Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Built Australia

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Management / Design Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-04-28T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the end-to-end design process for complex construction projects, ensuring buildable, compliant, and commercially viable design solutions.

• Act as a critical liaison between external consultants, regulatory bodies, and internal project delivery teams to achieve project objectives.

• Drive innovation and mitigate risk through meticulous review of design documentation against quality, safety, and statutory requirements.

• Foster a collaborative environment, providing design leadership and mentoring to junior team members within the project delivery framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a leading privately owned construction company, suggesting a dynamic environment that values agility and direct impact. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with the responsibilities, places this role firmly in the project delivery and construction operations domain, focusing on the strategic and tactical management of the design phase to ensure successful project outcomes. The emphasis on buildability, commercial soundness, and programme alignment indicates a strong operational focus rather than pure architectural or conceptual design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the comprehensive management of the project design lifecycle, from initial concept and planning through to final construction, ensuring all design deliverables meet contractual obligations, programme timelines, and budgetary constraints.

• Orchestrate and oversee the collaborative efforts of architects, engineers, specialist consultants, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to secure necessary design approvals, achieve sign-offs, and maintain high-quality design standards.

• Develop, implement, and rigorously monitor the overall design programme, ensuring seamless integration with procurement strategies and construction schedules, while proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, opportunities, and project constraints.

• Conduct thorough reviews of all design documentation, verifying compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC), authority requirements, Safety in Design obligations, and other relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks.

• Provide critical design leadership and value engineering input to the broader project delivery team, supporting procurement decisions, construction methodologies, and offering mentorship to developing design professionals such as cadets and graduates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep involvement in the operational aspects of construction project delivery. The focus on "buildable," "compliant," and "commercially sound" designs, alongside managing the "design programme" and coordinating various external parties, points to a role that is integral to the GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy for construction projects, ensuring the product (the built asset) meets all functional and commercial requirements before and during construction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications or relevant professional certifications are advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in managing design delivery for complex construction projects, with a proven track record of successful project completion.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in design management for large-scale construction projects, encompassing the coordination of diverse consultant teams (architects, engineers, specialists).

• Profound understanding of construction methodology, buildability, and value management principles to ensure practical and efficient construction execution.

• Demonstrated ability in programme management for design phases, including managing approvals, documentation, and ensuring alignment with project timelines and budgets.

• In-depth knowledge of statutory compliance, including the National Construction Code (NCC), relevant authority requirements, and Safety in Design principles.

• Proven stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with consultants, authorities, internal teams, and clients.

• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of contractual obligations relevant to design and construction.

• Experience in risk mitigation and proactive problem-solving within the design and construction context.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with procurement processes related to design services and construction packages.

• Capability in mentoring junior architects, engineers, or design coordinators.

• Familiarity with digital construction tools and technologies (e.g., BIM, project management software).

• Experience in budget management specifically related to design expenditure and its impact on overall project costs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills blend technical design knowledge with strong project management and operational execution capabilities. The emphasis on "buildability," "value management," and "statutory compliance" are critical keywords for operations professionals in the construction industry, indicating a need for candidates who can translate strategic project goals into tangible, executable design plans. The 5-10 year experience level suggests a mid-to-senior management role with significant responsibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful management of the design process for at least two complex construction projects, showcasing end-to-end responsibility from inception to construction handover.

• Provide detailed case studies illustrating how design challenges were overcome, specifically highlighting improvements in buildability, cost-effectiveness, safety, or programme efficiency.

• Showcase examples of design documentation review processes, including how compliance with NCC, Safety in Design, and other regulatory requirements was ensured.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of design programme development and tracking methodologies, demonstrating how alignment with construction and procurement was maintained.

• Documentation illustrating value management or value engineering processes undertaken during the design phase and their impact on project outcomes.

• Evidence of risk identification and mitigation strategies implemented within the design process.

