Senior Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Engineering Design Manager

Company: Sedgman

Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Design Management (GTM Operations)

Date Posted: 2026-09-17T06:36:33

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the engineering design function for global minerals processing and supporting site infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with GTM strategies and operational excellence.

• Drive technical excellence and compliance by overseeing the work of engineers and drafting staff, ensuring adherence to Sedgman's Design Management Systems and industry best practices.

• Strategically manage project engineering budgets and schedules, optimizing resource allocation and planning to meet project demands and GTM objectives.

• Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement within the design team, contributing to Sedgman's market leadership in the global resources sector.

• Coordinate design interfaces, manage technical queries, and ensure timely resolution of design non-conformances to maintain project timelines and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Senior Engineering Design Manager," this role is categorized under GTM Operations due to its critical function in enabling successful project delivery and client engagement within the resources sector. The management of design, budgets, schedules, and resources directly impacts the Go-To-Market (GTM) success of Sedgman's EPCM services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and evaluate the technical competence and performance of engineers and drafting staff allocated to projects, providing constructive feedback and guidance.

• Develop and manage comprehensive engineering budgets and project schedules, ensuring accurate forecasting and proactive management of variances.

• Program workloads for the design team, providing essential technical and administrative guidance to foster professional development and efficiency.

• Collaborate with management on resource planning processes, ensuring adequate staffing and skill allocation for project design requirements.

• Administer technical briefs for sub-consultant engagement, ensuring scope clarity, quality, and adherence to Sedgman's standards.

• Prepare, control, and issue the Project Design Management Plan, establishing clear protocols and expectations for design execution.

• Coordinate design interfaces with the Client's other designers, ensuring seamless integration and alignment across all project stakeholders.

• Manage the authorization and issue of documents and drawings to project teams, vendors, sub-consultants, statutory authorities, and other relevant parties.

• Coordinate timely responses to technical queries from contractors and other project staff, minimizing delays and ensuring project momentum.

• Identify, investigate, record, monitor, and report on actions, resolution, and costs associated with identified design non-conformances, implementing corrective measures.

• Ensure project design reflects current industry standards by understanding and applying Sedgman's standard specifications, typical/standard drawings, and calculations/simulations.

• Ensure compliance of the project design team with Sedgman’s ‘Design Management Systems’, including the effective management of Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are directly tied to operational execution and project lifecycle management within an EPCM framework. The emphasis on budget, schedule, resource planning, and technical compliance highlights the operational rigor required.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Engineering.

Experience: Minimum 10+ years of industry experience, with a minimum of 10 years in engineering/design management specifically within a Minerals Processing background. Extensive knowledge of organization projects and practices is essential. Proven experience in leading and managing technical/project teams is a prerequisite.

Required Skills:

• Engineering Management: Proven ability to lead and manage engineering design functions.

• Design Management: Expertise in developing and implementing design management plans and processes.

• Minerals Processing: Deep understanding of processes and requirements within the minerals processing sector.

• Project Delivery: Strong experience in EPCM project delivery lifecycle.

• Resource Planning: Skill in forecasting and allocating human resources for project design needs.

• Budget Management: Proficiency in managing engineering project budgets and financial controls.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to guide and mentor engineering and drafting teams.

• Report Writing: Capability to produce clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Experience in managing interfaces and communication with clients, vendors, and sub-consultants.

• Design Management Systems: Familiarity and experience with implementing and adhering to design management frameworks.

• Compliance Management: Ensuring adherence to company standards, regulatory requirements, and project specifications.

• Infrastructure Projects: Experience in managing the design of site infrastructure.

• Technical Guidance: Providing expert advice and direction to design teams.

• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating design-related risks. Preferred Skills:

• Base Metals Industry Experience: Specific knowledge of base metals processing.

• Heavy Industry Environment: Familiarity with operational challenges in heavy industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" experience requirement, coupled with specific domain expertise (Minerals Processing, EPCM), indicates a senior operational leadership role. The emphasis on managing teams, budgets, and schedules points to a need for strong operational execution capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Design Management Plans: Showcase examples of comprehensive Design Management Plans developed for complex EPCM projects, detailing scope, methodologies, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Budget and Schedule Management: Provide evidence of managing engineering budgets and project schedules, including examples of forecasting accuracy, cost control measures, and successful on-time delivery of design phases.

