Principal Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Design Manager

Company: Stantec

Location: South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Water Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with work from home opportunities)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical and design aspects of significant water and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring successful project delivery from conception through to construction.

• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering a collaborative environment focused on technical excellence and innovation in water solutions.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, high-level relationships with key utility clients and potential future clients to align with Stantec's business strategies and drive new opportunities.

• Oversee the preparation of contract technical specifications, scopes of work, and technical schedules, ensuring alignment with project objectives and client requirements.

• Contribute to business development by actively participating in the pursuit and proposal phases of new projects, ensuring high standards in bid submissions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior technical leadership opportunity within Stantec's Water Division, focusing on project execution and client engagement. The emphasis on "Principal" suggests a high degree of autonomy, strategic input, and responsibility for mentoring junior staff and influencing project direction. The "hybrid" work arrangement, coupled with explicit mention of "work from home opportunities," indicates a flexible model common in senior engineering roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Project Delivery:

  • Plan, program, and coordinate all multi-disciplinary engineering activities and specialist inputs required for water and wastewater projects.
  • Act as Design Manager or Project Technical Lead to ensure project outputs are delivered on budget, on time, and to the highest quality standards.
  • Provide senior leadership and management support to delivery teams during both the design and construction phases of projects.
  • Conduct internal technical reviews and verification checks across all aspects of water and wastewater projects to ensure technical integrity and compliance.

• Client & Stakeholder Management:

  • Develop and nurture strong working relationships with clients by delivering valuable business solutions and demonstrating a deep understanding of their needs and business objectives.
  • Identify and pursue business development opportunities by developing high-level relationships with key utility clients and prospective water-focused clients.
  • Facilitate design coordination and review meetings with clients and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals.

• Business Development & Proposal Support:

  • Actively support the pursuit and proposal phase of key business development opportunities, contributing technical expertise and strategic insights.
  • Prepare high-quality proposals, ensuring they meet Stantec's standards and effectively communicate the team's capabilities and proposed solutions.
  • Contribute to the development of contract technical specifications, scope of works, and technical schedules for bids and proposals.

• Team Management & Development:

  • Lead and manage internal engineering disciplines and external subcontractors, ensuring effective collaboration and performance.

  • Foster a "can-do," solution-focused attitude within project teams, encouraging proactive problem-solving and innovation.

  • Contribute to the development of Stantec's water and wastewater project delivery expertise, both locally in Queensland and across the ANZ region.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical project execution and business development. The role requires not only deep technical expertise in water infrastructure but also strong leadership, client-facing skills, and a strategic approach to business growth. The emphasis on "delivering value" and "understanding the client's business" points to a consultative approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Tertiary Qualification in a relevant Engineering field (e.g., Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering). Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in civil or process-mechanical water infrastructure engineering, encompassing both design and construction phases.

• Proven experience in leading engineering projects and managing multidisciplinary teams and subcontractors.

• Strong understanding and experience with Design & Construct (D&C) or other alternative project delivery methods. Required Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of water and wastewater services, including treatment processes, distribution networks, and collection systems.

• Design Management: Proficiency in planning, coordinating, and overseeing complex engineering designs, ensuring integration across disciplines.

• Leadership & Team Management: Exceptional ability to lead, mentor, and manage multidisciplinary technical teams and subcontractors effectively.

• Client Relationship Management: Demonstrated success in developing and maintaining strong, high-level relationships with key clients, understanding their business needs.

• Problem-Solving & Negotiation: Highly developed skills in identifying issues, developing solutions, and negotiating effectively to resolve disputes and achieve project goals.

• Communication & Reporting: Solid report writing capabilities with the ability to articulate complex information clearly and compellingly to clients and stakeholders.

• Project Delivery Acumen: Experience in delivering projects on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards.

• Professional Accreditation: Possess or have the ability to obtain CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) and RPEQ (Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland) certifications.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with engineering assurance processes and a systems approach to design reviews.

• Business development and proposal writing expertise within the infrastructure sector.

• Familiarity with Stantec's specific project portfolio or client base in Queensland.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of deep technical engineering knowledge, project management capabilities, and strong leadership and client-facing skills. The mandatory CPEng and RPEQ certifications are critical for operating as a Principal Engineer in Queensland, indicating a high level of professional accountability and expertise. The 10+ years of experience requirement reinforces the senior nature of this Principal-level role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase examples of significant water and wastewater infrastructure projects managed from a design perspective, detailing your role, team size, and project scope.

