Services Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Services Design Manager

Company: Webuild S.p.A.

Location: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-13

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and integrate the comprehensive design coordination of building services for high-security, justice, and correctional facilities.

• Act as the technical authority, ensuring all building services designs align with the facility's operational hierarchy, supporting secure areas and critical system continuity.

• Manage multidisciplinary design coordination using advanced BIM/digital engineering workflows for spatial zoning, restricted service routes, and engineering segregation.

• Oversee design assurance for critical safety systems, validating compliance with correctional standards and regulatory security requirements.

• Drive technical risk assessments for essential service systems and establish robust redundancy strategies for continuous operation under various emergency conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a major Public Private Partnership (PPP) and joint venture infrastructure development, emphasizing a high level of governance, stakeholder management, and long-term operational considerations, which are critical for success in this specialized engineering operations function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and integrate the full design coordination of building services, specifically for high-security, justice, and correctional facilities, encompassing electrical (high-integrity power, redundancy, UPS for critical functions), fire protection (life-safety, zone control, custody-area containment), mechanical (HVAC, 24/7 operation resilience, security integration), hydraulic (secure water distribution, demand control), and ICT/electronic security/building automation systems (surveillance, access control, perimeter protection, communications networks).

• Serve as the technical authority, ensuring all building services designs directly support the facility's operational hierarchy, including secure areas, controlled movement, and mission-critical system continuity.

• Manage multidisciplinary design coordination through advanced BIM/digital engineering workflows, focusing on spatial zoning, restricted service routes, and engineering segregation to ensure constructability and operational integrity.

• Oversee and conduct design assurance for critical safety systems, rigorously validating compliance with stringent correctional standards and regulatory security requirements.

• Lead technical risk assessments for essential service systems, meticulously establishing redundancy strategies to guarantee continuous operation during emergency scenarios and lockdown conditions.

• Resolve complex design and interface issues at the intersection of structural, architectural, and services disciplines, balancing constructability with custodial safety and long-term maintainability.

• Direct the technical design review and verification processes across concept, detailed design, and commissioning phases to ensure seamless alignment with operational protocols and facility management systems.

• Provide authoritative design input for security engineering and building controls integration, including interoperability testing and validation of data network performance.

• Champion innovation in system efficiency, digital monitoring, and predictive maintenance technologies specifically tailored for secure, 24-hour operational environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on operational readiness and long-term maintainability, moving beyond pure design to encompass the lifecycle performance of building services within a highly regulated and secure environment. This requires a deep understanding of how design choices impact operational efficiency and security protocols.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline) is typically expected for this level of technical leadership. Relevant professional certifications or advanced degrees would be advantageous.

Experience: 10-15 years of progressive technical leadership experience within complex Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design and coordination environments. Significant, demonstrated exposure to the justice, correctional, or defense sectors is paramount.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience designing and coordinating building services for high-security, correctional, justice, or defense facilities.

• Strong technical depth across multi-disciplinary systems integration, particularly in environments requiring segregated and controlled operational zones.

• Proficient in digital design tools such as Revit, Navisworks, 3D coordination software, and security systems modeling.

• Familiarity with governance-led design delivery frameworks common in large-scale public infrastructure projects.

• Strong understanding of facility operations in secure settings, including how design decisions impact movement protocols, surveillance, and emergency response.

• Proven ability to lead the seismic design coordination and technical assurance of all building services systems, including restraint, anchorage, bracing, displacement allowance, and post-event serviceability for critical and security-related infrastructure.

• Skilled in leading multidisciplinary design teams and effectively communicating complex technical matters to client security and operations stakeholders.

• Demonstrated competence in integrating electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic security systems in compliance with national correctional facility standards.

• Advanced knowledge of technical assurance, commissioning validation, and design-to-operation interface management.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Public Private Partnership (PPP) project delivery models.

• Familiarity with advanced building automation systems (BAS) and integrated security management systems.

• Project management certifications (e.g., PMP).

• Experience with lifecycle cost analysis and value engineering for complex infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "high-security, correctional, justice, or defence facilities" and specific technical requirements like "seismic design coordination" and "custody-area containment requirements" indicates a niche specialization. Candidates must demonstrate direct experience in these areas to be considered.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase instances of leading the design coordination for complex building services within secure or critical infrastructure projects, highlighting the integration of multiple disciplines.

• Provide detailed case studies demonstrating problem-solving for interface issues between structural, architectural, and MEP systems, especially in challenging environments.

• Include examples of how BIM and digital engineering workflows were utilized for coordination, clash detection, and spatial management in secure facility designs.

