Project Manager / Design Manager - Transport

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Manager / Design Manager - Transport

Company: Mott MacDonald

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Project Management / Design Management (Transport Infrastructure)

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the full lifecycle of complex highway and road infrastructure projects from planning and design through to construction and close-out.

• Drive technical excellence in design management and delivery within the Roads and Highways team, contributing to the growth of the broader transport sector.

• Oversee strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and contract management to ensure projects align with scope, budget, and quality objectives.

• Manage multidisciplinary teams across civil, structural, geotechnical, and digital engineering disciplines, fostering collaborative delivery.

• Leverage digital engineering tools and BIM platforms to manage design data, workflows, and deliverables effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior Project Manager with a strong emphasis on Design Management within the transport infrastructure sector. The focus on "Iconic Australian projects" and "growing our design management offering" suggests a strategic role with significant impact and potential for leadership expansion. The "Highways Alliance and Design & Construct market" context indicates a need for experience in collaborative contracting models.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete project lifecycle for highways and roads, encompassing strategic planning, detailed design, procurement, construction phases, and final project close-out.

• Actively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams, to ensure project alignment, facilitate timely decision-making, and manage expectations.

• Administer project contracts, effectively manage compensation events, and maintain rigorous commercial reporting and budget control throughout the project duration.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules, utilizing tools such as Primavera P6, to ensure critical milestones are met, potential risks are proactively identified, and mitigation strategies are implemented.

• Ensure strict adherence to all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, maintaining Mott MacDonald's commitment to governance and compliance.

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including civil, structural, geotechnical, and digital engineering specialists, to ensure seamless and collaborative project delivery.

• Implement continuous improvement initiatives by applying lessons learned from past projects to refine planning, execution, and governance processes.

• Utilize digital engineering tools, including ProjectWise and BIM platforms, to interrogate, manage, and optimize digital design data, workflows, and project deliverables.

• Mentor and develop junior engineers, contributing to capability building through structured programs like the Highways Academy and internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.

• Drive multi-disciplinary design coordination and project management excellence, ensuring high-quality outputs and efficient processes.

• Uphold diligent quality assurance practices, including strategic team selection, competency management, and precise allocation and verification of design requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional project management duties with a significant focus on design leadership, digital engineering integration, and team development within the context of large-scale highway projects. The emphasis on "quality project delivery" and "embedding technical excellence" points to a role where process rigor and high standards are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the delivery of Transport infrastructure engineering, specifically focusing on design for construction contractors, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), or Alliances.

• Demonstrated success in managing complex design interfaces and leading multidisciplinary teams on challenging infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with key client and stakeholder requirements, including stage gate processes, comment resolution, and ensuring appropriate levels of design maturity throughout project phases.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Comprehensive understanding of project lifecycle management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and close-out.

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing and coordinating design processes, ensuring technical integrity, and managing design interfaces.

• Highways Design & Construction: In-depth knowledge of civil, road, and highway design principles and construction methodologies.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, government bodies, and internal teams.

• Contract Management: Experience in administering contracts, managing variations, and ensuring commercial compliance.

• Primavera P6: Proficiency in using Primavera P6 for detailed project scheduling, progress tracking, and risk management.

• Digital Engineering & BIM: Familiarity with digital engineering workflows, BIM platforms, and tools like ProjectWise for design data management.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate diverse technical teams towards common project goals.

• Quality Assurance: A meticulous approach to quality control and assurance processes in design and delivery.

Preferred Skills:

• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of commercial reporting, budget control, and financial oversight for large infrastructure projects.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of project risks.

• Negotiation Skills: Excellent negotiation capabilities for client and contractor interactions.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven track record of fostering strong, long-term client relationships.

• PPP/Alliance Contracting: Specific experience with the nuances of PPP and Design & Construct contracting models.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and specific industry context (contractors, PPPs, Alliances) are crucial. Candidates should highlight project experience that demonstrates their ability to manage complex interfaces and lead diverse teams, particularly within the Australian transport sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant highway or transport infrastructure projects managed from inception to completion, detailing your specific role, challenges overcome, and project outcomes.

• Design Management Examples: Provide evidence of how you have managed complex design interfaces, coordinated multidisciplinary design teams, and ensured design quality and constructability.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Include examples of successful stakeholder engagement strategies, particularly in managing client expectations, resolving conflicts, and achieving consensus on critical project decisions.

