Design Manager | Building Engineering

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

Join AECOM’s Building Engineering team in Auckland and play a leading role in delivering complex, high-profile building projects across New Zealand and the wider ANZ region. We are looking for a Design Manager – Building Engineering to lead multidisciplinary design teams, drive technical excellence, and oversee the successful delivery of major projects from concept through to completion.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you will combine strategic oversight with hands-on project leadership, ensuring projects are delivered to the highest technical, commercial, and client standards. 

As a senior leader within the Building Engineering group, you will help shape project outcomes, strengthen client relationships, and contribute to the continued growth and success of AECOM’s Building Engineering business. We are considering profiles at Principal and Associate Director level.

• Lead the design management and technical delivery of complex multidisciplinary building engineering projects.
• Drive project performance across programme, quality assurance, commercial, and risk management outcomes.
• Coordinate and manage design teams throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring collaboration across disciplines and integrated project delivery.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while identifying opportunities for future work and long-term partnerships.
• Mentor and support team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Lead and contribute to proposals and tender submissions to help secure new project opportunities.
• Champion innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement across project delivery.
• Collaborate with teams across New Zealand, Australia, and the wider global business to leverage AECOM’s broader technical capability.

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a relevant built environment discipline.
• 10+ years’ experience delivering complex building engineering or multidisciplinary infrastructure projects within a consulting environment.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and managing complex project delivery requirements.
• Strong understanding of design management processes, including programme management, QA processes, and design risk management.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen with experience managing project budgets, programmes, and client expectations.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience mentoring and supporting technical teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience preparing high-quality proposals and supporting business development activities.
• Chartered status or professional membership with a relevant industry body is highly regarded.
• High attention to detail, strong problem-solving capability, and the ability to deliver outcomes within deadline-driven environments.

Additional Information

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

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 and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

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