Senior Design Manager - Onshore Wind

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Onshore Wind

Company: Beca

Location: Melbourne, Australia; Sydney, Australia; Brisbane, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Management / Project Delivery (Renewable Energy)

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design and delivery lifecycle of significant onshore wind projects, from initial development through to construction and final commissioning.

• Apply extensive practical delivery and constructability expertise to inform strategic project planning, robust risk management frameworks, and critical investment decision-making processes.

• Orchestrate and coordinate diverse, multidisciplinary teams across civil, electrical, geotechnical, environmental, and grid connection disciplines to achieve seamless, integrated project outcomes.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted client relationships, actively contributing to project governance structures, commercial performance optimization, and key strategic project decisions.

• Mentor and develop emerging engineering talent, actively support proposal development, and contribute to the sustained growth and expansion of Beca's renewable energy sector capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on leading the technical and project management aspects of onshore wind projects within the renewable energy sector. The emphasis is on end-to-end project delivery, client management, and team leadership, requiring a blend of technical engineering acumen and strategic project execution skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the design and execution strategy for onshore wind projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and Beca's technical standards from inception to completion.

• Implement robust project delivery methodologies, integrating constructability insights, proactive risk mitigation strategies, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans to ensure project success.

• Facilitate effective collaboration among civil, electrical, geotechnical, environmental, and grid integration specialists, ensuring cohesive project planning and execution.

• Manage client interactions, acting as a key point of contact to foster strong partnerships, ensure project governance, and drive commercial success through informed decision-making.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and project staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the renewable energy team.

• Contribute to business development efforts by supporting proposal writing, client pursuits, and strategic planning for the expansion of Beca's renewable energy portfolio.

• Ensure all project designs and delivery phases adhere to relevant Australian engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and environmental regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level engagement requiring not just technical oversight but also strategic leadership, client relationship management, and business development contributions, typical for a Design Manager in a large engineering consultancy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Electrical Engineering is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in delivering large-scale renewable energy projects, with a strong emphasis on onshore wind.

• Proven track record of managing projects through all phases: development, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Extensive experience in project delivery, constructability assessments, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Expertise in full project lifecycle management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing of complex engineering projects.

• Onshore Wind Project Delivery: Deep understanding of the technical, logistical, and regulatory aspects specific to onshore wind farm development and construction.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to provide expert guidance and direction to multidisciplinary engineering teams on design and constructability.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, developers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

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

• Constructability Analysis: Strong practical understanding of construction methods and their implications on design and project execution.

• Civil/Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Solid technical foundation in either civil or electrical engineering principles relevant to wind farm infrastructure.

• Commercial Acumen: Experience in contributing to project pursuits, proposals, and understanding project commercial performance.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineering Registration: Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or equivalent relevant registrations (RPEQ, RPEV, or equivalent) are highly desirable.

• Grid Connection Expertise: Familiarity with grid connection processes, requirements, and challenges for renewable energy projects.

• Environmental & Geotechnical Integration: Understanding of how environmental impact assessments and geotechnical investigations influence design and project planning.

• Contract Management: Experience with various forms of construction contracts and procurement strategies.

• Mentoring & Team Development: Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and foster a high-performing team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of specialized renewable energy project experience, core engineering principles, and strong leadership and commercial skills. Professional registration is highlighted as a significant advantage, pointing towards the importance of formal engineering credentials in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Detailed examples of onshore wind projects managed from concept to commissioning, showcasing your role, responsibilities, and key contributions.

• Design Optimization Examples: Demonstrations of how you've influenced design to improve constructability, reduce costs, or mitigate risks, supported by specific project outcomes.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Evidence of implemented risk assessment and mitigation strategies, including examples of challenges overcome due to proactive risk management.

• Stakeholder Management Plans: Illustrative examples of how you've managed complex stakeholder relationships, resolved conflicts, and ensured alignment on project objectives.

• Team Coordination Methodologies: Examples of how you've successfully led and coordinated multidisciplinary teams, including communication strategies and problem-solving approaches.

Process Documentation:

• Design Review & Approval Workflows: Documentation of processes used for design reviews, interdisciplinary coordination, and formal design approvals.