• Workflows or process maps showing how design approvals were managed and obtained from relevant authorities and internal teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in construction operations, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. The emphasis should be on process, problem-solving, and tangible results that directly impact project delivery efficiency and success. This goes beyond a CV to showcase the candidate's ability to manage complex operational workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $150,000 - $190,000 per annum (estimated). This range is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in major Australian cities, considering the complexity of construction projects and the responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary with potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health insurance package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Generous paid time off (annual leave, personal/carer's leave, public holidays).

• Retirement savings plan (superannuation) contributions above the statutory minimum.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Access to company-provided tools and technology to support design and project management.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) offering confidential counselling and support services.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility may be required based on project demands, with potential for occasional overtime during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range reflects the senior nature of this role and the significant operational influence it holds within a major construction firm. The benefits listed are standard for professional roles in Australia, with a particular emphasis on professional development, which is key for continued growth in the construction operations sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Property Development. Built Australia operates as a leading privately owned construction company, known for its significant pipeline of diverse projects across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. This industry context implies a fast-paced, results-oriented environment where efficiency, safety, and quality are paramount.

Company Size: Over 1,300 employees. This indicates Built is a substantial organization, likely with established processes and a structured hierarchy, yet retaining the agility of private ownership. For operations professionals, this size offers opportunities for impact within a large framework and potential for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Established in 1998. With over two decades of operation, Built has a solid track record and established market presence. This history suggests stability and a mature approach to business operations and project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a broader Project Management or Project Delivery team, which typically includes Project Managers, Construction Managers, Site Engineers, Contract Administrators, and potentially dedicated Health & Safety officers.

• The reporting structure will likely be to a Senior Project Manager or a Director of Design/Construction, with direct oversight of external design consultants and internal junior design staff.

Methodology:

• Built emphasizes innovation and digital solutions for smarter, safer, and more efficient outcomes. This suggests a data-driven approach to project management and design, utilizing technology for improved planning, tracking, and execution.

• The company culture values collaboration, practical problem-solving, and a willingness for individuals to contribute to better outcomes, implying a hands-on, team-oriented operational philosophy.

• A focus on "new ways of working" indicates an openness to process improvement and adopting best practices in design management and construction delivery.

Company Website: https://www.built.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Built's emphasis on "Tier 1 capability with the agility of private ownership" suggests a company that balances robust operational processes with a responsive, innovative approach. For a Design Manager, this means contributing to established operational frameworks while also being empowered to suggest and implement improvements. The company's global presence also hints at potential exposure to diverse project typologies and international best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the construction operations domain. It requires significant autonomy in managing the design phase of complex projects, acting as a key decision-maker and problem-solver. The role demands a blend of technical expertise, strategic oversight, and leadership, indicating a pathway towards more senior project management or director-level positions.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Senior Project Manager or a Director of Projects/Operations. They, in turn, manage and coordinate a team of external consultants (architects, engineers, specialists) and may also mentor junior members of the internal project delivery team, such as Design Coordinators, Cadets, or Graduates. This structure emphasizes leadership and the ability to influence outcomes through others.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a profound impact on the operational success of construction projects. By ensuring designs are buildable, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with the programme, they directly influence:

• Project Costs: Minimizing design-related variations and rework during construction.

• Project Timelines: Preventing delays caused by design issues or approval bottlenecks.

• Safety: Embedding Safety in Design principles to reduce on-site risks.

• Quality: Ensuring the final built product meets client expectations and contractual specifications.

• Efficiency: Facilitating smoother construction processes through well-coordinated and practical designs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Project Management: Progression to managing larger, more complex projects or portfolios of projects, with increased commercial and strategic responsibility.

• Director of Design/Operations: Leadership roles overseeing the design or overall project delivery functions for a region or the entire company.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific project typologies (e.g., high-rise residential, complex commercial, infrastructure) or areas like digital construction, sustainability in design, or advanced BIM management.

• Cross-functional Moves: Potential to move into broader operations management, business development, or strategic planning roles within the construction industry.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to lead training initiatives and develop the next generation of design and project management professionals within Built.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in a company like Built is typically well-defined within the construction operations hierarchy. The role serves as a critical stepping stone, offering exposure to high-level project management and operational decision-making, preparing individuals for leadership roles that shape the company's delivery capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Built likely operates from modern, professional office spaces designed to foster collaboration and efficiency. These offices would typically house project management teams, commercial departments, and support functions. The environment is expected to be dynamic, reflecting the fast-paced nature of construction project delivery.

