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: 2026-05-26T14:21:21

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the technical design and delivery of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects within Queensland.

• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams, ensuring integrated and high-quality technical solutions.

• Drive project success by delivering on-budget, on-time, and to stringent quality standards, fostering strong client relationships.

• Provide senior technical expertise and leadership throughout the design, investigation, and construction management phases.

• Play a key role in business development by identifying opportunities and contributing to proposal and bid development for new water projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within Stantec's Water Division, focusing on project technical delivery and client engagement. The emphasis on "Principal" signifies a high level of expertise, autonomy, and responsibility, requiring a candidate capable of strategic technical direction and complex problem-solving within the water and wastewater sector. The location in South Brisbane, Queensland, suggests a focus on regional infrastructure development and specific regulatory environments (RPEQ).

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Design Management: Lead the planning, programming, and coordination of studies, investigations, and design for water and wastewater projects, acting as the Design Manager or Project Technical Lead.

• Team Coordination & Integration: Coordinate all multi-disciplinary engineering inputs (including specialist disciplines) to ensure an integrated and optimal technical solution is developed.

• Project Delivery Excellence: Ensure project outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards, demonstrating a commitment to Stantec's delivery benchmarks.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key utility clients and prospective water-focused clients by delivering valuable business solutions and understanding their strategic objectives.

• Technical Review & Assurance: Conduct internal technical reviews and verification checks on all aspects of water and wastewater projects, ensuring compliance with engineering assurance processes and a systems approach.

• Business Development Support: Actively identify new business opportunities, support the pursuit phase of key development initiatives, and contribute to proposal and bid development by preparing high-standard technical proposals and scope of works.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate design coordination and review meetings with clients and stakeholders, effectively communicating technical concepts and project progress.

• Contract Development: Prepare contract technical specifications, scope of works, and technical schedules for project engagements.

• Problem Solving & Dispute Resolution: Utilize highly developed problem-solving and negotiation skills to resolve disputes that may arise during project execution.

• Mentorship & Expertise Development: Support the development of Stantec's water and wastewater project delivery expertise locally and across the ANZ business, potentially mentoring junior engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design leadership and client-facing business development. The role requires not only technical proficiency in water/wastewater engineering but also strong project management, team leadership, and client engagement skills. The emphasis on D&C (Design & Construct) and alternative delivery models indicates a need for experience in project execution within these frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Professional Engineer certification (CPEng) and Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) or the ability to obtain these. 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 and managing engineering projects, including subcontractors and multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated experience with Design & Construct (D&C) or other alternative project delivery models. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage the entire design lifecycle of complex infrastructure projects.

• Technical Leadership: Expertise in providing technical direction and oversight for water and wastewater projects.

• Water & Wastewater Systems: Advanced knowledge of water and wastewater services, treatment processes, and associated infrastructure.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Skill in coordinating diverse engineering disciplines to achieve integrated project solutions.

• Project Delivery: Strong understanding of project execution, including budget, schedule, and quality management.

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

• Problem-Solving & Negotiation: Exceptional skills in resolving complex technical and contractual issues.

• Report Writing: Ability to produce clear, concise, and compelling technical reports and proposals.

• Engineering Assurance: Knowledge of engineering assurance processes and a systems approach to design reviews.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in proposal and bid development for major infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with Stantec's specific project delivery methodologies and client base in Queensland.

• Strong understanding of contract management and technical specification development.

• Experience in mentoring and developing engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for CPEng and RPEQ is crucial for roles involving engineering design and project leadership in Queensland, indicating a need for chartered professional status. The 10+ years of experience, combined with leadership and D&C expertise, positions this as a senior, influential role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase examples of leading the design and delivery of significant water or wastewater infrastructure projects, detailing your role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Technical Solution Development: Present instances where you developed innovative or optimized technical solutions for complex engineering problems within water/wastewater systems.

• Team & Subcontractor Management: Provide evidence of successful management of multidisciplinary engineering teams and subcontractors, highlighting coordination strategies and performance oversight.

• Client Engagement & Proposal Examples: Include examples of client interaction, successful proposal contributions, or tender submissions that demonstrate your ability to secure and deliver projects.

• Risk & Issue Resolution: Document instances where you effectively managed project risks, resolved disputes, or implemented effective negotiation strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Management: Demonstrate a structured approach to managing design phases, including planning, execution, review, and quality assurance.

• Coordination & Integration Workflows: Illustrate processes used to ensure seamless coordination between different engineering disciplines and specialist inputs.

• Client Interaction & Feedback Loops: Outline methods for engaging clients, managing expectations, and incorporating feedback throughout the project lifecycle.

