Drafting & Design Manager - HVAC

D&E Air Conditioning; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership opportunities

Exposure to complex projects

Professional development

Safety-focused culture

Collaborative national team

Job summary

D&E Air Conditioning is seeking an experienced Drafting Design Manager to lead our HVAC drafting function across multiple commercial projects. You will combine technical expertise, people leadership, and project management to deliver high-quality drafting outcomes safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Collaborate with Project Managers, Engineers, Production, and the wider drafting team to oversee the drafting lifecycle—from handover to As-Builts—while mentoring staff and driving continuous

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading drafting teams within HVAC or mechanical services.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC systems, detailing, BIM workflows, and construction documentation.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and other drafting software.
• Excellent understanding of BIM coordination and project delivery processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of HVAC Draftspersons across multiple projects.
• Manage project drafting resources to ensure programmes and construction deadlines are achieved.
• Oversee the preparation and quality assurance of detailed HVAC drawings, models, and schedules.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Engineers, Consultants, Production, and Clients throughout project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with company drafting standards, PLC processes, BIM requirements, and Australian Standards.
• Conduct drawing reviews, quality assurance checks, and resolve technical issues before issue for construction.
• Manage project documentation including drawing registers, RFIs, BIM documentation, and drafting reports.
• Monitor project progress, resource allocation, labour planning, and drafting performance.
• Drive continuous improvement by implementing new technologies, processes, and best practice drafting methodologies.
• Support training, coaching, and professional development of drafting team members.
• Promote a collaborative, positive, and safety-focused team culture.

Skills

Leadership

BIM workflows

Team development

Stakeholder management

Project coordination

Quality assurance

Problem solving

Communication

Mentoring

Continuous improvement

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Navisworks

Job description

At D&E Air Conditioning, our people are at the centre of everything we do. As one of Australia’s leading mechanical services contractors, we offer the opportunity to work on some of the country’s most complex and high-profile projects while being supported by a collaborative, safety-first, and team-oriented culture.

With over 35 years of industry success and a national workforce of more than 900 employees, we are committed to long-term career development, continuous learning, and recognising the contribution our people make every day. Join a business where stability, innovation, and genuine career progression go hand in hand.

About The Role

D&E Air is looking for an experienced Drafting Design Manager to lead the successful delivery of our HVAC drafting function across multiple commercial projects. This is an exciting leadership opportunity where you'll combine your technical expertise, people leadership, and project management skills to ensure high-quality drafting outcomes are delivered safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Working closely with Project Managers, Engineers, Production, and the wider Drafting team, you'll oversee the entire drafting lifecycle—from project handover through to As-Built drawings—while mentoring your team, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with company standards and BIM processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of HVAC Draftspersons across multiple projects.
• Manage project drafting resources to ensure programmes and construction deadlines are achieved.
• Oversee the preparation and quality assurance of detailed HVAC drawings, models, and schedules.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Engineers, Consultants, Production, and Clients throughout project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with company drafting standards, PLC processes, BIM requirements, and Australian Standards.
• Conduct drawing reviews, quality assurance checks, and resolve technical issues before issue for construction.
• Manage project documentation including drawing registers, RFIs, BIM documentation, and drafting reports.
• Monitor project progress, resource allocation, labour planning, and drafting performance.
• Drive continuous improvement by implementing new technologies, processes, and best practice drafting methodologies.
• Support training, coaching, and professional development of drafting team members.
• Promote a collaborative, positive, and safety-focused team culture.

About You

You're an experienced HVAC drafting manager who enjoys leading high-performing teams and delivering technically excellent outcomes. You have a strong understanding of commercial mechanical services projects and thrive in an environment where collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement are valued.

You enjoy mentoring others, solving complex technical challenges, and working closely with project stakeholders to ensure every project is delivered to the highest standard.

• Proven experience leading drafting teams within the HVAC or mechanical services industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC systems, detailing, BIM workflows, and construction documentation.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and other relevant drafting software.
• Excellent understanding of BIM coordination and project delivery processes.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Strong quality assurance mindset with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience managing commercial construction projects from design through to completion.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach with a passion for continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

We’re proud of the culture we’ve built — one that values teamwork, accountability, innovation, and genuine collaboration. We foster an environment where ideas are welcomed, contributions are recognised, and people are empowered to take ownership and grow their careers.

What We Offer

• Leadership opportunities within one of Australia's largest privately owned HVAC contractors.
• Exposure to complex, high-profile commercial mechanical services projects.
• A collaborative national drafting team committed to sharing knowledge and driving innovation.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A values-driven culture built around Safety First, People Focused, One Team, and Exceptional Delivery.
• A business that embraces technology, continuous improvement, and investing in its people.

D&E is an equal opportunity employer and encourages indigenous Australians to apply. We promote inclusiveness, cultural diversity, gender equality and non- discrimination. To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work permanently in Australia.