Project and Design Manager, Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project and Design Manager, Water

Company: Aurecon

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Water Infrastructure Project & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-07-31

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of diverse water and wastewater infrastructure projects, encompassing planning, design, construction, and commissioning phases, with a strong emphasis on process optimization and efficient project execution.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams, including civil, mechanical, and process specialists, to ensure successful project outcomes for both sustaining capital and utility projects.

• Drive strategic client relationship management, deeply understanding their challenges to develop and implement practical, innovative, and sustainable engineering solutions that align with business objectives.

• Ensure rigorous project governance by effectively managing scope, programme timelines, budget constraints, and stakeholder expectations, leveraging data-driven insights for informed decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Project and Design Manager within the Water sector, indicating a need for a blend of technical engineering acumen and robust project management capabilities. The emphasis on "delivering a portfolio" and managing "scope, programme, budget, and stakeholder expectations" points towards a Revenue Operations and GTM alignment, where efficient project delivery directly impacts client satisfaction and revenue realization through successful project completion. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills, crucial for remote operations professionals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the successful delivery of a portfolio of water and wastewater infrastructure projects from initial concept and planning through design, construction, and final commissioning, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and environmental standards.

• Orchestrate the collaboration of multidisciplinary technical teams, comprising civil, mechanical, process engineers, and other specialists, to deliver integrated solutions for various asset classes, including complex network systems, pipelines, pump stations, and treatment facilities.

• Proactively manage project constraints, including scope definition, schedule adherence, budget control, and risk mitigation, to achieve defined project milestones and financial objectives.

• Cultivate and nurture strong, long-term client relationships by demonstrating a deep understanding of their operational challenges and business goals, translating these into actionable, innovative, and sustainable engineering and design solutions.

• Collaborate closely with technical subject matter experts and design specialists to ensure the delivery of high-quality, value-engineered outcomes that meet and exceed client expectations and community needs.

• Support business development initiatives by identifying opportunities for Aurecon to add value to existing and new clients, contributing to the growth of the Water business unit.

• Ensure comprehensive project documentation, including design reports, progress updates, and financial statements, is maintained accurately and accessible for internal and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong project lifecycle management component, directly relevant to operations roles focused on delivery and execution. The mention of "sustaining capital and utility projects" suggests a need for experience in managing ongoing operational needs as well as new infrastructure development, requiring a strategic approach to resource allocation and process optimization within project frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a closely related Engineering discipline. Experience:

• Approximately 7+ years of progressive experience within the water or resources industry, with a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects or managing brownfields developments.

• Demonstrated experience in project management across one or more key stages of the project lifecycle, from initiation and planning to execution and closure.

• Experience working within a consultancy environment or in a client-side project delivery capacity is preferred, offering insights into diverse project delivery models. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Project Management methodologies, including scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and quality assurance.

• Strong Design Management capabilities, with the ability to oversee and integrate designs from multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Deep understanding of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure principles, including networks, pipelines, pump stations, and treatment facilities.

• Excellent Stakeholder Engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and manage expectations across diverse client groups and internal teams.

• Proven ability to coordinate and lead Multidisciplinary Teams, fostering collaboration and driving collective project success.

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to identify client needs and develop innovative, value-adding solutions.

• Experience in Budget Management and financial oversight for capital projects.

• Proficiency in Scope Management to ensure project deliverables align with client requirements and contractual obligations.

• Strong Client Relationship Management skills, focused on building trust and long-term partnerships. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Construction Management and oversight.

• Knowledge of Commissioning processes for water and wastewater assets.

• Familiarity with Infrastructure Planning and feasibility studies.

• Experience with contract administration and procurement processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering expertise and project leadership. For operations professionals, this translates to needing strong analytical skills for data interpretation, process mapping for workflow improvements, and strategic planning capabilities to align project delivery with broader business objectives. The preference for consultancy or client-side experience suggests an understanding of client-centric operations and service delivery models.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful delivery of complex water or wastewater infrastructure projects, highlighting your specific role and contributions to project success.

