Highways Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Highways Design Manager

Company: AECOM

Location: Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations / Infrastructure Project Management

Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the delivery of complex transport and highways design projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes through detailed design phases and owning design governance, technical delivery, programme, and risk management across multiple projects.

• Act as a key interface with clients and project stakeholders, building strong relationships with key entities such as Transport and Main Roads (TMR), local councils, utilities, and developers.

• Provide technical leadership and design assurance, setting standards, leading gate reviews, and acting as a verifier on major infrastructure projects.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across AECOM's Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) offices to deliver complex infrastructure projects, managing packages of work end-to-end.

• Contribute to the strengthening of AECOM's design leadership capability in the Brisbane region, supporting the delivery of complex transport projects and mentoring senior and principal engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is clearly focused on the technical and managerial aspects of infrastructure design, specifically within the transportation and highways sector. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, it requires strong operational leadership, project management, and stakeholder management skills that are highly transferable and valuable in operations-focused environments that manage complex projects and cross-functional teams. The emphasis on "design governance," "technical delivery," and "risk management" aligns with operational excellence principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex transport and highways design projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes through the detailed design phases.

• Own and manage design governance, technical delivery, programme, and risk management across multiple projects or programmes as a Design Manager.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary design teams across various AECOM offices within ANZ to successfully deliver complex infrastructure projects.

• Act as a trusted client advisor, fostering and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Transport and Main Roads (TMR), local councils, utility providers, and developers.

• Provide robust technical leadership and design assurance, including setting design standards, leading gate reviews, and serving as a verifier for major transport projects.

• Support project recovery efforts, conduct independent technical reviews, and engage in complex problem-solving when required.

• Contribute to the mentoring and development of senior and principal engineers, thereby enhancing AECOM's transport design capabilities.

• Support strategic bid processes and project pursuits, leveraging design expertise and client relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical expertise, project management, and leadership. The "end-to-end" management of work packages and the coordination of multidisciplinary teams are critical operational functions. The emphasis on client advisory and stakeholder management underscores the importance of external-facing operational effectiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Extensive experience in a Design Manager or senior design lead role within the transport and infrastructure sector.

• Proven track record in managing and delivering complex highways and road detailed design projects.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing design packages or programmes of work across major infrastructure projects.

• Significant experience in coordinating and managing multidisciplinary design teams, preferably across multiple office locations.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage the complete design lifecycle of transport and highways projects.

• Highways Detailed Design: Deep understanding of road and highway design principles, standards, and delivery frameworks.

• Technical Leadership: Capacity to provide technical direction, set standards, and ensure design quality and assurance.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Skill in orchestrating and integrating the work of diverse engineering disciplines.

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Ability to build rapport, manage expectations, and foster strong relationships with clients and key project stakeholders.

• Programme & Risk Management: Experience in overseeing project timelines and identifying/mitigating potential risks within design delivery.

• Quality Assurance: Expertise in implementing and overseeing design governance, gate reviews, and technical assurance processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Mentoring & Development: Experience in guiding and developing junior and senior engineering staff.

• Strategic Bidding: Involvement in developing proposals and securing new projects.

• Project Recovery: Capability to step into challenging projects and implement effective recovery plans.

• Specific Software Proficiency: Familiarity with relevant CAD and design software used in highways engineering (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, OpenRoads) and project management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical, hands-on experience in managing complex design processes within a regulated industry. The "desired" skills point towards leadership potential and a proactive approach to business development and team growth, areas crucial for operational success in a consultancy environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase examples of led transport and highways design projects, detailing scope, complexity, and your role in their successful delivery.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Illustrate instances where you effectively managed client expectations and navigated complex stakeholder environments to achieve project objectives.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Provide evidence of implemented design governance frameworks, risk mitigation strategies, or quality assurance processes you've introduced or enhanced.

• Team Coordination Examples: Demonstrate how you've coordinated multidisciplinary teams across different locations, highlighting communication strategies and conflict resolution approaches.

• Technical Assurance & Review Examples: Highlight instances of leading gate reviews, providing design assurance, or conducting technical verification on significant projects.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your understanding of end-to-end design processes for transport and highways projects, from concept development through to detailed design and construction support.

• Document your approach to establishing and maintaining design governance, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements.

• Provide examples of how you have managed project programmes and identified/mitigated technical and delivery risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio would likely focus on demonstrating project leadership, process management, and successful stakeholder engagement rather than traditional operational metrics. The emphasis is on the how – how projects were managed, how teams were led, and how challenges were overcome through structured processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing, and hybrid work options.

• Opportunity to purchase up to 6 weeks of additional annual leave per year.

• Volunteer and representation leave.

• Flex public holidays – ability to swap standard public holidays for dates that better suit individual needs.