• Team Leadership & Resource Allocation: Demonstrate experience in leading engineering design teams, including methodologies for resource planning, workload programming, and performance evaluation of team members.

• Technical Specification & Compliance: Include examples of technical specifications, standard drawings, and calculations that reflect current industry standards, and highlight processes used to ensure design compliance with Sedgman's Design Management Systems and NCR management.

• Sub-Consultant Management: Present examples of technical briefs issued for sub-consultant engagement, showcasing clear scope definition, evaluation criteria, and oversight processes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Documented processes for managing the end-to-end design lifecycle, from conceptualization through to detailed design and documentation issuance, with a focus on efficiency and quality.

• Implementation and Automation: Evidence of implementing design management systems and processes, including approaches to managing technical queries, non-conformances, and document control.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Examples of metrics and reporting mechanisms used to track design team performance, budget adherence, schedule compliance, and the effectiveness of design management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Engineering Design Manager, a portfolio demonstrating not just technical design capability but also robust process management, team leadership, and operational control is critical. This section outlines how candidates can showcase their operational execution and strategic management skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: An estimated salary range for a Senior Engineering Design Manager in Brisbane, Australia, with 10+ years of experience in the Minerals Processing EPCM sector, typically falls between AUD $180,000 - $250,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering leadership roles in specialized sectors within Australia, considering the demand for experienced professionals in EPCM and heavy industry environments.

Benefits:

• Flexible arrangements to help achieve work-life balance, potentially including hybrid work options and flexible hours.

• A strong focus on professional development, with opportunities for training, certifications, and continuous learning.

• Career growth opportunities within Sedgman, offering pathways for advancement and increased responsibility.

• A collaborative focus on continuous improvement and innovation, particularly within the company's safety culture.

• A friendly and social work environment that promotes team cohesion and positive employee relations.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility and hybrid arrangements to support work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Brisbane, Australia, considering the specialized nature of the Minerals Processing EPCM industry and the seniority of the position. Benefits are drawn directly from the job description and tailored to resonate with operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sedgman operates within the global resources sector, specifically focusing on the design, construction, and operation of mineral processing plants. This positions them as a key player in the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Management (EPCM) service provider landscape for mining and metals clients. Their affiliation with CIMIC Group Limited, a major international contractor, underscores their significant market presence and capabilities.

Company Size: Sedgman is part of the CIMIC Group, a large conglomerate, though Sedgman itself operates as a distinct subsidiary. As an EPCM provider, Sedgman likely employs a substantial workforce across its global offices, with a significant presence in engineering, project management, and operational roles. This size indicates stability, robust project pipelines, and opportunities for diverse career experiences.

Founded: Sedgman Pty Limited was founded to specialize in mineral processing plant solutions. As a wholly owned subsidiary of CIMIC Group, its history is intertwined with a larger entity known for its extensive experience in global contracting and mining. This lineage suggests a company with deep roots in the industry and a commitment to long-term growth and technical expertise.

Team Structure:

• The design function is likely structured into specialized disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, process, structural) under the overall management of the Senior Engineering Design Manager.

• Reporting lines would typically flow from the Senior Engineering Design Manager to senior project leadership or a Director of Engineering, with direct reports including lead engineers and project design leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is critical, involving close liaison with project managers, procurement specialists, construction teams, operations personnel, and clients to ensure integrated project delivery. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Design decisions are driven by rigorous technical analysis, simulation, and performance data from existing plants to optimize efficiency and reliability.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Structured EPCM methodologies are employed, focusing on phased project delivery, clear documentation, and efficient handovers between design, procurement, construction, and operations.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Sedgman leverages advanced design tools and potentially automation for repetitive tasks to enhance productivity, reduce errors, and improve the overall efficiency of the design process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is fleshed out to highlight Sedgman's position in the EPCM market, its relationship with CIMIC Group, and what this means for operational roles. The methodology section infers standard EPCM practices relevant to design management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the engineering and design operations of Sedgman. It demands a blend of technical expertise, strategic project oversight, and team management. The scope involves global projects, indicating a high level of responsibility and impact on the company's Go-To-Market (GTM) success by ensuring the technical viability and quality of its service offerings.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Engineering Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive, such as a Director of Engineering or a VP of Project Delivery. They will manage a team of engineers and drafters, and collaborate closely with Project Managers, Procurement Managers, and Construction Leads. This structure emphasizes operational integration across the project lifecycle.

Operations Impact: The effectiveness of the Senior Engineering Design Manager directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and Sedgman's reputation for technical excellence. By ensuring designs are efficient, compliant, and delivered on time and within budget, this role is pivotal to the successful execution of Sedgman's EPCM contracts and its ability to secure future business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in EPCM project management, advanced design technologies, and operational efficiency strategies within the resources sector.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into higher executive roles, such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or Country Manager, overseeing larger project portfolios or broader operational functions.

• Global Project Exposure: Continued involvement in international projects, offering exposure to diverse operational environments, regulatory frameworks, and cultural nuances, enhancing global leadership capabilities.

• Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific minerals processing technologies or complex infrastructure projects, further enhancing market value.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the role within an operations career path, emphasizing its strategic importance and potential for advancement within the EPCM and resources sectors. The "Operations Impact" highlights how this role contributes to the company's GTM success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Sedgman offers a hybrid work environment, indicating a blend of on-site work at their Brisbane office and remote work flexibility. This model aims to balance the collaborative needs of design management with employee work-life balance.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Brisbane is a major economic hub with good transportation links, making it an accessible location for professionals in the region. Specific office amenities and accessibility details would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model fosters collaboration through structured on-site days for team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional workshops. It encourages knowledge sharing and problem-solving among engineering and project teams.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Expect access to industry-standard engineering design software, project management platforms, and communication tools necessary for managing complex global projects. Sedgman's commitment to innovation suggests a modern technology stack.

• Team Interaction: On-site days provide opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, fostering team cohesion and facilitating spontaneous problem-solving sessions crucial for complex design challenges. Remote work days allow for focused, individual work.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule is 40 hours per week, with an emphasis on flexibility. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively while meeting project deadlines and client demands, a common requirement in the EPCM industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement is elaborated upon to explain its implications for operations professionals, focusing on collaboration, technology access, and schedule flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and any application materials to assess your qualifications against the core requirements, particularly the 10+ years of experience in minerals processing EPCM design management.

• Technical Interview: Expect detailed questions about your experience in managing engineering budgets, schedules, resource planning, and technical teams. Be prepared to discuss your approach to design management systems, compliance, and risk mitigation.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant projects. This is a critical stage where you demonstrate your ability to manage complex design challenges, your leadership skills, and your understanding of EPCM operational processes. Focus on quantifiable achievements.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: An assessment of your alignment with Sedgman's values of safety, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This may involve meeting with potential team members and senior leadership.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior management to confirm suitability for the role and discuss terms of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 significant EPCM projects that best highlight your engineering design management capabilities in the minerals processing sector.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the solutions implemented (design strategies, process improvements), and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, efficiency gains, safety improvements).

• Highlight Operational Processes: Emphasize your experience with Design Management Plans, budget/schedule control, resource allocation, and managing technical queries/non-conformances.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase examples of how you led and mentored teams, managed stakeholders, and fostered a collaborative and safe working environment.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making processes, problem-solving approaches, and how you adapt to project challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical complex design challenge, including resource allocation, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication.

• Budget/Schedule Management Problem: Prepare to explain how you would address a significant budget overrun or schedule delay in a critical design phase.

• Team Leadership Dilemma: Consider how you would handle a situation involving underperforming team members or inter-team conflicts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for preparing for the interview and portfolio review, emphasizing the operational aspects of the role and how to best showcase relevant experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent is essential for design visualization and documentation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking is critical.

• Document Control Systems: Familiarity with systems for managing and versioning engineering documents, drawings, and specifications is key.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Estimation Software: Tools for developing and managing project budgets and cost forecasts.

• Reporting Tools: Capability to generate reports from project management and design software to track KPIs, budget adherence, and schedule performance.

• Data Analysis Software: Potentially Excel or more advanced tools for analyzing project data and identifying trends or areas for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Project Management Systems: Sedgman likely uses proprietary or integrated systems for managing project lifecycles, client interactions, and internal workflows.

