Technical Director/ Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Director/ Senior Design Manager

Company: Arcadis

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Management / Design Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-05-19

Experience Level: 10+ years (Senior/Director level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and provide technical direction for complex, multidisciplinary highway and infrastructure projects, ensuring successful project delivery from a design and engineering perspective.

• Implement best practices in project delivery, encompassing risk and change management, planning, common data environments (including BIM and document control), and quality assurance processes.

• Drive commercial and technical outcomes, fostering client satisfaction through proactive engagement and exceeding delivery expectations.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of civil infrastructure professionals, nurturing talent and career progression within the Arcadis framework.

• Contribute to business development by identifying and pursuing design opportunities and preparing compelling bid and tender submissions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager or Technical Director within Arcadis' Transport team, focusing on highways and infrastructure. The emphasis is on leadership, technical expertise, digital delivery, and client satisfaction within the Australian market, particularly Western Australia. The seniority suggests a strategic role with significant accountability for project outcomes and team development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide sound and effective technical leadership, direction, and advice to multidisciplinary design teams, championing a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

• Establish and implement robust quality control procedures aligned with Arcadis’ global quality assurance framework to ensure project compliance and excellence.

• Drive project performance, service delivery, and technical/commercial outcomes, conducting reviews to ensure client delivery consistently surpasses expectations.

• Manage financial and project controls effectively, ensuring projects remain on track regarding budget, scope, and schedule.

• Proactively work with clients to foster strong relationships, understand their needs, and ensure maximum client satisfaction throughout project lifecycles.

• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of common data environments, including BIM and document control systems, to facilitate efficient digital delivery.

• Manage, mentor, and develop less experienced members of the Arcadis Civil Infrastructure team, fostering their professional growth and technical capabilities.

• Take ultimate accountability for the technical and program delivery of assigned major highway and infrastructure projects.

• Actively seek and pursue new design opportunities, contributing to the preparation of compelling bids and tender submissions to secure future work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical oversight and people management. The emphasis on "ultimate accountability" and "driving project performance" indicates a senior leadership position with significant decision-making authority. The inclusion of business development activities (seeking opportunities, bids/tenders) suggests that this role also carries commercial responsibilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Relevant engineering degree is required.

Experience:

• Approximately 20+ years of progressive industry experience in engineering and design management.

• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design teams for road and highway projects within a design and engineering consultancy environment.

• Proven track record in delivering complex highway infrastructure projects from concept to completion.

• Extensive experience in managing large project teams, overseeing their performance and development.

• Sound knowledge of the transportation infrastructure industry, with well-developed technical and commercial skills.

• Demonstrated ability in securing new business opportunities and contributing to successful bid and tender submissions.

• Strong industry profile and established professional networks within the relevant sector.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage the design process for large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Highways Engineering Expertise: Deep technical understanding of road and highway design principles and best practices.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Experience in effectively leading and coordinating diverse engineering disciplines.

• Digital Delivery & BIM: In-depth understanding and practical application of digital delivery processes, including BIM and Common Data Environments (CDE).

• Risk & Change Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and managing project risks and changes.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, internal teams, and external stakeholders.

• Quality Assurance: Experience in establishing and implementing robust quality control and assurance processes.

• Commercial Acumen: Sound understanding of project financial management, commercial controls, and bid preparation.

Preferred Skills:

• Client Relationship Management: Demonstrated success in fostering long-term client partnerships and ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.

• Business Development & Bid Preparation: Experience in actively pursuing new business opportunities and contributing to successful tender submissions.

• Mentoring & People Development: Proven ability to mentor, coach, and develop junior engineering talent.

• Australian Infrastructure Market: Specific experience with projects and clients within the Australian infrastructure sector, particularly Western Australia (e.g., Main Roads WA).

• Sustainability Principles: Understanding of sustainable design practices within infrastructure development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep technical expertise in highways and infrastructure, strong leadership and management capabilities, and a commercial mindset. The requirement for Chartered status and 20+ years of experience clearly positions this as a senior leadership role. The mention of "industry leader" and "strong industry profile" suggests a desire for someone who is well-connected and respected in the field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase successful delivery of complex highway and infrastructure projects, detailing your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved.

• Leadership & Team Management Examples: Evidence of managing and mentoring multidisciplinary design teams, including examples of developing team members and fostering a collaborative environment.

• Digital Delivery Implementation: Demonstrations of experience with Common Data Environments (CDE), BIM, and document control systems, illustrating how these were leveraged for project efficiency and quality.

• Quality Assurance Frameworks: Examples of establishing and implementing quality control procedures that led to improved project outcomes or compliance.

