Lead Design Manager for Major Construction Projects

Lendlease Corporation; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellbeing program

Parental leave 26 weeks

Wellbeing days 3x per year

Flexible work options

Salary sacrifice options

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Lendlease is seeking a Design Manager in Sydney to lead the full design strategy and delivery for major project scopes. You’ll oversee consultants, guide the project team, and ensure design outcomes meet safety, quality, cost, and buildability standards.

Your leadership will shape design management plans, coordinate across design, construction and procurement, and engage with authorities and stakeholders to keep programs on track.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in design management within large or complex construction projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to manage consultants, resolve technical challenges, and drive design excellence.
• Deep understanding of design processes, regulatory requirements, buildability and quality standards.
• Proven change management experience.
• Major D&C project experience with demonstrated team and multi-discipline design leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall design strategy, planning, and execution across all project phases.
• Oversee and advise the design team, consultants, and key stakeholders to ensure coordinated and timely design delivery.
• Drive development of project briefs, design management plans, and detailed design programs.
• Manage and resolve complex design and technical issues, ensuring compliance with safety, sustainability, and quality requirements.
• Provide strong leadership in consultant selection, performance management, contract administration, and documentation standards.
• Review design outputs for buildability, budget alignment, risks, and value optimisation opportunities.
• Guide submissions and approvals with authorities and support high‑level stakeholder and client engagement.
• Maintain oversight of design‑related cost planning, budgets, variations, and risk/ opportunity reporting.
• Ensure consistent adherence to company design procedures, systems, and governance requirements.
• Lead collaboration between design, construction, and procurement teams to ensure seamless project delivery.

Skills

Design management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Buildability

Job description

Lendlease is seeking a Design Manager in Sydney to lead the full design strategy and delivery for major project scopes. You’ll oversee consultants, guide the project team, and ensure design outcomes meet safety, quality, cost, and buildability standards.

Your leadership will shape design management plans, coordinate across design, construction and procurement, and engage with authorities and stakeholders to keep programs on track.