• Contract Management & Commercial Reporting: Present samples or descriptions of contract administration processes, compensation event management, and commercial reporting frameworks you have implemented or utilized.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Detail instances where you identified inefficiencies in project delivery or design processes and implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements in time, cost, or quality.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate your ability to map out existing project workflows, identify bottlenecks, and design optimized processes for design coordination, project planning, and execution.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you have implemented new processes or leveraged technology (e.g., BIM, ProjectWise) to streamline project delivery and enhance efficiency.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase your approach to defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for projects and design processes, and how you analyze data to report on progress, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that not only describe projects but also quantify their impact, highlighting specific contributions to project success, cost savings, schedule adherence, and quality improvements. Demonstrating proficiency with digital tools integrated into project workflows will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: AUD $160,000 - $220,000 per annum (base salary).

• Explanation: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior Project Manager/Design Manager roles in the transport infrastructure sector in Sydney, Australia, considering the 10+ years of experience required, the complexity of projects managed by Mott MacDonald, and the current market demand for such specialized skills. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Agile Working Environment: Support for flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Insurance: Coverage including Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, and Salary Continuance Insurance.

• Employee Resource Groups: Access to networks such as the Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility groups, and others, fostering community and support.

• Health & Wellness: Annual Health Checks provided to support employee well-being.

• Professional Development: Ongoing opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth, including training programs and potential for certifications.

• Career Advancement: Potential for career progression within a global engineering consultancy.

Working Hours:

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

• The role operates within an agile and hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility in work location and schedule, subject to project and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for the Sydney market for this level of expertise in the specified industry. Actual compensation will be determined by Mott MacDonald based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the precise nature of the role within their project portfolio. The benefits package emphasizes work-life balance and professional growth, which are strong attractors for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Management, and Development Consultancy (primarily focused on infrastructure, transport, water, energy, and buildings).

Company Size: Mott MacDonald is a large, global employee-owned organization, with thousands of employees worldwide. This scale provides access to a vast pool of expertise and resources.

Founded: Mott MacDonald was formed in 1989 through the merger of Mott, Hay and Anderson and Sir M MacDonald & Partners. This long history indicates stability and deep-rooted industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• Roads and Highways Team: A specialized unit within Mott MacDonald's broader transport division, focused on delivering complex road and highway infrastructure projects.

• Design & Construct Market Focus: The team is actively growing its presence in the Australian market, particularly in Design & Construct and Alliance contract models, indicating a collaborative and integrated approach to project delivery.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with a wide array of technical disciplines, including civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, and digital engineering specialists.

• Reporting: The Project Manager/Design Manager will likely report to a senior divisional leader or a program director, with direct responsibility for managing project teams and reporting on project performance.

Methodology:

• Technical Excellence: A core value, emphasizing high standards in engineering design, project delivery, and problem-solving.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and analytics to inform project planning, risk assessment, and performance monitoring.

• Integrated Project Delivery: Emphasis on collaborative approaches, particularly within Alliance and Design & Construct frameworks, to achieve optimal project outcomes.

• Digital Engineering Integration: Proactive use of BIM, ProjectWise, and other digital tools to enhance design coordination, collaboration, and information management.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of learning from experience, refining processes, and sharing best practices across projects and teams.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's employee-owned structure often fosters a culture of shared responsibility and commitment to long-term success. The company's global reach means this role is part of a larger network, offering opportunities for knowledge exchange and exposure to diverse project types and challenges. The specific focus on growing the Design & Construct and Alliance market in Australia suggests a dynamic and expansion-oriented segment of the business.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level role, positioned as a Project Manager with a strong Design Management component. It signifies a career stage where individuals are expected to lead significant projects independently, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and contribute to the strategic growth of the business unit.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director or Senior Manager within the Roads and Highways or Transport division. The individual will be responsible for leading project teams, which may include other project managers, design leads, and technical specialists.

Operations Impact: The Project Manager/Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on the successful delivery of critical transport infrastructure projects. Their leadership influences project outcomes related to schedule, budget, quality, safety, and client satisfaction, thereby directly contributing to Mott MacDonald's reputation and revenue generation in the Australian market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead larger, more complex, or multiple concurrent projects, and to step into Program Management roles.

• Design Management Specialization: Deepen expertise in design leadership, potentially becoming a recognized authority in specific areas of highway design or digital engineering within the company.

• Business Development: Contribute to winning new projects by leveraging project experience and client relationships, potentially moving into client relationship management or business development roles.