• Include case studies that illustrate your project management approach, detailing how you managed scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder expectations to achieve project objectives.

• Present examples of how you have coordinated multidisciplinary teams, showcasing your ability to integrate diverse technical inputs into cohesive project plans and deliverables.

• Provide evidence of your ability to develop and implement innovative or sustainable solutions, detailing the problem, your approach, and the measurable outcomes achieved. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your ability to document and optimize project workflows, from initial planning and design phases through to construction and commissioning, emphasizing efficiency and risk mitigation.

• Include examples of process improvements you have implemented that led to tangible benefits, such as cost savings, schedule acceleration, or enhanced quality outcomes.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with project management systems and tools used for tracking progress, managing resources, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs).

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio demonstrating process optimization, efficiency gains, and successful project execution is critical. This section emphasizes the need to showcase not just project completion, but the underlying processes and management strategies that led to success, aligning with the data-driven and analytical nature of operations functions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Project and Design Managers with 7+ years of experience in Perth, Australia, a competitive salary range is estimated between AUD $120,000 - $170,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in Perth, the specialized nature of the water industry, and Aurecon's standing as a leading engineering consultancy. Benefits:

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Opportunities for hybrid work, allowing for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work flexibility.

• Professional Development Support: Access to training programs, workshops, and potential sponsorship for further certifications or advanced studies to enhance technical and leadership skills.

• Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs: Support for employee well-being, potentially including health insurance, wellness initiatives, and mental health resources.

• Career Advancement Opportunities: Clear pathways for career progression within Aurecon, with opportunities to take on larger projects and leadership roles.

• Superannuation Contributions: Standard Australian superannuation contributions as per legislative requirements.

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

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered in terms of start and end times to accommodate project demands and personal needs, aligning with the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on Australian market data for similar roles and experience levels in major cities. Benefits are inferred from typical offerings for large engineering consultancies and the explicit mention of flexible working and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy, Infrastructure Development, Water Sector. Aurecon operates within the global infrastructure and engineering services sector, specializing in complex projects that address societal and environmental challenges. Their focus on water infrastructure positions them at the forefront of addressing water security, management, and sustainability issues.

Company Size: Over 6,000 employees across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. This large global presence signifies a well-established organization with robust internal processes, diverse project opportunities, and a structured career development framework.

Founded: Aurecon was formed in 2009 through the merger of Australian firm Connell Wagner and South African firm Van der Walt, later acquiring Singapore-based CPG Consultants. This history points to a company built on diverse expertise and a commitment to growth and integration.

Team Structure:

• The Water Team likely comprises a mix of technical specialists (engineers across disciplines), project managers, designers, and support staff, fostering a collaborative environment for complex problem-solving.

• Reporting structures are likely to be project-based, with Project Managers reporting to Project Directors or Sector Leads, and technical specialists reporting to their respective discipline leads or Project Managers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with Project and Design Managers working closely with bid teams, technical experts, construction partners, and client representatives to ensure integrated project delivery. Methodology:

• Aurecon emphasizes a data-driven approach to engineering, utilizing advanced analytics and digital tools to inform design decisions and optimize project performance.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to their project delivery, focusing on efficiency, risk mitigation, and value engineering throughout the project lifecycle.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into their project management and design processes, leveraging technology for enhanced productivity and accuracy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a professional, structured environment with a strong emphasis on technical excellence and client-centric solutions. For operations professionals, this implies a need for adherence to established processes, a data-driven mindset, and strong collaboration skills to navigate complex project structures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within project and design management, requiring a blend of technical depth and leadership experience. It's a crucial step for individuals looking to manage significant project portfolios and influence strategic client engagements.

