Senior Design Manager - Energy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Energy

Company: GHD Group Pty Ltd

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Energy Sector)

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and win complex, multidisciplinary energy projects within the Victoria & Tasmania market, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and Net Zero initiatives.

• Drive business development by originating opportunities, shaping pursuits, and fostering strong client relationships with utilities, developers, and energy agencies.

• Provide senior client-facing leadership, ensuring project governance, commercial performance, and successful delivery from development through to execution.

• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring milestones, quality, and client expectations are met through effective design management standards and processes.

• Act as Project Director, Design Manager, and/or Owner’s Engineer across the project lifecycle, integrating technical expertise with commercial acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within GHD's Energy market, emphasizing both technical project delivery and significant business development responsibilities. The focus on "winning work" and "originating opportunities" suggests a strong commercial component beyond traditional project management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Business Development & Work Winning:

  • Proactively identify and originate new project opportunities within the energy sector.
  • Lead proposal development, shaping pursuits to align with client needs and GHD's capabilities.
  • Cultivate and maintain purposeful contact with key clients, understanding their investment priorities and emerging needs.
  • Convert client relationships and opportunities into secured projects, contributing directly to revenue growth.

• Project Leadership & Delivery:

  • Provide senior, client-facing leadership for complex, multidisciplinary energy projects.
  • Maintain accountability for overall project governance, commercial performance, and successful delivery outcomes.
  • Serve as Project Director, Design Manager, or Owner’s Engineer across various project stages (development, pre-FID, detailed design, construction, execution).
  • Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, including resource allocation, priority setting, and milestone achievement.
  • Ensure adherence to project milestones, quality requirements, and client expectations throughout project lifecycles.

• Design Management & Technical Oversight:

  • Establish and implement effective design management standards, systems, and processes within a commercial construction environment.
  • Manage client and contractor interfaces, ensuring seamless integration and communication.
  • Oversee technical interfaces, design risk, quality assurance, and constructability for energy projects.
  • Apply sound engineering judgment and client value commitment to all project aspects.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Build trusted relationships with utilities, energy developers, government agencies, and delivery partners.

  • Understand market dynamics and emerging needs within the renewable energy landscape.

  • Position GHD to support and lead clients' investment programs and strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of client acquisition, strategic project oversight, and detailed design management, requiring a leader who can operate at both a high-level strategic and a granular operational level within the energy sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience, ideally within an engineering consultancy, construction, or utility environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven client engagement and business development capabilities, with a track record of originating opportunities and converting relationships into secured work.

• Extensive experience leading complex, multidisciplinary energy projects at a Project Director or senior Design Manager level.

• Demonstrated experience in both Owner’s Engineer roles (pre and post-FID) and Design Management within a Design & Construction environment.

• Strong understanding of project governance, commercial performance, and successful project delivery principles.

• Expertise in managing technical interfaces, design risk, quality, and constructability.

• Ability to lead and coordinate diverse, multidisciplinary project teams effectively.

• Deep understanding of the power and renewable energy sectors, including transmission infrastructure, wind generation, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

• Professional registration such as CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) and RPEV (Registered Professional Engineer of Victoria), or the ability to obtain RPEV. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in proposal leadership and shaping complex project pursuits.

• Familiarity with Net Zero initiatives and sustainable energy solutions.

• Strong stakeholder management skills with utilities, developers, and delivery partners.

• Experience in managing client and contractor interfaces within a commercial construction context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific professional registrations (CPEng, RPEV) is critical and indicates a strong focus on regulatory compliance and local Australian engineering standards. The 15+ years of experience, coupled with the leadership and business development demands, positions this as a senior, impactful role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in successfully originating and winning significant energy projects, showcasing client engagement strategies and proposal wins.

• Case studies detailing leadership of complex, multidisciplinary energy projects, highlighting project governance, commercial outcomes, and successful delivery metrics.

• Examples of established design management standards, systems, and processes within a commercial construction or engineering consultancy environment.

• Documentation illustrating experience in managing technical interfaces, design risk, and quality assurance on major infrastructure projects.

• Evidence of building and maintaining trusted relationships with key stakeholders in the energy sector (utilities, developers, etc.). Process Documentation:

• Workflows and methodologies for identifying and converting business development opportunities into secured projects.

• Frameworks for project governance, commercial management, and performance tracking for large-scale energy projects.

• Processes for leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams, including resource allocation and performance management.

• Design management protocols, including client and contractor interface management, design risk assessment, and quality control procedures.

• Methodologies for acting as an Owner's Engineer, covering pre and post-FID project stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on business development and project leadership, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to not only manage projects but also to actively drive revenue generation and build client relationships. Portfolio examples should showcase strategic thinking and commercial impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 15+ years of experience in Melbourne, Australia, and considering the specialized energy sector expertise and business development responsibilities, an estimated annual salary range would be AUD $180,000 - $250,000. This estimate accounts for the senior level, the demand for specific skills in renewable energy and project leadership, and the cost of living in Melbourne.

