Water Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Water Design Manager

Company: Mott MacDonald

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-time, Part-time

Category: Engineering Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: April 10, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the technical design and delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects from inception through to detailed design completion.

• Provide critical technical governance and design assurance, ensuring all project outputs adhere to stringent Australian Standards and client-specific requirements.

• Mentor, manage, and develop a team of design engineers and technical specialists, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the operations team.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and key stakeholders to effectively manage project scope, timelines, risks, and overall quality, ensuring successful project execution.

• Drive business development initiatives, contribute to bid proposals, and cultivate strong client relationships within the South East Queensland water market, expanding the company's operational footprint.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within Mott MacDonald's Water division, focusing on the strategic management of design processes for significant infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "digital engineering" and collaboration with a "Global Delivery Service team" suggests a modern, integrated approach to project delivery that operations professionals should highlight. The mention of the "Next Generation for Delivery program" with Urban Utilities indicates a long-term, high-impact engagement requiring robust project and operations management capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Oversight: Spearhead the conceptualization, design development, and finalization of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring technical integrity and alignment with project objectives.

• Technical Governance & Assurance: Implement and enforce robust design review processes, providing technical sign-off for all design outputs, and ensuring compliance with Australian Standards, regulatory requirements, and client specifications.

• Team Management & Mentorship: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design engineers and technical specialists, facilitating their professional growth, skill enhancement, and overall contribution to project success.

• Project & Stakeholder Management: Partner with Project Managers to define and manage project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and quality metrics, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.

• Business Development & Client Relations: Actively participate in business development activities, including bid preparation and client engagement, to secure new projects and strengthen Mott MacDonald's presence in the Queensland water sector.

• Process Improvement & Innovation: Champion continuous improvement initiatives within design processes, safety protocols, and innovative solutions to enhance project delivery efficiency and effectiveness.

• Digital Engineering Integration: Oversee the application of digital engineering tools and methodologies, liaising with local and global teams to optimize design workflows and data management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical design leadership, rigorous quality assurance, people management, and strategic business contribution, typical of a senior operations management role in a consultancy environment. The need to "interface with local delivery teams providing digital engineering" and "liaise with the Global Delivery Service team" highlights a requirement for effective cross-functional and geographically dispersed team collaboration within an operational context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in leading and managing water and wastewater infrastructure design projects, with a strong emphasis on Australian project delivery environments.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering complex infrastructure projects from concept to detailed design.

Required Skills:

• Water Infrastructure Design: Profound expertise in the design principles and practices for water supply, wastewater treatment, and distribution networks.

• Technical Leadership & Governance: Ability to provide strong technical direction, conduct rigorous design reviews, and ensure adherence to standards.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive understanding of project management methodologies, including scope, schedule, risk, and quality control for design phases.

• Team Management & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Australian Standards & Regulations: In-depth knowledge of Australian Standards relevant to water infrastructure and local regulatory frameworks.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively manage client relationships and collaborate with internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

• SEQ Water Market Knowledge: Strong understanding of specific requirements, standards, and operational nuances of South East Queensland water utilities and local councils.

• Professional Engineering Registration: CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) or RPEQ (Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland) status, or eligibility to obtain.

• Digital Engineering Tools: Proficiency in contemporary digital engineering platforms and BIM (Building Information Modelling) for design and project delivery.

• Business Development Acumen: Experience in contributing to bid proposals and client relationship management within the engineering consultancy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Proven experience leading water infrastructure design projects in Australia" and the preference for "Strong understanding of SEQ Water, local councils and utility standards" are critical for operations success in this role, indicating a need for localized expertise. The "CPEng / RPEQ (or ability to obtain)" preference points towards a role requiring professional accountability and a high level of technical credibility within the Australian engineering landscape.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Demonstrate successful leadership in water and wastewater design projects, detailing the scope, challenges, your role, solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, risk mitigation).

• Technical Governance Examples: Showcase instances where you provided technical assurance, conducted design reviews, and ensured compliance with standards, highlighting your decision-making process and impact.

• Team Development Initiatives: Provide examples of how you have mentored, managed, and developed engineering teams, including training programs, performance management strategies, and career progression support.

• Process Optimization Demonstrations: Illustrate your contributions to improving design processes, safety protocols, or the adoption of new technologies within a project delivery context, with evidence of positive impact.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of how you have mapped, analyzed, and optimized design workflows to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and enhance collaboration.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Documentation of risk assessment and mitigation strategies applied to design projects, demonstrating proactive identification and management of potential issues.