• Access to AECOM's global well-being program.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Participation in a dynamic work environment that champions integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a pioneering mindset.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility offered through hybrid work arrangements and alternative start/finish times to accommodate work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general Australian engineering consultancy market rates for senior design management roles. AECOM, as a Fortune 500 company, is known for offering comprehensive benefits packages designed to attract and retain top talent. The specific benefits listed are directly from the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Consulting, and Construction Services, with a strong focus on Transportation and Infrastructure. AECOM operates globally, delivering a wide range of projects from advising and planning to program and construction management.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 company, indicating a very large global organization with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. The Australian and New Zealand operations are substantial, with significant teams dedicated to major infrastructure projects.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, giving it over a century of experience and a deep-rooted presence in the engineering and construction industry.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of AECOM's Transport and Infrastructure team in Brisbane, specifically supporting projects in South East Queensland.

• This team likely comprises various engineering disciplines (civil, structural, traffic, environmental, etc.), project managers, and design specialists.

• The Design Manager will coordinate multidisciplinary teams across different offices within ANZ, indicating a distributed team structure with a central point of leadership for design packages.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach to project delivery, leveraging technical and digital expertise.

• The company champions a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion, aiming for a safe and respectful workplace where diverse perspectives are valued.

• They focus on delivering sustainable legacies through their projects, aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities.

• Work methodologies likely involve collaborative planning, rigorous design governance, risk management, and continuous improvement driven by project feedback and industry best practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's scale and global presence mean opportunities for diverse project types and cross-border collaboration. The emphasis on DEI and ESG signals a forward-thinking corporate culture that is increasingly important for attracting talent in professional services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at a senior/management level, requiring significant technical expertise and demonstrated leadership capabilities. It's a crucial role for ensuring the successful technical delivery of major infrastructure projects.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leadership position within the Transport and Infrastructure business line in Brisbane or Queensland, such as a Principal Engineer, Director of Engineering, or Operations Manager.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful technical and timely delivery of complex transport and highways projects. This influences client satisfaction, project profitability, AECOM's reputation, and the development of critical infrastructure that shapes communities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into higher-level management roles such as Principal Design Manager, Director of Engineering, or Business Unit Leader, with broader responsibilities for client relationships, business development, and strategic planning.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific types of infrastructure (e.g., major highways, urban transport networks) or advanced design methodologies.

• Mentorship and Training: AECOM's commitment to growth means opportunities to mentor junior engineers, develop training programs, and access ongoing professional development, certifications, and external courses.

• Cross-functional Experience: Potential to gain exposure to other areas of AECOM's business, such as program management, construction management, or advisory services, through involvement in diverse project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for an experienced engineer looking to move into a leadership and management position. The growth path is clearly defined within technical leadership and project management, offering substantial career development within the infrastructure consulting domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM offers a hybrid work environment. This suggests a blend of working from a physical AECOM office and remotely. The office environment is likely professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary technology for design and project management.

Office Location(s): The primary location is specified as Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. AECOM has multiple offices across Australia and New Zealand, facilitating the coordination of multidisciplinary teams across these regions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The hybrid model necessitates effective virtual collaboration tools and strategies, alongside in-office interactions. Teams will likely use video conferencing, shared digital workspaces, and project management platforms.

• Operations Tools: Access to AECOM's extensive suite of design, engineering, project management, and communication software will be provided. This includes advanced CAD software, BIM tools, and enterprise-level project management systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will occur both in person during office days and virtually. Regular team meetings, design workshops, and client presentations will be standard. The role requires building strong working relationships across distributed teams.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time work schedule is expected, with flexibility in start and end times. The hybrid arrangement allows for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work, supporting efficient workflow management and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, emphasizing AECOM's adaptation to modern work practices. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of in-office and remote work, and proficient in utilizing digital collaboration tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resume and qualifications against the job requirements, potentially followed by a brief phone or video call with HR or a recruitment specialist.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and senior engineers to assess technical expertise in highways design, design management, and project delivery. This may include scenario-based questions and discussions about past projects.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss selected case studies from your portfolio, showcasing leadership, problem-solving, and technical achievements.

• Stakeholder/Client Simulation: Potentially a segment where you demonstrate your client advisory and stakeholder management skills through role-playing or case study discussions.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with potential team members or senior leaders to assess alignment with AECOM's values, collaborative style, and company culture.

• Final Offer Stage: Reference checks and formal offer negotiation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful and relevant projects that best demonstrate your experience as a Design Manager in highways and transport infrastructure.

• Focus on Leadership & Process: For each case study, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the design or project management processes you implemented, the solutions developed, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, risk mitigation).

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers and data to support your claims – e.g., "managed a design package valued at $X million," "coordinated a team of Y engineers," "reduced design review time by Z%."

• Showcase Stakeholder Engagement: Highlight instances where you successfully managed client expectations, resolved conflicts, or influenced key decisions through effective communication.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss specific design challenges, technical standards, and problem-solving approaches in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach typical challenges in highways design management, such as scope creep, unforeseen site conditions, stakeholder disagreements, or tight deadlines.

• Be ready to articulate your strategy for ensuring design quality and technical assurance across a multidisciplinary team.

• Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively, ensuring you can articulate the "so what" – the impact and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical for this role. Candidates should think of it as a presentation of their operational leadership and technical problem-solving capabilities, using past projects as evidence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard software for highways design is essential. This includes:

  • AutoCAD / Civil 3D: For drafting, design, and modeling.
  • Bentley Systems Suite (e.g., OpenRoads, OpenBridge): Widely used in transportation infrastructure projects.
  • Other relevant modeling and design tools specific to road geometry, drainage, and earthworks.

