Design Manager – Arquitectura (Finishes)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Arquitectura (Finishes)

Company: SACYR

Location: Shenton Park, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Architecture & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-10T09:10:29

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end finishes design process for large-scale infrastructure projects, integrating architectural intent with constructability and compliance.

• Manage and coordinate a diverse team of consultants, interior designers, architects, and subcontractors to deliver high-quality documentation and outcomes.

• Ensure strict adherence to Australian building regulations, including the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards (AS), particularly concerning fire performance, accessibility, and durability.

• Act as a key liaison between design, procurement, and delivery teams, facilitating clear communication and proactive problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager with a specific focus on "Finishes" within the Architecture domain. The emphasis on Australian regulations (NCC, AS) and the global infrastructure context of SACYR indicates a need for a candidate with strong technical knowledge in construction materials, detailing, and compliance, alongside robust project management and stakeholder engagement skills. The "Arquitectura" title suggests a strong architectural foundation is paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development of finishes design from conceptualization through to detailed construction documentation, ensuring alignment with project scope, program, budget, and contractual obligations.

• Coordinate and manage external consultants, interior designers, architects, and subcontractors, overseeing the preparation and delivery of all finishes-related design documentation.

• Drive the resolution of design discrepancies, clashes, and technical issues specifically pertaining to finishes, ensuring seamless integration with architectural, structural, and building services disciplines.

• Oversee and ensure compliance with all relevant Australian regulations, including the NCC (National Construction Code), applicable Australian Standards (AS), and specific requirements for fire performance, accessibility, durability, and ongoing maintenance.

• Serve as the primary interface between the Design and Delivery Teams, ensuring the clear communication of finishes design intent, associated risks, proposed changes, and precise specifications throughout the entire project lifecycle.

• Lead and facilitate design reviews, workshops, and value engineering processes specifically focused on finishes, aiming to optimize cost, quality, aesthetics, and maintainability without compromising the core design intent.

• Coordinate, review, and approve samples, mock-ups, prototypes, and benchmark areas to rigorously validate design quality, material selection, and overall execution standards.

• Provide technical leadership and expertise in the selection of materials, systems, and detailing for finishes, with a strong consideration for sustainability, long-term durability, and critical performance criteria.

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality aesthetic outcomes across all finishes, meticulously aligned with the overarching architectural intent and specific client expectations.

• Manage all finishes-related design deliverables, program milestones, necessary approvals, and procurement activities to ensure timely and efficient project progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to managing the "finishes" aspect of architectural design on large infrastructure projects. The need to coordinate multiple disciplines and external parties, combined with a focus on compliance and quality assurance through reviews and mock-ups, highlights the critical nature of this role in ensuring successful project execution from a design perspective.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a closely related field is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in design management roles within the construction or infrastructure sector, with a demonstrable focus on finishes.

• Proven track record of successfully managing finishes design processes from concept to completion on complex projects. Required Skills:

• Finishes Design Management: Expertise in leading and managing the design and specification of interior and exterior finishes.

• Architectural Design Principles: Strong understanding of architectural design concepts, aesthetics, and their application to material selection and detailing.

• Project Coordination: Proven ability to coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, and subcontractors.

• NCC & Australian Standards Compliance: In-depth knowledge and practical application of the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards (AS) for building materials and finishes.

• Material Selection & Specification: Expertise in evaluating, selecting, and specifying a wide range of construction materials for aesthetic and performance requirements.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to provide expert technical guidance on finishes, detailing, and installation methods.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with internal teams, external consultants, clients, and contractors.

• Construction Documentation: Proficiency in reviewing and managing construction documentation, including drawings, specifications, and schedules.

Preferred Skills:

• Spanish Language Proficiency: While not mandatory, fluency in Spanish is highly regarded, given SACYR's global operations.

• Value Engineering: Experience in conducting value engineering exercises to optimize cost and performance of finishes.

• Sustainability in Design: Knowledge of sustainable material choices and environmental considerations for finishes.

• Durability & Maintenance Planning: Understanding of material longevity and ease of maintenance in specification decisions.

