Assistant Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Design Manager

Company: Mace

Location: Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Design Management & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the strategic delivery of design objectives, ensuring alignment with program timelines and budgetary constraints.

• Fosters and maintains robust relationships with internal project teams and external stakeholders to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Monitors and reports on critical design performance indicators (KPIs) and key project metrics to drive accountability and continuous improvement.

• Contributes actively to the development and execution of regional strategies, alongside business development and work-winning initiatives.

• Ensures strict adherence to established management systems, governance protocols, and project-specific responsibilities for operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of design, project management, and operational oversight within a construction and consultancy environment. The "Assistant Design Manager" title suggests a focus on supporting senior design leaders while taking ownership of specific operational aspects of the design process. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills to bridge in-office and remote collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Objective Support: Assist in defining, planning, and executing design strategies to meet project-specific program, budget, and performance benchmarks.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and manage productive working relationships with internal project teams, clients, consultants, and other external stakeholders to facilitate seamless design integration and decision-making.

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Track, analyze, and report on key design performance metrics, including KPIs, project milestones, budget adherence, and quality standards, providing actionable insights for improvement.

• Regional Strategy & Business Development: Contribute to the formulation and implementation of regional design strategies, actively participate in business development efforts, and support work-winning activities through compelling proposals and presentations.

• Compliance & Governance: Uphold and ensure compliance with Mace's established management systems, corporate governance frameworks, and project-specific contractual obligations.

• Team Coordination & Sustainability: Coordinate the activities of design teams, provide support for professional development, and champion the integration of sustainable design principles, including net-zero carbon objectives, across all projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of tactical execution and strategic contribution. For operations professionals, the emphasis on "monitoring and reporting design performance, KPIs and key project metrics" and "ensuring compliance with management systems, governance processes" are key areas where operations expertise in process efficiency, data analysis, and system implementation is crucial. The mention of "sustainable outcomes, including net zero carbon objectives" indicates a forward-looking approach requiring an understanding of evolving industry standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a design-related discipline (e.g., Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering with a design focus).

• Professional membership in a relevant industry body (e.g., PIID, UAP, RIBA) is preferred. Experience:

• 2-5 years of progressive experience in design coordination, project management, or design operations within the construction, property development, or consultancy sectors.

• Demonstrated experience in supporting the delivery of design objectives within project constraints. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to support and contribute to comprehensive design management processes, from concept to execution.

• Risk Mitigation: Knowledge and application of risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies within design and construction projects.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to articulate complex design and operational concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

• Analytical Skills: Strong capability to analyze data, interpret project metrics, and identify trends for performance improvement.

• BIM Proficiency: Proficient understanding and practical application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles and software.

• Digital Skills: Competence in utilizing various digital tools for design, collaboration, and project management.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams and external partners.

• Budgeting & Programme Management: Familiarity with managing project budgets and adhering to program timelines.

• Compliance & Governance: Understanding of management systems, governance processes, and regulatory compliance in the construction industry.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Net Zero Carbon design principles and sustainability reporting.

• Familiarity with business development and work-winning processes in a consultancy environment.

• Advanced proficiency in project management software and collaboration platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a foundational understanding of design principles coupled with strong operational and digital capabilities. For operations candidates, highlighting experience in process optimization, data analysis, and system implementation within a project management context will be critical. The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a role that requires both execution capabilities and the potential for growth into more strategic design operations functions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Documentation: Showcase examples of documented design workflows, from initial concept development through to detailed design and construction documentation, highlighting any process improvements implemented.

• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Include samples of project performance reports, KPI dashboards, or metric summaries that demonstrate your ability to track, analyze, and communicate design progress and outcomes effectively.

• System Integration Examples: Provide evidence of how you've integrated or utilized various systems (e.g., BIM, project management software, collaboration platforms) to enhance design delivery efficiency and data flow.

• Risk Management Case Studies: Present case studies detailing how you identified and mitigated design-related risks, demonstrating your problem-solving approach and proactive risk management capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping out existing design workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing or implementing optimized processes for greater efficiency and clarity.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase examples where you have contributed to the implementation of new design processes, tools, or automation techniques to improve project delivery.