Office Location(s): While the primary location is Brisbane, Built has offices across Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide), New Zealand, and the UK. This role is based in Brisbane, providing access to local projects and teams, but the company's broader footprint might offer future opportunities. The Brisbane office is likely situated within the central business district or a prominent commercial hub, offering good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, with meeting rooms, open-plan areas, and dedicated project zones to facilitate interaction between design managers, project managers, contract administrators, and other project stakeholders.

• Access to essential operations tools and technology will be provided, including project management software, design review platforms, communication tools, and potentially BIM software.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the project delivery team, senior management, and potentially clients will be frequent, fostering a hands-on and communicative work culture within the operations framework.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, typically 40 hours per week. However, the nature of construction project management often requires flexibility, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases, particularly around design milestones, tender submissions, or key construction activities. This flexibility is often balanced with opportunities for time off in lieu or flexible work arrangements where project demands allow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment for a Design Manager is inherently project-driven. While an office base provides structure, the role often requires site visits and close collaboration with on-site teams. The emphasis on collaboration and access to technology aligns with modern construction operations practices.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your experience in design management for construction projects and your understanding of the role's operational demands.

• Hiring Manager Interview: This will likely be with the direct manager (e.g., Senior Project Manager or Director). Expect questions focusing on your technical expertise, project experience, problem-solving abilities, and leadership style.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve meeting with key stakeholders from the project delivery team, including other design professionals, construction managers, or commercial leads. This is where your portfolio and specific case studies will be crucial.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive, focusing on strategic alignment, long-term career aspirations, and overall fit within Built's culture and operational vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in design management for complex construction.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the challenges faced (especially design-related operational issues), the solutions implemented (highlighting your process and decision-making), and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, time efficiencies, risk reduction).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your methodologies for design coordination, review, approval, and stakeholder management. Use diagrams or flowcharts where appropriate to illustrate complex processes.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the positive impact of your design management efforts on project budget, schedule, safety, and quality.

• Tailor to Built: Research Built's recent projects and company values. Frame your examples to show how your experience aligns with their operational approach and strategic goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to design conflicts, stakeholder disagreements, budget overruns due to design, or programme delays. Outline how you would approach these using a structured, operations-focused methodology.

• Technical Assessment: You might be asked to review a sample design document or a set of drawings and identify potential issues related to buildability, compliance, or cost.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and engagingly, focusing on your role, actions, and the results achieved. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior operations role like this will heavily scrutinize practical experience and problem-solving skills. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates process, impact, and operational decision-making is paramount. The ability to articulate how your past actions have led to successful project outcomes is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms such as Procore, Aconex, or similar for project documentation, collaboration, and progress tracking.

• Design Collaboration/Review Tools: Familiarity with software like Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk BIM 360, or similar for reviewing, marking up, and managing design documents and models.

• BIM Software (Beneficial): Experience with or understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM) software (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) for 3D design coordination, clash detection, and visualization.

• Standard Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel for financial/programme analysis, PowerPoint for presentations, Outlook for communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Advanced skills for data analysis, financial modelling, and creating custom reports related to design budgets and schedules.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with or ability to interpret data from project management dashboards for performance tracking and stakeholder reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how client relationship management influences design requirements and approvals is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or processes within project management software to streamline design review and approval cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: A Design Manager in construction operations needs to be adept with tools that facilitate collaboration, documentation management, and technical review. Proficiency in project management platforms and design review software is essential for efficient workflow execution and stakeholder communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to ensuring the safety of all personnel and the public through meticulous design and construction practices. This value will influence every design decision and review process.

• Integrity & Transparency: Conducting all business dealings with honesty and openness, particularly in managing consultant relationships, contractual obligations, and reporting project status.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a strong sense of collective responsibility, where all team members, including external consultants, work together towards shared project goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and better ways of working to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and quality in design and construction delivery.

