ECI Design Manager – Pre-Construction Lead

Hickory; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Parental Leave

Novated Leasing

H-Perks Employee Rewards

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Diverse Opportunities

Job summary

Hickory is seeking a Design Manager to oversee design across construction projects with a strong Early Contractor Involvement focus. You will guide design teams, coordinate consultants and stakeholders, and ensure buildable, compliant solutions from pre-construction through delivery.

The role requires leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a track record in ECI to create value for clients. There is potential to transition into site-based responsibilities as projects progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, 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 Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) processes to find value for clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process during ECI and pre-construction phases, ensuring alignment with objectives.
• Coordinate consultants, stakeholders, and internal teams to develop buildable design solutions.
• Provide technical advice on buildability, risk, value management, scope, and specifications.
• Support tender submissions and ECI activities through design coordination and review.
• Facilitate workshops, design reviews, and stakeholder meetings to drive collaboration early.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, safety, sustainability, and quality requirements.
• Manage design risk, change processes, and documentation through the design lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Provide continuity into project delivery phases with potential site-based responsibilities.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Regulatory Compliance

Design Standards

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor of Construction Management or equivalent

Job description

Hickory is seeking a Design Manager to oversee design across construction projects with a strong Early Contractor Involvement focus. You will guide design teams, coordinate consultants and stakeholders, and ensure buildable, compliant solutions from pre-construction through delivery.

The role requires leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a track record in ECI to create value for clients. There is potential to transition into site-based responsibilities as projects progress.