• Measurement & Analysis: Illustrate your approach to measuring the effectiveness of implemented processes, including the use of data analysis to validate improvements and inform future strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Assistant Design Manager role, a portfolio should not only showcase design output but also the operational rigor behind it. Emphasize how you've applied operational principles to design processes, managed data, tracked performance, and contributed to efficiency gains. This is where operations candidates can strongly differentiate themselves by framing their experience through a process and systems lens.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

PHP 70,000 - PHP 110,000 per month (approximate range, subject to experience and negotiation).

Explanation:

This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Assistant Design Manager roles in Makati, Philippines, considering the specified experience level (2-5 years) and the hybrid work arrangement. The range accounts for variations in specific responsibilities, company-specific compensation structures, and the candidate's qualifications. Research was conducted using salary aggregation sites and regional market data for similar roles in the construction and consultancy sectors within Metro Manila.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Options: Opportunities to adjust work schedules and arrangements to better suit personal needs and project demands.

• Part-time Working Options: Potential for discussing and accommodating part-time arrangements where feasible.

• Hybrid Working Options: A structured hybrid model allowing for a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration.

• Professional Development: Access to continuous learning opportunities, training programs, and support for professional certifications to foster career growth.

• Health & Wellness Programs: Comprehensive health insurance and wellness initiatives to support employee wellbeing.

• Team Collaboration & Networking: Opportunities to engage with a diverse team of professionals and build a strong industry network.

• Contribution to Sustainable Projects: The chance to work on projects with a focus on sustainability and Net Zero Carbon objectives, contributing to a positive environmental impact.

Working Hours:

Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement and potential for part-time discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for the Philippines market, specifically Makati, for a role with 2-5 years of experience in a management support function within construction/consultancy. The benefits listed are derived from the job description's mention of flexible/part-time/hybrid options and general industry standards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Consultancy. Mace operates at the forefront of the global construction and consultancy industry, delivering complex projects from inception to completion. They combine expertise in construction delivery with strategic consultancy services, aiming to redefine project potential.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Mace is a global company with a significant employee base, likely in the thousands, indicating a robust organizational structure and extensive project portfolio).

Founded: 1990. Mace was founded in 1990, bringing decades of experience and a well-established reputation in the industry. This history suggests a culture that values experience, established processes, and a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The team likely comprises professionals with diverse backgrounds in design, project management, engineering, and construction. The "Assistant Design Manager" role suggests a hierarchical structure where support is provided to senior management.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Mace emphasizes collaboration across disciplines. The Assistant Design Manager will likely work closely with project managers, architects, engineers, sustainability consultants, and commercial teams to ensure integrated project delivery.

• Reporting Hierarchy: This role reports to a more senior Design Manager or Project Director, with a dotted line to other project leads for day-to-day coordination.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Mace champions a data-driven approach, utilizing KPIs and project metrics to inform decisions and drive performance improvements.

• Process Optimization: A strong focus on continuous improvement and the refinement of existing workflows to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

• Sustainable Practices: Integration of sustainability and Net Zero Carbon objectives as core components of project planning and execution.

Company Website: https://www.macegroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's culture is built around strong values emphasizing safety, client focus, integrity, and creating opportunities. For an operations professional, this translates to a structured environment where process adherence, data integrity, and collaborative problem-solving are highly valued. The company's global presence suggests opportunities to work on diverse, large-scale projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an "Assistant Manager" level role, indicating a mid-career position. It's a stepping stone for individuals looking to deepen their expertise in design operations, project coordination, and management within the construction sector. The role requires a blend of execution and support, preparing the individual for more autonomous management responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Design Manager will report to a Design Manager or a senior Project Manager. They will also collaborate closely with various project teams, including architects, engineers, and site personnel, requiring effective communication and coordination across different functions.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts project success by ensuring design objectives are met efficiently and effectively. By monitoring performance metrics, managing risks, and facilitating stakeholder communication, the Assistant Design Manager contributes to on-time, within-budget project delivery and client satisfaction. Their role is crucial in translating strategic design goals into tangible project outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Management Specialization: Progression to a full Design Manager role, taking ownership of larger and more complex design portfolios.

