Design Manager – Water Infrastructure

"Having worked over 20 years, in both consultancies and council, my experience working at AECOM has been refreshing and motivating" – Dominique Keirens, Technical Director – Water Gold Coast, QLD

Come grow with us. 

AECOM has been a leader in water system services across ANZ for decades, focusing on innovation and emerging technologies. We specialise in asset management and offer comprehensive planning, design, and construction for water infrastructure. From irrigation to raw water assets, we optimize efficiency, increase ROI, and reduce costs. Trusted by municipal water companies, we ensure safe drinking water, sanitation, and environmental protection. Our solutions—ranging from urban flood protection to hydroelectricity—help create climate-resilient, water-sensitive cities that benefit both people and the planet.

Everyone belongs at AECOM.

We're committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. 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 an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.

Due to significant contract awards within our Australia and New Zealand Water business, we are expanding our Water Infrastructure group and are currently searching for a Design Manager to join the team, based in either our Sydney or Newcastle office.

The Water Infrastructure group provides services to a range to both internal and external clients, delivering projects across water and wastewater treatment, civil infrastructure, and defence sectors. From concept design to design delivery partnerships and design and construct solutions, we prioritise sustainable outcomes that benefit both our clients and the communities they serve.

How you'll make a difference:

• Utilise your water infrastructure knowledge, leadership, coordination and communication skills to successfully engage and guide multidisciplinary project delivery teams, whilst working with closely with end clients and contractors.
• You will be responsible for overall design delivery including having the ultimate carriage on any design project decisions.
• Ensure projects are delivered within the constraints of quality, time and budget.
• Work collaboratively with leaders across our ANZ team for delivery of the projects, as well as assisting with project resourcing and business initiatives.

The qualities that help you thrive: 

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don't tick all the boxes you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.

• A successful track record in delivering projects on time, within budget, and to outstanding quality standards.
• Proven experience in design management, overseeing the planning, design, and execution of projects.
• Experience in and a strong understanding of water infrastructure including in pumps, pipes, or treatment systems, as well as exposure to key water infrastructure clients within NSW.
• Excellent ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including contractors, clients, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to understand how various systems, processes, and stakeholders interconnect, ensuring seamless integration and a bigger-picture approach.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.

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
• Volunteer and representation leave
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

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/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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About AECOM

AECOM is the world's 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 $13.1 billion in fiscal year 2022. 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 you're 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. We're the world's trusted global infrastructure firm, and we're in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you'll 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 person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours.