Design Manager

Decode Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Decode is seeking a Design Manager to lead the design process for Class 2 residential projects across Sydney. You will coordinate architects, engineers, and specialist consultants to ensure design quality, compliance, and programme targets are met.

Reporting to the Project Manager, you will drive collaboration, manage design deliverables, and support approvals from planning through to construction, aligning with the DBP Act, NCC, and Australian Standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager on Class 2 residential projects in NSW.
• Strong understanding of apartment developments and multi-residential construction.
• Knowledge of the Design and Building Practitioners Act (DBP) and Class 2 compliance.
• Experience coordinating architects, engineers, façade consultants, and other design disciplines.
• Solid knowledge of NCC, Australian Standards, and planning pathways.
• Experience managing design programmes and consultant deliverables.
• Ability to identify and mitigate design, programme, and compliance risks.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Collaborative approach to build relationships across project teams.
• Tertiary qualifications in relevant disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end design process for Class 2 residential projects from concept to construction.
• Coordinate architectural, structural, civil, services, façade, and specialist teams.
• Drive design programmes and delivery milestones.
• Facilitate design coordination workshops and meetings.
• Review design documentation for buildability, compliance, and efficiency.
• Manage RFIs, design changes, consultant engagement, and risks.
• Support procurement and subcontractor engagement through technical reviews.
• Ensure compliance with NSW Class 2 requirements, DBP Act, NCC, SEPPs, and Australian Standards.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and design optimisation.
• Manage consultant performance and relationships.
• Support project delivery teams during construction to resolve design issues and maintain programme.
• Assist with authority approvals, certifications, and project documentation.

Skills

Design management

Class 2 residential

Stakeholder management

Coordination across disciplines

DBP Act knowledge

NCC & Australian Standards

Construction coordination

Education

Architecture/Engineering degree

Construction Management degree

Job description

Join a team that's building more than projects.

At Decode, we believe exceptional projects start with exceptional design. Our success is built on strong relationships, collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to quality in everything we do. As a leading construction business, we specialise in delivering high-quality residential developments across NSW, creating homes and communities that leave a lasting impact.

We're continuing to grow and are looking for experienced Design Manager's & Senior Design Manager's to join our team, supporting the delivery of complex Class 2 residential projects across Sydney.

This is an opportunity to play a critical role in coordinating design excellence, ensuring compliance with evolving legislation, and driving successful project outcomes from planning through to completion.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Project Manager, you'll be responsible for managing and coordinating the design process across Class 2 residential developments, ensuring projects meet design, compliance, programme, quality, and commercial objectives.

Working closely with architects, consultants, certifiers, subcontractors, and project delivery teams, you'll act as the key link between design and construction, ensuring seamless coordination and successful project execution.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the end-to-end design process for Class 2 residential projects from concept design through to construction completion.
• Coordinating architectural, structural, civil, services, façade, and specialist consultant teams.
• Driving design programmes and ensuring key deliverables are achieved in line with project milestones.
• Facilitating design coordination workshops and stakeholder meetings.
• Reviewing design documentation for buildability, completeness, compliance, and construction efficiency.
• Managing RFIs, design changes, consultant engagement, and design-related project risks.
• Supporting procurement and subcontractor engagement through technical reviews and scope development.
• Ensuring compliance with NSW Class 2 requirements, the Design and Building Practitioners Act, NCC, SEPP requirements, and relevant Australian Standards.
• Working closely with project teams to identify opportunities for value engineering and design optimisation.
• Managing consultant performance and maintaining strong relationships with key project stakeholders.
• Supporting project delivery teams throughout construction to resolve design issues and maintain programme outcomes.
• Assisting with authority approvals, certifications, and project documentation requirements.

ABOUT YOU

You're a proactive and commercially minded Design Manager with strong experience delivering residential developments within the NSW market. You understand the complexities of Class 2 compliance, enjoy managing multidisciplinary teams, and have a passion for delivering projects that balance design quality with practical construction outcomes.

You'll also bring:

• Proven experience as a Design Manager on Class 2 residential projects within NSW.
• Strong understanding of apartment developments and multi-residential construction.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Design and Building Practitioners Act (DBP) and Class 2 compliance requirements.
• Experience coordinating architects, engineers, façade consultants, services consultants, and specialist design disciplines.
• Strong understanding of the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, and planning pathways.
• Demonstrated experience managing design programmes and consultant deliverables.
• Ability to identify and mitigate design, programme, and compliance risks.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• A collaborative approach with the ability to build strong relationships across project teams.
• Tertiary qualifications in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.

WHY DECODE?

At Decode, you'll join a team that genuinely values collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. We invest in our people and provide opportunities for long-term career development within a supportive and high-performing environment.

In return, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Join a collaborative and experienced project delivery team.
• Work on projects from early planning through to completion.
• Be part of a business committed to quality, compliance, and innovation.
• Develop your career within a growing and respected organisation.
• Work alongside some of the industry's leading consultants and construction professionals.
• Help create high-quality residential communities that leave a lasting impact.