Head of Design - Design & Construct | QLD

Willow Recruitment (London) Ltd; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Willow Recruitment (London) Ltd is seeking a Head of Design in Brisbane to lead our Queensland D&C studio and set design standards across projects.

You will mentor a talented team, partner with BD to win work, and oversee end-to-end design from briefing through documentation while ensuring alignment with delivery partners.

Qualifications

• Proven D&C pedigree: substantial experience leading workplace/commercial interior fit-out projects in a Design & Construct environment.
• Inspiring leadership: track record mentoring designers, balancing creative exploration with operational efficiency.
• High-impact client engagement: charisma in pitches, design presentations, and workshops with executive-level trust.
• Technical mastery: strong knowledge of Australian codes and sustainable practices; proficient in Revit, Enscape and Adobe CS.
• Creative vision: portfolio of boundary-pushing interiors balancing aesthetics with commercial execution.

Responsibilities

• Studio leadership: mentor and elevate the local design team with rigour and innovation.
• Pitch & win: partner with BD and execs to present compelling proposals and win projects.
• Design & technical integrity: oversee end-to-end design from briefing to handover and documentation.
• Strategic integration: ensure cross-functional alignment with delivery teams for seamless experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Client engagement

Creative vision

Commercial awareness

Tools

Revit

Enscape

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Head of Design - Design & Construct | QLD

Lead the Vision. Master the Build. Champion the D&C Rhythm.

Are you an accomplished design leader who thrives on turning bold workplace visions into built reality?

Do you live, breathe, and genuinely love the fast-paced, highly collaborative world of commercial Design & Construct (D&C)?

My client is an established commercial workplace delivery consultancy with a decades-long track record of transforming environments across Australia and New Zealand. By integrating creative workplace strategy seamlessly with in-house estimation, project management, and construction, we eliminate the friction of traditional delivery.

To spearhead our next era of growth in Queensland, we are seeking a passionate, commercially sharp Head of Design based in Brisbane.

Why You? Because You "Get" D&C.

This is not a purely theoretical design role or a siloed studio post. You are a senior creative leader who understands that exceptional design and buildability walk hand in hand.

• You love the pace: You know how to guide a concept from a high-stakes pitch to the site floor without diluting design integrity.
• You speak construction: You thrive when working alongside estimators, project managers, and site teams, turning buildability challenges into design opportunities.
• You are commercially fearless: You understand budgets, deadlines, and constructability just as intuitively as you understand form, material, and spatial flow.

About The Opportunity

Reporting to the General Manager, you will take full strategic and creative ownership of our Queensland design studio. You will set design standards, mentor a talented team, and act as a pivotal figure in winning new business.

• Studio Leadership: Mentor, inspire, and elevate our local design team, championing technical rigour, innovation, and an inspiring studio culture.
• Pitch & Win: Partner with business development and executive leadership to present compelling, solution-led proposals that capture client imagination and win projects.
• Design & Technical Integrity: Oversee end-to-end design frameworks from briefing and space planning through to detailed documentation, Revit workflows, and handover.
• Strategic Integration: Ensure cross-functional synergy with our in-house pre-contracts and delivery teams to deliver seamless, single-point-of-accountability client experiences.

About You

• Proven D&C Pedigree: Substantial experience leading workplace/commercial interior fit-out projects within a Design & Construct environment. A deep passion for and understanding of the D&C delivery model is non-negotiable.
• Inspiring Leadership: A track record of mentoring and managing designers, balancing creative experimentation with operational efficiency and resource allocation.
• High-Impact Client Engagement: Natural charisma in pitches, design presentations, and client workshops, with the ability to build trust at the executive level.
• Technical Mastery: Strong knowledge of Australian compliance standards, building codes, and sustainable practices (WELL, Green Star, NABERS), alongside proficiency across industry-standard tools (Revit, Enscape, Adobe CS).
• Creative Vision: A portfolio showcasing clever, boundary-pushing commercial interiors that balance aesthetic brilliance with functional, commercially sound execution.

What’s on Offer

• Executive Influence: A key leadership seat guiding the creative direction of a thriving, respected regional studio.
• True Integration: Say goodbye to the frustrations of traditional design-bid-build friction - collaborate directly with in-house delivery partners who share your vision.
• Competitive Executive Remuneration: Highly attractive salary package tailored to experience and track record.
• Vibrant Culture: Join a passionate, high-performing team that celebrates shared wins, continuous improvement, and design that leaves a lasting mark.

Note: All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

Only shortlisted candidates with full Australian working rights will be contacted.