• Customer Focus: Striving to meet and exceed client expectations by delivering projects that are not only technically sound but also commercially astute and aesthetically aligned with their vision.

Collaboration Style:

• Built likely promotes a proactive and communicative collaboration style. This involves regular design meetings, clear communication channels, and a willingness to engage with all stakeholders to resolve issues promptly.

• The culture encourages practical problem-solving, meaning teams are expected to work together to identify challenges and develop actionable solutions, rather than simply escalating problems.

• There's an emphasis on knowledge sharing, where lessons learned from one project are applied to improve processes and outcomes on future projects, contributing to the company's overall operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and implied culture emphasize a results-driven, collaborative, and safety-conscious approach, which is standard and critical for success in the construction operations sector. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their professional conduct and decision-making.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Conflicting Requirements: Balancing the demands of various stakeholders (client, architects, engineers, authorities, site teams) with budget, programme, and buildability constraints.

• Design Variations & Claims: Proactively identifying and mitigating potential design variations and claims that can impact project cost and schedule.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving building codes, safety regulations, and local authority requirements across different jurisdictions.

• Integrating New Technologies: Adapting to and effectively implementing new digital tools and construction technologies within established design and delivery processes.

• Mentoring Junior Talent: Effectively guiding and developing less experienced team members to build internal design management capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2, enhancing project management acumen.

• Specialized Design & Construction Courses: Access to training in areas like BIM management, sustainable construction practices, contract law, or advanced risk management.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in events to stay updated on industry trends, innovations, and network with peers.

• Leadership Development Programs: Built may offer internal programs to develop leadership skills, strategic thinking, and executive presence for potential senior roles.

• Cross-Project Learning: Gaining exposure to diverse project types and scales, allowing for continuous learning and broadening of expertise within construction operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in construction operations, requiring strong problem-solving and strategic thinking. The growth opportunities are geared towards advancing within the project delivery and operations leadership track.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex construction project where you managed significant design challenges. What was your approach to coordinating consultants, ensuring compliance, and mitigating risks, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and quantifiable results.)

• "How do you ensure that a design is not only aesthetically pleasing and compliant but also practical for construction and commercially viable? Walk me through your value management process." (Highlight your understanding of buildability and commercial impacts.)

• "Imagine a situation where key stakeholders have conflicting priorities regarding a design element. How would you facilitate a resolution that aligns with project objectives?" (Demonstrate your negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.)

• "How do you stay current with changes in building codes, safety regulations (like Safety in Design), and construction methodologies, and how do you ensure your projects adhere to them?" (Showcase your commitment to compliance and continuous learning.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Built Australia and our approach to construction and innovation?" (Research their recent projects, company values, and digital initiatives.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to Built's mission of finding 'new ways together' in construction?" (Connect your experience to their innovative spirit.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling narratives. Start with the challenge, detail your strategic approach and operational execution, and conclude with the positive, measurable impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with key data points, project images, and process diagrams. Avoid overwhelming text.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate how you managed the design process and what the tangible results were (e.g., % reduction in variations, % cost savings, compliance achievements).

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making rationale, and how you would handle specific challenges. Be prepared to elaborate on any aspect of your presented work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a practical, results-oriented approach to design management within the construction operations context. Candidates need to showcase not just what they did, but how they did it and why it was effective, using their portfolio as concrete evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Built Australia careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Thoroughly review your professional portfolio. Select 2-3 key construction projects that best exemplify your experience in managing design delivery, stakeholder coordination, compliance, and buildability. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the challenges, your operational approach, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Design Management," "Construction Methodology," "NCC Compliance," "Stakeholder Management," "Project Delivery," and "Value Management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to present your portfolio case studies confidently, focusing on your process, decision-making, and the impact of your contributions. Research Built Australia's recent projects and company values.

• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of Built Australia's operational philosophy, their commitment to innovation, and their project portfolio. Familiarize yourself with their approach to safety, quality, and client satisfaction to effectively articulate your alignment with their culture.

⚠️ 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.