• Mentorship and Capability Building: Play a key role in developing junior talent, shaping the future of the operations team, and contributing to Mott MacDonald's internal knowledge base and training programs.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or transfer to other Mott MacDonald offices, leveraging global expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "shaping and grow our design management offering" and "support growth within our wider transport team" indicates a significant opportunity for career advancement and influence beyond day-to-day project management. This role is a stepping stone to more strategic leadership positions within Mott MacDonald's transport division.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mott MacDonald likely operates modern, professional office spaces designed to support both focused individual work and collaborative team activities. Given the "Hybrid" work arrangement, the office serves as a hub for team meetings, client interactions, and collaborative design sessions.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Mott MacDonald has multiple offices globally, but this role is based in Sydney. Specific office details would be confirmed upon offer, but expect facilities supporting engineering and project management functions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to facilitate interaction among multidisciplinary teams, encouraging knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

• Technology Enabled: Access to advanced software, hardware, and digital platforms (e.g., BIM, ProjectWise, Primavera P6) is expected to support efficient project execution.

• Professional Setting: A formal yet supportive environment where industry best practices and client needs are prioritized. Opportunities to connect with peers and senior leaders for guidance and collaboration.

• Hybrid Model Integration: The workplace culture supports a blend of in-office and remote work, requiring effective communication and collaboration tools to maintain team cohesion and productivity across different locations.

Work Schedule:

• Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility is a key aspect of the hybrid model, allowing individuals to manage their schedules effectively, balancing project deadlines with personal needs. This flexibility requires strong self-discipline and communication to ensure project continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid environment at Mott MacDonald is designed to balance the need for face-to-face collaboration and team cohesion with the benefits of remote work flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable with a structured yet adaptable work schedule and possess strong remote collaboration skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume by the recruitment team to assess alignment with the core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, technical skills, project management approach, and leadership style, focusing on your suitability for the Project Manager/Design Manager role.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: This may involve a technical interview, a presentation of a portfolio case study, or a problem-solving exercise related to highway design or project management challenges. This stage assesses your practical application of skills.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members or key stakeholders, evaluating your cultural fit, collaboration skills, and ability to integrate with the existing team.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, often with senior leadership, to confirm suitability and extend an offer of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project presented, clearly articulate your role and quantify your contributions using metrics (e.g., budget managed, schedule adherence, cost savings, risk reduction percentages, client satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Design Management: Specifically showcase your experience in managing design processes, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, navigating design interfaces, and ensuring technical quality.

• Demonstrate Process Improvement: Provide concrete examples of how you have identified process gaps and implemented solutions that led to tangible improvements in efficiency, quality, or cost-effectiveness.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or competency. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and impactful visuals (diagrams, charts) where appropriate.

• Tailor to Mott MacDonald: Research Mott MacDonald's current projects and strategic focus in Australia. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to demonstrate how you can contribute to their specific goals, especially in the Design & Construct and Alliance market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions that present hypothetical project scenarios and ask how you would approach them, focusing on your problem-solving methodology, risk assessment, and stakeholder management strategies.

• Process Optimization: Anticipate questions about how you would improve design coordination, streamline project delivery, or enhance collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.

• Digital Engineering Integration: Practice explaining how you have used or would use tools like BIM and ProjectWise to manage design data, improve collaboration, and ensure quality.

• Leadership & Team Management: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you motivate teams, and how you handle performance issues or conflicts within a project team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely emphasize practical application of skills and experience. Candidates should be ready to articulate their methodologies for project and design management, supported by specific examples from their portfolio. Demonstrating an understanding of Mott MacDonald's values and strategic direction will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Primavera P6: Essential for detailed project scheduling, resource management, and progress tracking on complex infrastructure projects. Proficiency in developing and maintaining robust schedules is expected.

• ProjectWise: A document management and collaboration system used for managing project information, workflows, and deliverables. Familiarity with its administrative or user functionalities is key.

• BIM Platforms (e.g., Revit, Navisworks): Experience with Building Information Modeling tools for design coordination, clash detection, visualization, and data integration.

• Microsoft Project / Other Scheduling Software: While Primavera P6 is specified, familiarity with other project management and scheduling tools is often beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial tracking, reporting, and creating custom dashboards.

• Power BI / Tableau (or similar BI tools): Experience in creating interactive dashboards and reports to visualize project performance, KPIs, and key insights for stakeholders.

• Internal Reporting Systems: Familiarity with Mott MacDonald's proprietary reporting tools or templates for project status, financial performance, and risk management.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, understanding principles of CRM is valuable for stakeholder engagement and client management.

• Project Management Information Systems (PMIS): General understanding of integrated systems that manage project data, communication, and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specific industry-standard software like Primavera P6 and ProjectWise is critical. The role also requires strong analytical skills, likely involving the use of Microsoft Excel and potentially business intelligence tools for reporting and performance analysis. Experience with BIM is increasingly standard for modern infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work, technically sound designs, and efficient project outcomes.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and honesty in all dealings with clients, stakeholders, and team members.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse skills and perspectives are valued and integrated for collective success.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve project delivery and outcomes.

