Design Office Lead

About the job

DRA Global Limited

is an international, multi-disciplinary engineering, project delivery, and operations management group, predominantly focused on the mining, minerals, and metals industry.

The Group has an extensive track record spanning almost four decades across a wide range of commodities. Our teams have deep expertise in the mining, minerals, and metals processing industries, as well as related non-process infrastructure such as water and energy solutions.

DRA operates across all major mining regions with offices in Africa and the Middle East, North and South America, the USA, and Asia-Pacific.

We are currently seeking a

Design Office Lead

to join our growing team in

Phoenix, AZ

. This position plays a critical leadership role in supervising, coordinating, and driving the successful execution of multidisciplinary design efforts on major mining and industrial projects.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

- Plan, organize, allocate, and supervise all design and drafting resources assigned to a project.

- Interpret conceptual designs, flow diagrams, and engineering inputs to develop high-quality drawings and models.

- Coordinate 2D and 3D design workflows across disciplines to ensure integration, accuracy, and efficiency.

- Oversee Autodesk software environments (AutoCAD, Vault, Navisworks), ensuring standards and procedures are followed.

- Manage drawing quality, adherence to codes/standards, and technical accuracy of deliverables.

- Provide guidance, peer reviews, and support to team members, including resolution of design-related challenges.

- Interface with engineering, client teams, and contractors using platforms such as BIM-DOCS for seamless collaboration.

& Budget Management

- Manage design scope and align deliverables with project execution plans and client requirements.

- Track man-hour usage, manage drawing budgets, and report on overruns.

- Ensure deliverables meet quality and schedule commitments.

- Submit weekly progress updates, change management reports, and design tracking metrics.

- Participate in estimate development for both study and execution phases.

Team & Client Collaboration

- Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients.

- Lead regular project reviews, design meetings, and handovers.

- Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative team culture.

- Participate in staff mentoring, performance feedback, and development planning.

- Support long-term client satisfaction by delivering high-quality work and fostering trust and consistency.

Quality & Standards

- Ensure all design work meets DRA and client QA/QC requirements.

- Maintain a high standard of deliverables and actively promote accuracy, attention to detail, and safety in design.

- Promote adherence to drawing office standards, ISO requirements, and industry best practices.

Qualifications

- Degree or diploma in engineering, drafting, or a related field –

required

- 8+ years’ experience in design and draughting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or coordination role –

required

- In-depth knowledge of mining and EPCM project environments –

required

- Familiarity with engineering design principles and project execution in multidisciplinary teams –

advantageous

- Working knowledge of Autodesk products, including AutoCAD, Vault, and Navisworks –

required

Skills

- Technical leadership in a design office or project environment

- Strong working knowledge of PFDs, P&IDs, 3D plant design, and material handling systems

- Autodesk software proficiency (AutoCAD, Vault, Navisworks)

- Strong written and verbal communication skills

- Team leadership, mentoring, and resource planning

- Project scheduling, budgeting, and reporting

- Attention to detail, task prioritization, and problem-solving

- MS Office proficiency (Excel, Word, Teams)

Employment Type:

Permanent

Physical Requirements:

While performing duties of this job, you may be required to stand, sit in a stationary position 50% of the time, alternate between sitting and standing, push/pull as necessary, reach overhead or below shoulder level, kneel, squat, or stoop.

May be required on occasion to lift and carry items such as files, documents, or small packages, typically up to 10 -20 pounds.

Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.

Close visual acuity to perform activities such as reading, analyzing data, and working on a computer.

DRA Global is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that diversity strengthens our ability to reach our goals, enhances our reputation, and helps us attract, engage, and retain great people.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or any other characteristic. Our values — People, Safety, Trust, Integrity, Excellence, and Courage — reflect our ongoing commitment to equal opportunities and an inclusive culture.