• Constructability Review Procedures: Examples of established procedures for integrating constructability feedback into the design process.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation Protocols: Outlines of formal processes for identifying, analyzing, and managing project risks.

• Client Reporting & Governance Structures: Samples of reporting templates and governance frameworks used to communicate project status, risks, and decisions to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to provide tangible evidence of their project management and technical leadership capabilities through a well-curated portfolio. This should focus on demonstrating process-driven execution, problem-solving, and quantifiable project success within the onshore wind sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers in major Australian cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane) with 10+ years of experience in specialized engineering fields like renewable energy, a competitive salary range is estimated to be AUD $160,000 - $220,000 per annum. This range is subject to the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits:

• Flexibility & Wellbeing: Access to flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, alongside dedicated leave for personal wellbeing and community engagement initiatives.

• Belonging & Ownership: Inclusion in a diverse and inclusive team environment that fosters collaboration and creativity, with unique opportunities for employee shareholders.

• Parental Leave: Comprehensive parental leave policy offering up to 14 weeks of fully paid leave for all parents.

• Career Growth & Development: Ongoing professional development opportunities through company-sponsored training programs, support for professional accreditations, and clear pathways for career advancement, including Chartership with Engineers Australia.

• Professional Accreditation Support: Financial and time support for pursuing and maintaining professional engineering registrations and accreditations.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While standard office hours apply, Beca offers flexibility in managing work schedules to accommodate personal needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of comparable senior engineering management roles in Australia's infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, considering the specified experience level and location. Benefits are detailed to highlight Beca's commitment to employee wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance, which are key attractors for senior professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Consulting, and Design Services, with a strong focus on the Renewable Energy sector. Beca operates within a dynamic market driven by the global transition to sustainable energy sources.

Company Size: Beca is a large, privately owned firm with a significant global presence, employing thousands of individuals across various disciplines and geographies. This scale provides access to extensive resources, diverse projects, and a broad network of expertise.

Founded: Beca was founded in 1918, giving it over a century of experience and a deep-rooted heritage in engineering and project delivery. This longevity suggests a stable, reputable organization with a proven track record and a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Renewable Energy team at Beca is part of a larger engineering and consulting framework. Within this team, the Senior Design Manager will likely lead project-specific design groups.

• Reporting structure typically involves reporting to a Practice Lead, Director, or similar senior management figure within the Energy or Infrastructure divisions.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close liaison with project managers, commercial teams, environmental specialists, geotechnical engineers, and construction partners. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on utilizing project data, performance metrics, and technical analysis to inform design choices, risk assessments, and investment decisions.

• Integrated Project Planning: A systematic approach to coordinating all project disciplines, ensuring that civil, electrical, environmental, and grid requirements are seamlessly integrated from the early stages.

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: A culture that encourages seeking efficiencies, adopting best practices, and exploring innovative solutions in design and delivery to enhance project outcomes and sustainability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's established history, large scale, and global reach imply a structured yet collaborative environment. The focus on renewable energy signifies a forward-thinking approach, aligning with current market trends and sustainability goals. The team structure emphasizes a matrixed approach where project leadership is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Management position, specifically within the technical leadership and project delivery domain of the renewable energy sector. It signifies a career stage focused on leading complex, high-value projects, managing significant client relationships, and contributing to strategic business growth. The responsibilities extend beyond technical design to encompass project governance, commercial aspects, and team development.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director or General Manager within Beca's Energy division. They will, in turn, lead and manage project-specific multidisciplinary design teams, potentially including Design Engineers, Project Engineers, and technical specialists. This structure facilitates both strategic oversight from senior leadership and focused execution at the project level.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on Beca's revenue and reputation within the renewable energy sector. Successful delivery of major onshore wind projects leads to client satisfaction, repeat business, and positive case studies. Effective project governance and commercial performance directly contribute to profitability. Furthermore, by enabling the energy transition, the role contributes to Beca's broader mission of creating a more sustainable future.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into roles such as Director of Engineering, Head of Renewables, or broader General Management positions within Beca.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of onshore wind technology or related renewable energy fields, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Business Development & Strategy: Involvement in shaping Beca's renewable energy strategy, leading major client pursuits, and contributing to the company's commercial direction.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer: A key growth area is developing leadership skills through mentoring junior staff, contributing to training programs, and building Beca's internal knowledge base.