Reporting Structure: The individual will likely report to a Senior Project Manager, Project Director, or a Sector Lead within the Water business unit. They will, in turn, manage and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, including engineers, designers, and potentially site personnel.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on Aurecon's revenue through the successful delivery of client projects, client satisfaction, and repeat business. Effective project management ensures profitability, timely completion, and adherence to client objectives, all of which are critical for operational and financial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership Advancement: Progression to Senior Project Manager, Project Director, or Program Manager roles, responsible for larger, more complex, or multiple concurrent projects and programs.

• Technical Specialization or Broadening: Opportunity to deepen expertise within specific water infrastructure domains (e.g., advanced treatment technologies, desalination) or broaden experience across other infrastructure sectors.

• Client Relationship Management & Business Development: Developing into roles focused on strategic client account management, business development, and securing new project opportunities.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and project managers, contributing to the development of Aurecon's talent pool.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis highlights the potential for significant career growth, emphasizing the transferable skills in project management, client relations, and technical coordination that are valuable across various operations and leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This typically involves a combination of working from a central Aurecon office location in Perth and working remotely. The office provides a base for collaborative meetings, team gatherings, and access to shared resources.

Office Location(s): Perth, Western Australia. Specific office details would be provided during the interview process, but it's expected to be a professional, modern office space designed to support collaborative work.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, encouraging interaction between project teams and across different engineering disciplines. This facilitates knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

• Access to necessary operational tools and technology, including project management software, design platforms, communication tools, and potentially advanced simulation or modeling software, will be available.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, technical specialists, and leadership will be present, supporting a dynamic work environment focused on project delivery. Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the hybrid nature and project-driven demands may require flexibility. The emphasis is on achieving project outcomes rather than strict adherence to office hours, allowing for effective management of project timelines and personal work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment underscores the need for strong organizational skills, effective digital communication, and self-discipline, traits highly valued in operations roles that often involve managing distributed teams or working autonomously.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, focusing on alignment with the core requirements and experience outlined.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with a hiring manager or senior technical lead to assess your engineering background, project management experience, and understanding of water infrastructure challenges. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Skills-Based Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a practical exercise or case study related to project planning, design coordination, or problem-solving in a water infrastructure context. This assesses your analytical and strategic thinking.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and discuss your collaboration style, work ethic, and how you align with Aurecon's values and culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations, strategic contributions, and final alignment with the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in project management, design leadership, and successful delivery within the water sector.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and actions, the methodologies or processes you employed, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule improvements, technical innovations, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Process Optimization: Showcase instances where you improved project workflows, implemented new technologies, or resolved complex technical or logistical issues. Quantify these improvements where possible.

• Prepare for Detailed Discussion: Be ready to walk through your portfolio items, explaining your decision-making process, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Anticipate detailed questions about technical aspects and project management strategies.

• Tailor to Aurecon: If possible, align your portfolio examples with the types of projects Aurecon undertakes and the company's stated values (e.g., sustainability, innovation).

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Aurecon's recent projects and company news to understand their current focus areas and strategic direction.

• Brush up on key concepts in water and wastewater engineering, project management best practices, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), especially when discussing past projects and problem-solving scenarios.

• Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, projects, challenges, and growth opportunities within Aurecon's Water division.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete advice for operations candidates to prepare for interviews, emphasizing the importance of a well-structured portfolio that showcases process management and quantifiable results, crucial for demonstrating operational proficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D), BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms (e.g., Revit), and potentially specialized hydraulic modeling software (e.g., EPANET, InfoWorks WS).

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual meeting facilitation, essential for a hybrid work environment.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise content management systems for organizing and accessing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools for data visualization and analysis, such as Microsoft Excel (advanced functions), Power BI, or Tableau, to interpret project performance data and generate insights.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in creating project status reports, financial summaries, and performance dashboards for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how project data integrates with client relationship management systems might be beneficial.

• Familiarity with basic workflow automation concepts or tools that streamline project administrative tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This highlights the technological environment. Operations professionals should be adept at leveraging these tools for efficiency, data analysis, and streamlined project execution, demonstrating a capacity for digital transformation within project delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work with ethical standards, ensuring technical rigor and client trust.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a collaborative environment where team members support each other to achieve common goals.

