Senior Design Manager
Job description
The opportunity
An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Senior Design Manager to join Downer’s Energy & Utilities business unit, leading multidisciplinary design delivery across major power transmission, substation, renewable energy and battery energy storage projects
In this influential role, you will lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering design services across high voltage transmission line, substation, renewable energy and battery energy storage system projects. You will oversee design delivery throughout the complete project lifecycle, from tender development and procurement through to construction support, commissioning and handover.
As the primary engineering interface between project teams, clients, contractors and key stakeholders, you will provide the leadership and governance required to deliver safe, compliant, buildable and cost effective design outcomes. You will also ensure engineering activities align with client requirements, project schedules, quality standards and commercial objectives
Your key responsibilities will include- Leading the planning, coordination and management of multidisciplinary design teams across primary systems, secondary systems, protection and control, telecommunications, SCADA, civil, structural, building services, transmission lines, geotechnical and environmental disciplines.
- Developing project design management plans, engineering delivery strategies, budgets, resource plans and design schedules.
- Managing engineering consultants, subcontractors and delivery partners while promoting collaboration between engineering disciplines and project teams.
- Leading design reviews, interdisciplinary reviews, constructability reviews and appropriate verification, validation and independent checking processes.
- Maintaining configuration control and technical governance while identifying engineering risks and ensuring suitable mitigation measures are implemented.
- Supporting tender development, bid submissions, procurement activities, technical evaluations and vendor document reviews.
- Monitoring design progress, cost performance and resource utilisation while identifying schedule, technical and commercial risks.
- Providing engineering support during construction, testing, commissioning and energisation activities.
- Managing design changes and the resolution of technical queries throughout project delivery.
- Building strong relationships with clients, network operators, delivery partners and suppliers, while facilitating technical workshops, design reviews and stakeholder meetings.
- Leading Safety in Design workshops and ensuring safety, environmental and sustainability requirements are incorporated into design outcomes
What we offer
- Competitive remuneration with a significant ASX-listed company
- Structured career paths with the opportunity to work in different areas of the Utilities business, supported by a robust Commercial Operating Model
- A suite of health and wellness benefits and initiatives, including EAP Beyond Blue
- Retail discounts with major retailers, Dell, Good Guys, Samsung, Specsavers & ANZ
- We are a Tier 1 ASX listed company with in-house capabilities that far exceed traditional contractor environments
What we’re looking for
- You will bring a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical, Civil, Structural or a related discipline, along with a current drivers licence. Chartered Professional Engineer status is preferred, while RPEQ, NER or equivalent registration will be highly regarded.
- You will have more than ten years of experience in power transmission and substations, including demonstrated delivery of major high voltage transmission line and substation projects.
- Your experience will include leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, managing external consultants and delivery partners, and supporting projects through design, procurement, construction and commissioning.
- A strong understanding of EPC and design and construct delivery models is essential.
- Experience delivering projects for major Australian Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) or Distribution Network Service Provider(DNSP), is highly regarded
- You will be a clear and confident communicator with strong organisational and time management skills.
- You will have the ability to interpret and manage design deliverables, drawing registers, quality systems and assurance processes. Equally important will be your ability to build productive relationships, work effectively under pressure and maintain close attention to detail in a changing project environment.
- Your commitment to Zero Harm, Safe Design principles, quality and environmental responsibility will be central to your success in this role.
About Energy & Utilities
Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.
Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.
How to apply
Click "Apply" to start your application. We look forward to hearing from you! Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes, fees, or costs from recruitment agencies, search firms, or third parties. Candidates are welcome to submit their applications via the advertisement.
Skills mentioned

Downer Group is a prominent provider of integrated services across Australia and New Zealand, with a rich history extending over 160 years. The company specializes in designing, building, and sustaining a wide range of assets, infrastructure, and facilities. Its operations are deeply embedded in the urban environment, aiming to create and maintain the essential components that allow communities to thrive. Downer's business is structured around several key service lines, including Transport, Utilities, Facilities, and Defence. The company is publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) under the ticker DOW, solidifying its position as a major player in the region's industrial and service sectors. The company's comprehensive capabilities cover the entire lifecycle of assets. In the transport sector, Downer delivers road and rail services, from construction and maintenance of infrastructure to the design and manufacturing of rolling stock. The Utilities division supports customers in power, gas, water, and telecommunications by providing and maintaining critical infrastructure. Through its Facilities and Asset Services, Downer offers a broad spectrum of solutions, including technical, engineering, and maintenance services for various industries. The company also has a significant presence in the Defence sector, providing sophisticated management and support services. With a workforce of tens of thousands, Downer operates across hundreds of sites, committed to a core purpose of enabling communities to succeed by delivering reliable and innovative solutions to its customers.
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