• Proposal Development Workflow: Detail your process for developing winning proposals, from scope definition to final submission.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," candidates are expected to demonstrate their capabilities through experience. Therefore, candidates should be prepared to discuss specific project examples that highlight their leadership, technical acumen, and project delivery success, effectively serving as a de facto portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Principal level, 10+ years of experience, and the specialized nature of water infrastructure design management in Australia, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Queensland, Australia, the estimated salary range for a Principal Design Manager is likely between AUD $180,000 and AUD $250,000 per annum, potentially higher for exceptional candidates or specific project complexities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimation is based on general market data for senior engineering management roles in Australia, specifically within the infrastructure and consulting sectors in Queensland. It accounts for the "Principal" title, the required experience, and the specialized technical knowledge in water/wastewater engineering. Actual compensation will depend on Stantec's internal banding, the candidate's specific qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Genuine Flexible Working Arrangements: Options for work from home, school term contracts, job sharing, and part-time employment to support work-life balance.

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

• Additional Leave Purchase: Opportunity to purchase up to four additional weeks of annual leave.

• Mentorship Opportunities: Engage in mentoring for personal development and contribute to the growth of others within the organization.

• Professional Memberships: Support for maintaining professional affiliations and certifications.

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

• Health and Wellbeing: Comprehensive programs for mental health and overall wellbeing.

• Recognition Programs: Service recognition awards and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically around 40 hours per week.

• The role offers genuine flexible working arrangements, suggesting potential for adjusted schedules and hybrid work, but core project delivery and client needs will dictate overall working time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec offers a comprehensive benefits package emphasizing employee wellbeing and professional development, which is attractive for senior-level professionals seeking long-term career growth and work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Consulting, and Design Services (Water Infrastructure)

Company Size: Stantec is a global company with approximately 34,000 employees across over 450 locations worldwide. The Australian Water team comprises over 400 specialists.

Founded: Stantec was founded in 1954.

Team Structure:

• The role is within Stantec's Water Division in Australia, which is experiencing significant growth.

• The Principal Design Manager will lead technical teams and coordinate multi-disciplinary inputs, suggesting a matrixed reporting structure where they lead project-specific teams.

• Collaboration is expected across business lines and geographies within Stantec. Methodology:

• Solution-Focused Approach: Emphasis on finding solutions to water issues and driving value through innovative technical approaches.

• Collaborative Environment: Fostering collaboration across diverse teams and disciplines to achieve project outcomes.

• Client-Centric Delivery: Focus on understanding client needs and delivering valuable business solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement of learning and talent development to enhance project delivery expertise.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec's global presence and significant local team size indicate a stable, well-resourced organization with a strong commitment to the water sector. The company culture appears to value innovation, collaboration, and professional development, aligning with the senior nature of this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal Design Manager

This is a senior leadership role within the engineering and design management track, signifying a high level of technical expertise, project leadership, and client engagement capability. It sits at the top of the individual contributor or project leadership path before potentially moving into broader program management or executive leadership roles.

Reporting Structure:

The Principal Design Manager will likely report to a Director or General Manager within the Water Division in Australia. They will directly lead project-specific technical teams, which may include other engineers, designers, and project managers, and will manage subcontractors.

Operations Impact:

The role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects that "positively impacting our communities." This includes ensuring the functionality, sustainability, and efficiency of water and wastewater systems, which are vital public services. The role also contributes to Stantec's business growth and reputation within the Queensland market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Deepen expertise in specific water/wastewater technologies or delivery models, becoming a recognized technical authority.

• Client Relationship & Business Development: Expand client portfolio and contribute significantly to securing new projects, potentially leading to business development leadership roles.

• Program Management: Transition into managing larger, more complex multi-project programs.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Take on formal or informal mentoring roles to develop the next generation of engineering leaders.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title suggests a career path that has reached a high level of individual contribution and influence, with clear avenues for further advancement into strategic management or specialized technical leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model. The role is based in Brisbane, implying a primary office location within Stantec's Brisbane office, but with provisions for flexible working and remote opportunities.

Office Location(s): South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Stantec has multiple offices across Australia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves facilitating design coordination and review meetings, suggesting an office space that supports team collaboration and client interactions.

• Technology & Tools: Access to Stantec's established engineering software, project management systems, and communication platforms will be essential for coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and client engagement.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with other senior leaders, project managers, and specialist engineers within the Water Division.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, but with genuine flexible working arrangements offered, candidates may have some ability to adjust their schedule. The critical factor will be meeting project deadlines and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment acknowledges the need for both focused individual work and collaborative team interaction, common in senior design management roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and qualifications to assess suitability against core requirements (experience, RPEQ/CPEng).

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion of past projects, technical expertise in water/wastewater design, project management methodologies, and leadership approach. This may involve case study-style questions.

• Leadership & Client Focus Interview: Assessment of leadership style, client relationship management skills, business development acumen, and strategic thinking.

• Team Fit/Cultural Interview: Discussion to ensure alignment with Stantec's values and collaborative working style.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to confirm suitability for the Principal level.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project discussed, be prepared to present specific metrics related to budget adherence, schedule delivery, quality improvements, cost savings, or client satisfaction.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, leadership decisions, and problem-solving actions, especially in managing multidisciplinary teams and resolving complex technical challenges.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your structured approach to design management, team coordination, client engagement, and proposal development.

• Highlight D&C Experience: Be ready to detail your experience with Design & Construct projects, including challenges and successes in this delivery model.