• Innovation and Sustainability: A drive to find creative, forward-thinking solutions that are environmentally responsible and contribute to long-term community benefit.

• Client Focus: A dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building strong relationships based on reliability and value delivery.

• Safety First: An unwavering commitment to the health and safety of employees, clients, and the public in all operations and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Aurecon promotes a proactive and open collaboration style, encouraging team members to share ideas, provide constructive feedback, and work together to overcome challenges.

• Cross-functional integration is key, requiring Project and Design Managers to effectively communicate and partner with technical specialists, commercial teams, and client representatives.

• A culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing is fostered, where lessons learned from projects are captured and applied to future endeavors.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these values is crucial for operations professionals to demonstrate cultural fit and align their work approach with Aurecon's operational philosophy and strategic objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and priorities of various clients, regulatory bodies, and internal teams on complex infrastructure projects.

• Navigating Project Complexity: Addressing technical challenges, unforeseen site conditions, and evolving project requirements in water and wastewater systems.

• Driving Innovation in Traditional Sectors: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and sustainable practices within the often-conservative water industry.

• Maintaining Project Profitability: Ensuring projects remain within budget while delivering high-quality outcomes, especially in competitive bidding environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities for training in specialized areas of water engineering, digital design tools, or sustainability practices.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to leadership training and mentorship to prepare for higher-level management and strategic roles.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in water industry conferences, workshops, and professional development events to stay abreast of best practices and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying these challenges and growth opportunities allows operations candidates to frame their experience and aspirations effectively, demonstrating foresight and a commitment to continuous professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex water infrastructure project you managed from design through to commissioning. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on your project management process, problem-solving, and results).

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication within a multidisciplinary project team, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Highlight your communication strategies, team coordination techniques, and use of collaboration tools).

• "Walk me through a situation where you had to manage conflicting stakeholder expectations on a project. What was your approach, and what was the resolution?" (Demonstrate your stakeholder management and negotiation skills).

• "How do you approach identifying and mitigating risks in large-scale infrastructure projects?" (Showcase your risk assessment framework and proactive management strategies). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Aurecon and specifically our Water business unit?" (Research Aurecon's recent projects, values, and sustainability initiatives).

• "How do you align with Aurecon's values of innovation and sustainability in your project delivery approach?" (Provide specific examples of how you've incorporated these principles).

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic." (Emphasize collaboration, mutual support, and a results-oriented approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, use a clear narrative: Project Overview, Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Your Actions & Strategies (Processes, Tools, Teamwork), Measurable Results (Quantify impacts on scope, budget, schedule, quality, client satisfaction), and Lessons Learned.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the value you brought to projects (e.g., X% budget savings, Y% schedule acceleration, Z reduction in design errors).

• Highlight Process Expertise: Explicitly discuss the project management methodologies, design coordination processes, and any optimization efforts you implemented.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about the technical aspects of your projects, your decision-making rationale, and your understanding of water infrastructure systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This preparation guide focuses on demonstrating operational competence through structured storytelling, data-driven results, and a clear understanding of project management processes, which are key indicators of success in operations roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project and Design Manager, Water position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Aurecon careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in project management, design coordination, water infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize quantifiable achievements related to scope, budget, and schedule management.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best showcase your capabilities in managing water infrastructure projects from design through to commissioning. Ensure each case study clearly outlines challenges, your actions, implemented processes, and measurable results.

• Research Aurecon: Familiarize yourself with Aurecon's work in the water sector, their company values, recent projects, and their approach to sustainability and innovation. This will enable you to articulate your interest and alignment effectively.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your project experience using the STAR method and be ready to articulate your project management philosophy, your approach to team leadership, and how you ensure efficient and successful project delivery.

⚠️ 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.