• Commercial & Financial Management: Documentation of experience in managing project budgets, financial controls, and contributing to commercial success.

• Business Development & Bid Contributions: Examples of involvement in securing new opportunities, including contributions to tender submissions and proposal development.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to document and articulate workflows for design management, risk mitigation, and quality assurance, highlighting areas for process improvement.

• Digital Tool Integration: Understanding and documentation of how CDE, BIM, and other digital tools are integrated into project delivery workflows to enhance collaboration and data management.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Experience in defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for design delivery and reporting on project success against these metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership impact, and a deep understanding of process and systems. The emphasis on digital delivery and quality assurance suggests these should be prominent themes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and optical care for employees and potentially dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution to a superannuation fund as per Australian legislative requirements, potentially with additional company contributions.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, including access to training, industry conferences, and support for further professional accreditation or certifications.

• Performance-Based Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses linked to individual and company performance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

• Generous Annual Leave: Paid time off for rest and recreation, in line with Australian employment standards.

• Long Service Leave: Accrued paid leave for extended service to the company.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: While the role is on-site, Arcadis may offer some flexibility in working hours or occasional remote work days, subject to project needs and management approval.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the project-driven nature of the role and the responsibility for ultimate technical and program delivery, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for senior engineering management roles in Perth, Australia, considering the specified experience level and industry. Benefits are typical for large, established engineering consultancies in Australia.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design, and Consultancy Solutions for Natural and Built Assets. Arcadis operates globally, focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure, and improving quality of life.

Company Size: Over 34,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established, and resource-rich organization.

Founded: Arcadis has a long history, with roots tracing back to 1888. This longevity suggests stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of the industry.

Team Structure:

• Transport Team Focus: This role is within the growing Transport team, specifically supporting highways and infrastructure projects.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The team structure necessitates close collaboration with various engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, geotechnical, traffic, environmental) and potentially project managers, planners, and commercial specialists.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Likely reports to a senior regional director or head of transport, with direct management responsibility for a team of designers and engineers. The structure will support career progression for individuals within the team.

Methodology:

• Quality Culture: Arcadis emphasizes a strong quality culture, with established quality assurance processes that this role is responsible for implementing and championing.

• Digital Delivery: A core methodology involves leveraging digital delivery processes, including BIM and Common Data Environments (CDE), to enhance project efficiency, collaboration, and data management.

• Sustainable Solutions: A key driver for Arcadis is delivering sustainable design and engineering solutions, implying that environmental and social considerations are integrated into project planning and execution.

• Client-Centric Approach: The company culture prioritizes client care and satisfaction, with a focus on building strong, collaborative, and influential relationships to ensure successful project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis' global presence and focus on sustainability and digital delivery are key cultural elements. The emphasis on "improving quality of life" and "delivering sustainable solutions" suggests a mission-driven organization. The role's placement within the Transport team and the specific mention of highways and infrastructure indicate a specialization within a larger engineering conglomerate.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Director/Senior Principal level within the engineering and design management field. It represents a significant step up from a project management or senior design engineer role, requiring strategic leadership, business development input, and ultimate accountability for major project portfolios. It signifies a career path focused on shaping the direction of the business unit, managing significant client relationships, and developing senior talent.

Reporting Structure: The Technical Director/Senior Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within Arcadis' Australian or regional operations, such as a Director of Transport or a Country Manager. They will have direct reports, including other design managers, senior engineers, and potentially project leads, forming a core part of the Civil Infrastructure or Transport leadership team.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing:

• Project Success: Ensuring the technical integrity, quality, and timely delivery of critical infrastructure projects that shape communities.

• Client Satisfaction & Retention: Building and maintaining strong client relationships that lead to repeat business and Arcadis' reputation in the market.

• Business Growth: Contributing to the acquisition of new projects through technical leadership, bid contributions, and leveraging industry networks.

• Team Development: Cultivating a high-performing team of engineers and designers, fostering skills, and nurturing future leaders within Arcadis.

• Financial Performance: Directly impacting the profitability of projects through effective financial and commercial management.

Growth Opportunities:

• Regional Leadership: Progression to broader regional leadership roles within the Transport sector, overseeing multiple projects or a larger geographical area.

• Global Specialization: Opportunity to become a global technical authority or specialist in a specific area of highway or infrastructure design.

• Business Unit Management: Potential to lead an entire business unit or service line within Arcadis Australia.

• Executive Leadership: For individuals with strong commercial acumen and strategic vision, progression to executive management roles within Arcadis.

