Senior Design Manager - Defence & Non-Defence Infrastructure Projects

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Defence & Non-Defence Infrastructure Projects Company: KBR, Inc. Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Infrastructure Project Management & Design Leadership Date Posted: 2026-01-09 Experience Level: 10+ years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams to deliver high-quality technical outcomes for complex infrastructure projects.
• Oversee the planning, coordination, and integration of design activities across the entire project lifecycle, ensuring alignment with scope, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Develop and maintain robust stakeholder relationships with clients, contractors, and internal teams, fostering collaboration and effective decision-making.
• Drive compliance with industry standards, project governance, and security requirements, particularly within Defence sector contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, indicating a significant level of responsibility in leading design efforts for major infrastructure projects. The emphasis on both Defence and non-Defence projects suggests a need for adaptability and broad infrastructure sector experience. The requirement for Australian Citizenship highlights the sensitive nature of the projects and the need for security clearance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary engineering and design teams to achieve high-quality technical project outcomes.
• Oversee the integral planning, coordination, and integration of all design activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure all design deliverables strictly adhere to project requirements concerning scope, budget, timeline, and quality benchmarks.
• Cultivate and sustain strong, collaborative working relationships with clients, external contractors, and internal project stakeholders.
• Provide decisive leadership, clear guidance, and effective mentorship to engineering and design team members, fostering professional development.
• Facilitate critical design reviews, project workshops, and coordination meetings to ensure informed and timely decision-making.
• Proactively identify, assess, and manage design-related risks, issues, and opportunities throughout the project duration.
• Guarantee strict compliance with all relevant industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and established project governance protocols.
• Contribute to bid development and proposal activities by providing input on scope definition and design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a senior-level management role in infrastructure design. The emphasis on leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing the full project lifecycle, and ensuring compliance with governance and standards are key indicators of the role's strategic importance. The requirement to support bid development also points to a proactive role in business development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Design, or a related technical field.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in delivering complex infrastructure engineering and design projects, with a strong emphasis on process optimization and quality assurance.
• Proven track record in leading and coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering teams, demonstrating strong people leadership and collaboration skills.
• Experience delivering design services within structured project frameworks, including Defence contract frameworks, design and construction delivery models, alliance projects, or managing contractor environments.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage the design process for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Infrastructure Project Delivery: Extensive experience in delivering complex engineering and design projects across various infrastructure sectors.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven experience in leading, guiding, and mentoring multi-disciplinary engineering and design teams.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships with clients, contractors, and internal teams.
• Risk Management: Capability to identify, assess, and manage design risks and issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with a focus on clear and concise stakeholder engagement.
• Project Coordination: Proficiency in planning, coordinating, and integrating design activities across the project lifecycle.
• Compliance & Governance: Thorough understanding and application of relevant industry standards, frameworks, and project governance requirements.
• Australian Citizenship: Required for eligibility on Defence projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within Defence sector projects or similar highly regulated environments.
• Current Australian security clearance.
• Experience with various project delivery models (e.g., Design & Construct, Alliance, ECI).
• Familiarity with contemporary design software and collaboration platforms relevant to infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical expertise in infrastructure design and strong leadership and management capabilities. The explicit mention of Defence project eligibility and security clearance is a critical requirement. While Defence experience is valued, the encouragement for candidates from other major infrastructure sectors broadens the appeal, suggesting that transferable skills in managing complex projects and teams are highly sought after.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful leadership of complex infrastructure design projects from inception through to completion.
• Highlight specific examples of implemented process improvements within design workflows that led to enhanced efficiency, quality, or cost savings.
• Include case studies that illustrate effective management of multi-disciplinary design teams and cross-functional collaboration.
• Showcase experience in managing design risks, ensuring compliance, and achieving project governance objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and implementing structured design management plans and coordination strategies.
• Examples of design review processes, workshop facilitation, and decision-making frameworks used on past projects.
• Documentation of how design deliverables were controlled, tracked, and integrated with other project management functions (e.g., schedule, cost, procurement).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a candidate's portfolio should not only showcase the scale and complexity of projects managed but also a deep understanding of design process management, team leadership, and risk mitigation strategies. The focus should be on demonstrating how their leadership and process expertise contributed to successful project outcomes and efficient workflow execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in Adelaide, Australia, the estimated salary range is AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the seniority of the role, the complexity of Defence and infrastructure projects, and the cost of living in Adelaide.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Remuneration commensurate with experience and the strategic importance of the role.
• Professional Development: Access to ongoing training, development opportunities, and support for professional certifications.
• Impactful Projects: Opportunity to work on significant Defence and non-Defence infrastructure projects that contribute to national development.
• Supportive Culture: Be part of a values-driven organization with a focus on employee well-being and a collaborative workplace.
• Relocation Support: Potential assistance for candidates relocating to South Australia from other parts of Australia.
• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for career growth within KBR’s global network.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 38-40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team needs. A proactive approach to managing workload and supporting team members is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on typical market rates for a Senior Design Manager in Adelaide with extensive experience in infrastructure projects, particularly those with a Defence component. Benefits are tailored to attract experienced professionals in technical leadership roles, emphasizing growth, impact, and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting Services, with a significant focus on Defence, Aerospace, and Infrastructure sectors. KBR, Inc. operates globally, providing a broad spectrum of solutions to government and commercial clients. Company Size: KBR is a large, publicly traded multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and global opportunities. Founded: KBR has a long history, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century, evolving through mergers and acquisitions to become a leading provider of science, technology, and engineering solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Infrastructure team in Adelaide is part of KBR's broader engineering and project delivery division. It likely comprises various disciplines including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and design engineers, project managers, and support staff.
• This Senior Design Manager role will likely report to a Director or Senior Principal within the Australian Infrastructure division, with direct management responsibility over multiple design teams and project leads.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with project managers, construction teams, procurement specialists, clients, and potentially government agencies.

Methodology:

• KBR emphasizes a data-driven approach to project delivery, utilizing advanced analytics and engineering tools to optimize designs and project outcomes.
• The company promotes a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging the adoption of best practices in project management, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.
• Automation and digital transformation are key focus areas, aiming to enhance efficiency and collaboration across all project phases.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's global presence and established history provide a strong foundation for this role. The company's focus on Defence and infrastructure aligns perfectly with the job description, suggesting a stable environment with high-impact projects. The emphasis on values and teamwork indicates a culture that prioritizes people and collaborative problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position, requiring extensive experience (10+ years) and demonstrated leadership capabilities. It sits at a strategic level, overseeing critical design functions for major projects and contributing to the overall success of KBR's infrastructure business in South Australia. Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will typically report to a senior executive, such as a Director of Engineering or a General Manager for Infrastructure, within KBR's Australian operations. They will have direct reports, including design leads, discipline engineers, and potentially project coordinators. Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on project profitability, client satisfaction, and KBR's reputation. Effective design management ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, which is crucial for securing future work and maintaining client relationships, especially in the competitive Defence sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Principal Design Manager, Engineering Director, or Program Manager for larger, more complex portfolios of projects.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific infrastructure sectors (e.g., Defence facilities, critical infrastructure, renewable energy) or specialized areas of design management.
• Global Mobility: As a multinational corporation, KBR offers opportunities to work on projects in different regions or relocate to other KBR offices globally.
• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in business development, strategic planning, and the development of KBR's engineering capabilities and methodologies within Australia.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career step, offering substantial responsibility and opportunities for leadership development. The growth path is clearly defined within KBR's established structure for engineering and project management professionals, with a strong emphasis on both technical leadership and strategic business contribution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an on-site office environment at KBR's Adelaide location (Level 21, 30 Pirie Street). This setting is designed to foster collaboration, facilitate team meetings, and provide access to necessary resources and technology. Office Location(s): Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. The specific address indicates a prime CBD location, offering accessibility via public transport and proximity to business amenities. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely to be a modern, professional office environment conducive to focused work and team interaction.
• Expect access to advanced design software, high-performance computing resources, and robust communication and collaboration tools essential for managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse team of engineers, project managers, and support staff, promoting a dynamic and collaborative work culture.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, typically aligning with typical business hours in Adelaide. However, given the nature of project delivery, some flexibility may be required to meet critical deadlines, attend stakeholder meetings, or coordinate with international teams if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a prime Adelaide CBD location suggests a professional and collaborative work environment. The role is expected to involve significant face-to-face interaction and reliance on office-based resources, which is standard for senior leadership roles in infrastructure project management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and potentially a brief introductory call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with hiring managers and senior operations/engineering leaders focusing on your experience in design management, infrastructure projects, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Expect scenario-based questions related to risk management and project challenges.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your approach to managing complex design processes, leading teams, and achieving successful project outcomes. Prepare to discuss metrics and ROI.
• Team/Stakeholder Meet & Greet: Opportunity to meet potential colleagues and key stakeholders to assess team dynamics and collaborative fit.
• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, covering strategic alignment and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 significant infrastructure projects that best represent your senior design management capabilities, particularly those involving Defence or complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design strategies and processes you implemented, the team you managed, key risks mitigated, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., on-time delivery, budget adherence, quality improvements, client satisfaction metrics).
• Focus on Leadership & Process: Emphasize your leadership in guiding multi-disciplinary teams, your methods for ensuring collaboration and communication, and your approach to risk management and quality assurance throughout the design lifecycle.
• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your contributions (e.g., "reduced design review cycles by 15%," "managed a budget of $X million," "delivered project Y two weeks ahead of schedule").
• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decision-making, problem-solving approaches, and familiarity with relevant design standards and software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical complex design management challenge, such as integrating a new technology into an existing Defence infrastructure project or resolving a significant design conflict between multiple disciplines under tight deadlines.
• Focus your preparation on demonstrating your strategic thinking, problem-solving methodology, stakeholder communication strategy, and ability to maintain project momentum and quality under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical and leadership competencies. A strong portfolio showcasing tangible results and a clear demonstration of strategic thinking and problem-solving skills will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com) for planning, scheduling, and tracking design progress.
• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with common CAD/BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) and other specialized engineering analysis tools relevant to infrastructure projects.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and virtual meeting facilitation.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, versioning, and controlling design documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Ability to leverage project data to generate performance reports, identify trends, and inform decision-making. Experience with reporting features within PM software or basic data analysis in tools like Excel.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a core CRM role, understanding how design management integrates with broader project management and client relationship management systems is beneficial. Familiarity with workflow automation concepts within project management is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software proficiency isn't listed, a Senior Design Manager is expected to be highly competent in project management tools, common design software suites, and collaboration platforms. The ability to leverage data for reporting and decision-making is also a key expectation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• We Value Our People: Demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, professional growth, and fostering a supportive work environment.
• We Deliver: Emphasizes a results-oriented approach, focusing on achieving project objectives with high quality and efficiency.
• We Are People of Integrity: Upholds ethical conduct, honesty, and transparency in all dealings, crucial for Defence and infrastructure projects.
• We Empower: Encourages initiative, autonomy, and provides opportunities for individuals to take ownership and drive success.
• We Are a Team of Teams: Promotes collaboration, mutual support, and a unified approach across different disciplines and departments to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• KBR fosters a collaborative environment where cross-functional teams work together to solve complex problems. Expect a culture that values open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect among diverse professional groups.
• The design manager will be expected to actively engage with project managers, discipline leads, clients, and contractors, facilitating a cohesive and productive working dynamic.

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's stated values are people-centric and results-driven, aligning well with the expectations of a senior leadership role. The "Team of Teams" philosophy is particularly relevant for coordinating complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Navigating the diverse interests and requirements of clients, government bodies, contractors, and internal departments on high-profile Defence and infrastructure projects.
• Balancing Competing Project Constraints: Effectively managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality demands simultaneously, often under pressure, while ensuring technical integrity.
• Leading Diverse, Multi-disciplinary Teams: Ensuring seamless collaboration, clear communication, and consistent performance across teams with varied technical backgrounds and expertise.
• Navigating Regulatory & Security Requirements: Adhering to stringent Defence and infrastructure project standards, compliance protocols, and security clearance processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Techniques: Access to training and certifications in cutting-edge project and design management methodologies.
• Industry-Specific Expertise: Deepen knowledge in Defence infrastructure standards, sustainable design practices, or emerging technologies within the infrastructure sector.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance leadership, strategic thinking, and people management skills through dedicated KBR programs.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within KBR or to mentor junior engineers and aspiring design managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior roles in large-scale infrastructure and Defence projects. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering a clear path for career advancement and continuous professional development within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy & Methodology: "Describe your approach to managing the design lifecycle for a major Defence infrastructure project. How do you ensure alignment between design intent, project constraints, and regulatory compliance?" Prepare to detail your phased approach, key control gates, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Walk me through a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between a client's request and technical feasibility on a critical project. How did you communicate with stakeholders and reach a resolution?" Focus on your communication style, negotiation tactics, and problem-solving process.
• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "How have you implemented process improvements in design management to enhance efficiency or quality on past projects? Provide a specific example and quantify the impact." Be ready to discuss specific initiatives, the tools or methods used, and measurable outcomes.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on KBR's values, how would you integrate 'We are a Team of Teams' into your leadership of a multi-disciplinary design team?" Prepare to connect your leadership style and team management practices to KBR's core values.
• "What are your expectations regarding collaboration and communication within a large, global engineering firm like KBR?" Research KBR's approach to collaboration and be ready to articulate how you contribute to a positive and productive team environment.
• "How do you measure the success of design management beyond just technical delivery?" Prepare to discuss metrics related to client satisfaction, team morale, risk reduction, and contribution to overall project profitability.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your case studies with a clear beginning (project context, challenges), middle (your actions, strategies, team leadership), and end (results, impact, lessons learned).
• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with relevant diagrams, timelines, or metrics. Avoid overwhelming text.
• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the measurable outcomes of your design management efforts.
• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading, motivating, and coordinating teams.
• Connect to KBR: Where possible, subtly link your experiences and approaches to KBR's values and operational focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of infrastructure project delivery, particularly within regulated environments. Preparing specific examples from your portfolio that showcase these skills will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the KBR Careers portal via the provided link.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight extensive experience in complex infrastructure engineering and design projects, emphasizing leadership, multi-disciplinary team management, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "Infrastructure Projects," "Defence," "Team Leadership," and "Stakeholder Management."
• Portfolio Preparation: Select 2-3 high-impact projects for your portfolio that best demonstrate your senior design management capabilities. Prepare concise case studies that detail challenges, your strategic approach, team leadership, and quantifiable results, focusing on process optimization and successful project delivery.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies clearly and concisely, emphasizing your contributions and the impact of your work.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with KBR's history, values, and recent projects, particularly in the Australian Defence and infrastructure sectors. Understand their approach to project delivery and company culture to articulate your fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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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