• Present evidence of managing design assurance and compliance processes against specific standards (e.g., correctional facility standards, life safety codes).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization: Present examples of established processes for managing design reviews, stakeholder consultations, and issue resolution within a complex project structure.

• Implementation and automation: Detail how digital tools and BIM were leveraged to streamline design coordination, reduce errors, and improve communication across multidisciplinary teams.

• Measurement and performance analysis: Showcase how design decisions were validated against operational requirements, including commissioning outcomes and long-term performance expectations for critical systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should heavily feature technical drawings, coordination models, and documentation that illustrates the candidate's ability to manage intricate design processes within a high-stakes environment, rather than solely focusing on project management achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Services Design Manager with 10-15 years of specialized experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, the estimated annual salary range is NZD $140,000 - $180,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in major infrastructure projects within New Zealand, considering the specialized nature of correctional facility design and the high cost of living in Christchurch.

Benefits:

• Opportunity for embedded work on a large-scale, high-profile project from early stages through delivery.

• Exposure to both local best practices and world-class global systems and processes, facilitating invaluable professional development.

• A collaborative, inclusive project team environment that values expertise, partnership, and shared success.

• Strong leadership, structure, and support within a well-resourced organization.

• Competitive remuneration aligned to skills and experience.

• Potential for professional development and specialized training in advanced engineering and security systems.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time professional role. However, given the critical nature of the project and the need for continuous operational consideration, flexibility may be required during peak design, construction, or commissioning phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from data points for senior engineering roles in New Zealand, adjusted for the specific demands of managing design for high-security infrastructure. Benefits are directly extracted from the provided text, emphasizing professional growth and project involvement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure Development. Webuild S.p.A. is a global leader in large-scale, complex infrastructure projects, including major civil works, transportation, and energy. This specific project involves vertical infrastructure development for secure operational facilities, integrating construction with advanced service delivery.

Company Size: Webuild Group is a large international organization with a significant global workforce, indicating robust operational frameworks, extensive resources, and established corporate governance. On this specific project, the team is a joint venture, bringing together local expertise with international scale.

Founded: While the founding date of Webuild S.p.A. is not provided, the company has a long-standing reputation in the global construction industry. The project itself is a long-term PPP and joint venture, suggesting a stable, established, and well-resourced delivery framework.

Team Structure:

• Operations team aspect 1: The Services Design Manager will be part of a larger project delivery team, likely comprising discipline leads for various engineering services, design managers, project managers, construction leads, and operational stakeholders. The team is characterized by its multidisciplinary nature and high-level of specialization.

• Operations team aspect 2: Reporting directly to the Design & Engineering Director, this role sits within the design and engineering function of the project, with significant interface responsibilities extending to construction, security, and operational teams.

Methodology:

• Operations process 1: Data analysis and insights will be critical for validating design compliance, assessing technical risks, and ensuring constructability and long-term performance. This involves rigorous review of technical documentation and modeling data.

• Operations process 2: Workflow planning and optimization will focus on managing the complex design coordination process, ensuring efficient use of BIM and digital engineering tools, and timely resolution of interface issues between various service disciplines and architectural/structural elements.

• Operations process 3: Automation and efficiency practices will be applied through the sophisticated use of digital engineering tools, BIM for clash detection and coordination, and integrated systems for monitoring and control to enhance design delivery and operational readiness.

Company Website: https://jobs.webuildgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The project's PPP and joint venture nature implies a highly structured and governance-driven environment. The company's global presence suggests adherence to international standards of quality and safety, while the local project context necessitates understanding New Zealand's specific regulatory and operational requirements for secure facilities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the engineering and design operations of a major infrastructure project. It demands extensive technical expertise, proven leadership in complex environments, and a strategic understanding of how design translates into functional, secure, and maintainable operations. The scope includes managing multiple service disciplines and significant stakeholder interfaces.

Reporting Structure: The Services Design Manager reports to the Design & Engineering Director. This senior reporting line indicates a high level of responsibility and influence within the project's technical leadership. The role requires close collaboration with other senior project managers, construction leads, and client representatives.

Operations Impact: The Services Design Manager has a profound impact on the project's success by ensuring that all building services are integrated, compliant, constructible, and operationally sound. Their decisions directly influence the safety, security, efficiency, and long-term maintainability of a critical national infrastructure asset, thereby affecting public safety and government operational capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations skill advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized areas such as high-security systems integration, advanced BIM workflows for critical infrastructure, and seismic design for complex facilities.

• Industry leadership: Develop a reputation as a subject matter expert in designing and delivering secure, operational infrastructure, potentially leading to further senior roles on similar high-profile projects.

• Cross-functional leadership: Gain experience managing diverse teams and complex stakeholder relationships, enhancing overall project leadership capabilities.

• Global exposure: Leverage Webuild's international presence for potential future opportunities on other large-scale global projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is geared towards becoming a recognized expert in specialized infrastructure design operations, with opportunities for both technical and managerial advancement within large, complex projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Templeton, Christchurch, New Zealand. This suggests a project-based office environment, likely a site office or a dedicated project hub, designed for close collaboration among project teams.

Office Location(s): Templeton, Christchurch, New Zealand. This location is specific to the project site, offering direct access to the development and its various stakeholders.

Workspace Context:

• Workspace aspect 1: The environment is described as fast-paced, highly collaborative, and governance-led. Expect a dynamic setting requiring close interaction with design teams, construction personnel, and client representatives.

• Workspace aspect 2: Advanced BIM/digital engineering workflows are central to the design process, implying access to sophisticated design software, potentially VR/AR tools for visualization and coordination, and robust IT infrastructure to support these technologies.

• Workspace aspect 3: Opportunities for operations team interaction will be frequent, given the need for integrated design solutions. This includes daily coordination meetings, design reviews, and problem-solving sessions with a diverse range of specialists.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. However, the demands of a major infrastructure project, especially one involving secure facilities with 24/7 operational considerations, may necessitate flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet critical project milestones and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Templeton, Christchurch, emphasizes the need for a candidate comfortable working within a project delivery environment, directly engaged with the physical development and its associated teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Process step 1: Initial screening to assess experience and qualifications against the core requirements, particularly in high-security/correctional facility design and MEP coordination. A review of the candidate's CV and any preliminary portfolio submissions will be key.

• Process step 2: Technical interviews focusing on detailed knowledge of building services integration, BIM workflows, seismic design, and risk management. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific case studies from their portfolio demonstrating problem-solving capabilities and technical leadership.

• Process step 3: A more in-depth discussion with the Design & Engineering Director and potentially other senior project leaders. This stage will assess leadership style, stakeholder management skills, and cultural fit within the project's collaborative and governance-led environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio tip 1: Curate projects that specifically highlight experience in designing and coordinating building services for high-security, justice, or correctional facilities. Quantify your impact where possible (e.g., reduction in design clashes, improvements in system resilience).

• Portfolio tip 2: Structure case studies to clearly articulate the challenge, your approach (emphasizing design coordination, BIM usage, and technical problem-solving), and the quantifiable outcomes related to compliance, constructability, and operational readiness.

• Portfolio tip 3: Be prepared to discuss the specific technologies and software used (Revit, Navisworks, etc.) and how they facilitated complex coordination and issue resolution. Demonstrate an understanding of how design decisions impact long-term facility management and operational costs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Challenge preparation 1: Be ready for scenario-based questions or a small case study related to resolving a complex design interface issue within a secure facility context, or a challenge involving ensuring service continuity during a simulated critical event.

• Challenge preparation 2: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating how you would approach problem-solving, engage stakeholders, and arrive at a technically sound and operationally viable solution.

• Challenge preparation 3: Prepare to discuss how you would ensure design compliance with stringent security and correctional standards, and how you would integrate building automation and security systems for maximum effectiveness and interoperability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh technical depth in specialized infrastructure and the ability to translate design expertise into operational outcomes for secure environments. Portfolio presentation should focus on demonstrating practical application of skills in relevant contexts.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for 3D modeling, design development, and documentation of building services.

• Navisworks: Crucial for federating models from various disciplines, clash detection, 4D scheduling, and design review coordination.

• 3D Coordination Software: Beyond Navisworks, familiarity with other platforms for spatial coordination and clash management is beneficial.

• Security Systems Modeling Software: Specific tools for designing and integrating electronic security, surveillance, and access control systems.

• BIM/Digital Engineering Platforms: Experience with broader BIM execution plans and digital project delivery frameworks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Measurement Tools: For validating design performance against operational requirements, especially for critical systems (e.g., power redundancy, HVAC resilience).

• Data Analysis Software: To interpret complex datasets from simulations, testing, and operational feedback to inform design improvements.

• Reporting Dashboards: For clear communication of design status, risks, and compliance levels to project leadership and stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Information Systems (PMIS): Systems for managing project documentation, workflows, communications, and reporting.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Potentially used within BIM software or PMIS to streamline design review, RFI, and submittal processes.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different systems (e.g., HVAC, security, IT) are integrated and how their data interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in BIM software, particularly Revit and Navisworks, is non-negotiable for managing complex spatial coordination and clash detection. Experience with specialized security and building automation systems integration tools is also highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Professionalism: A commitment to high standards in design, delivery, and stakeholder interaction, reflecting the critical nature of the project.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships across diverse internal and external teams to achieve integrated project outcomes.