• Quality Assurance Procedures: Evidence of implementing and managing quality assurance processes for design deliverables, ensuring adherence to standards and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Water Design Manager role, the portfolio should emphasize a candidate's ability to manage the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept to detailed engineering, with a strong focus on technical rigor, process efficiency, and team leadership. Quantifiable achievements and demonstrated impact on project outcomes are crucial. The inclusion of "digital engineering" in the role description suggests that portfolio items showcasing proficiency with relevant software and integrated design platforms would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

While specific salary information is not provided, based on industry benchmarks for a Water Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in major Australian cities like Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, the estimated annual salary range would typically be between AUD $150,000 and AUD $200,000, potentially higher for exceptional candidates or those with extensive specialized experience. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the technical expertise required, and the significant responsibilities outlined, including leadership and business development within the Australian water sector.

Benefits:

• Flexible and Agile Work Atmosphere: Supports professional development and personal life balance.

• Competitive Salary: Base compensation commensurate with experience and responsibilities.

• Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses: Opportunities for additional financial rewards based on individual and company performance.

• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Includes life insurance, personal accident insurance, and salary continuance insurance for peace of mind.

• Option to Purchase Extra Annual Leave: Enhances work-life balance by allowing employees to extend their leave periods.

• Employee Resource Groups: Access to networks like the Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and others that foster community and support.

• Employee Ownership Model: A unique benefit where employees have a stake and a voice in the business, with opportunities for ownership growth tied to career progression and contribution.

• Part-time and Job Sharing Opportunities: Flexibility to accommodate different work arrangements where feasible.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are 40 per week. The company promotes a flexible and agile work atmosphere, suggesting potential for adaptable scheduling within operational needs, particularly for a hybrid role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on typical remuneration for equivalent senior engineering management roles in Australia, considering the specialized nature of water infrastructure design and the strong demand for experienced professionals in the Queensland market. The benefits package highlights Mott MacDonald's commitment to employee well-being, professional growth, and a unique employee ownership structure, which is a significant differentiator.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Management, and Development Consultancy. Mott MacDonald operates across critical sectors including transport, energy, water, buildings, and wider infrastructure, influencing the daily lives of people globally.

Company Size: Mott MacDonald is a large, global organization, indicating a robust structure, diverse projects, and a wide network of expertise. This scale often translates to structured career paths and significant project opportunities.

Founded: Mott MacDonald has a long history, fostering a culture of established expertise and continuous innovation. This longevity suggests stability and a proven track record in delivering complex projects.

Team Structure:

• Water Division Focus: The role is situated within the Water team, a specialized unit focused on water and wastewater infrastructure. This implies a collaborative environment with subject matter experts.

• Global and Local Integration: The team operates with both local delivery teams in Queensland and a Global Delivery Service team, requiring strong coordination and communication skills across different geographical locations and operational structures.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close partnerships with Project Managers, design engineers, technical specialists, and client representatives, highlighting a highly collaborative and integrated operational approach.

Methodology:

• Digital Engineering First: A strong emphasis on digital engineering for project delivery suggests a modern, data-driven approach to design and management.

• Continuous Improvement: The company culture promotes ongoing enhancement of design processes, safety, and innovation, indicating an operations environment that values efficiency and forward-thinking solutions.

• Client-Centric Delivery: The focus on client relationship management and supporting business development underscores a commitment to understanding and meeting client needs through effective project operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's commitment to "brilliant people trusted to do brilliant things" suggests a culture that empowers its employees and values expertise. The employee ownership model is a significant cultural differentiator, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and long-term commitment. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion further shapes the work environment, making it an attractive proposition for operations professionals seeking a supportive and equitable workplace.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Water Design Manager role represents a senior-level position within the operations and engineering management hierarchy. It demands a blend of deep technical expertise in water infrastructure, strong leadership capabilities, and strategic input into project delivery and business development. The role is pivotal in ensuring the successful execution of significant infrastructure programs.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a senior leadership figure within Mott MacDonald's Water division in Queensland, such as a Regional Director or a Head of Water. Direct reports will include design engineers and technical specialists, forming the core operational design team. Collaboration with Project Managers and potentially client-side program managers will be extensive.