Benefits:

• Flexible work practices to promote well-being and productivity.

• Support for employee well-being initiatives.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning within the energy sector.

• Participation in a global professional services company with diverse project opportunities.

• Employee-ownership structure offering potential long-term financial benefits.

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for flexibility and overtime depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from publicly available salary data for senior engineering and project management roles in Australia, specifically Melbourne, factoring in the specialized energy sector and the significant business development component. GHD's employee-ownership model is a significant benefit that should be highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, and Construction Services, with a strong focus on Energy, Water, and Urbanization sectors. The company is actively involved in driving low-carbon energy solutions and achieving a Net Zero future.

Company Size: GHD is a global professional services firm with over 11,000 employees across more than 200 offices on five continents. This indicates a large, well-established organization with significant resources and a broad reach.

Founded: GHD was founded in 1928, signifying a long history and deep expertise in its core service areas. This longevity suggests stability and a strong reputation in the market.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Victoria & Tasmania Energy market, suggesting a regional team structure focused on serving clients in these states.

• The "energetic and high-performing team" implies a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Market Leader or Regional Director within the Energy sector, with direct leadership of multidisciplinary project teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, involving engineers, designers, project managers, and business development professionals across various disciplines within GHD. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: GHD leverages deep technical expertise and data analysis to inform solutions for complex challenges in water, energy, and urbanization.

• Client-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes understanding client needs and investment priorities to deliver value and secure long-term partnerships.

• Innovation & Sustainability: A core focus is on developing sustainable energy solutions and contributing to a Net Zero future, driving innovation in the energy sector.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's emphasis on "The Power of Commitment" and its focus on sustainability and Net Zero solutions are key cultural differentiators. The company's global presence combined with regional market focus provides a unique blend of scale and localized expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position, requiring extensive experience (15+ years) and a blend of technical leadership, project management, and business development acumen. The role involves significant autonomy and accountability for driving commercial success and delivering complex projects.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within GHD's Energy market (e.g., Market Leader, Regional Director). They will, in turn, lead and manage multidisciplinary project teams, potentially including other project managers, engineers, and technical specialists.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on revenue generation through business development and work winning. Successful project delivery under their leadership will enhance GHD's reputation, client satisfaction, and profitability within the critical energy sector, contributing to the company's strategic goals in sustainability and Net Zero solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into broader leadership roles within the Energy market, such as Market Director or Regional Manager, with increased strategic responsibility and P&L accountability.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific renewable energy technologies (e.g., advanced BESS, offshore wind integration) or project types (e.g., large-scale grid modernization).

• Mentorship & Talent Development: Influence and shape the next generation of engineering leaders by mentoring junior staff and developing high-performing project teams.

• Global Mobility: Potential for involvement in international projects or opportunities within GHD's global network, leveraging the company's extensive reach.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to GHD's strategic direction in the energy sector, influencing service offerings and market positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is significant, moving beyond project delivery to encompass strategic market development and senior leadership within a global organization. The emphasis on business development suggests a pathway towards P&L responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is offered on a hybrid basis, suggesting a combination of remote work and in-office collaboration. GHD emphasizes flexible work practices.

Office Location(s): Ideally based in Melbourne or Hobart offices, with openness to discussions about other GHD offices across Victoria and Tasmania. The primary Melbourne office is located at 180 Lonsdale Street, Level 9.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires working with an "energetic and high-performing team," indicating a dynamic and collaborative workspace where ideas are shared and challenges are tackled collectively.

• Tools & Technology: Access to GHD's global suite of design, project management, and communication tools will be available to support project delivery and team collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with internal multidisciplinary teams, clients, and external stakeholders (developers, contractors, utilities) is expected, fostering a network of professional relationships.

Work Schedule: While a standard full-time schedule is expected, the hybrid nature and the demands of project delivery and client engagement may require flexibility in working hours. GHD's commitment to well-being suggests a focus on work-life balance where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model, combined with GHD's emphasis on flexible work practices, suggests a modern and adaptable work environment designed to support employee well-being and productivity. The physical office locations provide hubs for in-person collaboration and client engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and Cover Letter, focusing on alignment with experience, qualifications, and the specific requirements of the role, particularly in the energy sector and business development.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with Noah Armato (Hiring Manager) to assess cultural fit, initial understanding of the role, and key competencies. Preparation should include articulating your approach to business development and client engagement.

• Technical & Leadership Assessment: This stage may involve interviews with senior leaders or peers to evaluate technical expertise in energy projects, design management capabilities, and leadership style. Be prepared to discuss complex project scenarios and your problem-solving approach.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A key component will likely be a review of your portfolio, potentially including a presentation of a significant project you led or a business development success story. Focus on demonstrating impact, strategic thinking, and commercial outcomes.

• Final Interview: May involve senior GHD leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and final suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: For each project or initiative presented, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the actions taken, and the quantifiable results (e.g., revenue won, project value delivered, efficiency improvements, client satisfaction metrics).