• Project Management Track: Transition into a Project Manager role, leveraging design coordination experience to oversee broader project lifecycles.

• Operations & Process Improvement: Focus on developing expertise in operational efficiency, system implementation, and process optimization within the construction sector, potentially moving into dedicated operations or GTM operations roles.

• Sustainability & Net Zero Carbon Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in sustainable design and construction practices, becoming a subject matter expert in this growing field.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities for leadership training, mentorship, and participation in strategic initiatives to hone management and strategic thinking skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for an Assistant Design Manager within Mace is multifaceted, offering opportunities to specialize in design, project management, or operational efficiency. For operations professionals, the emphasis on process, data, and efficiency provides a clear pathway to roles focused on optimizing GTM or project delivery operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mace likely operates from modern office spaces designed to facilitate collaboration and support hybrid working models. These environments typically include open-plan work areas, private meeting rooms, and dedicated spaces for focused work.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. This is a prime business district, offering accessibility via public transportation and proximity to various amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a hub for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional collaboration, particularly for tasks requiring in-person interaction.

• Technology Enabled: Expect access to robust IT infrastructure, including high-speed internet, video conferencing facilities, and necessary software licenses for design, project management, and communication tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design teams, project managers, and other operational staff, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily hybrid, with an expectation for employees to balance remote work with time spent in the office. Specific days in the office may vary based on project needs and team coordination. Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment in a major business district like Makati suggests a professional setting that values both flexibility and face-to-face interaction. For operations professionals, this means being adept at managing time, prioritizing tasks for both remote and in-office work, and leveraging technology to maintain seamless communication and workflow.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, skills, and cultural fit. Expect questions related to your experience in design management, project coordination, and problem-solving.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a case study, a presentation of your portfolio, or a discussion around specific technical skills like BIM, risk management, or performance reporting.

• Team/Panel Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members or other stakeholders to evaluate your collaborative abilities and fit within the broader Mace team.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding conversation, potentially with a senior leader, followed by an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operations: While design is key, highlight your contributions to process efficiency, project coordination, risk mitigation, and performance tracking. Use operational terminology where appropriate.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project in your portfolio, quantify your impact. For example, "Reduced design RFI response time by 15% through improved communication protocols" or "Managed a design budget of PHP X, delivering within Y% variance."

• Showcase Process Improvement: Include examples where you've identified inefficiencies in design workflows and implemented solutions. Detail the "before" and "after" state, including metrics.

• BIM & Digital Tools Integration: Demonstrate how you've leveraged BIM and other digital tools to enhance collaboration, reduce errors, and improve project outcomes.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by key responsibility area. Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared for a scenario-based challenge, likely involving a design coordination issue, a risk identification task, or a performance reporting scenario. Focus on your structured approach to problem-solving, stakeholder management, and data analysis.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your experience and portfolio highlights clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain your contributions and the impact you made.

• Mace Values: Understand Mace's core values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) and be ready to discuss how your approach aligns with them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical design capabilities and operational acumen. For operations candidates, the emphasis should be on demonstrating a structured, data-driven, and process-oriented approach to design management and project coordination. A strong portfolio that showcases these aspects will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360/ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud) for design authoring, coordination, and collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Procore, Aconex, Oracle Primavera, Microsoft Project for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Asana, Jira for team communication, task management, and workflow automation.

• Design Software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (for presentations and documentation).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reports on design performance, KPIs, and project metrics.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, modeling, and reporting.

• ERP/Financial Systems: Familiarity with systems like SAP or Oracle for budget tracking and financial reporting integration.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (if applicable): Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365 for tracking client interactions and business development efforts (less direct for this role but relevant for company-wide operations).

• Workflow Automation Tools: Potentially tools like Zapier or Power Automate for streamlining routine tasks and data transfer between systems.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint, Google Drive, or specific construction document management platforms for organizing and versioning project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in BIM software is explicitly mentioned, which is crucial. For operations candidates, highlighting experience with project management software, data analytics tools, and collaboration platforms will be key. Understanding how these tools integrate to support efficient design delivery and operational oversight is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all team members, fostering a proactive safety culture in all design and project activities.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations by delivering high-quality design outcomes, maintaining transparency, and building lasting relationships.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, adhering to compliance obligations, and acting with honesty and transparency in all dealings, influencing positive outcomes within the industry.

• Create Opportunity: Championing a culture of continuous improvement, personal development, and innovation, empowering team members to excel and contribute to the company's growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Emphasis on seamless collaboration between design, project management, engineering, and commercial teams to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging an environment where open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing are actively promoted to drive collective improvement.

• Process-Oriented Approach: Working collaboratively to define, refine, and adhere to established processes and methodologies, ensuring consistency and efficiency across projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's core values are deeply embedded in their operational philosophy. Candidates should demonstrate how their work ethic and approach align with these values, particularly in how they manage safety, serve clients, uphold integrity, and contribute to team growth and process improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively managing the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of internal teams, clients, and regulatory bodies.

• Navigating Project Constraints: Delivering high-quality design outcomes within tight deadlines and budget limitations, requiring strong problem-solving and prioritization skills.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying abreast of and effectively implementing new BIM, digital, and sustainability technologies within established project frameworks.

• Ensuring Sustainable Delivery: Actively contributing to and measuring progress towards Net Zero Carbon and other sustainability objectives in a complex industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to Mace's internal training programs on design management best practices, advanced BIM techniques, sustainability, and risk management.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., in project management, BIM, sustainability).

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by experienced design and project leaders within Mace.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working on a variety of projects across different sectors and geographies to broaden experience and understanding of construction operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a dynamic construction and consultancy environment. Operations professionals can leverage their skills in process optimization and data analysis to help mitigate these challenges. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement within Mace's operational and project delivery functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting design requirements from different stakeholders. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and process for decision-making.)

• "Walk me through your process for monitoring design KPIs and reporting on project performance. What tools do you use?" (Highlight your analytical skills, reporting capabilities, and familiarity with relevant software.)

• "How have you contributed to improving a design process or workflow in a previous role?" (Emphasize your process optimization mindset and ability to drive efficiency.)

• "What is your understanding of Net Zero Carbon objectives in construction design, and how can an Assistant Design Manager contribute to achieving them?" (Showcase your awareness of sustainability trends and operational impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Mace's values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) resonate with your own professional approach?" (Prepare specific examples demonstrating alignment.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with diverse teams (e.g., architects, engineers, contractors)?" (Focus on communication strategies and building relationships.)

• "What interests you most about working for Mace and in this specific role?" (Research Mace's recent projects and company initiatives.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented (especially process-related ones), and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Operational Contributions: Specifically point out instances where you improved efficiency, managed risks, tracked metrics, or utilized technology to enhance design delivery.

• BIM & Digital Tools: Be ready to discuss your practical experience with BIM and other digital tools, explaining how they facilitated collaboration and improved outcomes.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your work clearly and professionally, focusing on the most impactful aspects relevant to the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions requires candidates to draw on their operational experience, framing it within the context of design management and project delivery. Demonstrating a structured, data-informed approach will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent position:

• Submit your application through the Mace Careers portal (https://macecareers.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=47646&lang=en).

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your experience in design coordination, project support, process improvement, data analysis, and stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description and Mace's values.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best showcase your operational contributions to design delivery, including examples of process optimization, risk mitigation, performance tracking, and BIM/digital tool utilization. Quantify your achievements.

• Prepare for Interview Scenarios: Practice answering strategy questions by drawing on specific examples from your experience, focusing on your problem-solving approach, communication skills, and ability to drive efficiency.

• Research Mace: Understand Mace's company culture, values, recent projects, and strategic objectives, particularly regarding sustainability and innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.