Design Manager (Auckland or Hamilton)

Apollo Projects; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Southern Cross Health Insurance

Flexi-hours and occasional WFH

Staff events and community initiatives

Free parking at some sites

Professional development and training

Job summary

Apollo Projects seeks a Design Manager to join the Preconstruction team. Based in Auckland or Christchurch, you will oversee the design process from client engagement through to detailed design and consenting, coordinating with estimators, project managers, quantity surveyors and consultants to ensure designs are practical, buildable and aligned with commercial objectives.

You will work with a collaborative national team, using MS Office/SharePoint, with value-driven processes and strong

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience managing design delivery within commercial construction.
• Strong understanding of building design in a Design & Build environment.
• Excellent relationship building and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine project brief with clients.
• Coordinate consultants to deliver high-quality design.
• Review drawings, identify risks and challenge solutions.
• Drive and coordinate the tender process.
• Collaborate with construction teams to align design and delivery.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Coordination

Team collaboration

Tools

MS Office

SharePoint

Job description

About Apollo:

Apollo Projects is a nationwide design and build commercial construction company specialising in Food & Beverage, Sports and Aquatics and Cool/Cold storage facilities. Our reputation is built not only on the quality of our projects, but on how we work – collaboratively, practically and with respect for our clients, consultants, colleagues and the communities we operate in. At Apollo, strong relationships and smart thinking sit at the heart of everything we do.

Due to continued growth within our Preconstruction team, we are seeking a Design Manager to join our business. This role can be based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) or Ōtautahi (Christchurch).

Why us:

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every member of our team feels respected, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. To support our team and their well-being, our benefits include:

• Competitive remuneration reflective of your skills and experience
• Southern Cross Health Insurance for you, with discounted cover for your immediate family
• Flexi-hours and the option to work from home one day per week (after 3 months).
• A collaborative national team embodying a strong cultural ethos.
• Ongoing training and development to support your professional growth.
• Regular staff events, including, family events, quiz nights, themed dress up days etc.
• Be part of a community-focused company that prioritises giving back and making a positive impact on society.
• Free company accommodation for personal use in selected areas of the country
• Free office car parking.

About the Role:

As a Design Manager, you will be an integral part of the Preconstruction team managing the design process, from early client engagement through to detailed design and consenting.

You will work closely with estimators, project managers, quantity surveyors, consultants and internal subject matter experts to ensure designs are practical, buildable, well-coordinated and aligned with client and commercial objectives. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of design, people and problem‑solving – influencing outcomes without direct authority and adding value through collaboration and constructive challenge.

Key responsibilities:

• Work with clients to develop and refine project brief
• Coordinate and manage consultants to deliver high quality and accurate design
• Review design drawings, identify risks and challenge solutions where required
• Drive and coordinate the tender process
• Coordinate and develop design & feasibility reports
• Negotiate and develop contracts – NZ3910, NZ3916
• Collaborate closely with construction teams to ensure alignment between design and delivery.

About You:

You are a proactive, organised and personable professional who enjoys working in a team environment and is confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.

In addition to this, you will have the following attributes:

• At least 3 years’ experience managing design delivery within commercial construction
• Strong understanding of building design in a Design & Build environment
• Working knowledge of MS Suite, including SharePoint
• Excellent relationship building skills (clients, consultants & key stakeholders)
• High level of accuracy & quality control
• Outstanding communication skills (both written and verbal) and the ability to adapt your style to different audiences
• Ability to foresee risks, find solutions and work collaboratively with subject matter experts
• Commercial awareness and an appreciation of scope, risk and value
• Great team player with a sense of humour, initiative, and drive

Experience in civil engineering or electrical design is preferred but not essential.