• Highlight Business Development Success: Dedicate specific examples to how you've originated opportunities, led proposals, and secured significant work. Quantify the value of these wins.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Provide examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams, managed stakeholders, and navigated complex project challenges.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, by responsibility area (e.g., Business Development, Project Delivery, Design Management), or chronologically. Use clear visuals and concise descriptions.

• Tailor to GHD: Understand GHD's focus on Net Zero, sustainability, and client value. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to align with these company priorities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Business Development Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios for winning work, approaching new clients, or developing proposals for complex energy projects.

• Project Leadership Challenges: Anticipate questions about managing project risks, resolving conflicts within teams, ensuring commercial success on challenging projects, or dealing with difficult client situations.

• Design Management Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would establish design management processes, manage interfaces, or mitigate design risks on a major energy infrastructure project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills through a portfolio and potential case studies. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience not just in technical terms, but also in terms of business impact and leadership effectiveness.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management tools for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com).

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with CAD/BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit), and potentially specialized energy sector design tools.

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

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing project documentation and technical reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial & Commercial Tools: Understanding of project financial management software and reporting tools for tracking commercial performance, budgets, and forecasts.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for creating dashboards and reports on project status, risks, and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing client relationships, tracking business development activities, and managing proposals.

• ERP Systems: General understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning systems for integrated business management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in standard project management, design, collaboration, and CRM software common in engineering and construction environments. The emphasis on commercial performance suggests a need for strong financial reporting tool familiarity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment: A core value at GHD, demonstrated through dedication to client success, project delivery, and achieving Net Zero goals.

• Collaboration: Working together across disciplines and geographies to solve complex problems and deliver integrated solutions.

• Innovation: Driving forward with new ideas and sustainable solutions for the energy and infrastructure sectors.

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all business dealings and project execution.

• Client Focus: Deeply understanding and exceeding client expectations through tailored solutions and trusted relationships.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively fosters collaboration between engineering disciplines, design teams, project management, and business development to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Communication: Encourages clear, transparent communication with internal teams, clients, and delivery partners to manage expectations and resolve issues promptly.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promotes a culture where expertise is shared freely across teams and projects to drive continuous improvement and learning, particularly in emerging energy technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's "Power of Commitment" brand promise underpins its culture. The values emphasize a strong focus on client relationships, collaborative problem-solving, and a proactive approach to sustainability and innovation within the energy sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Volatility: Navigating the dynamic energy market, adapting to evolving technologies and policy changes within renewable energy.

• Complex Project Demands: Managing the inherent complexities of large-scale, multidisciplinary energy projects, including technical, commercial, and stakeholder challenges.

• Balancing Business Development & Delivery: Effectively allocating time and resources between winning new work and ensuring the successful delivery of existing projects.

• Team Leadership & Integration: Leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams, potentially across different locations, to achieve cohesive project goals.

• Client Relationship Management: Maintaining and deepening relationships with key clients in a competitive market, ensuring GHD remains a preferred partner.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Energy Training: Access to advanced training and development programs focused on emerging energy technologies (e.g., hydrogen, advanced grid management, offshore wind).

• Leadership & Business Acumen: Opportunities to enhance leadership skills, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen through internal programs, external courses, and on-the-job experience.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in key energy sector conferences and events to stay abreast of industry trends and expand professional networks.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within GHD to guide career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges in a rapidly evolving sector, but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and making a tangible impact on the transition to sustainable energy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to originating and winning new energy projects. What are the key elements of a successful proposal strategy?" (Focus on your business development process, client engagement tactics, and how you tailor proposals.)

• "Walk us through a complex, multidisciplinary energy project you led as Project Director or Senior Design Manager. What were the primary challenges, and how did you ensure successful technical and commercial delivery?" (Prepare a STAR method answer highlighting your leadership, problem-solving, and commercial acumen.)

• "How do you establish and manage effective design management processes, including client and contractor interfaces, for large-scale energy infrastructure projects?" (Detail your methodology for design governance, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How does your experience align with GHD's commitment to Net Zero and sustainable energy solutions?" (Research GHD's sustainability initiatives and frame your experience in that context.)

• "How would you foster collaboration within a high-performing, multidisciplinary team at GHD, especially given our hybrid work environment?" (Discuss your leadership style, communication strategies, and experience with remote/hybrid team management.)

• "What is your understanding of the energy market in Victoria and Tasmania, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for GHD?" (Demonstrate your market awareness and strategic thinking regarding the local energy landscape.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a concise overview of your career achievements and the types of projects you excel at.

• Showcase Business Wins: Dedicate a significant portion to your business development successes, quantifying the value of projects secured and detailing your role in the win.

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects. For each, clearly outline the scope, your leadership role, key challenges, innovative solutions, and the measurable outcomes (commercial, technical, sustainability).

• Demonstrate Design Management Expertise: Include examples of how you've implemented robust design management processes and ensured quality and risk mitigation.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional slides or documents with relevant graphics, charts, and key metrics. Avoid overly dense text.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it’s impactful and within the allocated timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview