ECI Design Manager | Buildability & Pre-Construction Leader

Hickory Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Parental leave

Novated leasing

Employee rewards program

Employee wellbeing program

Diverse opportunities

Job summary

Hickory Group is seeking a Design Manager to oversee design across construction projects, with a focus on Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and pre-construction activities. You will guide design teams, collaborate with consultants and authorities, and lead value-focused design decisions to meet client objectives.

The role emphasizes upfront capability, including ECI, to optimise buildability, procurement scope, and project specifications, with potential to contribute to project delivery and

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in CM, Engineering, Architecture or Project Management or equivalent.
• 5 years of experience in Design Management for commercial construction projects.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and design standards.
• Experience in managing design budgets and leveraging innovative design concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process during ECI and pre-construction phases, ensuring alignment with project objectives and client requirements.
• Coordinate consultants, stakeholders, and internal teams to develop efficient, compliant, and buildable design solutions.
• Provide technical advice on buildability, design risk, value management, procurement scope, and project specifications.
• Support tender submissions and ECI activities through design coordination, methodology input, and technical review.
• Facilitate workshops, design reviews, and stakeholder meetings to drive collaboration and resolve design issues early.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, safety, sustainability, and quality requirements across all design outputs.
• Manage design risk, change processes, and documentation throughout the design lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement in design processes and delivery outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Provide input and continuity into project delivery phases, with opportunity to transition into site-based Design Manager responsibilities as projects progress.
• Lead on-site design coordination and work closely with project teams to resolve construction-related design issues.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Regulatory compliance

Design standards

Budget management

ECI experience

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture/PM

Job description

Hickory Group is seeking a Design Manager to oversee design across construction projects, with a focus on Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and pre-construction activities. You will guide design teams, collaborate with consultants and authorities, and lead value-focused design decisions to meet client objectives.

The role emphasizes upfront capability, including ECI, to optimise buildability, procurement scope, and project specifications, with potential to contribute to project delivery and