• Technical Solution Development: Present instances where you developed innovative or optimized technical solutions for complex water or wastewater challenges, demonstrating your engineering acumen.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Include examples of how you improved design processes, coordination workflows, or project delivery methodologies, highlighting efficiency gains.

• Client Engagement & Value Delivery: Provide evidence of successfully building client relationships and delivering tangible value that met or exceeded client expectations.

• Risk Management & Problem Resolution: Document instances where you effectively managed project risks or resolved complex technical or contractual disputes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing multi-disciplinary engineering workflows for infrastructure projects.

• Design Review & Assurance: Showcase your understanding and application of formal design review processes, including client and stakeholder facilitation and technical verification.

• Contractual Frameworks: Illustrate your familiarity with preparing and managing contract technical specifications, scopes of work, and technical schedules within D&C or similar delivery models.

• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Include examples of how you tracked and reported on project performance, technical progress, budget adherence, and quality outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase successful projects but also the candidate's ability to manage complex processes, lead teams, solve problems, and drive value. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership impact, and client satisfaction within the context of water infrastructure projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Principal Design Manager roles in South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, with 10+ years of experience and requiring CPEng/RPEQ, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $180,000 - $240,000. This range accounts for the seniority, technical expertise, and leadership responsibilities of the position. Benefits:

• Genuine Flexible Working Arrangements: Including work from home opportunities, provision for school term contracts, job sharing, and part-time employment options.

• Learning and Talent Development Programs: Access to global programs, online learning resources, and on-the-job learning opportunities to foster continuous professional growth.

• Additional Leave Purchase: Option to purchase up to 4 weeks of additional annual leave per year.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities for personal development through mentorship and the chance to mentor others within the organization.

• Professional Memberships: Support for maintaining professional body memberships.

• Salary Continuance Insurance (SCI): Provides income protection in case of long-term illness or injury.

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Programs: Comprehensive support for employee mental health and overall well-being.

• Service Recognition Awards: Recognition for long-term commitment and contributions to the company.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 37.5 to 40 hours per week. The role offers flexibility, including potential for work from home, which can aid in managing work-life balance and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar senior engineering management roles in the Australian market, specifically in Queensland, considering the required experience and professional qualifications. The listed benefits are extensive and align with those typically offered by large, established engineering consultancies, emphasizing employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Consulting, and Design Services (specifically Water Infrastructure). Stantec operates within the global environmental, water, energy, resources, and infrastructure sectors, focusing on sustainable solutions.

Company Size: Approximately 34,000 employees globally, with a significant presence in Australia and the ANZ region (400+ water specialists in Australia alone). This large size indicates a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and diverse career pathways.

Founded: Stantec was founded in 1954, bringing a long history of experience and stability to its operations.

Team Structure:

• Water Division Focus: The role is within the Water team, which is experiencing significant growth. This suggests a dynamic and expanding department with ample project opportunities.

• Project-Based Teams: The team structure is likely project-centric, with multidisciplinary teams formed for specific water and wastewater projects.

• Leadership Hierarchy: As a "Principal," the role implies a senior position within the technical hierarchy, likely reporting to a Director or Senior Manager, and directly managing project technical leads and design teams.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with other engineering disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental), project managers, construction teams, and business development personnel.

Methodology:

• Solution-Focused Approach: Emphasis on developing appropriate, value-driven technical solutions that meet client needs.

• Integrated Design: Coordination of multi-disciplinary inputs to achieve an integrated technical solution.

• Client-Centric Delivery: Focus on understanding client businesses and delivering solutions that provide business value.

• Systems Thinking: Application of a systems approach to design reviews and project management.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Implied through the need for technical reviews, verification checks, and performance reporting.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec's global presence and focus on diverse sectors, particularly its strong Water division, provide a stable yet growth-oriented environment. The company culture appears to value technical expertise, client relationships, and collaborative problem-solving, with a commitment to professional development and flexible work practices. The scale of the organization suggests opportunities for broad impact and career advancement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal Design Manager. This is a senior-level position, signifying a significant level of responsibility, technical authority, and leadership. It sits above Senior Design Manager or Lead Engineer roles and below Director or VP levels.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Water or a similar senior leadership role within the Australian Water division. They will, in turn, manage and mentor project technical leads, design engineers, and potentially project managers on specific projects.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the success of Stantec's water and wastewater projects. By ensuring technically sound, cost-effective, and timely designs, the Principal Design Manager influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and Stantec's reputation in the market. Their leadership in business development also directly contributes to the company's revenue growth and strategic expansion in the water sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water/wastewater design or project delivery methodologies.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to higher leadership roles such as Director of Design, Technical Director, or General Manager within the Water division.

