Company Description
I love that AECOM provides its employees the opportunity to grow and develop their skills whilst tackling some of the largest and most complex projects in the country. – Tyson Fowler, Technical Director, Defence.
AECOM offers a global portfolio of work that includes the design of iconic and award‐winning buildings and landscapes. From strategic planning to project realisation, the connections we make among people and place provide sustainable outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve. We invest heavily in digital capabilities and innovations to bring consistency and efficiency to our scalable work. Together with clients, we are evolving the built environment across sectors such as social infrastructure, transit, technology, logistics, commercial and corporate real estate, while focusing on solutions that promote long‐term health and wellbeing for all.
We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. AECOM is proud to be a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, #Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 2025 Winner and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.
Job Description
Due to a growing pipeline of Defence work, we are looking for a multi‐disciplinary design manager to join our Building Engineering Team. This role shapes technical strategy, defines client requirements and leads integrated multi‐disciplinary design teams. You will manage the full design team – ensuring cohesive, high‐quality outcomes for our clients. Our preference is Adelaide, but the role can be based in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
How you'll make a difference
* Lead and integrate large multidisciplinary design teams, driving technical coordination across architecture, civils, structural, MEP, fire, security, acoustics and specialist Defence consultants, ensuring fully integrated solutions.
* Act as the primary client interface, engaging with Defence stakeholders and end users to extract operational requirements, translate them into technical briefs, and manage evolving scope within secure environments.
* Own the front‐end design strategy, establishing project execution plans, technical assurance processes, risk registers and programme controls from concept through detailed design.
* Manage programme, commercial and governance obligations, ensuring delivery in line with DSC or framework requirements, maintaining compliance with Defence standards, security protocols and regulatory controls.
* Provide technical leadership and assurance, chairing design reviews, challenging discipline leads, resolving cross‐discipline conflicts, ensuring buildability, safety, resilience and long‐term asset performance.
Qualifications
The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but we are open to applicants who don't tick all the boxes.
The qualities that help you thrive
* Ideally 12+ years' experience, with a strong technical grounding before transitioning into design management or multidisciplinary leadership.
* Proven track record delivering complex projects within Defence or other highly regulated sectors.
* Experience leading full design teams and acting as the Design Manager/Consultants Representative of contact for clients and key stakeholders.
* Strong understanding of programme control, commercial risk, technical governance and compliance frameworks.
* Understanding of the Defence contractual framework including DSC, DSSC, MC.
* The credibility and confidence to challenge technical specialists while maintaining collaborative team dynamics.
* Previous Defence experience is strongly preferred, with nuclear industry experience highly regarded.
Please note, Australian citizenship is required; prior defence clearance is highly advantageous.
Why you'll love working with us
* Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part‐time, job‐sharing and hybrid work options.
* Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year.
* Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better.
* Continuous learning and growth – lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, 5 days paid study leave, global career opportunities.
Ready to push the limits of what's possible?
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and Neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.
Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so apply as soon as possible.
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AECOM acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and our communities live and work around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures and to their Elders – past, present and emerging. We are committed to connecting to Country through meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and businesses. Find out more about our Australian Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://aecom.com/au/our-vision-for-reconciliation/.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential and we'll help you reach yours.
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