Roads & Highways Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Roads & Highways Design Manager

Company: AECOM

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Transportation Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-05

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design management and delivery of complex multidisciplinary highways and road infrastructure projects across Western Australia and ANZ.

• Manage and coordinate diverse design teams, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to project scope, program, and commercial objectives.

• Serve as a key client interface, fostering strong relationships with Main Roads WA and other critical transport infrastructure stakeholders.

• Drive collaborative efforts across local, interstate, and global AECOM teams to achieve successful project outcomes.

• Contribute to business development, strategic pursuits, and the overall growth of AECOM's Highways business within the WA market.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within AECOM's Transportation Business Line, specifically focusing on Highways. The emphasis on Main Roads WA and broader ANZ projects indicates a significant regional operational scope. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with managing multidisciplinary teams and client interface, suggests a role that bridges technical design oversight with project execution and commercial accountability, typical of senior operations within engineering consultancies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end design management and delivery of major highways and road infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements and AECOM's strategic goals.

• Oversee and direct multidisciplinary design teams, including specialists in highways, drainage, pavements, structures, utilities, traffic, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

• Assume full accountability for project scope, program adherence, commercial performance, technical delivery quality, and ultimate client satisfaction.

• Facilitate seamless coordination of project delivery activities across Perth-based teams, as well as interstate and global AECOM design hubs.

• Cultivate and maintain robust client relationships, acting as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for Main Roads WA and other key transport infrastructure stakeholders.

• Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation among design and delivery teams to ensure the development of high-quality, constructible, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to project teams, actively supporting the professional development and capability growth within AECOM's Highways business unit.

• Proactively engage in business development initiatives, contribute to strategic pursuits, and identify future work-winning opportunities within the Western Australian infrastructure market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project controls, client relationship management, and business development, which are critical for operations success in a large engineering consultancy. The emphasis on managing "programme" and "commercial performance" points to significant operational oversight beyond pure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering).

• Professional registration or a clear pathway toward professional registration with a recognized engineering body.

• Possession of a professional certificate in project management or design management is highly advantageous. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering, with a substantial portion focused on design management or senior project management within highways or major transport infrastructure projects.

• Proven track record of successfully managing complex, multidisciplinary design teams on large-scale road and highway projects.

• Demonstrated experience delivering projects for major transport authorities, with specific preference for Main Roads WA or equivalent state road agencies.

• Comprehensive understanding and application of highways design standards, project delivery frameworks, and infrastructure governance protocols.

• Extensive experience in managing project scope, program schedules, risk assessments, commercial performance, and technical coordination across project lifecycles. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and oversee the entire design process for complex infrastructure projects.

• Project Management: Expertise in managing project scope, schedule, budget, and resources to achieve defined objectives.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Skill in directing and coordinating diverse engineering disciplines to achieve cohesive design outcomes.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Adept at building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.

• Client Management: Capability to serve as a trusted advisor, understand client needs, and ensure successful project delivery from their perspective.

• Highways Design Standards: In-depth knowledge of relevant national and international highways design codes, specifications, and best practices.

• Infrastructure Governance: Understanding of regulatory frameworks, approval processes, and governance requirements for major infrastructure projects.

• Commercial Performance Management: Ability to monitor and control project budgets, identify commercial risks, and ensure profitability.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks throughout the design and delivery phases.

• Technical Coordination: Skill in ensuring seamless integration of design elements across various engineering disciplines.

Preferred Skills:

• Business Development: Experience in contributing to winning new projects and expanding client relationships.

• Mentoring: Capacity to guide and develop junior engineers and design team members.

• Road Infrastructure Design: Deep technical understanding of road geometry, pavement design, drainage systems, and traffic management.

• Strategic Pursuits: Experience in contributing to tender submissions and developing winning proposals.

• Project Programming: Advanced skills in developing and managing complex project schedules.

• Scope Management: Ability to define, track, and control project scope to prevent creep and ensure delivery within agreed parameters.

• Experience with Main Roads WA: Direct and recent experience working with or for Main Roads WA on significant projects.

• ITS and Traffic Engineering: Familiarity with Intelligent Transportation Systems and traffic engineering principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements emphasize a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and commercial awareness, typical for a senior operations role in a consultancy. The explicit mention of "professional registration or pathway toward registration" underscores the importance of formal qualifications and ongoing professional development within AECOM's engineering operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 significant highways or major road infrastructure projects managed, detailing the project lifecycle from conceptualization through to construction documentation.

• Design Management Frameworks: Examples of processes or frameworks used to manage multidisciplinary design teams, including coordination protocols, design review stages, and quality assurance mechanisms.

