Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: TransGrid

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Project Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for transmission line design and engineering activities for the critical Hunter Transmission Project (HTP).

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary engineering and design teams to ensure project deliverables meet stringent safety, quality, regulatory, and project requirements.

• Drive collaboration, technical assurance, and constructability outcomes across a complex, large-scale infrastructure project environment.

• Oversee design governance, technical risk management, and engineering assurance activities to support successful project execution and integration.

• Engage effectively with internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants, and delivery partners to achieve project objectives and maintain network reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Senior Design Manager, as described, leans heavily into the operational aspects of large-scale infrastructure projects. While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities and requirements clearly indicate a focus on the execution, assurance, and risk management of engineering designs within a project delivery framework, aligning it with GTM (Go-to-Market) for infrastructure projects and operational excellence in engineering execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Design Leadership: Provide overarching strategic direction and technical expertise for all transmission line design and engineering activities, ensuring alignment with TransGrid's objectives for renewable energy integration and network security.

• Team Management & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage multidisciplinary engineering and design teams, fostering a collaborative environment focused on technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Technical Assurance & Governance: Establish and enforce robust design governance frameworks, technical standards, and engineering assurance processes to guarantee compliance with safety, quality, regulatory, and project specifications.

• Risk Management & Mitigation: Proactively identify, assess, and manage technical risks associated with transmission line design, implementing effective mitigation strategies to safeguard project timelines, budget, and operational integrity.

• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication: Cultivate strong working relationships with internal departments, external consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies, facilitating clear communication, effective problem-solving, and successful project integration.

• Constructability & Integration: Ensure designs are optimized for constructability, maintainability, and long-term operational efficiency, working closely with construction and delivery teams to facilitate seamless project execution.

• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain a thorough understanding of and ensure adherence to all relevant industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements pertaining to transmission line design and construction in New South Wales and the National Electricity Market.

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) for design and engineering activities, regularly monitoring progress, identifying deviations, and reporting on project status to senior management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on engineering management crucial for large infrastructure projects. The emphasis on technical assurance, risk management, and constructability points to the operational delivery aspects of the role, requiring a strong focus on process and execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Extensive experience leading engineering and design functions across major infrastructure, utilities, transmission, or large-scale construction projects.

Required Skills:

• Transmission Line Engineering Expertise: Deep understanding of transmission line engineering design principles, standards, materials, and construction methodologies.

• Technical Assurance & Governance: Demonstrated ability to establish and manage robust technical assurance frameworks, design reviews, and governance processes.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Proven experience leading and motivating diverse engineering and design teams, fostering collaboration and driving performance.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and build strong collaborative relationships.

• Risk Management: Strong capabilities in identifying, assessing, and mitigating technical and project risks, particularly within complex infrastructure settings.

• Constructability Analysis: Experience in evaluating and optimizing designs for efficient and safe construction, working closely with delivery teams.

• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of relevant industry standards, codes, and regulatory frameworks applicable to high-voltage transmission infrastructure.

• Project Execution Oversight: Ability to oversee and contribute to the successful execution of engineering and design phases of major projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific transmission line design software and simulation tools.

• Familiarity with Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) development and integration challenges.

• Knowledge of contract management and procurement processes for engineering services.

• Experience in a regulated utility environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize deep technical expertise in transmission lines and strong leadership capabilities. The "extensive experience" requirement suggests a significant depth of practical application in large-scale project environments, crucial for operational success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Major Project Case Studies: Detailed examples of leading design or engineering functions for large-scale infrastructure, utilities, or transmission projects, showcasing scope, complexity, and your specific role.

• Technical Assurance Frameworks: Documentation or detailed descriptions of governance and assurance processes you have implemented or managed to ensure design quality and compliance.

• Risk Management Plans: Examples of technical risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies developed for complex engineering designs.

• Team Leadership Examples: Evidence of managing multidisciplinary engineering teams, including team structure, reporting lines, and performance management approaches.

• Stakeholder Management Strategies: Examples of successful engagement with diverse stakeholders, including contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies, highlighting communication and negotiation outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and refining engineering and design workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and collaboration.

• Technical Standard Implementation: Experience in developing or adapting technical standards and ensuring their consistent application across design activities.

• Constructability Integration Processes: Evidence of processes established to integrate constructability reviews and feedback into the design lifecycle.

• Risk Assessment Methodologies: Documentation of methodologies used for technical risk assessment and the integration of risk mitigation into design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role in infrastructure, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of engineering governance, risk management, team leadership, and process optimization in large-scale projects is critical. This section outlines the types of evidence that would showcase operational proficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Corporate Discounts: Access to a wide range of discounts across retail, utilities, travel, and health & wellbeing providers.

