Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: City of Parramatta

Location: Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full Time Term Contract

Category: Design Management / Urban Planning / Public Sector Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 8+ years (with an AI-inferred level of 10+ years based on seniority and scope)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design phase for significant public domain and active transport infrastructure projects, ensuring strategic alignment with Parramatta 2050 goals.

• Drive consultative and technically rigorous design-led processes, synthesizing diverse stakeholder requirements to achieve optimal value and enduring community infrastructure.

• Manage complex urban landscape or public domain projects from inception through to detailed design resolution, demonstrating advanced understanding of form, function, and performance.

• Oversee project management of the design phase, including planning, monitoring, and execution to meet agreed scope, time, and budget parameters.

• Cultivate and manage strong stakeholder relationships, ensuring project outcomes align with internal client and asset owner expectations for impactful urban development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager within a public sector organization, focusing on urban infrastructure. While the provided description leans towards design and project leadership, the emphasis on managing processes, budgets, timelines, and stakeholder expectations also aligns with core Revenue Operations and Sales Operations principles of driving efficiency, ensuring accountability, and optimizing resource allocation for strategic GTM initiatives. The "public domain" and "active transport" aspects suggest a focus on community impact and user experience, mirroring how operations roles focus on customer experience and internal user efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Management of Design Phase: Oversee the entire design lifecycle for key infrastructure projects, from initial concept development and research to detailed design resolution, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and timeline constraints.

• Design Leadership & Innovation: Lead the research and option evaluation processes to inform and guide the development of innovative and effective design solutions for public domain and active transport infrastructure.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Management: Proactively manage relationships with internal clients, asset owners, community groups, and other stakeholders to ensure project design outcomes effectively meet diverse needs and expectations.

• Technical Rigor & Quality Assurance: Ensure all design work is technically sound, compliant with relevant standards and regulations, and delivers best-value outcomes that create inspiring and enduring infrastructure for the community.

• Process Optimization: Implement and refine advanced project management processes and tools for design, including robust monitoring, reporting, and risk management strategies to enhance efficiency and predictability.

• Budget & Resource Allocation: Manage design budgets effectively, monitor expenditures, and ensure optimal allocation of resources to achieve project objectives within financial parameters.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, engineers, urban planners, and other specialists to integrate design considerations seamlessly into the broader project delivery framework.

• Performance Reporting: Develop and deliver comprehensive reports on design progress, budget status, stakeholder feedback, and key project milestones to senior management and relevant parties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, stakeholder alignment, and outcome delivery, which are critical functions in operations roles. The need to "synthesize diverse requirements" and "ensure best value outcomes" directly translates to optimizing GTM strategies and resource allocation in a business context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree qualifications in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a closely related discipline.

• Bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in design management, with a demonstrable track record of successfully achieving complex project objectives.

• Extensive experience in managing complex urban landscape or public domain projects within either the public or private sectors.

• Proven experience with advanced project management processes and tools, including budget management, programming, monitoring, and reporting. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and managing the design process for large-scale urban infrastructure projects.

• Project Management: Proficiency in planning, executing, and closing projects within scope, time, and budget, utilizing advanced methodologies and tools.

• Urban Landscape/Public Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of public space form, function, performance, and design principles.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to build relationships, negotiate, influence, and manage expectations across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Budget Management: Strong financial acumen for managing design project budgets and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

• Strategic Planning: Ability to align design initiatives with broader city development strategies (e.g., Parramatta 2050).

• Collaboration & Problem-Solving: Proven capacity for innovative problem-solving and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

• Technical Reporting: Skill in preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports for various audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with active transport infrastructure design.

• Familiarity with local government planning regulations and approval processes.

• Proficiency in specific design and project management software relevant to urban planning and infrastructure.

• Experience in contract management and procurement processes for design services.

• Knowledge of sustainability principles in urban design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "8+ years" experience requirement, coupled with the emphasis on project management, stakeholder management, and strategic alignment, suggests a role that demands not just design acumen but also operational excellence in execution. This is a common profile for senior operations roles that require strategic thinking and hands-on process management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating successful management of complex urban landscape or public domain projects, highlighting the scope, challenges, and outcomes.

