Design Manager

Our government client is currently seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in delivering critical water infrastructure design and standards across South Australia. This is a 12-month contract role based in Adelaide’s CBD.

YOU | Bring your leadership presence, strategic mindset, and engineering expertise to this exciting opportunity within a key South Australian Government agency. You will lead teams to deliver technically sound, value-for-money outcomes in a complex and evolving infrastructure environment. You will also bring:
• A recognised engineering qualification (e.g. B.Eng) in a relevant discipline – Essential
• Associate Diploma or postgraduate qualifications in Project Management, Business Management or similar – Desirable
• Proven experience in engineering design, design review, and the development of infrastructure standards – Essential
• Ability to deliver minimum viable solutions using lean design principles – Essential
• Strong leadership presence, with a track record of inspiring high-performing technical teams – Essential
• Strategic planning and delivery capability, with a focus on design efficiency and technical excellence – Essential
• High-level stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge and collaborate with internal and external parties – Essential
• A passion for innovation and continuous improvement across design processes and outputs – Essential
• Experience preparing professional technical reports and documentation – Essential
• Experience auditing reports and designs prepared by others – Desirable

THE ROLE | As Design Manager, you will act as the Primary Engineering Representative and oversee the design performance of internal and external engineering teams. You will ensure that engineering outputs align with project requirements, SA Water standards, and stakeholder expectations. You’ll play a critical role in shaping infrastructure solutions that support safe, sustainable, and efficient water services. Key responsibilities include:
• Leading multidisciplinary design teams to deliver consistent, accurate, and timely technical outcomes
• Driving lean engineering practices and challenging traditional thinking to achieve optimal design delivery
• Providing strategic input into design delivery planning and standardisation initiatives
• Reviewing and approving technical documentation and ensuring alignment with SA Water’s standards and regulatory requirements
• Facilitating design reviews, auditing outputs, and resolving technical challenges in collaboration with subject matter experts
• Leading innovation initiatives to improve the quality and efficiency of design processes
• Championing continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the broader Engineering Division

THE CLIENT | Our South Australian Government client is at the forefront of water and wastewater service delivery across the state. Based in Adelaide, this 12-month contract offers a unique opportunity to lead complex engineering design projects with a long-lasting community impact. You’ll be part of a collaborative and expert team, helping shape the future of South Australia's water infrastructure.

TR3 RECRUITMENT | We are a boutique firm specialising in tailored recruitment and consulting services. Our mission is to connect exceptional talent with meaningful work, while upholding our core values of sustainability, mutuality, and trust.

Interested? Click ‘Apply’ now, or for a more detailed conversation, contact one of our team.

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TR3 Recruitment values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Applicants of all ages, people with disabilities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you require any access or support adjustments, please advise us at the time of application.