• Discretion & Integrity: Upholding strict confidentiality and ethical standards, particularly important in secure facility projects.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Driving improvements in system design, process execution, and technology adoption to enhance project delivery and long-term operational performance.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design responsibilities and ensuring compliance with all project, regulatory, and security requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration: The role requires proactive engagement with architecture, structural engineering, construction, security, and client operations teams to ensure seamless integration of building services.

• Process review culture: Encouraging open feedback loops and constructive critique during design reviews to identify and resolve issues early.

• Knowledge sharing: Actively sharing technical insights and lessons learned across the project team to build collective expertise, especially concerning the unique demands of secure facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "professionalism," "discretion," and "governance-led" environments points to a culture that values structured communication, adherence to protocols, and a strong sense of responsibility.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Integration: Managing the intricate interdependencies between numerous building services (electrical, mechanical, fire, security, IT) within a highly secure and constrained environment.

• Security & Operational Alignment: Ensuring that all design decisions rigorously support stringent security protocols, movement controls, and 24/7 operational requirements, which can sometimes conflict with traditional design efficiencies.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating the diverse needs and expectations of multiple public and private sector stakeholders, including security agencies, operational staff, and regulatory bodies.

• Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in digital engineering, security technology, and smart building systems and integrating them effectively into a long-term operational context.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like high-security electrical systems, advanced fire suppression for correctional settings, or integrated building automation and security management.

• Project Delivery Methodologies: Gaining in-depth experience with PPP and joint venture project structures, governance frameworks, and complex contractual arrangements.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing skills in leading large, multidisciplinary teams, managing technical risks, and influencing strategic project decisions.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Potential to attend industry events focused on critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, or advanced building technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the unique demands of designing for high-security environments, requiring a balance between technical complexity, operational necessity, and stakeholder alignment. Growth is focused on becoming a leading expert in this specialized domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design coordination challenge you faced on a high-security or correctional facility project. How did you resolve it, and what was the impact on the project's security or operational readiness?" (Focus on demonstrating problem-solving, technical depth, and understanding of operational impact.)

• "How do you ensure that building services designs meet stringent regulatory and security requirements while also being constructible and maintainable long-term? Walk us through your process." (Highlight your systematic approach to compliance, risk management, and lifecycle considerations.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about working on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project like this, and how do you see your role contributing to its unique delivery model?" (Showcase your understanding of PPPs and your alignment with their governance and collaborative aspects.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and ensure effective communication across diverse teams, including technical specialists, construction personnel, and client operations staff, in a fast-paced project environment?" (Prepare examples of your collaborative leadership style and stakeholder engagement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Presentation strategy 1: Select 2-3 key projects that best represent your experience in high-security/correctional facility design. For each, clearly articulate the project's unique challenges, your specific role in design coordination, the tools and methodologies used (BIM, clash detection), and the tangible outcomes related to compliance, security, and operational efficiency.

• Presentation strategy 2: Use visual aids effectively. Showcase screenshots of Revit models, Navisworks clash reports, or integrated system diagrams. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "reduced design clashes by X%", "ensured Y% uptime for critical systems").

• Presentation strategy 3: Be prepared to deep-dive into technical aspects of your presented projects, explaining complex integrations, design decisions, and how you managed trade-offs to achieve optimal results. Demonstrate your ability to articulate technical details to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical prowess but also a deep understanding of the operational, security, and governance nuances inherent in designing critical infrastructure for secure environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Services Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Webuild Group careers portal via the provided link.

• Concrete preparation step 1: Tailor your CV to prominently feature experience with high-security, justice, or correctional facilities, and specific building services integration challenges. Highlight your proficiency with Revit, Navisworks, and BIM/digital engineering workflows.

• Concrete preparation step 2: Prepare a concise portfolio that showcases 2-3 relevant projects. Prioritize visual examples of design coordination, clash resolution, and integrated systems within secure environments. Be ready to discuss your specific contributions, technical challenges, and project outcomes.

• Concrete preparation step 3: Research Webuild S.p.A. and their major projects, paying attention to their PPP and joint venture delivery models. Understand the broader context of the Christchurch project and its significance to New Zealand's infrastructure.

• Concrete preparation step 4: Practice articulating your experience with complex MEP coordination, technical assurance, and risk management for critical infrastructure. Prepare to discuss how your design decisions impact operational readiness and long-term maintainability in secure facilities.

⚠️ 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.

---