• BIM (Building Information Modeling): Experience with BIM workflows and software (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for integrated design and collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project performance data, cost reports, and schedule updates. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and analysis.

• Reporting Platforms: Experience generating and presenting project status reports, risk registers, and design progress updates.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding client relationship management principles is key.

• Automation might be relevant in terms of streamlining design review processes or project reporting, though specific tools are not mentioned.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific software, it's standard practice for highways design managers to be proficient in the leading CAD and BIM platforms relevant to the industry. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design and project management activities.

• Pioneering Mindset: Approaching challenges with innovation and seeking new solutions in design and project delivery.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Taking ownership and initiative in managing projects and driving results.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and respected.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and building strong, trusted relationships.

Collaboration Style:

• Hybrid & Distributed: Expect a collaborative style that spans both in-office and remote interactions, requiring strong communication and coordination skills.

• Multidisciplinary Integration: Working closely with engineers from various disciplines, as well as project managers, planners, and potentially construction teams.

• Client-Centric: A proactive approach to engaging with clients and stakeholders, ensuring alignment and managing expectations throughout the project lifecycle.

• Mentorship-Oriented: A willingness to share knowledge, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the overall growth of AECOM's technical capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of Integrity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Pioneering Mindset, and a commitment to DEI are central to its culture. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their professional conduct and approach to work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Designs: Ensuring seamless integration and coordination across numerous engineering disciplines, each with its own requirements and priorities.

• Navigating Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and demands of diverse stakeholders, including clients (e.g., TMR), local councils, and potentially community groups.

• Technical Problem Solving: Addressing complex engineering challenges that arise during the design phase of major infrastructure projects.

• Maintaining Design Quality & Governance: Upholding stringent quality standards and design governance across a distributed team and under project pressures.

• Adapting to Project Changes: Effectively managing scope changes, unforeseen issues, and client-driven modifications while maintaining project timelines and budgets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to AECOM's extensive learning resources, including courses, workshops, and certifications in specialized areas of highways design and engineering.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone leadership, management, and strategic planning skills through formal training and on-the-job experience.

• Industry Engagement: Exposure to leading industry practices, conferences, and professional bodies, fostering continuous learning and networking.

• Mentorship: Being mentored by senior leaders within AECOM and having the opportunity to mentor others, deepening understanding and developing leadership capacity.

• Exposure to Major Projects: Working on significant, high-profile infrastructure projects that provide unparalleled learning experiences and career advancement opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to large-scale infrastructure projects, requiring robust problem-solving and leadership skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, reflecting AECOM's commitment to employee development within a leading global firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Governance & Quality: "How would you establish and enforce design governance standards for a complex highways project involving multiple disciplines and external stakeholders?" (Prepare to discuss your framework, key controls, and review processes).

• Stakeholder Management: "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting demands from different stakeholders on a major infrastructure project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and consensus-building).

• Technical Leadership & Problem Solving: "Walk me through a technically challenging highways design problem you encountered. What was your analytical process, and how did you arrive at the solution?" (Be ready to discuss your engineering judgment and problem-solving methodology).

• Team Coordination: "How do you ensure effective collaboration and technical alignment when coordinating multidisciplinary design teams located across different offices and time zones?" (Highlight your communication strategies, tools, and leadership approach).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of AECOM, how do you see your role contributing to the company's vision of 'delivering a better world'?" (Connect your role to sustainability, community impact, and innovation).

• "AECOM values integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a pioneering mindset. Can you provide an example of how you've demonstrated these values in your career?" (Prepare specific anecdotes).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear structure: Project Context -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Key Challenges -> Your Solution/Approach (Processes, Technical Decisions) -> Outcomes & Impact -> Lessons Learned.

• Focus on "Your" Contribution: Even when discussing team efforts, clearly articulate your specific leadership, decision-making, and management contributions.

• Visualize Data: Use clear charts, diagrams, or renderings to illustrate design concepts, project timelines, or performance metrics.

• Be Concise: Practice presenting your key projects within a set timeframe (e.g., 5-10 minutes per project) to respect the interviewer's time.

• Anticipate Questions: Think about potential questions related to your technical decisions, risk management, budget control, and stakeholder interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence, but also strong leadership, process management, and communication skills, all crucial for a Design Manager role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Highways Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights extensive experience in highways design, design management, and leading multidisciplinary teams. Quantify achievements with specific project details, team sizes, budgets, and outcomes. Use keywords from the job description such as "Highways Design," "Design Manager," "Transport Infrastructure," "Technical Delivery," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant project case studies that showcase your leadership, technical expertise, and process management capabilities. Be ready to present these in detail during an interview.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects in Australia, particularly in Queensland, their company values, and their approach to sustainability and innovation in infrastructure. Understanding their strategic priorities will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate alignment.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare thoughtful answers to technical, behavioral, and situational interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to manage complex projects and stakeholders effectively.

⚠️ 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.