Design Manager

About the role

Horizon Engineers is seeking an experienced Design Manager/ Project Manager to lead engineering and design operations across structural, stormwater and hydraulic projects. This is a senior leadership position responsible for technical quality, design review, project delivery, team leadership, client relationships, business development and technical risk management. You will work closely with the director and lead the engineering team to ensure projects are delivered to a high technical and professional standard. 

Key responsibilities 

Technical & Design Management  

• Lead and manage the engineering and design teams.  

• Review and oversee structural, civil, stormwater and hydraulic designs.  

• Conduct technical and quality reviews of engineering drawings, calculations, reports and documentation.  

• Ensure designs comply with relevant Australian Standards, NCC requirements and local authority requirements.  

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to engineers and drafters.  

• Identify and resolve technical issues. 

• Establish and maintain design standards, procedures and quality-control processes.  

Project Management  

• Oversee multiple engineering projects from initial concept through to completion.  

• Monitor project scope, deadlines, quality and deliverables.  

• Ensure projects are delivered efficiently and commercially.  

• Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors and internal teams.  

• Manage project risks, variations and technical issues.  

Leadership & People Management  

• Lead, mentor and develop the engineering team.  

• Monitor staff performance and provide regular feedback.  

• Allocate resources across projects.  

• Identify training and development requirements.  

• Build a culture of accountability, quality and continuous improvement.  

Business Development & Sales  

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing clients.  

• Assist with identifying and securing new business opportunities.  

• Prepare and review fee proposals, scopes and tenders.  

• Participate in client meetings and business-development activities.  

• Support the sales pipeline and ensure opportunities are followed up.  

• Maintain strong relationships with key clients, contractors, and project teams.  

CRM & Commercial Management  

• Maintain oversight of the company's CRM and sales pipeline.  

• Monitor project profitability, fees, variations and outstanding matters.  

• Work with the director to identify commercial risks and opportunities.  

• Assist in improving business systems and processes.  

Technical Risk & Governance  

• Identify and manage technical and design risks across projects.  

• Establish appropriate design-review and approval processes.  

• Ensure engineering work meets required quality and compliance standards.  

• Review significant technical issues and provide appropriate solutions.  

• Support company management in technical risk decisions.  

Required Technical and Non-Technical Experiences   

• Degree in Civil, Structural or related Engineering. 

• Significant professional engineering experience in Australia. 

• Strong experience in structural, civil, stormwater or hydraulic engineering. 

• Strong knowledge of Australian Standards and regulatory requirements. 

• Proven experience in engineering teand project management. 

• Strong technical and design-review experience. 

• Experience working directly with clients and stakeholders. 

• Business development, proposals and sales experience highly desirable. 

• Strong commercial and project management skills. 

• Excellent communication, leadership and decision-making skills. 

• Stronge knowledge in construction and construability of residential and commercial developments.  

Ideal Candidate  

The ideal person is an engineer with ability to:    

Lead the team + review designs + manage clients + manage technical risk + support sales + oversee CRM + understand project profitability + make senior engineering decisions.