Operations Impact: The Water Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on Mott MacDonald's success in the Queensland water market, particularly through the ambitious "Next Generation for Delivery" program. Their leadership in design quality, efficiency, and innovation directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation for delivering critical infrastructure. Their contribution to business development also fuels future growth and operational expansion.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into more senior management roles, such as Regional Water Lead, Director of Design, or broader program management positions, with increased strategic responsibility and oversight.

• Technical Specialization & Expansion: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of water engineering or expand into related infrastructure sectors, leveraging the company's global network.

• Business Development & Client Relationship Management: Develop advanced skills in client engagement, strategic account management, and securing new business, leading to roles with a stronger commercial focus.

• Employee Ownership Progression: As a senior role, there is a direct pathway towards ownership from day one, allowing for increased participation in company success and strategic direction.

• Global Project Exposure: Access to Mott MacDonald's international projects and expertise, offering opportunities for cross-border collaboration and diverse project experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "pathway towards ownership from day 1" for senior roles is a significant growth incentive, aligning personal success directly with the company's performance and strategic direction. This offers a unique career trajectory beyond typical corporate structures.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Mott MacDonald's Brisbane and Sunshine Coast offices, suggesting a professional, corporate office environment that supports collaborative work. As a hybrid role, it balances office-based collaboration with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s):

• Brisbane, QLD: A major metropolitan hub, offering excellent accessibility and a dynamic professional network.

• Sunshine Coast, QLD: Provides a potentially more relaxed environment while still being a significant regional center, offering a different lifestyle balance.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Office spaces are likely designed to facilitate teamwork, including meeting rooms, project war rooms, and informal collaboration zones.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to robust IT infrastructure, design software, and communication tools necessary for effective digital engineering and project management.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for in-person team meetings, design workshops, and informal discussions with colleagues, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and operational synergy.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard 40-hour work week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for a blend of office and remote work. This offers flexibility to manage personal commitments while ensuring consistent project delivery and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key aspect of the work environment, offering flexibility that is highly valued by operations professionals. The existence of offices in both a major city and a regional center provides candidates with location choice, potentially catering to different lifestyle preferences while still ensuring access to significant projects and a professional network.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, designed to assess technical acumen, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit.

1. Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess alignment with the core requirements.

2. Technical Interview: Focus on your engineering knowledge, design methodologies, experience with water infrastructure projects, and understanding of Australian Standards. Be prepared to discuss technical challenges you've overcome.

3. Leadership & Management Interview: Assessment of your team management style, mentorship approach, conflict resolution skills, and experience in managing project scope, risk, and quality.

4. Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: A crucial stage where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, demonstrating your problem-solving skills, design leadership, and impact. Prepare to articulate project outcomes, lessons learned, and your specific contributions.

5. Cultural Fit & Business Alignment Interview: Discussions to gauge your alignment with Mott MacDonald's values, your understanding of their business objectives, and your approach to business development and client relations. This may involve meeting with senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your most impactful water infrastructure design projects that best showcase your leadership, technical expertise, and process management skills.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, risk reduction, stakeholder satisfaction). Use metrics wherever possible.

• Highlight Process Improvements: Demonstrate instances where you've optimized design workflows, implemented new technologies, or improved team collaboration and efficiency.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your presentation logically, typically following a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework for each case study.

• Showcase Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, mentoring engineers, and managing project stakeholders.

• Address Digital Engineering: If applicable, include projects that highlight your experience with digital engineering tools and methodologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be ready for hypothetical technical challenges related to water/wastewater design, project delivery, or team management within an Australian context.

• Process Optimization Questions: Prepare to discuss how you would approach improving design processes, managing project risks, or ensuring quality on a complex infrastructure project.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing difficult team members, resolving stakeholder conflicts, or driving innovation within a project team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on leadership and project delivery, the interview process will likely assess not only technical competence but also strategic thinking, communication skills, and the ability to manage complex operational challenges. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical application of skills and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar platforms for detailed design and drafting.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools like Autodesk Revit or Bentley Systems' solutions, crucial for integrated digital engineering workflows.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Asana for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual collaboration, especially relevant for hybrid and global team interactions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Analysis Tools: Familiarity with hydraulic modeling software (e.g., WaterGEMS, EPANET) and structural analysis tools relevant to water infrastructure design.

• Reporting & Dashboarding: Ability to interpret and contribute to reports generated from project management and design software; experience with tools like Power BI or Tableau for data visualization may be beneficial for performance tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly a sales role, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) integrate with project delivery and client management can be advantageous for business development aspects.