• Business Development Leadership: Transition into roles with a stronger focus on client management, strategic partnerships, and business acquisition.

• Cross-Disciplinary Management: Expand management responsibilities to oversee multiple project streams or broader engineering functions.

• Global Mobility: Leverage Stantec's international presence for opportunities in other regions or on global projects.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer: Play a key role in developing the next generation of engineering talent through formal and informal mentoring programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title signifies a career peak for many technical professionals, offering significant autonomy and influence. Growth from this role typically involves moving into broader management, strategic leadership, or business development functions. Stantec's emphasis on learning and development suggests a structured approach to supporting career progression for its senior staff.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Stantec's Brisbane office, operating under a hybrid work model. This suggests a professional office environment that supports collaboration, client meetings, and focused work, complemented by the flexibility to work remotely.

Office Location(s): South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. This location is a key business hub, providing accessibility for client engagement and team collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Brisbane office likely serves as a central point for design coordination, team meetings, and client interactions. It will be equipped with the necessary resources and technology to support complex engineering projects.

• Technology Enabled: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be essential for seamless project execution, whether in-office or remote.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of water specialists, project managers, and other engineering professionals, fostering knowledge sharing and a strong team culture.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 37.5-40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in structuring workdays, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work for focused tasks or personal needs. This flexibility is crucial for managing demanding project timelines while maintaining work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a significant aspect, offering a blend of structured office-based collaboration and remote flexibility. This is a common and often preferred arrangement for senior technical and management roles, allowing for optimal productivity and work-life balance. The office in South Brisbane is a strategic location for engaging with clients and the broader industry in Queensland.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and qualifications to ensure they meet the minimum requirements (Tertiary qualification, 10+ years experience, CPEng/RPEQ or ability to obtain).

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your experience in water and wastewater infrastructure design and construction, project management methodologies, and technical problem-solving capabilities. Expect questions related to your portfolio projects.

• Leadership & Client Management Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, team management experience, client relationship building skills, and business development acumen.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present specific case studies from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is a critical stage for demonstrating your capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term contributions to Stantec.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Case Studies: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your experience as a Principal Design Manager in water infrastructure.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to showcase the impact of your work (e.g., budget savings achieved, schedule improvements, technical performance enhancements, client satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Clearly articulate your role in leading multidisciplinary teams, managing subcontractors, and collaborating with clients and stakeholders.

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your case studies logically, covering the project background, your specific responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.

• Tailor to Stantec: Research Stantec's current projects and values, and subtly align your portfolio presentation to demonstrate how your skills and experience can contribute to their strategic goals in Queensland's water sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach common challenges in water infrastructure design and delivery, such as managing scope creep, resolving interdisciplinary conflicts, ensuring regulatory compliance, or adapting to unforeseen site conditions.

• Think about how you would foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your design teams.

• Consider how you would develop and maintain strong client relationships, particularly with major utility providers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Principal-level role will be rigorous, focusing not just on technical skills but also on leadership, strategic thinking, and client management. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for showcasing practical experience and impact. Understanding Stantec's business and values will be key to demonstrating cultural fit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Engineering Software:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or Bentley MicroStation for design and drafting. Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) workflows for integrated design and coordination.

• 3D Modeling & Analysis Tools: Familiarity with software for hydraulic modeling (e.g., InfoWorks WS Pro, EPANET, SWMM), structural analysis, and potentially process simulation software relevant to water/wastewater treatment.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and progress tracking.

Collaboration & Communication Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for documentation, analysis, presentations, and communication.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual meetings.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with enterprise document control systems (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, Procore) for managing project documentation.

