Principal Design Manager

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

We’re seeking an experienced Principal Design Manager to lead high-impact water and wastewater projects and drive technical excellence, team cohesion, and strong client outcomes.

With over 15 years’ experience in design management, including planning, detailed design, and design-and-construct delivery - you’ll bring deep knowledge of the local market and a proven track record working with contractors in complex, multidisciplinary environments. Chartered in a relevant technical discipline, you'll lead projects from concept to delivery, ensuring innovative, high-quality solutions aligned to client needs and Arup’s standards.

You’ll oversee and integrate technical streams, mentor and inspire teams, and ensure successful project outcomes across performance, quality, and budget. Your ability to build strong client relationships and win critical work will be key to your success, as will your leadership in fostering collaboration, flexibility, and continuous development across the team.

The Opportunity 

Design Management: 

• Provide design management and/or design for projects to ensure reliable performance in terms of sophistication, timeliness, and quality.
• Oversee the technical delivery of projects, ensuring all design solutions meet Arup's high standards. 

Client Relationship Management: 

• Source, build, and maintain strong and effective client relationships through targeted activities and successful project delivery. 
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring clear communication and understanding of their needs.

Technical Delivery Leadership:

• Provide leadership to project employees to ensure team cohesion, optimal performance, resourcing, retention, and professional development.
• Mentor and inspire team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. 

Commercial Success: 

• Actively contribute to the commercial success of projects and the team. 
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, contributing to the growth and profitability of the company. 

Technical Team Management: 

• Effectively manage and lead a team of nominated project reports to ensure optimal performance, resourcing, retention, and professional development. 
• Implement strategies for continuous learning and development within the team. 

Is this role right for you? 

• Tertiary qualifications in Civil, Mechanical or Process Engineering.
• Chartered status and project management accreditation (AIPM or similar desirable).
• Proven experience in consulting, design delivery, procurement, and project management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to win and deliver work.
• Deep understanding of relevant industry standards, regulations, and technical tools.
• Demonstrated leadership of high-performing teams in a collaborative environment.

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair, and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do. 

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling eligible members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Explore the perks of a career with Arup Australia:

• Hybrid working policy and flexible working hours. 
• Paid parental leave for the primary carer of 16 weeks or 32 weeks at half pay and as well as generous unpaid leave benefits.
• Paid parental leave for the support carer of 4 weeks plus the opportunity to access extra paid and unpaid leave if you later become the primary carer. 
• Birthday leave
• Annual leave loading
• Ability to purchase additional leave of up to 20 days for permanent employees.
• International mobility opportunities
• Insurances (life & income protection)
• Interest free solar energy and bicycle loans  
• Novated car lease
• Ovasaver including discounts, vouchers, cashback, and exclusive offers on more than 300 retailers.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence. 

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

Please apply directly through our applicant tracking system. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Talent Acquisition to discuss next steps. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Arup does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. 

#LI-RH1