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning systems (e.g., SAP) for broader resource, financial, and operational management might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the likely technology stack based on the nature of EPCM projects and the role of a Senior Engineering Design Manager, emphasizing tools for design, project management, and operational control.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to safety in all design and operational processes, ensuring the well-being of employees and the integrity of projects.

• Technical Excellence: A dedication to high standards of engineering and design, driving innovation and delivering robust, reliable solutions for clients.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented approach where open communication and mutual support are encouraged across all departments and project phases.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on optimizing workflows, reducing waste, and consistently seeking better ways to deliver projects and enhance operational performance.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, ensuring transparency and reliability in all dealings.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between design, procurement, construction, and operations teams, ensuring a holistic project approach and early identification of potential issues.

• Process Review Culture: Promoting regular reviews of design and operational processes to identify areas for improvement, share best practices, and adapt to new challenges.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of technical expertise and project learnings across teams and projects to build collective knowledge and enhance problem-solving capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are inferred from Sedgman's stated commitment to safety, innovation, and collaboration, contextualized for an operational leadership role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Project Complexity: Managing design and engineering across different geographical locations, time zones, and regulatory environments presents significant coordination and communication challenges.

• Balancing Innovation and Compliance: Ensuring designs are innovative and efficient while strictly adhering to safety standards, client specifications, and regulatory requirements requires careful navigation.

• Resource Management: Effectively allocating and managing engineering talent, especially for specialized skills, across multiple concurrent projects can be demanding.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Coordinating the diverse needs and expectations of clients, internal departments, sub-consultants, and statutory authorities requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications like PMP or PRINCE2 to further enhance project management expertise.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening knowledge in specific areas of minerals processing technology or advanced engineering design tools.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participating in executive leadership training to prepare for broader management roles within Sedgman or CIMIC Group.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Engaging with industry peers and experts to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in EPCM and engineering design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential operational challenges inherent in a senior global engineering design role and outlines structured growth paths relevant to operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a Design Management Plan for a large-scale minerals processing project, focusing on ensuring operational efficiency and client satisfaction." (Preparation: Focus on phased approaches, risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and KPIs.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How would you manage conflicting priorities between the design team's technical requirements and the procurement team's cost constraints on a global project?" (Preparation: Emphasize communication, negotiation, data-driven decision-making, and finding win-win solutions.)

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a time you identified and resolved a significant design non-conformance that had the potential to impact project schedule or budget. What was your process?" (Preparation: Use the STAR method, detailing the situation, task, action, and result, highlighting your analytical and corrective action skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "Based on your understanding of Sedgman, how would you contribute to the company's focus on safety, innovation, and continuous improvement within the engineering design function?" (Preparation: Research Sedgman's values and recent projects; articulate how your leadership style aligns.)

• Operations Team Dynamics: "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing environment within a geographically dispersed engineering design team?" (Preparation: Discuss strategies for communication, team building, performance management, and leveraging technology.)

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of an engineering design function in an EPCM context, beyond just technical delivery?" (Preparation: Focus on metrics like budget adherence, schedule performance, client feedback, safety record, and contribution to overall project profitability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling with Data: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives, clearly linking your actions to positive, quantifiable outcomes. Use visuals (charts, diagrams) to support your points.

• Focus on Operational Processes: Highlight your experience with critical operational processes such as budget management, schedule control, resource planning, and NCR management.

• Demonstrate Leadership Impact: Showcase how your leadership influenced team performance, problem-solving, and the successful delivery of projects.

• Tailor to Sedgman: Emphasize your experience in minerals processing and EPCM, and how your skills align with Sedgman's specific needs and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview questions and preparation strategies, emphasizing how to demonstrate operational leadership and strategic thinking relevant to the Senior Engineering Design Manager role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit your comprehensive CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and suitability for the role through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that clearly showcases 2-3 key EPCM projects within the minerals processing sector. For each, detail your role, the design challenges, your operational management strategies (budget, schedule, resources), and the measurable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights your 10+ years of engineering/design management experience, specific minerals processing background, and leadership achievements using keywords found in this job description (e.g., EPCM, design management, budget control, resource planning).

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on operational challenges and solutions. Be ready to discuss your leadership style, strategic approach to design management, and how you foster collaboration and safety within teams.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Sedgman's projects, values, and recent news. Understand their position in the global resources sector and how your operational leadership can contribute to their continued success and market leadership.

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

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