Design Manager | High-Rise (Tier 1/2 Head Contractor)

Select Aust Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Iconic high-rise projects

Tier-one pipeline with long-term job

Job summary

Randstad is seeking a Design Manager for a premier Australian Head Contractor in Sydney. You will own design delivery from concept through construction, coordinating with architects, engineers, and on-site teams under the NSW DBP Act framework.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will drive construct-ability, value engineering, and regulatory compliance, focusing on delivering high-density residential and mixed-use towers across Sydney.

Qualifications

• Must have direct experience with Australian Tier 1 or Tier 2 head contractors.
• Experience delivering high-rise residential or mixed-use towers in Australia.
• Strong knowledge of NCC/BCA, NSW DBP Act compliance and related standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead external consultant teams through design delivery from concept to construction.
• Drive construct-ability, value engineering and design coordination with on-site teams.
• Align design with budget and safeguard project margins.
• Support RFIs, D&C packages, and regulatory approvals (DA, CC, OC).
• Ensure compliance with NCC/BCA and NSW DBP Act requirements.

Skills

Head Contractor Experience

High-Rise Residential Track Record

Technical & Legislative Knowledge

Stakeholder Management

Commercial Acumen

Education

Architecture

Construction Management

Civil/Structural Engineering

Job description

Job Type: Permanent position | Full time position

Job Description

About the Business

We are managing an exclusive search on behalf of a premier Australian Head Contractor with an outstanding reputation for delivering landmark, high-density residential and mixed-use developments across Sydney. Driven by a progressive leadership team and backed by a secured, multi-million-dollar project pipeline, they foster an environment focused on career development, commercial innovation, and construction excellence.

About the Role

Due to strategic growth and recent project wins, an exceptional opportunity has arisen for a dynamic Design Manager to take ownership of design delivery from initial concept/ECI through to construction, OC handover, and settlement. Working closely with tier-one architectural practices, specialist engineers, client reps, and on-site delivery teams, you will play a pivotal role in driving value engineering, construct-ability, and regulatory compliance under the NSW DBP Act framework.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Design Delivery: Lead external consultant teams through detailed design, Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), tender documentation, and construction detailing.
• Construct-ability & Value Engineering: Interrogate architectural and engineering packages to identify buildability efficiencies, material innovations, and cost-effective design solutions without sacrificing quality.
• Commercial Alignment: Work hand-in-hand with Commercial, Estimating, and Quantity Surveying teams to align design with budget constraints and safeguard project margins.
• Site Integration: Support Project Managers, Site Managers, and Engineers in real time to resolve technical RFIs, manage D&C subcontractor packages (Facades, Structures, MEP), and prevent site delays.
• Statutory Compliance: Oversee DA modifications (Sec 4.55), Construction Certificates (CC), Crown approvals, and Occupation Certificate (OC) sign-offs in strict accordance with the NCC/BCA and NSW DBP Act regulations.

Skills & Experience Required

• Head Contractor Experience: Proven track record working directly for an Australian Tier 1 or Tier 2 Head Contractor / Main Builder.
• High-Rise Residential Track Record: Direct experience delivering medium-to-high-density residential or mixed-use towers within Australia (NSW experience highly regarded).
• Tertiary Qualifications: Degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Technical & Legislative Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the National Construction Code (NCC/BCA), Australian Standards, and current NSW DBP Act compliance requirements.
• Personal Attributes: Strong commercial acumen, exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.

What's on Offer

• Profile-Shaping Pipeline: Work on iconic high-rise projects that will define Sydney's skyline.
• 1/2 Head Contractor: Tier-one pipeline with long-term job stability.

Career Growth

Direct access to executive directors with clear pathways for leadership advancement.

Dynamic Culture

A supportive, safety-first, and collaborative team culture that recognises and rewards high performance.

Top-Tier Remuneration

Highly competitive salary package tailored to experience + performance bonuses.

We actively encourage applications from any background.

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all.