• Process Documentation Examples: Evidence of established project management processes, including planning documents, progress reports, budget tracking sheets, and stakeholder communication logs.

• System Implementation/Adherence: Examples showcasing how you've applied project management tools and systems to monitor and control design project execution.

• ROI/Value Demonstration: Case studies or project summaries that illustrate how your design management approach delivered tangible benefits, such as cost savings, efficiency gains, or improved community outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrations of how you have designed, documented, and optimized workflows for the design phase of projects, ensuring clarity and efficiency.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of implementing and utilizing project management systems and tools to streamline design processes and track progress effectively.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Evidence of how you have measured design phase performance against set objectives (scope, time, budget) and reported on outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio often includes examples of process maps, CRM configurations, automation workflows, dashboards, and reports demonstrating quantifiable improvements. For this role, the emphasis is on design project management processes, but the underlying expectation is to demonstrate structured management, reporting, and optimization of a complex workflow. Candidates should frame their design project examples through an operational lens, emphasizing the how of their management process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $134,967 to $148,574 + 12% superannuation per annum.

• This salary range is competitive for a senior management role in local government in the Sydney metropolitan area, reflecting the responsibilities and experience required. Benefits:

• Superannuation: 12% employer contribution.

• Flexibility: Hybrid working arrangements, flexi-time scheme, and additional leave over the Christmas period.

• Leave Entitlements: 14 weeks paid parental leave, 15 days personal leave, and long service leave after 5 years.

• Wellbeing Support: Employee-led networks (ERGs), Fitness passport, Flu vaccinations, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), ongoing wellbeing initiatives, and health insurance discounts.

• Location & Convenience: Prime central Parramatta location, discounted parking, and novated leasing options.

• Professional Development: Access to comprehensive learning and development programs, leadership pathways, and free LinkedIn Learning subscriptions.

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, with hybrid working arrangements and a flexi-time scheme offering flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided, and the benefits package is extensive, reflecting a typical offering for a government sector role. The inclusion of "hybrid working arrangements" and "flexi-time scheme" indicates a focus on work-life balance and operational flexibility, which is increasingly valued in all professional roles, including operations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (Local Government)

Company Size: The City of Parramatta is a large local government organization, typically employing hundreds to thousands of staff, indicating a structured environment with established processes and diverse departments.

Founded: The City of Parramatta has a long history, with its modern council structure evolving over time. This suggests a stable organization with deep roots in the community and a long-term perspective on development.

Team Structure:

• Infrastructure Design Team: This role sits within the Infrastructure Design team, likely comprising other design professionals, project managers, and technical specialists.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to a Director or Head of Infrastructure/City Development, with potential for managing a team of designers or project coordinators.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Significant collaboration is expected with other City departments (e.g., Planning, Asset Management, Community Services), external consultants, contractors, and state government agencies.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Public sector organizations increasingly rely on data to inform planning, resource allocation, and project prioritization, aligning with operations principles.

• Consultative & Community-Focused: Design and development processes are typically highly consultative, aiming to incorporate community feedback and ensure projects serve public interest.

• Process-Oriented: Government operations are characterized by structured processes, compliance requirements, and a focus on due diligence and risk management.

Company Website: https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: The public sector context implies a strong emphasis on governance, compliance, community impact, and long-term strategic planning. This aligns with operations roles that manage complex processes, ensure regulatory adherence, and focus on delivering sustainable business value.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, requiring significant experience and demonstrated leadership in design and project management. It signifies a role with substantial responsibility, strategic input, and the potential to influence organizational direction within its domain.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into senior leadership within the Infrastructure or City Development divisions, indicating visibility and direct impact on strategic initiatives. The Senior Design Manager may also have direct reports, fostering leadership development.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to shaping the physical environment of Parramatta, influencing community experience, economic development, and the city's long-term sustainability. This mirrors how operations roles impact revenue, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into higher-level management roles within City of Parramatta's infrastructure or planning departments, overseeing larger teams or broader strategic portfolios.

• Specialization Enhancement: Deepen expertise in specific areas of urban design, public domain development, or active transport planning through complex projects and continuous learning.

• Cross-Departmental Mobility: Opportunities to leverage project management and stakeholder engagement skills in other strategic areas of the council, contributing to diverse organizational objectives.

• Professional Certifications & Training: Access to extensive learning and development programs, including leadership pathways and LinkedIn Learning, to further hone skills and expand knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path suggests progression from managing projects to managing programs, departments, or strategic functions. This is analogous to operations career paths that move from individual contributor to team lead, manager, director, and VP of Operations, focusing on scaling processes and driving strategic GTM initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working arrangements are offered, meaning a combination of on-site work at the Parramatta office and remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in a central Parramatta location, offering convenience and accessibility. Specific details on remote work expectations (e.g., days in office) are not provided but are common within hybrid models.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with internal teams, external consultants, and various stakeholders, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed to foster communication.

• Tools & Technology: Access to project management software, design tools, and standard office technology is expected, supporting efficient workflow and communication.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project discussions will be part of the daily routine, promoting knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard 35-hour work week with a flexi-time scheme, providing employees with the flexibility to manage their work hours within operational needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and flexi-time reflect a modern work environment that values operational efficiency through empowered employees. This flexibility is crucial for operations professionals who often manage critical systems and processes that require dedicated focus.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and cover letters against the essential requirements, with a focus on design management experience and qualifications.

• Skills-Based Interview: Likely a structured interview focusing on behavioral questions, technical expertise in design and project management, and problem-solving scenarios. Expect questions about managing complex projects, stakeholder conflicts, and budget challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing specific projects, their role, management processes, and outcomes. This is a critical stage to assess practical experience and communication skills.

• Panel Interview: A final interview with a panel, potentially including senior leadership, to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the organization's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and quantify the impact of your design management. Use metrics such as budget managed, timeline adherence, cost savings achieved, or improvements in user experience/functionality.

• Process Focus: Highlight the project management processes and tools you employed. Explain how you managed scope, risk, resources, and communication, not just what you managed.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Provide specific examples of how you navigated complex stakeholder relationships, managed differing opinions, and achieved consensus for successful project delivery.

• Alignment with City Goals: Frame your experience in the context of urban development and community benefit. Connect your project outcomes to the City of Parramatta's strategic objectives (e.g., sustainability, community connectivity).

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be prepared to discuss a hypothetical design management challenge or analyze a provided case study. Focus on your approach to problem-solving, strategic thinking, and process implementation.

• Process Mapping: You might be asked to outline a process for managing a specific phase of a public domain project, demonstrating your understanding of workflow design and optimization.

• Stakeholder Communication Scenarios: Practice articulating your communication strategy for challenging stakeholders or presenting complex technical information to a non-technical audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and process demonstration is highly relevant to operations roles, where showcasing process improvements, system implementations, and quantifiable results is paramount. Candidates should prepare to discuss their management methodologies as rigorously as their design outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in advanced project management platforms (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, Jira) for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Visualization Software: Familiarity with industry-standard design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite) for reviewing designs and understanding technical specifications. While not a hands-on design role, understanding the outputs is crucial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for communication and collaboration.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for storing, organizing, and retrieving project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret reports from project management software and potentially other data sources to track KPIs and inform decision-making.

• Data Analysis: Basic analytical skills to understand project performance data and identify trends or areas for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly managing a CRM for sales, understanding how project data is managed and tracked within organizational systems is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how workflow automation can streamline administrative tasks within project management cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, this section would detail specific CRM, ERP, marketing automation, and business intelligence tools. Here, the focus is on project management and design software. The underlying principle of leveraging technology for efficiency and data-driven decision-making remains consistent across operations disciplines.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community Focus: A strong commitment to serving the public interest and delivering projects that enhance the quality of life for the Parramatta community.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards, transparency, and responsibility in all aspects of work, particularly in managing public funds and resources.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing change, and seeking opportunities to improve processes, designs, and service delivery.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles into design and project management practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with various departments and disciplines to ensure holistic project outcomes.