• Contractual Awareness: Familiarity with construction contracts and their implications for design responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly point towards a need for a technically proficient architect with significant management experience. The specific mention of Australian codes and standards is a critical differentiator, suggesting that local experience is highly valuable, even if not explicitly stated as mandatory. Spanish language skills are a significant plus, pointing to potential cross-cultural team collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive portfolio showcasing at least 3-5 significant infrastructure or large-scale architectural projects where you held a key role in managing finishes design.

• Include detailed examples of finishes specifications, material palettes, and design documentation developed for these projects.

• Provide case studies highlighting your process for coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and resolving complex finishes-related challenges.

• Showcase instances where you successfully ensured compliance with stringent building codes and standards (e.g., NCC, AS) for finishes.

• Present examples of value engineering initiatives related to finishes, detailing the process and outcomes achieved. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and implementing design management processes, particularly for finishes packages, from concept through to construction administration.

• Examples of workflow diagrams or process maps illustrating how design information is managed, reviewed, and disseminated to relevant stakeholders.

• Documentation of your approach to quality assurance and control for finishes, including sample approvals, mock-up reviews, and site inspections.

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design decisions, rationale, and any deviations from initial design intent.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, especially in construction and architecture, a robust portfolio is crucial. It should not just show completed projects but critically, the candidate's process, problem-solving methodologies, and ability to manage complex documentation and compliance aspects for finishes. The emphasis on "process documentation" suggests a need for someone who can formalize and improve design management workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in Western Australia, managing complex architectural finishes on large infrastructure projects, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $140,000 - $190,000. This estimate considers the specialized nature of finishes design management, the requirement for architectural qualifications, and adherence to strict local regulations. Factors such as specific project scope, SACYR's internal grading, and the candidate's precise experience level will influence the final offer. Benefits:

• Opportunity to be part of a globally recognized infrastructure group (SACYR).

• Work in a dynamic international environment, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and diverse project exposure.

• Contribution to significant infrastructure projects shaping the Australian landscape.

• Competitive salary package reflective of the role's responsibilities and required expertise.

• Potential for professional development and career advancement within a large, established organization.

• Standard Australian employment benefits, including superannuation and leave entitlements. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of project-based work in construction and design management, occasional flexibility or extended hours may be required to meet critical project deadlines or milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on Australian market data for similar roles. It is crucial for candidates to research specific salary expectations in Perth/Western Australia for Design Managers with architectural backgrounds in the infrastructure sector. The provided benefits are extracted from the company's general description and role highlights.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Infrastructure, Engineering, Water Management, Concessions. SACYR is a global player operating in over 15 countries, focused on developing innovative, high-value projects.

Company Size: SACYR is a large, publicly traded company (Ibex 35 group), indicating a significant global workforce and a structured corporate environment. This implies access to extensive resources, established processes, and a broad network of expertise.

Founded: SACYR was founded in 1993, giving it a robust history and deep experience in its core sectors. This long-standing presence suggests stability and a proven track record in delivering complex projects.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a broader project delivery team, reporting to a Project Director.

• This role involves extensive collaboration with internal design teams, project managers, construction teams, and external entities such as architects, interior designers, engineering consultants, and subcontractors.

• The team structure is expected to be matrixed, with functional reporting lines within SACYR's global organization and project-specific reporting relationships. Methodology:

• SACYR emphasizes developing "innovative, high-value concessions, engineering and water projects," suggesting a focus on cutting-edge solutions and efficient project execution.

• The company's global presence implies an adoption of international best practices in project management, design, and construction.

• A strong emphasis on compliance and quality assurance is evident from the role's requirements concerning Australian regulations.

