Senior Design Associate

ACRWORLD; Newcastle City Council; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading modular construction firm in Newcastle is seeking a Senior Design Associate to lead high-value projects in education and commercial sectors. You will leverage your architectural expertise and proven project delivery experience to drive innovation and sustainability. The role offers a flexible work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for career progression in a collaborative culture.

Benefits

Company car

Leadership opportunities

Flexible working environment

Innovative architecture projects

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years’ experience in senior design roles.
• Proven track record delivering large education or commercial projects.
• Strong knowledge of modular and D&C methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural input during early project phases.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Contribute to bid strategies with compelling design narratives.

Skills

Architectural expertise

Client relationship building

BIM (Revit)

Modular construction knowledge

Strategic thinking

Education

Registered Architect

Tools

BIM (Revit)

Job description

Lead high-value modular education projects from concept to delivery. Leadership and career growth. Amazing flexibility and hybrid working environment.

As the retained recruitment partner to Marathon Modular, I am proud to be managing the search for a Senior Design Associate to join their team.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role with one of Australia’s leaders in design & construct modular construction, a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience delivering innovative and sustainable building solutions.

We encourage Architects to apply who are open to a hybrid work environment, relocation to the Hunter Valley region or happy to commute on a minimal basis.

Overview

The Senior Design Associate will take a lead role in securing high-value Design & Construct projects ($10–20M+). This client-facing role blends architectural expertise with pre-construction strategy to position Marathon as the builder of choice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead architectural input during early project phases, balancing design quality, buildability, and cost.
• Champion modular construction as a premium, design-led alternative to traditional methods.
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and stakeholders to secure early project involvement.
• Contribute to bid strategies with compelling design narratives and graphics.
• Represent Marathon at industry forums and networking events.
• Mentor internal teams, enhancing design literacy and consultant coordination.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across modular design practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Registered Architect with 7–10+ years’ experience in senior design roles.
• Proven track record delivering $10–20M+ education, defence, or commercial projects.
• Strong knowledge of modular and D&C methodologies, BCA, and regulatory frameworks.
• Skilled in design development, constructability, and value engineering.
• Proficient in BIM (Revit) and experienced in consultant management.
• Recognised design leader with strong presentation and relationship-building skills.

Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
• Detail-oriented, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
• Confident, collaborative, and respected within the architectural and construction community.
• Aligned with Marathon’s values: Responsibility, Creativity, Innovation, Quality.

Why This Role?

• Work with a modular builder shaping the future of education facilities.
• Join a collaborative and supportive culture with over 40 staff and a strong contractor network.
• Drive innovation, sustainability, and design leadership in a high-growth sector.

What's on offer?

• Amazing flexibility and hybrid working environment
• Company car
• Leadership and clear career growth
• Innovative Architecture - shape the future of Educational projects across Australia
• Work for an industry leader outside of a typical Architecture office

To confidentially discuss this opportunity, please contact David Hailame at [e-mail] or on 0415 282 717, or apply via the link.