Associate Director - Design Management (Sydney)

Company Description Our global portfolio of work comprises the design of iconic and award‐winning buildings and landscapes. From strategic planning through to project realisation, the connections we make among people and place provide sustainable outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve. We place a premium on investing in digital capabilities and innovations which bring a unique consistency and efficiency to our scalable work. Together with our clients, we are working to evolve and elevate the built environment across sectors including social infrastructure, transit, technology and logistics, and commercial and corporate real estate, while focusing on solutions that promote long‐term health and wellbeing for all. Everyone belongs at AECOM We're committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. Job Description Due to a growing pipeline of work, we are looking for a multi‐disciplinary design manager to join our Building Engineering Team in Sydney. 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. 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 consultants, ensuring fully integrated solutions. Act as the primary client interface, engaging with 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 don't tick all the boxes, you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered. Ideally, 12+ years' experience, with a strong technical grounding before transitioning into design management or multidisciplinary project leadership. Proven track record delivering complex, multidisciplinary projects across defence, healthcare, aviation and / or sports infrastructure. Experience leading full design teams and acting as the Design Manager/Consultants Representative of contact for clients and key stakeholders. Robust understanding of program control, commercial risk, technical governance and compliance frameworks. Credibility and confidence to challenge technical specialists while maintaining collaborative team dynamics. Please note, given the nature of the role – Australian Citizenship is required with prior defence clearance highly advantageous. Benefits 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. Equal Opportunity & Accessibility 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 we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Job Details ReqID: J******** Business Line: B&P; – Buildings & Places Business Group: DCS Strategic Business Unit: ANZ Career Area: Engineering Work Location Model: Hybrid #J-*****-Ljbffr Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3reulf