• Novated Leasing: Opportunities for salary packaging on vehicle leases.

• Workplace Flexibility: Options for flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

• Generous Parental Leave: 20 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees.

• Professional Development: Access to regular and ongoing training, workplace mentoring, and support for tertiary education.

• Career Advancement: Opportunities to build a career path within TransGrid, with potential for growth and specialization.

• Health & Wellbeing Programs: Initiatives focused on employee health and overall wellbeing.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role requires significant dedication, workplace flexibility options may be available to support effective work management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current Australian market data for senior engineering management roles in Sydney within the utilities and major infrastructure sectors. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided text and highlight TransGrid's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Infrastructure / Utilities. TransGrid operates within a critical and regulated sector, responsible for the transmission of electricity across New South Wales and into the National Electricity Market. This industry is undergoing significant transformation driven by the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Company Size: TransGrid is a major player in the Australian energy sector, employing a substantial workforce to manage its extensive network and execute large-scale projects. This implies a structured, professional environment with dedicated teams for various functions.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't specified, TransGrid has a long-standing history as a key electricity transmission network operator in New South Wales, indicating a stable and established organization with deep expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated design and engineering team focused on the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP), potentially comprising multiple sub-teams or disciplines (e.g., structural, electrical, civil, environmental).

• This role will report to a senior project director or head of engineering for the HTP program, forming part of a larger project leadership group.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations within TransGrid, especially in engineering and project execution, are expected to be data-driven, relying on technical analysis, performance metrics, and risk assessments.

• Process Optimization: A focus on continuous improvement and efficiency in design and engineering processes is likely a core operational principle, especially for large projects.

• Safety & Compliance Focus: A paramount operational principle is adherence to rigorous health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Company Website: https://www.transgrid.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided paints TransGrid as a significant, established entity in a vital, evolving industry. The operational implications for this role include working within a highly regulated environment, managing complex interdependencies, and contributing to strategic energy transition initiatives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and project management domain, specifically focused on the operational delivery of complex infrastructure designs. It is a leadership role with significant responsibility for technical outcomes and team performance within a major project context.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to a higher-level project director or head of engineering within the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) program. They will, in turn, lead and manage a team of engineers and designers, potentially with functional reporting lines to discipline leads.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the successful operational delivery of the Hunter Transmission Project. Effective design management ensures that the project meets its objectives for network reliability, renewable energy zone unlocking, and long-term energy security. Poor design oversight could lead to significant cost overruns, delays, safety incidents, or compromised network performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into broader program management roles, head of engineering positions, or director-level leadership within TransGrid's project delivery or asset management divisions.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of high-voltage transmission infrastructure, renewable energy integration, or large-scale project execution.

• Strategic Influence: Involvement in shaping future energy infrastructure strategy and contributing to TransGrid's role in Australia's energy transition.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gaining exposure to various facets of the energy utility business through collaboration with different departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for an operations-focused engineering professional, offering a blend of technical leadership and strategic project execution, with clear pathways for further career advancement within the energy sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid. This suggests a combination of working from a TransGrid office location (likely in Sydney) and remote work. The office environment will be professional, geared towards collaboration and project coordination.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Specific office addresses are not provided but are typical for a large utility company in a major city.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid nature and emphasis on stakeholder engagement suggest a workspace designed for team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional collaboration, whether in person or virtually.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to necessary engineering design software, project management tools, communication platforms, and potentially advanced visualization or simulation technologies will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with direct reports, peers, senior leadership, and external project partners will be a key feature of the work environment.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, with the flexibility offered by the hybrid arrangement allowing for effective management of personal and professional commitments. This schedule supports the need for consistent oversight of project phases, design reviews, and stakeholder engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model indicates a modern approach to work-life balance, balanced with the operational necessity of in-person collaboration for complex infrastructure projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruitment specialist will review applications to assess alignment with core requirements.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with engineering leadership or senior project managers focusing on technical expertise in transmission line design, engineering assurance, and risk management. Expect detailed questions about past projects and methodologies.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential peers, direct reports, and key stakeholders to assess collaboration style, leadership approach, and cultural fit. Questions will likely focus on managing diverse teams and navigating complex stakeholder relationships.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a detailed case study from their portfolio, focusing on a specific project's design challenges, their leadership approach, and the operational outcomes achieved.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior project leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit for the Hunter Transmission Project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Project Scale & Complexity: Showcase projects that are comparable in scale and complexity to the Hunter Transmission Project.

• Demonstrate Leadership & Management: Clearly articulate your role in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing engineering functions.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design and engineering management, such as cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction, or safety performance.

• Illustrate Process & Methodology: Detail the specific processes, governance frameworks, and risk management strategies you employed.