• Global Mobility: Potential opportunities to work on international projects or in different Beca offices, leveraging global expertise and diverse market experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career step, offering leadership responsibilities and the opportunity to influence both project outcomes and organizational strategy. The growth paths are clearly defined, moving from project leadership to broader divisional or strategic management roles, with a strong emphasis on developing leadership and business acumen.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Beca offers a hybrid work environment. This typically means a combination of working from a Beca office location and working remotely. The specific balance will depend on project needs, team collaboration requirements, and individual arrangements.

Office Location(s): The role is based in either Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, Australia. These are major metropolitan hubs with well-equipped Beca offices designed to foster collaboration and provide professional workspaces.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are likely equipped with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan workspaces designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among project teams.

• Technology & Tools: Access to Beca's standard suite of engineering design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided. This ensures team members have the necessary resources to perform their roles effectively.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues, including project teams, senior management, and other discipline specialists, promoting a connected and supportive work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. Beca emphasizes flexibility, allowing employees to manage their work hours in a way that balances project deadlines, team collaboration needs, and personal commitments. This flexibility is crucial for roles that require significant client interaction and project oversight, often demanding adaptability to project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is designed to offer flexibility while ensuring essential in-person collaboration for complex project coordination and team building. The office locations provide access to professional infrastructure and peer support networks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and any submitted portfolio materials by HR and the hiring manager to assess suitability against the core requirements.

• Technical Interview (Stage 1): An in-depth discussion focusing on your technical expertise in onshore wind design, project delivery experience, and understanding of constructability and risk management. Expect scenario-based questions related to past projects.

• Leadership & Stakeholder Interview (Stage 2): This stage assesses your leadership style, team management capabilities, client relationship skills, and commercial awareness. You may be asked to provide examples of how you've handled challenging team dynamics or difficult client negotiations.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your project leadership, problem-solving approach, and quantifiable achievements. Be prepared to discuss your role, methodologies, and outcomes in detail.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership or a panel to confirm cultural fit, discuss career aspirations, and finalize any offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 high-impact projects that best showcase your leadership in onshore wind design and delivery. Prioritize projects that highlight complexity, successful problem-solving, and significant positive outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, the strategies you implemented, and the measurable results achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction, client satisfaction scores).

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio presentation logically. For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Project Background -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Key Challenges -> Solutions/Strategies Implemented -> Outcomes & Impact.

• Focus on Process & Leadership: Emphasize the processes you followed for design coordination, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership. Highlight your decision-making rationale.

• Tailor to Beca: Research Beca's recent onshore wind projects and values. Frame your experience and presentation to align with their known capabilities and strategic direction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenario: Be prepared for a technical challenge that might involve reviewing a design concept, identifying potential risks, or proposing solutions for a common onshore wind project issue. Focus on your structured problem-solving approach.

• Project Management Scenario: You might be presented with a project management dilemma (e.g., budget overrun, schedule delay, stakeholder conflict) and asked to outline your plan to address it.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your case studies concisely and engagingly, ensuring you can articulate complex technical and managerial information clearly within a limited timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical competence, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management tools such as MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• CAD & Design Software: Familiarity with the use and oversight of CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and potentially specialized wind turbine design or analysis software (e.g., WindFarmer, OpenWind, ANSYS) for reviewing designs.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Beca's internal collaboration suite for team communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project reports, site investigations, and performance monitoring. Familiarity with tools like Excel for data manipulation and analysis.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in reviewing or contributing to project dashboards (potentially using tools like Power BI, Tableau, or custom-built systems) that visualize project progress, risks, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary CRM role, understanding how client interactions are managed and how client data is maintained within a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) is beneficial for client relationship management.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust document control systems (e.g., Aconex, SharePoint) for managing project documentation, drawings, and correspondence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not hands-on with all tools, a strong understanding of the types of software used in large-scale engineering project delivery, particularly for project management, design review, and collaboration, is essential. The ability to interpret data from these systems is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: An unwavering commitment to health and safety in all aspects of project design and delivery, ensuring the wellbeing of the team and the public.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building long-term partnerships through exceptional service and reliable project outcomes.

