" \u003cdiv class=\"ja-job-details\"\u003e \u003ch2 class=\"title\"\u003eDesign Manager - Water\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"meta\"\u003e \u003cul class=\"classifications\"\u003e \u003cli data-id=\"20702\"\u003e Engineering \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli data-id=\"20703\"\u003e Design Engineering \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli data-id=\"20704\"\u003e Auckland \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli data-id=\"20705\"\u003e Permanent / Full Time \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cp class=\"date-posted\"\u003e 2/11/2026 \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cul class=\"bullet-points\"\u003e \u003cli\u003eHelp shape the future of engineering delivery across New Zealand and the Pacific\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eStronger teams, stronger communities\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eJoin us in building the extraordinary\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"description\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHelp shape the future of water infrastructure with McConnell Dowell.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e McConnell Dowell is looking for an experienced Design Manager \u0026ndash; Water to join our team and play a key role in delivering major water infrastructure projects across New Zealand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This is an opportunity to take ownership of design management across tenders and projects, working closely with clients, consultants and project delivery teams to develop practical, innovative engineering solutions. From early design development through to construction and project close-out, you\u0027ll help ensure designs are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with programme, budget and contractual requirements.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Role\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Working closely with Project Managers, Bid Managers and the wider engineering team, you\u0027ll lead and coordinate design activities across water sector projects and tenders.\u003cbr\u003e You\u0027ll manage external design consultants, oversee design development and ensure engineering solutions meet project requirements while supporting construction teams to achieve successful delivery outcomes.\u003cbr\u003e You\u0027ll also play an important role in building strong client and design partner relationships, supporting new business opportunities and driving continuous improvement across our design and engineering practices.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKey Responsibilities\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eLead the development and delivery of design and engineering activities across tenders and projects, including permanent and temporary works.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSelect, engage and manage design consultants, suppliers and specialist service providers.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eManage design programmes, budgets, deliverables and performance to meet project requirements.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWork closely with construction and engineering teams to ensure designs are practical, buildable and aligned with construction methodologies.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eEnsure design deliverables meet contractual requirements, relevant legislation, codes and standards.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIdentify and manage design risks, changes, non-conformances and opportunities for improvement.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLead Safety in Design workshops and promote a strong safety and environmental focus throughout the design process.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMaintain effective relationships with clients, consultants and key project stakeholders.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSupport tender submissions, business development and the development of competitive engineering solutions.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAbout You\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You\u0027ll be an experienced engineering professional who enjoys bringing people together, solving complex challenges and delivering practical outcomes. You\u0027re confident managing design consultants and can balance technical requirements with programme, commercial and construction priorities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e You\u0027ll ideally bring:\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eA tertiary qualification in Engineering.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e10+ years\u0027 engineering experience within the construction industry.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eProven experience managing design consultants and engineering deliverables against programme, budget and contractual requirements.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eStrong leadership, communication and negotiation skills.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eExperience in contract management and cost control.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and project teams.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eA practical, solutions-focused approach and the ability to work independently while leading and motivating others.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eExperience in Water sector design, design management, delivery and/or operations\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMembership of Engineering New Zealand would also be advantageous.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAbout Us\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMcConnell Dowell \u0026ndash; Creative Construction\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eOur purpose is\u0026nbsp;Providing a Better Life.\u0026nbsp;We do that through delivering projects that connect, support and sustain communities, and through providing career opportunities that challenge, reward and grow our people.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003eFrom remote major resources and energy projects to city-shaping transport and water infrastructure, we have constructed thousands of high-quality, complex projects for our customers and communities over more than 60 years, in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhy join us?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eThe work you\u0026rsquo;ll do will have a tangible positive impact on people\u0026rsquo;s lives, including yours. The diversity of our projects, roles and locations means greater development opportunities. We invest in our people to set and reach personal and professional goals and we have some of the best mentoring minds in the business to help you do that.\u0026nbsp; Because when you grow, we all grow.\u003cbr\u003eMcConnell Dowell actively seeks and celebrates diversity, inclusion, and individuality. In a culture low on ego and high on support, we encourage everyone to make an impact. We\u0027re big enough to take on community-shaping projects, but agile enough for you to have an influence on how we do things.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003eSo, join us, be you, and help us create better together.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eApply now!\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe are an equal opportunity employer. People of all ages, abilities, sexual orientation, gender identities, cultures and Torres Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease note all successful applicants must hold valid work rights for New Zealand and/or Pacific Islands and pass a satisfactory pre-employment medical which includes drug and alcohol checks..\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis role is being sourced through McConnell Dowell directly and not accepting applications via external recruitment agencies.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"apply\"\u003e \u003ca class=\"back-link\" href=\"#\" title=\"Back to search results\"\u003eBack to search results\u003c/a\u003e \u003cinput type=\"button\" class=\"ja-button\" data-job-id=\"934318\" value=\"Apply Now\" title=\"Apply Now\" /\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e "