Company Website: https://sacyrpeople.sacyr.com

📝 Enhancement Note: SACYR's description as a global Ibex 35 group highlights its scale and international reach. The role of Design Manager for Finishes will operate within this global framework but with a strong local focus on Australian project delivery and regulations, requiring an ability to bridge these two environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the design and project delivery function. It requires significant experience and leadership in managing a critical, specialized aspect of design (finishes) for complex projects. It is a key management role bridging design intent with practical construction execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to the Project Director, indicating a high level of responsibility and direct impact on project outcomes. They will also manage and coordinate various design consultants and teams, demonstrating a leadership capacity.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the aesthetic quality, functionality, durability, and cost-effectiveness of the final built asset. Successful management of finishes design is crucial for meeting client expectations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and achieving project profitability. This role directly influences the tangible outcome and user experience of SACYR's projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Management: Progression to managing broader design scopes or multiple projects simultaneously.

• Project Management: Advancement into a full Project Manager role, overseeing all aspects of project delivery.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of architectural design or construction technology, becoming a subject matter expert within SACYR.

• International Mobility: Opportunities to work on SACYR projects in other global locations, leveraging Spanish language skills.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into leadership roles within SACYR's design or project management departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large international construction firm. The focus on "Finishes" suggests an opportunity to become a highly specialized expert, while the management aspect provides a pathway to broader project leadership. The international context and Spanish language preference hint at potential global career opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Likely a combination of office-based work for design coordination, documentation, and meetings, and on-site presence at project locations for site inspections, mock-up reviews, and coordination with construction teams. This is typical for a Design Manager role in the construction industry.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Shenton Park, Western Australia, with likely travel to project sites within Western Australia and potentially other Australian locations where SACYR operates.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will involve intense collaboration with project teams, consultants, and contractors, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Access to design software, project management tools, and potentially VR/AR visualization tools for design reviews may be expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior project leadership and diverse technical professionals.

Work Schedule: Primarily standard business hours (e.g., 40 hours/week), but flexibility will be essential to accommodate project deadlines, site visits, and international coordination (if applicable). This may involve some early mornings or late afternoons.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role, combined with office-based design coordination, is typical for managing finishes in construction. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that balances desk-based design work with site presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications and CVs against the core requirements.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with a senior member of the design or project management team to assess technical knowledge of architectural finishes, Australian building codes, and design management principles.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, challenges faced, and solutions implemented concerning finishes design.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of leadership, communication, problem-solving skills, and alignment with SACYR's company culture and values. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Final Interview: Likely with the Project Director or a senior executive to discuss strategic fit and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best demonstrate your expertise in finishes design management, highlighting complexity, scale, and successful outcomes.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing different aspects of your skills (e.g., concept development, technical detailing, compliance management, value engineering).

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate impact (e.g., cost savings through value engineering, reduction in RFI’s related to finishes, successful on-time delivery of design packages).

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific responsibilities and contributions within each project, especially distinguishing your work from that of other team members.

• Focus on Process: Be prepared to discuss your methodology for managing finishes design, including your approach to coordination, risk management, quality control, and stakeholder communication.

• Address Compliance: Explicitly showcase how you have ensured adherence to NCC and Australian Standards in your past projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for case study-style questions related to common finishes design challenges (e.g., material substitutions, clash detection, budget constraints, aesthetic compromises).

• Practice articulating your problem-solving approach clearly and concisely, demonstrating your understanding of technical requirements, commercial implications, and project timelines.

• Consider how you would approach a value engineering exercise for a specific finishes package or how you would resolve a conflict between architectural aesthetic and structural requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio presentation and practical problem-solving. Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their past projects and demonstrate a clear, process-driven approach to finishes design management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD is highly probable, given its industry standard. Experience with Revit (BIM) is increasingly important for integrated design processes.

• 3D Modeling & Visualization Software: Tools like SketchUp, 3ds Max, or Lumion may be used for conceptualization and client presentations.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling and progress tracking.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing and sharing project documentation (e.g., Aconex, Procore, SharePoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary data analytics role, the ability to interpret project performance data, budget tracking, and schedule adherence reports is essential.

• Familiarity with reporting dashboards for tracking design progress and issue resolution. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in a traditional sense, but understanding how design information flows into procurement and construction systems is key.

• Familiarity with workflow automation within document management or BIM platforms could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Design Manager in this field would typically be expected to be proficient in industry-standard CAD/BIM software and project management/document control systems. The emphasis is on facilitating design documentation and coordination.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: SACYR seeks to develop innovative, high-value projects, suggesting a culture that encourages new ideas and approaches to design and construction.