• Showcase Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss technical aspects of water and wastewater projects, demonstrating advanced knowledge and innovative thinking.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions asking how you would handle specific project challenges, such as scope creep, inter-disciplinary conflicts, client disputes, or tight deadlines.

• Technical Problem-Solving: You may be asked to walk through the process of solving a complex technical issue related to water or wastewater design.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you motivate teams, manage underperformance, and foster a collaborative work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio submission" might not be required, candidates must be prepared to present robust evidence of their experience and capabilities through detailed discussions and project examples during the interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with industry-standard project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar) for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with common CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and potentially specialized water/wastewater modeling and design software (e.g., Bentley WaterGEMS, HEC-RAS, Innovyze InfoWorks).

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or other enterprise collaboration suites for communication and document sharing.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing project documentation, specifications, and drawings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret project status reports, financial reports, and performance dashboards.

• Data Analysis: Competence in analyzing project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how client relationship management is tracked and utilized within Stantec's systems could be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with concepts of process automation in design or project management workflows to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific software proficiency is not detailed, but a strong command of standard engineering design, project management, and collaboration tools is implicitly required for a Principal Design Manager role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People-Oriented: Stantec emphasizes its people and fostering a positive, supportive work environment, evidenced by their extensive benefits.

• Integrity: A commitment to ethical conduct and delivering on promises to clients and stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Working together across disciplines and geographies to achieve common goals.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs to deliver exceptional value.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions and forward-thinking approaches to engineering challenges.

• Sustainability: A commitment to environmental responsibility and designing solutions that benefit communities and the planet.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with various engineering disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, process) and potentially environmental scientists, project managers, and construction teams.

• Client Engagement: A consultative and partnership-oriented approach to working with clients and stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices and lessons learned to enhance overall team capability.

• Proactive Communication: Regular communication through meetings, reports, and digital platforms to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec's stated values and collaborative approach suggest a work environment where teamwork, professional development, and client satisfaction are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs of multiple clients, internal teams, and regulatory bodies on large infrastructure projects.

• Navigating Regulatory Environments: Ensuring compliance with Queensland's specific engineering standards and RPEQ requirements.

• Driving Innovation in Mature Sectors: Introducing new technologies or methodologies into established water and wastewater design processes.

• Resource Management: Effectively allocating and managing multidisciplinary teams and subcontractors, especially on fast-paced projects.

• Maintaining Project Profitability: Balancing technical quality and client satisfaction with project financial targets in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops in water/wastewater engineering, design innovation, and project delivery techniques.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in key water industry events to stay abreast of trends and build professional networks.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining insights into other engineering fields within Stantec to broaden understanding of integrated project delivery.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from senior leaders within Stantec or mentoring junior professionals to develop leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in major infrastructure consulting, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Approach: "Describe your process for leading the design of a large-scale wastewater treatment plant upgrade. How do you ensure integration across disciplines and client alignment?" (Focus on structured process, risk management, stakeholder engagement).

• Leadership & Team Management: "How do you motivate a multidisciplinary engineering team to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines? Provide an example of a time you resolved a conflict within your team." (Highlight communication, delegation, conflict resolution strategies).

• Client Engagement & Business Development: "How do you build trust and long-term relationships with key utility clients? Describe your experience in contributing to winning proposals for significant infrastructure projects." (Emphasize understanding client business, value proposition, proposal contribution).

• Problem Solving & D&C: "Walk me through a challenging technical or contractual issue you faced on a D&C project and how you resolved it. What was the outcome?" (Focus on analytical skills, negotiation, proactive problem-solving).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Stantec's work in the Australian water sector, and why are you interested in this Principal Design Manager role?" (Research Stantec's recent projects, values, and align your motivations).

• "How do you see your leadership style fitting with Stantec's collaborative culture?" (Refer to Stantec's values and provide examples of your collaborative approach).

• "How would you contribute to developing Stantec's project delivery expertise in Queensland?" (Discuss your experience, mentorship potential, and commitment to continuous improvement). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Examples: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for each project example you present verbally.

• Quantify Your Impact: For each project, clearly state the scale, budget, key challenges, your specific role and actions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, technical innovations).

• Focus on Leadership & Technical Acumen: Ensure your examples highlight your ability to lead teams, make critical technical decisions, and manage complex project parameters.

• Discuss Process: Be prepared to explain the methodologies and systems you employ in design management, team coordination, and client communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific, detailed examples from their career that directly address the responsibilities and qualifications outlined, demonstrating both technical depth and leadership capability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Design Manager position:

• Submit your most recent CV outlining your relevant experience by following the apply link on the Stantec careers portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights your 10+ years of experience in water infrastructure engineering, leadership roles, D&C project experience, and any mention of CPEng/RPEQ qualifications. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Project Examples: Identify 2-3 key projects that best showcase your design management, team leadership, and client engagement skills. Be ready to discuss these in detail using the STAR method.

• Research Stantec: Familiarize yourself with Stantec's Australian Water team's projects, company values, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

• Review RPEQ/CPEng Requirements: Ensure you meet or can readily obtain these crucial Queensland professional engineering certifications.

⚠️ 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.