• Excellence & Innovation: A drive for high-quality engineering solutions, embracing new technologies and methodologies to deliver best-in-class results and foster innovation.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: A belief in the power of diverse teams working together, valuing different perspectives, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute their best.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings, ensuring transparency, honesty, and accountability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between design disciplines, project management, commercial teams, and external stakeholders to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Fostering an environment where open dialogue is encouraged, feedback is constructively given and received, and knowledge sharing is a continuous practice.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Actively promoting the development of team members through mentorship, coaching, and sharing of expertise, building collective capability within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Beca's values emphasize a strong ethical foundation, a commitment to safety and quality, and a collaborative approach to project delivery, all crucial for a senior leadership role in a complex engineering environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Project Complexity: Onshore wind projects are inherently complex, involving intricate technical, logistical, environmental, and regulatory challenges that require sophisticated management and problem-solving.

• Balancing Stakeholder Interests: Navigating the diverse and sometimes conflicting interests of clients, developers, contractors, local communities, and regulatory bodies.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in wind turbine technology, grid integration solutions, and project delivery methodologies to ensure Beca remains at the forefront.

• Geographic Coordination: Effectively managing and coordinating multidisciplinary teams and project activities across potentially dispersed locations within Australia.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Leadership: Opportunities to lead increasingly large and complex projects, developing strategic decision-making and executive leadership skills.

• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of renewable energy, such as offshore wind, battery storage integration, or advanced grid solutions.

• Professional Development Programs: Access to Beca's extensive training resources, workshops, and support for professional accreditations, including Chartership pathways.

• Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship initiatives, both as a mentee and a mentor, to foster leadership growth and knowledge transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges typical of large-scale infrastructure projects, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and career advancement within the burgeoning renewable energy sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Leadership Philosophy: "Describe your approach to leading multidisciplinary engineering teams on large-scale infrastructure projects. How do you ensure alignment and effective collaboration?" (Prepare to discuss your leadership style, communication strategies, and conflict resolution methods.)

• Risk Management Approach: "Walk us through a time you identified and mitigated a significant risk on a complex engineering project. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on a specific, impactful example and detail your systematic approach.)

• Client Relationship Management: "How do you build and maintain trust with demanding clients, especially during challenging project phases?" (Prepare examples of successful client engagement, problem-solving, and communication strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Beca's Role in Energy Transition: "What are your thoughts on Beca's contribution to Australia's energy transition, and how do you see this role fitting into that vision?" (Research Beca's renewable energy projects and sustainability initiatives.)

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration among engineers from different disciplines." (Align your answer with Beca's stated values of collaboration and inclusion.)

• Driving Project Success: "Beyond technical delivery, what factors do you believe are most critical for ensuring the commercial success and client satisfaction of major engineering projects?" (Discuss commercial awareness, stakeholder management, and proactive problem-solving.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your case study presentations like a compelling story: the challenge, your strategic response, the actions taken, and the positive resolution/impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with key data points, project photos, and simple diagrams. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Quantify Everything: Be ready to discuss metrics – cost savings, schedule adherence, performance improvements, risk reduction percentages, client feedback scores.

• Focus on "I" and "We": Clearly articulate your personal contributions ("I led," "I designed," "I implemented") while also acknowledging the team effort ("We achieved," "Our team resolved").

• Engage the Interviewers: Make it a discussion, not a monologue. Pause for questions, solicit feedback, and be prepared to elaborate on specific aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and an understanding of commercial realities. Using specific, quantifiable examples from your portfolio will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager - Onshore Wind position:

• Submit your application: Complete the online application form through Beca's careers portal, ensuring all required fields are accurately filled.

• Tailor your Resume: Update your resume to highlight your experience in onshore wind project delivery, leadership of multidisciplinary teams, constructability expertise, and stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities. Focus on quantifiable achievements and your specific role in successful project outcomes. Be ready to present these.

• Research Beca: Familiarize yourself with Beca's recent projects, particularly in the renewable energy sector, their company values, and their approach to sustainability and the energy transition.

• Practice your Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions related to leadership, project management, technical challenges, and client relations, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) with examples from your experience.

⚠️ 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.