• Skill Enhancement: Continuous opportunities to deepen expertise in digital delivery, sustainable engineering, and complex project management through Arcadis’ extensive learning and development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career milestone, offering substantial impact and clear pathways for continued growth within a global organization. The emphasis on leadership, business development, and technical excellence provides a strong foundation for executive-level advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role within a professional services environment. Arcadis offices are typically modern, well-equipped, and designed to foster collaboration. The Perth office is located at Level 5, 225 St Georges Terrace, suggesting a central business district location.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: Level 5, 225 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000, Australia. This is a prime CBD location, offering good accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities.

• Potential for Project Sites: While based in the office, occasional site visits to project locations across Western Australia may be required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is likely designed to encourage interaction between team members, supporting the multidisciplinary nature of projects. This includes meeting rooms, project team areas, and informal collaboration zones.

• Technology & Tools: Access to Arcadis' standard suite of design, project management, and communication software, including advanced BIM and CDE platforms. High-speed internet and modern IT infrastructure will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with direct reports, peers, and senior management within the Perth office. This facilitates efficient communication, problem-solving, and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, the demands of managing major projects and client expectations may necessitate working beyond standard hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, particularly during critical project phases or tender deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for senior leadership roles where team management, client engagement, and strategic oversight are paramount. The CBD location in Perth is a significant advantage for accessibility and professional presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review and a brief phone or video call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader in the Transport division) focusing on technical expertise, leadership experience, project delivery approach, and strategic thinking.

• Technical/Design Review: A session dedicated to reviewing your portfolio. This may involve presenting specific case studies of complex highway projects, detailing your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Expect detailed questions on your design management methodologies, BIM implementation, and quality assurance practices.

• Team/Panel Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders, including potential direct reports, peers from other disciplines, and senior management. This assesses your ability to collaborate, mentor, and integrate into the Arcadis culture.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding meeting, potentially with a senior executive, to discuss terms, finalize expectations, and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful highway/infrastructure projects that demonstrate your leadership and technical capabilities.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Project Scope & Objectives
  • Your Specific Role & Responsibilities
  • Key Challenges (Technical, Commercial, Stakeholder)
  • Your Strategic Approach & Solutions Implemented (especially regarding design management, BIM, quality)
  • Quantifiable Results & Outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, client satisfaction metrics)

• Highlight Leadership & Mentoring: Include examples of how you managed and developed your teams, fostered collaboration, and drove performance.

• Demonstrate Digital Proficiency: Showcase your understanding and application of BIM, CDE, and other digital tools in your project examples.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the technical intricacies of highway design, relevant Australian standards, and best practices in design management.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and professionally presented (e.g., a PDF document or a presentation deck).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Strategy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing complex multidisciplinary design integration, risk mitigation, and quality assurance on a hypothetical or past large-scale highway project.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common project challenges, such as scope creep, client disputes, or technical roadblocks.

• Leadership & Team Building: Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you motivate teams, develop talent, and resolve conflicts.

• Business Development & Client Engagement: Think about how you would approach securing new work and nurturing client relationships in the Australian infrastructure market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical expertise, leadership capability, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates your impact and methodologies is critical for success, particularly during the dedicated review session.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Arcadis likely utilizes enterprise-level project management platforms for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking. Examples could include Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar.

• Common Data Environments (CDE): Essential for managing project information and facilitating collaboration. Platforms like Bentley's ProjectWise, Autodesk Construction Cloud (formerly BIM 360), or Aconex are common in large infrastructure projects.

• BIM Software: Proficiency in BIM concepts and potentially hands-on experience with platforms like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or Bentley Systems' OpenRoads/OpenBuildings is expected. Understanding how BIM data is managed and utilized within a CDE is key.

• Document Control Systems: Integrated within CDEs or standalone, ensuring efficient management, version control, and distribution of project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.

• BI Tools: Experience with Business Intelligence tools like Power BI or Tableau may be beneficial for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance data.

• Internal Reporting Systems: Arcadis will have its own internal systems for financial reporting, project status updates, and performance tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software: Likely a system like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics for managing client relationships, tracking business development activities, and opportunity management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal communication and team collaboration.

• Document Management Suites: Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for general documentation and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong understanding and practical experience with industry-standard digital tools for design, project management, and collaboration, particularly within the context of BIM and CDEs. While direct hands-on use of every tool might not be required, a deep understanding of their application and integration for project success is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Putting Clients First: A core value focused on understanding client needs, exceeding expectations, and building long-term, trusted relationships. This translates to a proactive, solutions-oriented approach in all project dealings.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings, ensuring honesty, transparency, and accountability. This is fundamental to Arcadis' reputation.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and working together across disciplines and geographies to achieve shared objectives. This fosters a supportive and efficient work environment.

