Design Manager

CGC Recruitment; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Builder (undisclosed) in Queensland seeks an experienced Design Manager to own the design management across major projects valued from $50M to $300M+. You will drive design outcomes from ECI through delivery, coordinating clients, consultants, and subcontractors to meet safety, budget and timeline targets.

You will partner with clients and internal teams to ensure design solutions are safe, on time, within budget, and of the highest quality, balancing commercial and constructability requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience as Design Manager in the Australian construction industry.
• Strong background with Tier 1 or Tier 2 commercial builders.
• Track record delivering complex projects in the $50M-$300M range.
• Tertiary qualifications in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Superior communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with emphasis on quality, safety and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Design Phase Leadership: manage the design process from tender to construction.
• Consultant Management: lead external design consultants and multidisciplinary teams.
• Commercial Acumen: identify value engineering opportunities and manage design budgets.
• Constructability & Innovation: drive buildability reviews and modern construction methods (including BIM/VDC).
• Stakeholder Engagement: act as primary contact for clients, architects and authorities.

Skills

Design management expertise

Experience with Tier 1 or Tier 2-build

Delivery of $50M-$300M projects

Qualifications in Architecture, Eng.,/

Education

Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management degree

Tools

BIM/VDC

Job description

About the builder

This grade A builder is one of Australia’s most respected and dynamic privately-owned construction companies. For over a century, they have shaped the Australian landscape through iconic, complex, and future-focused projects. From commercial and education to healthcare, retail, and defence, they pride themselves on delivering excellence, building lasting relationships, and driving innovation across the built environment.

Job Description

About the builder

This grade A builder is one of Australia’s most respected and dynamic privately-owned construction companies. For over a century, they have shaped the Australian landscape through iconic, complex, and future-focused projects. From commercial and education to healthcare, retail, and defence, they pride themselves on delivering excellence, building lasting relationships, and driving innovation across the built environment.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking an experienced and driven Design Manager to join their high-performing Queensland team. In this pivotal role, you will take ownership of the design management process across major projects ranging from $50M to $300M+ in value. You will be involved in the ECI stage of a project as well as delivery.

You will work closely with clients, consultants, internal project teams, and subcontractors to ensure design solutions are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, all while balancing commercial and constructability requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Phase Leadership: Manage the design process from tender stage through to construction delivery, ensuring full alignment with client briefs, statutory requirements, and company standards.
• Consultant Management: Lead, coordinate, and manage external design consultants and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Commercial Acumen: Identify value engineering opportunities, review design variations, and manage design budgets to mitigate risk and optimize project outcomes.
• Constructability & Innovation: Collaborate closely with the construction team to drive buildability reviews, resolve technical challenges, and implement modern construction methods (including BIM/VDC).
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary point of contact for clients, architects, and authorities having jurisdiction regarding design development and approvals.

About You

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Bring

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within the Australian construction industry.
• A strong background working with Tier 1 or prominent Tier 2 commercial builders.
• Demonstrated experience successfully delivering complex projects within the $50M to $300M value range.
• Tertiary qualifications in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Superior communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and innovation.

What is on Offer

• Career Growth: Opportunities to work on landmark, complex projects that challenge and develop your skills.
• Culture: A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment that values safety, wellbeing, and professional integrity.
• Remuneration: A competitive salary package commensurate with your experience, alongside employee benefits and wellbeing programs.