Design Manager | Developer/Builder

Zenith Executive Search; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Landmark projects

Strong project pipeline

Collaborative team

Influence design outcomes

Career progression

Competitive salary

Job summary

Zenith Executive Search is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join a leading developer-builder delivering premium high-rise residential projects. You will take ownership of the design process from acquisition and planning through to construction and completion, ensuring programmes stay on track and quality remains top-tier.

Working with internal development, construction and commercial teams, you will manage the full design lifecycle, coordinate external consultants, drive value

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager in commercial builder, developer-builder or consultancy.
• Delivered high-rise residential apartment projects.
• Ability to manage full lifecycle from concept to handover.
• Strong knowledge of NCC, Australian Standards and planning approvals.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process across multiple high-rise developments.
• Coordinate and manage external consultants including architects and structural, civil, façade, landscape, building services and specialists.
• Drive design outcomes that align with programme, budget, quality and commercial objectives.
• Review and manage design documentation for accuracy and buildability.
• Identify and mitigate design risks throughout each project lifecycle.
• Facilitate consultant workshops and stakeholder presentations.
• Collaborate with Development, Construction and Commercial teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Lead value engineering while maintaining design intent and project quality.
• Ensure designs comply with NCC, Australian Standards, planning requirements.
• Provide technical guidance during procurement, tendering and construction.

Skills

Design Manager

High-rise residential

Lifecycle management

Design coordination

Planning approvals

Consultant management

Budget & schedule

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Education

Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management degree

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join a leading developer-builder delivering premium high-rise residential projects. This is an opportunity to play a key role in the successful delivery of landmark developments, taking ownership of the design process from acquisition and planning through to construction and project completion.

Working closely with internal development, construction and commercial teams, you will manage the entire design lifecycle, ensuring projects are delivered on programme, within budget and to the highest standards of quality and compliance.

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join a leading developer-builder delivering premium high-rise residential projects. This is an opportunity to play a key role in the successful delivery of landmark developments, taking ownership of the design process from acquisition and planning through to construction and project completion.

Working closely with internal development, construction and commercial teams, you will manage the entire design lifecycle, ensuring projects are delivered on programme, within budget and to the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process across multiple high-rise residential developments.
• Coordinate and manage external consultants including architects, structural, civil, façade, landscape, building services and specialist consultants.
• Drive design outcomes that align with programme, budget, quality and commercial objectives.
• Review and manage design documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness and buildability.
• Identify and mitigate design risks throughout each stage of the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate consultant workshops, design coordination meetings and stakeholder presentations.
• Work closely with Development Managers during planning, authority approvals and design development.
• Collaborate with Construction, Commercial and Delivery teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Lead value engineering initiatives while maintaining design intent and project quality.
• Manage design changes and ensure appropriate documentation and approvals are maintained.
• Ensure all designs comply with the NCC, Australian Standards, planning requirements and relevant legislation.
• Provide technical guidance during procurement, tendering and construction.
• Support project teams with RFIs, design clarifications and consultant coordination during construction.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with consultants, contractors, authorities and key stakeholders.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within a commercial builder, developer-builder or consultancy environment.
• Demonstrated experience delivering high-rise residential apartment projects.
• Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle from concept design through to construction and handover.
• Excellent knowledge of construction methodology, design coordination and buildability.
• Strong understanding of planning approvals, authority requirements, NCC and Australian Standards.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams and resolving complex technical issues.
• Commercially minded with the ability to balance programme, cost, quality and design outcomes.
• Exceptional communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to work on landmark high-rise residential developments.
• Join a growing developer-builder with a strong project pipeline.
• Collaborative, high-performing and supportive team environment.
• Genuine opportunity to influence design outcomes from concept through to completion.
• Long-term career progression into Senior Design Management and Design Leadership roles.
• Attractive salary package aligned with experience.