• Sustainability: A commitment to delivering solutions that benefit society and the environment for future generations. This means integrating sustainable practices into design and project execution.

• Excellence: A drive for high performance, continuous improvement, and delivering quality outcomes that are technically sound and commercially viable. This fosters a culture of innovation and striving for the best.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with diverse engineering disciplines, project managers, commercial teams, and client representatives. Open communication and a willingness to understand different perspectives are key.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on processes and methodologies to drive continuous improvement in design management, quality assurance, and digital delivery.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects, often facilitated through internal platforms and communities of practice.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: An approach that relies on data and analytics to inform decisions related to project performance, risk assessment, and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis' values are deeply integrated into its operations. Candidates should demonstrate how their professional conduct and approach align with these principles, particularly "Putting Clients First," "Integrity," and "Collaboration."

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Designs: Coordinating and integrating the work of numerous specialist design teams on large, complex infrastructure projects can be technically and logistically challenging.

• Client Expectations: Constantly balancing client demands, project scope, budget constraints, and delivery timelines requires adept negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Digital Transformation Adoption: Ensuring consistent adoption and effective utilization of BIM and CDEs across all project teams and stakeholders can be a hurdle, requiring strong change management.

• Talent Development & Retention: Attracting, developing, and retaining top engineering talent in a competitive market, and effectively mentoring junior staff to reach senior levels.

• Business Development Pressure: The ongoing need to secure new projects and maintain a strong pipeline of work in a dynamic market environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to Arcadis' global network of experts and specialized training programs in areas like advanced highway design, digital engineering, and sustainable infrastructure.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to participate in Arcadis' leadership development initiatives, focusing on strategic thinking, executive presence, and advanced management skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Support to attend major industry conferences and events, fostering professional development and expanding professional networks.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior Arcadis leaders and to mentor emerging talent, providing diverse learning experiences.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working on a variety of projects across different sectors within Arcadis can broaden expertise and understanding of the broader built environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they approach these challenges and leverage the provided development resources.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a large, multidisciplinary design team on a complex highway project. How do you ensure technical coherence and quality across all disciplines?" (Focus on leadership, collaboration, quality assurance methodology)

• "How have you successfully implemented BIM or a Common Data Environment on a major infrastructure project? What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on digital delivery, change management, problem-solving)

• "Walk us through a situation where you had to manage a significant project risk or change that impacted the project's budget or schedule. What was your strategy and the outcome?" (Focus on risk management, commercial acumen, decision-making)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Arcadis' commitment to sustainability and improving quality of life, and how would you integrate these principles into your role?" (Focus on company values, strategic alignment)

• "How would you contribute to Arcadis' business development efforts and help secure future infrastructure projects in Western Australia?" (Focus on commercial acumen, networking, bid strategy)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and key strengths. Then, dive into 2-3 detailed case studies, ensuring a clear narrative arc for each (challenge, approach, solution, outcome).

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., percentage reduction in design errors, budget savings achieved, project completion time improvements).

• Highlight Leadership & Process: Explicitly point out your leadership contributions, team management strategies, and how you applied specific processes (e.g., quality assurance, risk management, BIM integration).

• Tailor to Arcadis: Frame your experience and portfolio examples in the context of Arcadis' values and objectives, particularly sustainability and digital delivery.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions, solicit feedback, and engage in a discussion about your presented work, rather than just delivering a monologue.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strategic, leadership-oriented approach to design management, grounded in technical expertise and a strong understanding of project delivery best practices, including digital tools and client engagement.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Director/ Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided link, ensuring all required fields are accurately filled.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your CV to highlight your extensive experience in highways and infrastructure design management, emphasizing your leadership achievements, technical expertise, and contributions to successful project delivery. Integrate keywords such as "Design Management," "Highways Engineering," "BIM," "CDE," "Risk Management," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a comprehensive portfolio showcasing 2-3 key highway and infrastructure projects. Focus on demonstrating your leadership, technical problem-solving, BIM/digital delivery implementation, quality assurance processes, and commercial acumen. Ensure it includes quantifiable results and clear descriptions of your role and impact.

• Research Arcadis: Thoroughly research Arcadis' company values, recent projects (especially in the Australian transport sector), sustainability initiatives, and their approach to digital delivery. Understand their mission and how your experience aligns.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, particularly those related to leadership, technical strategy, and project challenges. Be ready to articulate your methodologies and demonstrate your impact clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.