Design Manager

Redpath Partners; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Redpath Partners seeks an experienced Design Manager for its Christchurch team to drive the design process across the full lifecycle. You will coordinate architects, engineers and subcontractors, ensuring buildability, compliance and timely approvals.

The role requires strong NZ Building Code knowledge, stakeholder management and a proactive, solution-focused approach to design challenges on high-profile commercial projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in Design Management within a main contractor environment.
• Architectural, engineering or construction management background.
• Strong understanding of NZ Building Code, consenting and construction methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to delivery.
• Coordinate architects, engineers, specialist consultants and subcontractors.
• Drive design programmes, deliverables and approvals to keep projects on track.
• Review design documentation for buildability, compliance and quality.
• Identify design risks and opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation.
• Manage consenting processes and ensure statutory compliance.
• Support handover from design to construction with site teams.
• Lead design meetings and maintain client and stakeholder relationships.
• Contribute to tendering, procurement and early contractor involvement as required.

Skills

Design management

Architectural background

NZ Building Code knowledge

Stakeholder management

Design coordination

Project delivery experience

Education

Architectural/Engineering/Construction Management background

Job description

Company

Our client is a leading Tier 1 main contractor with an established reputation for delivering some of New Zealand’s most complex and high-profile commercial projects. With a strong forward pipeline, they are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join their Christchurch team. This is a key role within the project delivery function, working across the full design lifecycle and acting as the critical link between the client, consultants and construction team.

The Opportunity

• Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to delivery
• Coordinate architects, engineers, specialist consultants and subcontractors
• Drive design programmes, deliverables and approvals to ensure projects remain on track
• Review design documentation with a strong focus on buildability, compliance and quality
• Identify design risks and opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation
• Manage the consenting process and ensure statutory requirements are met
• Work closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and site teams to ensure a seamless transition from design into construction
• Provide technical input and support during construction, resolving design queries and challenges
• Lead design meetings and maintain strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders
• Contribute to tendering, procurement and early contractor involvement where required

Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience in Design Management, ideally within a main contractor environment
• Architectural, engineering or construction management background
• Strong understanding of NZ Building Code, consenting and construction methodologies
• Experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams on large-scale projects
• Strong knowledge of design coordination, documentation and buildability
• Commercially aware with an understanding of programme, cost and risk
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Confident challenging design solutions and driving outcomes
• Highly organised, proactive and solutions focused

Benefits

• Join a Tier 1 contractor with a strong national project pipeline
• Opportunity to work on significant, complex and high-profile projects
• Genuine career progression and leadership opportunities
• Work alongside highly experienced construction and technical teams
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A business that invests in its people, capability and long term development

If you're an Architect or Design Manager or construction professional looking to make the move to contractor side, this could be an excellent next step.