Design Manager - Terminal and Utility Upgrade Projects.
Auckland Airport is delivering a significant capital works programme and with construction now well underway we’re looking for a Design Manager for our terminal and utility upgrade projects. The projects vary from design phase through to commissioning and handover, offering plenty of opportunity to ensure that our works are efficiently executed and seamlessly integrated into airport operations.
This is a client-side leadership role overseeing external design and delivery teams. You’ll work with designers, asset owners, operators, maintainers, and key stakeholders to drive best-in-class outcomes.
What You’ll Do- Lead design evolution: Drive the evolution of design and resolution of design issues through systematic management of consultants and stakeholders, always with an owner’s perspective.
- Ensure change & governance are robustly supported: Assess proposed design change against business requirements and ensure governance is supported with robust technical information.
- Ensure design implementation: Oversee shop drawing, material submittal, technical inspection and other design related construction phase processes.
- Collaborate & lead: Work across teams to maximize synergies and to resolve interfaces and challenges.
- Ensure Auckland Airport processes and standards: Implement Auckland Airport’s design, safety, risk, value, construction control and other processes, and ensure the airport’s Design Standards are met.
Requirements
What you’ll bring to the role
At Auckland Airport, we are a busy hive of activity, and a lot of what we look for is how you would align with our AKL values All In | Tātou tatou – How we feel, Know How | Kōkiri Tahi – How we think and Let’s Go | Karawhiua – How we act.- 15+ years of experience, including 10+ years in design management for buildings and infrastructure.
- Qualifications and expertise in engineering systems, design codes, and industry standards, with a particular focus on building services and utilities disciplines.
- Proven ability to lead design teams and drive project certainty, especially through the construction, commissioning and handover phases.
- Experience with brownfield/operational projects (airport experience is a bonus).
- Strong skills in problem-solving, consultant management, technical evaluation and communication.
Benefits
Auckland Airport is more than just a business. It’s a truly unique place with an important role to play in New Zealand’s recovery. Together we’re its custodians, knowing that the work we do has the power to create positive change for our customers, the community, the environment and for the prosperity of Aotearoa.We’re all about creating a sense of place where everyone can thrive, and one where others aspire to work. We’re a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome people from all walks of life.
Whiria te tangata. Our values weave us together. They’re what we stand for, who we are and how we act.
When you work with us, you’ll share our ambition to be a great New Zealand business, and one that’s making a strong contribution to the wellbeing of our communities and economy.
Applications close: 11th July 2025
Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously throughout the recruitment period, and appointments may be made before the official closing date of the advert.
If this role sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Apply online now.