• Showcase Stakeholder Management: Provide examples of how you successfully engaged with and influenced various stakeholders.

• Focus on Operational Outcomes: Emphasize how your design management contributed to successful project execution and operational goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical challenges related to transmission line design, regulatory hurdles, or stakeholder conflicts, and how you would approach them.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare responses for questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving technical disagreements, or driving change within a team.

• Strategic Thinking: Articulate your vision for design management within a large, evolving energy infrastructure project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process for this role will heavily emphasize practical experience, leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex operational aspects of large-scale engineering projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for infrastructure and transmission line design (e.g., AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, potentially specialized utilities design platforms).

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Jira).

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools facilitating team communication and document sharing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint).

• 3D Modeling & Visualization Tools: Potential use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) or other 3D modeling software for design review, clash detection, and stakeholder presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret and leverage data from design reports, technical studies, and project performance metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating reports on design progress, technical assurance findings, and risk status.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader project management and asset management systems is crucial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation within design processes or project management tasks could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is centered around design and project execution tools critical for managing complex infrastructure projects. Proficiency in these systems is essential for operational effectiveness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Courage: Embracing challenges in design and engineering, making difficult decisions, and speaking up when necessary to ensure project integrity and safety.

• Care: Leading with empathy, prioritizing the well-being of the team, and ensuring designs consider long-term environmental and community impacts.

• Clarity: Ensuring clear communication of design requirements, project goals, and technical expectations to the team and stakeholders, defining success metrics for design deliverables.

• Connection: Fostering strong relationships within the engineering team, across project functions, and with external partners to ensure cohesive project delivery and a shared understanding of TransGrid's purpose.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach is expected, working seamlessly with project delivery, construction, environmental, and stakeholder management teams to ensure designs are practical, compliant, and well-received.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for reviewing design processes, providing constructive feedback, and continuously seeking improvements in efficiency and quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of technical expertise and best practices across the design team and with other project functions to build collective knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of TransGrid's Leadership Principles (Courage, Care, Clarity, Connection) provides direct insight into the expected operational culture and behavioral standards for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of HTP: Navigating the intricate technical, logistical, and regulatory challenges inherent in a major transmission infrastructure project.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Managing diverse expectations and requirements from internal teams, contractors, community groups, and regulatory bodies.

• Driving Innovation & Efficiency: Implementing new design methodologies or technologies while ensuring they meet stringent safety and performance standards.

• Ensuring Constructability: Translating complex designs into practical, buildable solutions that minimize on-site issues and rework for construction teams.

• Adapting to Energy Transition: Designing infrastructure that is future-proofed for evolving renewable energy sources and grid demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Transmission Engineering: Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge design techniques and technologies in high-voltage transmission.

• Large-Scale Project Management: Deepening expertise in managing the full lifecycle of major infrastructure projects.

• Leadership & Strategy: Developing strategic leadership skills within a critical national infrastructure context.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Potential to represent TransGrid at industry events, gaining insights into best practices and emerging trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders within TransGrid for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these challenges and growth opportunities is key for candidates to frame their experience and aspirations realistically within the context of this demanding yet rewarding role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe how you would establish and maintain a robust design governance framework for a project of this scale, ensuring technical excellence and risk mitigation."

• "Walk us through your approach to managing multidisciplinary engineering teams, including how you foster collaboration and address performance issues."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do TransGrid's leadership principles (Courage, Care, Clarity, Connection) align with your own leadership philosophy and how would you apply them in this role?"

• "What are your strategies for building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the methodologies and processes used, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., schedule adherence, cost savings, risk reduction, safety record).

• Focus on Operational Impact: Emphasize how your design decisions and management approach directly contributed to the successful operational delivery and long-term performance of the infrastructure.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, team management strategies, and problem-solving approaches within your presented case studies.

• Highlight Process Improvement: Showcase instances where you improved design or engineering processes, leading to greater efficiency, quality, or safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific, data-driven examples that align with TransGrid's stated values and the operational demands of a major infrastructure project will be critical for success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your extensive experience in leading engineering and design functions for major infrastructure, utilities, or transmission projects, using keywords from the job description such as "Transmission Line Engineering," "Technical Assurance," "Design Governance," "Risk Management," and "Constructability."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble detailed case studies that showcase your leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams, implementing design governance, mitigating technical risks, and ensuring constructability for large-scale projects. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Research TransGrid: Understand TransGrid's role in the Australian energy market, its commitment to the Hunter Transmission Project, and its leadership principles (Courage, Care, Clarity, Connection) to demonstrate cultural alignment.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare to articulate your experience and approach using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on operational outcomes and leadership effectiveness.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding salary expectations and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.