• Excellence: A focus on high-quality outcomes and delivering value across concessions, engineering, and water projects.

• Integrity: As a global Ibex 35 group, ethical conduct and transparency are likely core values.

• Collaboration: The nature of large projects requires strong teamwork and coordination across diverse disciplines and stakeholders.

• Sustainability: A growing emphasis in the infrastructure sector, likely reflected in SACYR's project execution and material selection.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring seamless interaction between internal design teams, project management, construction operations, and external consultants.

• Emphasis on proactive communication, open feedback, and problem-solving as a collective.

• Cross-functional engagement is critical, bridging the gap between design intent and practical site execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes innovation and high-value project delivery. For a Design Manager, this means being adaptable, solution-oriented, and able to foster a collaborative environment that drives quality and efficiency in finishes design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Ensuring finishes meet high aesthetic standards while also being durable, maintainable, compliant, and cost-effective.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Coordinating the expectations and requirements of clients, architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

• Navigating Australian Regulations: Staying current with and meticulously applying the NCC and Australian Standards in a dynamic construction environment.

• Integration of Finishes with Services: Resolving clashes and ensuring seamless integration of finishes with MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) and structural elements.

• Material Sourcing and Supply Chain: Ensuring timely availability of specified materials and managing potential substitutions effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM/Design Technology: Opportunities to work with and gain expertise in sophisticated design and visualization tools.

• Project Management Skills: Developing broader project management capabilities within a large-scale infrastructure context.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to international best practices in design management from SACYR's global operations.

• Specialized Finishes Knowledge: Deepening expertise in specific material applications, sustainability, and advanced detailing for finishes.

• Networking: Building a strong professional network within the Australian construction and design industry through SACYR's projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior design management role in construction, requiring a blend of technical skill, project management acumen, and strong interpersonal abilities. The growth opportunities are significant within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing the finishes design package on a large-scale infrastructure project, from initial concept to construction handover." (Focus on your structured approach, key milestones, and documentation).

• "How do you ensure compliance with the NCC and relevant Australian Standards for all finishes specified on a project?" (Highlight your knowledge of specific codes and your verification methods).

• "Walk us through a challenging situation where you had to resolve a significant design clash or discrepancy related to finishes. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving skills and technical understanding).

• "Describe your experience with value engineering for finishes. Can you provide an example where you successfully optimized cost without compromising design intent or quality?" (Showcase your commercial awareness and creative solutions). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about SACYR and this specific Design Manager role within our Australian operations?" (Research SACYR's recent projects in Australia and align your interests with their goals).

• "How do you approach collaboration with diverse teams, including architects, engineers, and site construction personnel?" (Emphasize your communication and interpersonal skills).

• "How do you ensure high aesthetic quality in finishes while managing budget and timeline constraints?" (Discuss your ability to balance competing project demands). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your finishes design management expertise, particularly those involving Australian regulations.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the project's objectives, your specific role, the challenges encountered (especially regarding finishes), your solutions, and the final outcome.

• Visual Aids are Key: Use high-quality images, drawings, and specification excerpts to illustrate your work. Highlight details, material choices, and compliance aspects.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, present data on cost savings, schedule adherence, or quality improvements achieved through your management of finishes.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, coordination processes, and problem-solving methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of finishes, a structured approach to design management, and a proven ability to navigate Australian construction regulations. The portfolio review is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the SACYR People careers portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to showcase your most relevant experience in finishes design management for large-scale architectural projects, with a strong emphasis on Australian projects and compliance.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 5+ years of experience in design management, specific architectural qualifications, and expertise in NCC/Australian Standards. Use keywords from the job description such as "Finishes Design Management," "Architectural Design," "Project Coordination," and "NCC Compliance."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project experience and technical knowledge, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and preparing specific case studies for technical challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SACYR's global operations and their current projects and initiatives in Australia. Understand their commitment to innovation and quality.

⚠️ 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.