and resources for engineering design and project management.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Adelaide, South Australia. Specific office details would be provided during the application process, but it's expected to be a central, accessible location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an open-plan or flexible office setup encouraging interaction between team members, promoting knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, BIM tools), project management platforms, and communication tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with the water team, project managers, and other disciplines, facilitating efficient communication and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• An "agile working environment" suggests flexibility in start/end times and potential for hybrid arrangements, though the "On-site" remote status indicates a primary expectation to work from the Adelaide office for core duties and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described as supportive and collaborative, with a focus on providing the necessary tools and fostering interaction to drive project success. The mention of "agile working" alongside "on-site" implies a balance between structured office presence and flexible work practices.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter by the recruitment team to assess alignment with core requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior engineers from the water team. This stage will focus on your technical expertise in water design, civil engineering, and your experience with Design and Construction contracts. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, highlighting key projects, your role, problem-solving approaches, and outcomes. This is where your process documentation and case studies will be crucial.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessing your teamwork, communication, leadership potential, and alignment with Mott MacDonald's values (e.g., diversity, inclusion, collaboration).

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within the water sector or a country manager, focusing on strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your approach, the solutions implemented, your specific contributions, the results achieved (quantified where possible), and lessons learned.

• Highlight Innovation & Problem-Solving: Emphasize instances where you developed novel solutions or overcame significant technical or logistical hurdles.

• Demonstrate Process & Governance: Showcase your understanding of project management, safety-in-design, quality assurance, and contract management through your examples.

• Tailor to the Role: Select projects that are most relevant to water infrastructure and Design and Construction contracts.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to talk through your portfolio items in detail, explaining your decision-making process and the impact of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for technical challenges related to water engineering problems or design scenarios.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.

• Think about how you would approach a new project, manage a team, or resolve a design conflict.

• Research Mott MacDonald's recent water projects in Australia to understand their current focus and potential challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to be thorough, assessing technical, managerial, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates relevant experience and problem-solving skills will be key to progressing. Understanding Mott MacDonald's specific work in the Australian water sector will be advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and design software is essential. This likely includes AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and potentially others like Revit for BIM (Building Information Modeling).

• BIM Software: Experience with BIM platforms for integrated design and collaboration is increasingly important.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com) for planning, tracking, and reporting.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not a data analyst role, understanding how to interpret and utilize data from design simulations, project reports, and financial tracking is beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise project reports, progress updates, and technical documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not directly managing sales, understanding CRM principles may be helpful for client relationship management and opportunity tracking.

• Automation Tools: Experience with implementing or leveraging automation in design processes, workflows, or reporting is a plus, aligning with the role's responsibility to "Implement digital tools and solutions."

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different software systems can be integrated to streamline workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific software, a Design Manager in water infrastructure would typically be expected to be proficient with standard engineering design suites, project management tools, and collaborative platforms. The mention of "digital tools and solutions" suggests that candidates with experience in BIM, data analytics, or workflow automation will be highly regarded.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Connected Thinking: Embracing a collaborative approach, sharing knowledge across disciplines and geographies to find optimal solutions.

• Excellence: A commitment to high standards in every aspect of work, from technical design to client service.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and better ways to deliver projects, improve efficiency, and solve complex challenges.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards and maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Actively promoting an inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working seamlessly with other engineering disciplines, project managers, commercial teams, and clients.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and continuous improvement of design and project management processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing expertise, best practices, and lessons learned within the team and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's stated values are central to its operational ethos. For a Design Manager, this means demonstrating not only technical competence but also a collaborative spirit, a proactive approach to innovation, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within their team and project interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multi-disciplinary Designs: Ensuring seamless integration and technical coherence across diverse engineering specialisms on large infrastructure projects.

• Balancing Technical Requirements with Commercial Constraints: Delivering innovative and high-quality designs within budget and schedule limitations.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Integrating new digital tools and methodologies into established design processes effectively.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating diverse stakeholder expectations, including clients, regulators, and the public, to ensure project success and community acceptance.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Effectively guiding and developing junior engineers to build a strong, capable team for future projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops in water engineering, design management, and project leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend leading industry events and pursue professional certifications relevant to water infrastructure and project management.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship initiatives, both as a mentee and as a mentor, to foster leadership skills and knowledge transfer.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of water infrastructure projects, from municipal systems to large-scale resource management, provides broad learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior design management role in a major infrastructure consultancy. Mott MacDonald's commitment to professional development suggests that candidates will be supported in overcoming these challenges and advancing their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a complex water infrastructure project from concept to construction. How do you ensure technical compliance and quality?"

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: "Can you provide an example of a particularly challenging technical problem you faced on a water project and how you developed and implemented an innovative solution?"

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: "How do you foster collaboration and professional development within a multi-disciplinary design team? Describe a time you mentored a junior engineer."

• Client & Stakeholder Management: "How do you build and maintain strong relationships with clients and diverse stakeholders on infrastructure projects? Share an example of navigating conflicting interests."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Mott MacDonald and our work in the Australian water sector?"

• "How do your personal values align with Mott MacDonald's values of 'Connected Thinking' and 'Excellence'?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 Key Projects: Choose projects that best showcase your design management, technical, and leadership skills relevant to water infrastructure and Design & Construction contracts.

• Focus on Your Role & Impact: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the challenges you overcame, the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes of your work.

• Illustrate Process: Use your portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of project governance, safety-in-design, quality assurance, and stakeholder communication.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, technical choices, and how you would handle hypothetical situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and an understanding of Mott MacDonald's operational philosophy. Using specific examples from your experience, particularly those that highlight innovation, problem-solving, and successful project delivery, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Water position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills directly related to water infrastructure design, Design and Construction contracts, civil engineering, and project management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 relevant water infrastructure projects, detailing your role, technical challenges, solutions, and project outcomes. Ensure it demonstrates your process and governance capabilities.

• Research Mott MacDonald: Familiarize yourself with the company's recent projects in Australia, particularly within the water sector, and understand their approach to innovation and sustainability.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to articulate your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and practice answering common interview questions related to design management, leadership, and client relations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, including salary estimates and specific process expectations, should be verified directly with Mott MacDonald during the application and interview process.