• Workflow Automation: An awareness of how automation can be applied to design processes, documentation, or reporting to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "digital engineering" aspect of the role necessitates a strong command of modern design and project management technologies. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific software relevant to water infrastructure design and integrated project delivery workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Innovation: A drive to achieve brilliant outcomes through continuous improvement, innovative solutions, and high-quality standards in all aspects of design and project delivery.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A commitment to working as a connected global team, valuing diverse skills and experiences to achieve shared objectives, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards, taking ownership of responsibilities, and being trusted to deliver on commitments to clients and colleagues.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships, and delivering impactful projects that contribute to societal well-being.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: A focus on delivering infrastructure that is environmentally sustainable and contributes positively to communities, aligning with broader corporate social responsibility goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Operates through close collaboration with project managers, technical specialists, and global teams, ensuring seamless communication and coordinated efforts.

• Open Communication: Encourages direct communication with senior leadership and fosters a culture where feedback is valued for process improvement and strategic development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promotes the sharing of expertise and best practices across teams and geographies to foster collective growth and enhance project delivery capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's emphasis on "brilliant people trusted to do brilliant things" and its employee ownership model suggests a culture that values high performance, trust, and shared success. The candidate should be prepared to articulate how their approach to operations aligns with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Navigating the intricacies of large-scale water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including scope changes, technical hurdles, and stakeholder expectations.

• Global & Local Team Coordination: Effectively managing and integrating design efforts between local Queensland teams and offshore Global Delivery Service teams, ensuring consistent quality and communication.

• Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in digital engineering, design software, and sustainable infrastructure practices to maintain a competitive edge.

• Market Dynamics: Adapting to changing regulatory landscapes, client demands, and competitive pressures within the Australian water sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in emerging water technologies, sustainable design, and advanced engineering analysis.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone leadership, strategic planning, and business development skills through internal and external programs.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing professional certifications to enhance expertise and professional standing.

• Mentorship & Networking: Engage with senior leaders and a global network of experts, fostering continuous learning and career advancement.

• Employee Ownership Engagement: Active participation in shaping the company's future and benefiting from its growth and success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity for a seasoned engineering leader to make a tangible impact on critical infrastructure development in Queensland, while also benefiting from a unique ownership structure and global resources for professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex water infrastructure project you led from concept to detailed design. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure technical integrity and timely delivery?" (Focus on process, leadership, and outcomes)

• "How would you implement and enforce technical governance and design assurance for a major program like NG4D, ensuring compliance with Australian Standards and client requirements?" (Focus on process, quality control, and risk mitigation)

• "Discuss your experience managing and developing engineering teams. How do you foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within an operations context?" (Focus on people management and team dynamics)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mott MacDonald's 'brilliant people, brilliant things' philosophy, and how do you see yourself contributing to that as a Water Design Manager?" (Focus on cultural alignment and personal values)

• "How do you see the employee ownership model influencing your approach to leadership and project delivery?" (Focus on engagement and long-term commitment)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the project's context, the specific problem/challenge, your strategic approach, the actions taken (especially regarding design processes and team management), and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Highlight Process Excellence: Emphasize any improvements made to design workflows, risk management, quality assurance, or the adoption of digital engineering tools.

• Demonstrate Leadership Impact: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, mentoring individuals, and managing stakeholder expectations.

• Quantify Value: Use data and metrics to showcase the impact of your work – e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, efficiency gains, reduction in design errors.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, management strategies, and the lessons learned from each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a clear understanding of how operations management contributes to project success and client satisfaction, particularly within the context of large-scale infrastructure projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Water Design Manager position:

• Submit your detailed application, including your resume and a cover letter, through the Mott MacDonald careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate Your Operations Portfolio: Select 3-4 key water infrastructure design projects that best exemplify your leadership, technical skills, and process management capabilities. Ensure these showcase quantifiable achievements and any contributions to process optimization or digital engineering.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight experience relevant to water infrastructure design, technical leadership, team management, and project delivery within the Australian context. Use keywords from the job description and ensure achievements are quantified.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice articulating your portfolio case studies clearly and concisely, focusing on your role, the challenges overcome, the operational strategies implemented, and the positive outcomes achieved. Prepare for detailed questions on your technical and leadership approach.

• Research Mott MacDonald: Understand the company's values, recent projects (especially in the water sector and Queensland), and their commitment to innovation and employee ownership. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their culture and strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.