• Client Engagement Strategies: Evidence of successful client relationship management, demonstrating how you've navigated complex stakeholder landscapes and ensured client satisfaction on major projects.

• Commercial & Risk Management Examples: Documentation or descriptions of how you've managed project scope, program, budgets, and mitigated risks, including examples of financial oversight and reporting.

• Team Leadership & Development: Examples of how you've led, mentored, and developed multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in developing and refining design workflows for large-scale infrastructure projects, emphasizing efficiency gains and quality improvements.

• System Implementation & Integration: Provide examples of how you've integrated various design software and systems (e.g., CAD, BIM, project management tools) to streamline the design process and improve collaboration.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Showcase how you've established key performance indicators (KPIs) for design delivery, tracked progress against these metrics, and used data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should highlight not just technical design output, but the management of the design process, team coordination, client interaction, and commercial outcomes. Demonstrating structured approaches to workflow optimization and performance tracking is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the role's seniority (10+ years experience), the location (Perth, Western Australia), and the nature of the employer (AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting), the estimated salary range for a Roads & Highways Design Manager is expected to be between AUD $160,000 - $220,000 per annum, plus superannuation and potential bonuses.

📝 Enhancement Note: This estimate is based on research from industry salary benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in Australia, specifically within the infrastructure and consulting sectors. Factors such as the specific project pipeline, depth of experience with Main Roads WA, and AECOM's compensation philosophy will influence the final offer. Superannuation contributions are mandatory in Australia and typically range from 10% to 11% of base salary.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for alternative start/finish times, part-time roles, job-sharing, and hybrid work models to support work-life integration.

• Additional Annual Leave: Opportunity to purchase up to 6 weeks of extra annual leave per year.

• Volunteer and Representation Leave: Paid leave for employees participating in volunteer activities or representing professional bodies.

• Flex Public Holidays: Ability to swap standard public holidays for others that better suit individual preferences.

• Global Well-being Program: Access to comprehensive programs supporting physical, mental, and financial well-being.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and professional registration support.

• Superannuation: Competitive employer superannuation contributions as per Australian legislation.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement within AECOM's global network.

• Diverse Project Exposure: Work on significant and impactful transport infrastructure projects shaping the future of WA and ANZ.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours for this full-time role are approximately 40 hours per week. AECOM offers flexibility with alternative start/finish times and hybrid work options, allowing for a dynamic approach to managing work schedules while ensuring project delivery and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed benefits are directly pulled from the job description, with specific emphasis on flexibility and professional growth, which are attractive to experienced operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the Engineering, Construction, and Consulting Services industry, with a strong specialization in Transportation Infrastructure. They are a global leader in designing, building, and managing infrastructure projects that shape communities and economies. Their work in Western Australia is particularly focused on major transport upgrades and connectivity initiatives.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 company, indicating a large, established global organization with extensive resources and a significant employee base (likely tens of thousands worldwide). This size implies a structured environment with established processes, a wide range of career opportunities, and access to global expertise.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, giving it over a century of experience and a deep legacy in the infrastructure sector. This long history suggests stability, a strong reputation, and a wealth of institutional knowledge.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Highways team in Perth is part of AECOM's broader Transportation business line. It's characterized by a strong pipeline of major projects, often delivered under frameworks like Main Roads WA's Engineering and Technical Services (ETS) panel.

• Reporting: This role will likely report to a senior leadership position within AECOM's WA Transportation division, such as a Director or General Manager. The Design Manager will, in turn, lead various multidisciplinary design teams, which may include project managers, senior engineers, and discipline leads.

• Collaboration: AECOM emphasizes cross-functional and cross-geographical collaboration. The Design Manager will need to work closely with project managers, construction teams, other discipline leads within WA, and leverage AECOM's national and global design network for specialized expertise or overflow capacity.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Delivery: AECOM leverages data analytics and digital tools to inform design decisions, optimize project planning, and monitor performance.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The company promotes collaborative approaches that integrate design, engineering, and construction management throughout the project lifecycle to enhance efficiency and outcomes.

• Sustainability & ESG Focus: AECOM prioritizes Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, integrating sustainability into project design and delivery processes.

