Design Manager Gowrie to Kagaru

Design Manager G2K

Lead design on one of Australia's most complex rail programs. This is a rare opportunity to step into a Design Manager role on one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the country.

Inland Rail is delivering a 1,600km freight rail corridor between Melbourne and Brisbane. The Gowrie to Kagaru (G2K) section is a critical Queensland package, and we're seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead design outcomes for a multi-disciplinary work package during the development phase.

If you thrive in technically complex environments and enjoy influencing outcomes early where design decisions genuinely shape constructability, safety, and long-term performance this role will suit you.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will be accountable for the end to end design leadership over the Gowrie to Kagaru projects and of a number of defined packages of works. You'll work across multiple engineering disciplines, coordinate internal and external stakeholders, and ensure designs are safe, buildable, compliant, and ready for delivery. This is a client-side role with real authority balancing competing objectives, providing timely decisions, and driving high quality design outcomes across a challenging linear infrastructure environment.

What you'll be doing

• Lead and manage design activities for a multi-disciplinary rail infrastructure package.
• Coordinate design teams, SMEs, consultants, and contractors.
• Ensure designs are coordinated, buildable, and compliant with assurance requirements.
• Own design scope, schedules, quality, document control, and acceptance activities.
• Review designs to identify risks, issues, and optimisation opportunities
• Provide final design acceptance for all deliverables.
• Ensure alignment with planning approvals, environmental, and statutory obligations.
• Liaise with councils, road managers, landowners, and government agencies.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and best‑practice design outcomes.

About you

You're an experienced Design Manager or senior design leader who is comfortable working in complex, linear infrastructure environments and making sound decisions under pressure.

• Accredited Engineering degree (Washington Accord).
• Typically, 7+ years' relevant experience in design leadership roles.
• Proven capability across multi disciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• High‑level communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and design software.
• Current C‑Class driver's licence.

Highly regarded

• CPEng, NER and/or RPEQ credentials.
• Experience in heavy rail, tunneling, civil, structures, geotechnical or complex interfaces.
• Knowledge of Australian rail standards and National Code of Practice.

What you'll be joining

• You will join one of the largest infrastructure programs in Australia.
• This project will generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in local investment, boosting regional economies and communities right along the alignment.
• Inland Rail is proud to have over 40% female representation and we would like to see these numbers grow.
• Inland Rail is an Agile working environment in our State‑of‑the‑Art office embracing flexible working conditions.

Our Organisation and Culture

The values that drive us and the work we deliver in the program incorporate Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. We welcome like‑minded individuals who value our culture.

At Inland Rail, we celebrate, support, and thrive on attracting people from all horizons and walks of life for the benefit of our employees, our program, and our community. Inland Rail is proud to be an equal opportunity and an affirmative action employer. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to submit their details to us.

All employment is decided based on suitability to the role, cultural fit, merit, and business needs.

Apply Now

If this opportunity sounds like the challenge you have been looking for please apply online today.

As part of the application process, you will be required to undergo pre‑employment criminal history, reference and medical checks, including drug and alcohol testing. Inland Rail is a drug and alcohol‑free working environment.

Please note that applications are reviewed from point of advertising so don't delay your application.

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