Associate Director

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organisation makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

The Role
HDR is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Design Manager at the Associate Director level to join our Queensland transportation team, based in Brisbane. This is a key leadership role within our Highways team, offering the opportunity to provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the successful delivery of complex, multidisciplinary transport projects across Queensland.

Reporting to the Planning and Design Director – Queensland, and working closely with our Project Deliver Director, you will lead design teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and efficient transport infrastructure projects. You will collaborate closely with stakeholders, clients, and multidisciplinary teams to drive project excellence from concept through to completion.

As Associate Director – Design Manager, we'll count on you to:

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for the design and delivery of major transport infrastructure projects across Queensland.
• Manage and mentor a team of engineers and designers, fostering professional development and collaboration.
• Liaise with clients, government agencies, and contractors to ensure alignment with project objectives, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead design review processes, risk assessments, and quality assurance activities.
• Develop and implement innovative design solutions that balance cost, safety, sustainability, and constructability.
• Contribute to business development and project proposal efforts within the transportation sector.

About You

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related discipline.
• Typically 15+ years' relevant experience, particularly within a consulting environment.
• Chartered membership of Engineers Australia and RPEQ (or ability to obtain.)
• Proven experience in a senior design management role within transportation infrastructure projects in Queensland.
• Strong technical expertise in highway and transport design, with a deep understanding of relevant standards and regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership, coordination and communication skills to successfully engage and guide project delivery teams, whilst working closely with end clients and contractors.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and budget constraints.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a growing and dynamic transportation team within a global, 100% employee-owned company. Joining our team means becoming part of a collaborative, supportive environment where your expertise will help shape Queensland's future transport network.

Why HDR
At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for; it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you licence to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.

HDR supports a diverse and inclusive work environment as well as equal employment opportunities. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people of culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That colouring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realisations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 10 years related experience
• A minimum 5 years project management experience
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• MS Office and MS Project experience (Access experience would be plus)
• Demonstrated leadership, business development and strategic planning skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location:
Australia-QLD-Brisbane

Industry:
Highway + Road

Schedule:
Full-time

Employee Status:
Regular

BusinessClass:
Highways

Job Posting:
Sep 28, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer ). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.