Company Website: https://aecom.com/au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding AECOM's scale, industry position, and focus on major transport projects is key. The emphasis on collaboration across geographies and the integration of design with broader project delivery are critical operational aspects for this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level, likely categorized as a Principal or Director-level position within the operations hierarchy, specifically managing the design function for significant infrastructure projects. It requires extensive technical expertise combined with robust project delivery and team leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Roads & Highways Design Manager will report to a senior executive within AECOM's Western Australian transportation division, potentially a General Manager or Director of Operations. They will directly manage and lead multiple multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative environment where technical leads and project engineers report to them.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence is substantial, directly impacting the technical quality, constructability, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of major road and highway projects. Their ability to manage design risks, optimize workflows, and maintain strong client relationships directly contributes to AECOM's profitability, reputation, and ability to secure future work. They are instrumental in shaping the physical infrastructure that connects communities and facilitates economic growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into broader Project Director roles, overseeing entire project lifecycles or multiple projects simultaneously, or into regional leadership positions within AECOM's Transportation business.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of highway design (e.g., complex interchanges, ITS implementation) or to transition into strategic roles focused on business development and market strategy.

• Global Mobility: As part of a global firm, there may be opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other AECOM offices, leveraging acquired experience across diverse markets.

• Mentorship & Talent Development: A key growth area will be in mentoring and developing the next generation of design leaders within AECOM, contributing to the firm's long-term talent pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in a firm like AECOM typically involves progressing from managing specific design elements to managing entire design packages, then to full project management or design leadership for major programs. The emphasis on developing talent and contributing to business growth is also a significant aspect of senior operational roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM's Perth office is described as an "On-Site" location at 58 Mounts Bay Road, Perth, WA. This indicates a primary physical workspace designed for collaborative work, client meetings, and team interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Perth, Western Australia. AECOM also operates nationally and globally, so while this role is Perth-based, it involves coordination with interstate and international teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is designed to foster collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, supporting the dynamic nature of major infrastructure projects. This includes shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially breakout areas for informal discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to AECOM's suite of design and project management software, including advanced CAD, BIM, and project delivery platforms. This technological infrastructure is crucial for efficient design coordination and data management.

• Team Interaction: Regular face-to-face interaction with project teams, discipline leads, and clients is expected. This environment supports immediate problem-solving, knowledge sharing, and team cohesion. The hybrid work policy allows for flexibility, balancing office-based collaboration with remote work.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with approximately 40 hours per week. The "Hybrid Work Options" and "Alternative Start/Finish Times" indicate a degree of flexibility in managing the work schedule, allowing for efficient use of time for both focused work and collaborative activities, accommodating diverse project demands and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-Site" designation for the primary work location, combined with hybrid flexibility, suggests a model where office presence is valued for collaboration and client engagement, while remote work is permitted for focused tasks. This balance is typical for senior roles in engineering consultancies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on alignment with the required experience in highways design management and client engagement (especially with Main Roads WA).

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve discussions about your experience managing complex multidisciplinary design teams, your approach to technical challenges, and your understanding of highways design standards and project delivery frameworks. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: You will likely be asked to present specific case studies from your portfolio, detailing your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved. Focus on demonstrating your leadership, problem-solving skills, and commercial acumen.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: This may involve discussions with senior management or HR to assess your leadership style, collaboration approach, and alignment with AECOM's values (e.g., diversity, inclusion, integrity, client focus).

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion with hiring managers to finalize terms and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project presented, use metrics to showcase your impact (e.g., "delivered project X% under budget," "reduced design review cycles by Y days," "managed a team of Z engineers").

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration between different engineering disciplines and with clients.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Detail specific technical or project management challenges you encountered and how you strategically addressed them to achieve successful outcomes.

• Demonstrate Commercial Awareness: Explain how you managed project scope, budget, and risk, and how your design decisions contributed to the commercial success of the project.

• Tailor to AECOM: Understand AECOM's values and current projects; align your portfolio examples with their focus areas, such as sustainability, innovation, and client partnership.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you must manage a challenging design project, requiring you to outline your strategy for team coordination, risk mitigation, and client communication.

• Client Management Exercise: You might be asked how you would handle a difficult client request or a dispute regarding design scope or deliverables.

• Process Improvement Question: Expect questions about how you would improve existing design processes within AECOM to enhance efficiency or quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous, focusing on demonstrated experience, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio is critical for showcasing these attributes effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficient use and management of industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Bentley's MicroStation suite for road and infrastructure design.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms and workflows (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for integrated design, clash detection, and data management in complex projects.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar tools for program scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools that facilitate seamless sharing and collaboration on design documents, such as Autodesk BIM 360, Bentley ProjectWise, or Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Dashboards: Ability to interpret and potentially contribute to project performance dashboards that track design progress, budget adherence, and key risk indicators.

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools for analyzing project data to identify trends, forecast outcomes, and support decision-making.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating comprehensive reports on design status, commercial performance, and client communications.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how CRM data informs project pursuits and client management is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can streamline design review processes, document management, or task assignments within a design management framework.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different software systems (CAD, BIM, PM, ERP) can be integrated to create a unified project delivery ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is Design Manager, deep familiarity with the tools used by design teams and the platforms used for project execution and reporting is essential for effective management and coordination.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, team members, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and honesty in project delivery and commercial practices.

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building trusted partnerships, and delivering exceptional value through innovative and high-quality design solutions.

• Excellence: Driving for technical excellence in all aspects of design and project delivery, continuously seeking to improve processes, standards, and outcomes.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, open communication is encouraged, and collective problem-solving leads to the best results.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to deliver cutting-edge infrastructure solutions that are sustainable and forward-thinking.

• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): Actively promoting a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and has equal opportunities to contribute and succeed, recognizing that diverse perspectives drive better outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM promotes a highly collaborative approach, requiring the Design Manager to work seamlessly with project managers, construction leads, and other engineering disciplines, both locally and globally.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging a culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged among team members and with clients to drive continuous improvement in design processes and project delivery.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting practices that facilitate the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across project teams and the broader organization to elevate overall capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values, particularly EDI and a focus on client satisfaction and technical excellence, should be reflected in how candidates present themselves and discuss their experience. Understanding this cultural context is vital for demonstrating fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Teams: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and technical standards, to achieve a cohesive and optimized design for large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Client Expectations & Stakeholder Management: Navigating the demands of key stakeholders like Main Roads WA, managing competing interests, and ensuring consistent client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

• Technical & Commercial Balance: Striking the right balance between delivering innovative and technically sound designs while adhering to stringent project budgets, timelines, and commercial objectives.

• Geographical Coordination: Ensuring seamless collaboration and effective communication across teams located in different cities, states, or even countries, mitigating potential delays and misunderstandings.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards & Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in design standards, construction methodologies, and digital tools (e.g., BIM, AI in design), and integrating these into project delivery processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Leadership: Opportunities to take on larger, more complex projects, potentially managing entire programs or multiple project portfolios.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in niche areas of highway design or related fields through specialized training, certifications, or project involvement.

• Business Development & Strategy: Developing skills in strategic pursuits, client relationship management at a higher level, and contributing to AECOM's business strategy.

• Mentorship & Leadership Training: Access to formal leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities to hone management and executive presence.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and professional bodies to stay abreast of trends and expand professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing these challenges and opportunities demonstrates an understanding of the operational realities of senior roles in major infrastructure projects and highlights a proactive approach to career development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a complex multidisciplinary design team on a major highway project. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on team coordination, conflict resolution, and technical integration.)

• "How do you ensure that design deliverables meet both technical requirements and commercial objectives for a project like those delivered for Main Roads WA?" (Highlight your approach to scope management, budgeting, and risk mitigation.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing client relationships and stakeholder expectations on significant transport infrastructure projects. Provide a specific example." (Emphasize communication strategies, proactive engagement, and conflict resolution.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's work in Western Australia, and how does this role align with your career aspirations and values?" (Research recent WA projects and align your strengths with AECOM's stated values, especially EDI.)

• "How would you foster a collaborative and innovative design culture within your team, particularly when working with geographically dispersed colleagues?" (Discuss strategies for communication, knowledge sharing, and team building.)

• "How do you ensure that design solutions are not only technically sound but also sustainable and aligned with broader ESG principles?" (Showcase your understanding of sustainability in infrastructure design.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the context, your specific role and responsibilities, the key challenges, the strategies you employed, the tools/processes used, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, client satisfaction scores).

• Focus on "How": Don't just state what you did; explain how you did it. Detail your decision-making process, your leadership approach, and how you navigated obstacles.

• Visual Aids: Use slides with clear visuals, charts, and key metrics to support your narrative. Avoid text-heavy slides; use them as prompts.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to ensure it's within the allotted time and delivered with confidence and clarity. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about any aspect of your presented work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that directly address the core responsibilities and desired qualifications will be crucial. Candidates should be ready to quantify their achievements and articulate their strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Roads & Highways Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your CV to highlight direct experience in highways design management, project leadership, client engagement with transport authorities (especially Main Roads WA), and managing multidisciplinary teams. Quantify achievements using metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects. For each, prepare a brief summary detailing your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes, focusing on design management and delivery aspects. Be ready to present this.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent transportation projects in Western Australia and their company values (e.g., ESG, EDI). Understand their strategic goals and how this role contributes to them.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions related to leadership, project management, technical challenges, client management, and your experience with highway design standards. Practice articulating your portfolio case studies clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.

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