• Consultative Approach: Engaging proactively with stakeholders to gather input, build consensus, and ensure projects meet community needs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions across teams to drive collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize public service, collaboration, and continuous improvement—themes that resonate strongly with operational excellence and strategic GTM execution, where team synergy and process refinement are key to achieving business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and priorities of various internal and external stakeholders with potentially conflicting interests.

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, which can be intricate and subject to change.

• Delivering within Budget and Timeline Constraints: Successfully managing projects with tight deadlines and financial limitations, common in public sector projects.

• Adapting to Evolving Urban Development Trends: Staying abreast of new design methodologies, sustainability practices, and technological advancements in urban planning and infrastructure.

• Bridging Design Vision with Practical Implementation: Translating ambitious design concepts into feasible, buildable, and maintainable infrastructure solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Training: Access to programs focused on sophisticated project management methodologies, risk management, and contract administration.

• Urban Planning & Design Seminars: Opportunities to attend workshops and conferences on the latest trends in urban design, landscape architecture, and sustainable development.

• Leadership & Management Skills Development: Participation in leadership programs designed to enhance strategic thinking, team management, and organizational influence.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within the City of Parramatta or to mentor junior staff, fostering knowledge transfer and career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges and growth areas are common in operations leadership, where managing competing priorities, optimizing processes under constraints, and staying ahead of technological or market shifts are daily realities. The focus on continuous learning is a hallmark of successful operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a complex urban public domain project from design to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and outcomes.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and alignment among diverse stakeholders with potentially conflicting interests during the design phase?" (Highlight stakeholder management strategies and communication techniques.)

• "Walk us through your approach to managing design project budgets and timelines. What tools and methodologies do you use to monitor and control these aspects?" (Emphasize your project management rigor and financial acumen.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the City of Parramatta, and how do your values align with our commitment to community development and sustainability?" (Research Parramatta 2050 and the council's values.)

• "How would you contribute to a collaborative team environment within the Infrastructure Design department?" (Discuss your teamwork and communication style.)

• "How do you approach measuring the success and impact of your design management efforts beyond just budget and timeline adherence?" (Focus on community benefit, functionality, and long-term value.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a clear structure: Project Overview -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Key Design Challenges -> Management Processes Employed -> Stakeholder Engagement -> Outcomes & Impact -> Lessons Learned.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, site plans, photos) to showcase the projects. Ensure any process diagrams or charts are clear and easy to understand.

• Quantify Everything: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Managed a design budget of $X million," "Achieved Y% cost savings through value engineering," "Reduced design review cycles by Z%").

• Focus on Process: Be ready to discuss the why and how behind your management decisions, not just the what. Explain your methodologies for risk assessment, communication planning, and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice directly mirrors strategies for operations roles, emphasizing quantifiable achievements, process documentation, stakeholder management, and strategic alignment. Candidates should prepare to translate their design management experience into an operations-centric narrative of efficient execution and value delivery.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application Online: Complete the application form via the provided Oracle Cloud link by 9pm, Sunday 30 August 2026.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8+ years of design management experience, focusing on complex urban landscape/public domain projects and advanced project management skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Address the key requirements outlined in the Position Description. Specifically, articulate how your experience in managing design phases, stakeholder relationships, and project parameters aligns with the responsibilities of this role and the City of Parramatta's mission.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects. Be ready to discuss your management processes, budget control, stakeholder engagement strategies, and the tangible outcomes of your work. Focus on process efficiency and value delivery.

• Research City of Parramatta: Familiarize yourself with the Parramatta 2050 plan, the council's values, and recent infrastructure projects. Understand their strategic objectives and how this role contributes to them.

⚠️ 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.