Design Manager – Infrastructure

Design Manager – Domestic Jet Terminal Project

Auckland Airport | Full-time | $2Bn Infrastructure Project

Mahia te mahi – Make it happen here.

Auckland Airport is delivering a $2Bn Domestic Jet Terminal, opening in 2029. With construction now well underway we’re looking for a Design Manager for the construction, commissioning and handover phases to ensure that the terminal is efficiently executed and seamlessly integrated into airport operations.

This is a client-side leadership role overseeing a 20+ person external design team. 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 maximise 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.

What We’re Looking For

• 15+ years of experience, including 10+ years in design management for significant public buildings and infrastructure.
• Expertise in architectural and engineering systems, design codes, and industry standards.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale 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.

Why Join Auckland Airport?

Impact: Be a key player in a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project.

Collaboration: Work with top experts in engineering, construction, and aviation.

Growth: Shape the future of New Zealand’s busiest airport.

Values: We put people first, solve challenges together, and make it happen – Mahia te mahi.

Ready to drive the design of Auckland’s new Domestic Jet Terminal? Apply now.