CRM & Business Development Tools:

• While not a primary focus, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) used for tracking client interactions and business development opportunities would be beneficial. Analytics & Reporting:

• Strong analytical skills using Excel or dedicated BI tools for data analysis, performance tracking, and reporting on project metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, a Principal Design Manager in water infrastructure would be expected to be highly proficient in CAD/BIM, hydraulic modeling, and project management software. The ability to leverage technology for efficient design, coordination, and client communication is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety & Well-being: A strong emphasis on the health, safety, and well-being of employees, clients, and the community, aligning with Stantec's global commitment.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and professional conduct.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations by delivering exceptional value and solutions.

• Collaboration: Fostering a teamwork environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective expertise drives success.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the development of novel solutions to complex challenges in the water sector.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, delivering on commitments, and driving projects to successful completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively promotes collaboration between different engineering disciplines, project management, and business development teams to ensure integrated project outcomes.

• Open Communication: Encourages transparent and open communication channels, facilitating the free exchange of ideas, feedback, and concerns.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Values the transfer of knowledge and experience, with senior staff mentoring junior team members and fostering a learning culture.

• Proactive Problem Solving: Emphasizes a collaborative approach to identifying and resolving issues, encouraging input from all team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec's stated values (often centered around safety, integrity, client relationships, collaboration, and innovation) are likely embedded in the team's daily operations. The collaborative style is essential for managing complex, multidisciplinary projects and for fostering a positive and productive work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Projects: Coordinating diverse technical inputs from various engineering disciplines, ensuring seamless integration and avoiding conflicts.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines and Budgets: Balancing project scope, quality, and cost constraints, especially in the competitive D&C environment.

• Navigating Client Expectations and Stakeholder Demands: Ensuring client satisfaction while managing the expectations of various project stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

• Technical Problem Solving: Addressing unforeseen technical challenges that arise during the design or construction phases of complex water infrastructure.

• Driving Innovation in a Traditional Sector: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies within a sector that can sometimes be resistant to change.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Effectively guiding and developing junior engineers and design teams to build Stantec's future capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in areas such as advanced hydraulic modeling, new treatment technologies, or specific design standards.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance leadership, project management, and business development skills through formal programs and on-the-job experience.

• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Participation in key industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in water infrastructure.

• Professional Accreditation Support: Continued support for maintaining and enhancing professional engineering credentials (CPEng, RPEQ).

• Mentorship: Both receiving mentorship from senior leaders within Stantec and providing mentorship to emerging talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges and leveraging Stantec's extensive learning and development resources. The ability to navigate these challenges effectively will be key to career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex water infrastructure project where you served as the Principal Design Manager. What were the key technical challenges, how did you lead your team to overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on technical leadership, problem-solving, and project delivery).

• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with key utility clients? Provide an example of a time you successfully influenced a client's decision or secured new business through your client management skills." (Focus on client relationship management and business development).

• "Walk us through your process for ensuring the integration of multidisciplinary design inputs on a large-scale project. How do you manage potential conflicts between different engineering disciplines?" (Focus on coordination, collaboration, and systems thinking).

• "Describe a situation where a project faced significant budget or schedule pressure. How did you, as the Design Manager, respond to ensure the project remained viable and met its objectives?" (Focus on project control and commercial awareness). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Stantec's Water division and our work in Queensland?" (Research Stantec's projects and values in the region).

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your engineering teams?" (Align with Stantec's emphasis on innovation).

• "How do you ensure the well-being and professional development of your team members?" (Reflect Stantec's commitment to employee growth and safety). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Diverse Case Studies: Choose projects that showcase different aspects of your expertise (e.g., a large-scale treatment plant design, a complex network upgrade, a challenging D&C project).

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, be ready to present metrics on budget, schedule, technical performance, and client satisfaction.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, leadership decisions, and how you influenced the project's success.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, design rationale, risk management strategies, and team leadership approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a client-centric approach. The ability to articulate past successes using specific examples and data will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Design Manager position:

• Submit your most recent CV through the provided application link on the Stantec Taleo careers portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your 10+ years of experience in civil or process-mechanical water infrastructure engineering, your leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and your experience with D&C projects. Explicitly mention your CPEng and RPEQ status or your commitment to obtaining them.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, technical problem-solving, and client engagement. Be ready to present these with quantifiable results.

• Research Stantec: Understand Stantec's mission, values, and recent water projects in Australia, particularly Queensland. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate your experience and leadership. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ 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.