• Sustainability: Integrating sustainable practices into project design and delivery, aligning with global environmental responsibility.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction through proactive engagement, responsive communication, and delivering on project commitments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between design disciplines, project management, commercial teams, and external partners.

• Open Communication: Promoting an environment where feedback is openly shared, challenges are discussed transparently, and solutions are collaboratively developed.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in and contributing to internal knowledge-sharing platforms and forums to disseminate best practices and lessons learned.

• Partnership Approach: Working closely with clients and contractors in Alliance or Design & Construct models, fostering a true partnership to achieve shared project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mott MacDonald's culture emphasizes a blend of technical expertise, collaborative teamwork, and a strong ethical foundation. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their professional conduct and project management approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Navigating the diverse interests and expectations of clients, government bodies, contractors, and the public on large infrastructure projects.

• Integration of Design and Construction: Effectively bridging the gap between design intent and construction realities, particularly within Design & Construct and Alliance contracts, to prevent delays and cost overruns.

• Digital Transformation Adoption: Ensuring effective adoption and utilization of digital engineering tools (BIM, ProjectWise) across all project phases and among diverse team members.

• Risk Management in Dynamic Environments: Proactively identifying and mitigating risks inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects, which can be subject to unforeseen ground conditions, regulatory changes, or market fluctuations.

• Balancing Project Demands with Work-Life Integration: Effectively managing demanding project schedules while maintaining personal well-being within a hybrid work model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Techniques: Access to training on cutting-edge project management methodologies and tools.

• Specialized Design Management Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of highway design, digital engineering workflows, or contract administration.

• Leadership Development Programs: Structured programs designed to enhance leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and business acumen.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Support for attending relevant industry events to stay abreast of trends, network with peers, and gain new insights.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Mott MacDonald and to mentor junior engineers, fostering personal and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a leading consultancy. Candidates should view these challenges as avenues for developing advanced skills in project leadership, stakeholder management, and digital integration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Leadership & Delivery: "Describe a complex highway project you managed from design through to construction. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on your approach to planning, risk management, and team leadership).

• Design Management & Coordination: "How do you ensure effective coordination and integration among multidisciplinary design teams (civil, structural, geotechnical, digital)? Provide an example of a complex design interface you managed." (Highlight your understanding of design processes and collaboration tools).

• Stakeholder Management: "Walk me through a situation where you had to manage conflicting stakeholder interests on a major infrastructure project. What was your strategy, and how did you achieve a resolution?" (Emphasize negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills).

• Commercial & Contractual Acumen: "How do you approach contract administration and compensation event management on projects? What are the key elements of effective commercial reporting for large infrastructure works?" (Demonstrate your understanding of project finance and contractual obligations).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mott MacDonald's Values: "How do you see your professional values aligning with Mott MacDonald's commitment to technical excellence, integrity, and collaboration?" (Research the company's values and prepare specific examples).

• Hybrid Work Environment: "How do you ensure effective team collaboration and productivity in a hybrid work setting?" (Discuss your strategies for communication, remote team management, and maintaining team cohesion).

• Industry Trends: "What are the most significant trends you see impacting the transport infrastructure sector in Australia, and how do you stay current with them?" (Showcase your industry awareness and commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: Structure your case study presentations using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear, concise, and impactful narratives.

• Quantify Your Impact: For each project, clearly state the scale of the project (budget, scope), your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took, and the measurable results achieved (e.g., schedule savings, cost efficiencies, quality improvements).

• Focus on Design Management: Dedicate specific slides or sections to your design management contributions, illustrating how you managed interfaces, coordinated disciplines, and ensured design quality.

• Tool Proficiency: If relevant, briefly demonstrate how you utilized specific tools (Primavera P6, ProjectWise, BIM) to achieve project objectives or improve processes.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Prepare a presentation that is visually appealing, easy to follow, and respects the allocated time. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your contributions and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong track record in managing complex projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, and applying sound design management principles. Candidates should be ready to articulate their methodologies and back them up with specific, quantifiable examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Manager / Design Manager - Transport position:

• Submit your application through the Mott MacDonald careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to highway project management, design management, contract administration, and working within contractor, PPP, or Alliance environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key project case studies that best showcase your capabilities in managing complex transport infrastructure projects, emphasizing your role in design leadership, stakeholder engagement, and successful delivery. Quantify your achievements.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies using the STAR method, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and highlighting your specific contributions and the results achieved.

• Research Mott MacDonald: Familiarize yourself with Mott MacDonald's recent projects, values, and strategic direction, particularly their work in the Australian transport sector and their approach to collaborative contracting.

⚠️ 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.