Design Manager (Defence)

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. We are looking for a leader who can manage the full design team ensuring cohesive high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Our preference is Adelaide but this role can be based in Brisbane Sydney or Melbourne. 

How youll 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 if you dont tick all the boxes you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply all applications will be considered.

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 given the nature of the role Australian Citizenship is required with prior defence clearance highly advantageous.

Additional Information :

Why youll 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 whats possible

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds including those with disabilities additional health or mental health needs and/or 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 if this opportunity sounds like you we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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AECOM is the worlds trusted infrastructure consulting firm delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation buildings water new energy and the environment our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise a culture of equity diversity and inclusion and a commitment to environmental social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity 

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether youre working from an AECOM office remote location or at a client site you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a culture of equity diversity and inclusion a safe and respectful workplace where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation and benefits programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We also provide a robust global well-being program. Were the worlds trusted global infrastructure firm and were in this together your growth and success are ours too.

Join us and youll get all the benefits of being a part of a global publicly traded firm access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in each persons potential and well help you reach yours.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time