Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: DCOH

Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations (Construction & Development Design Management)

Date Posted: May 06, 2026

Experience Level: 8-12+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the end-to-end design process for complex construction and development projects, from concept to handover.

• Develop and implement robust Design Management Plans and frameworks to ensure project objectives, quality, and compliance are met.

• Coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams (architectural, structural, civil, building services) to achieve integrated, buildable, and construction-ready outcomes.

• Drive strategic design leadership, aligning with construction methodology, procurement, program, and commercial drivers.

• Oversee statutory approval processes and ensure strict adherence to NCC/BCA, Australian Standards, and HSEQ-in-Design obligations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the broader operations function, focusing on the critical pre-construction and construction phases. The emphasis on "Design Management" within a construction and development company like DCOH signifies a highly operational role focused on process, execution, and risk mitigation rather than purely creative design. The required skills and responsibilities clearly fall under the umbrella of Project Operations and Construction Operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process across all project phases, from concept development through construction and handover, ensuring alignment with DCOH's "Building Better" philosophy.

• Define, implement, and maintain project-specific Design Management Plans (DMPs), clearly establishing scope, responsibilities, deliverables, review gateways, and communication protocols.

• Set and uphold a consistent Design Management framework that aligns with DCOH's established standards and overarching project objectives, ensuring scalability and repeatability.

• Provide strategic design leadership that is intrinsically linked to construction methodology, sequencing, procurement strategies, program certainty, and commercial outcomes.

• Coordinate architectural, structural, civil, and building services disciplines to develop fully integrated, constructible, and compliant design solutions that meet project requirements.

• Develop, manage, and meticulously control design programs, ensuring timely achievement of approval milestones, critical issue dates, and construction readiness requirements.

• Review, critique, and formally authorise design documentation (drawings, specifications, reports) to guarantee technical accuracy, inter-disciplinary coordination, and contractual compliance.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage design-related risks and opportunities to enhance constructability, safety, program certainty, and overall delivery success.

• Lead the efficient resolution of design issues, Request for Information (RFIs), clashes, and critical inconsistencies to minimise downstream construction impacts and costly variations.

• Engage, brief, and rigorously manage design consultants, driving their performance against defined scope, program, quality expectations, and fee agreements.

• Serve as the central point of accountability for all design communications, fostering clear and effective dialogue with consultants, internal project teams, external authorities, subcontractors, and clients.

• Manage the complex landscape of statutory approval processes, including planning changes, staged permits, and occupancy certifications, ensuring timely progression.

• Ensure unwavering compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC)/Building Code of Australia (BCA), relevant Australian Standards, authority requirements, and HSEQ-in-Design obligations.

• Align design outcomes with project budgets, cost plans, value engineering initiatives, and strategic trade packaging strategies to optimize financial performance.

• Oversee robust design documentation control, quality assurance (QA) practices, and continuous improvement initiatives, while actively mentoring and developing design team capabilities in line with DCOH's core values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional coordination, which are hallmarks of operations roles. The emphasis on "Design Management Plans," "review gateways," and "issue dates" points to a structured, process-driven approach essential in construction operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Tertiary qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related discipline.

Experience: 8–12+ years of progressive experience in design management, specifically within the construction or major projects environments. Proven track record of leading end-to-end design delivery on large-scale projects from concept through construction and handover.

Required Skills:

• Design Management Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex, multi-disciplinary design teams and external consultants throughout the project lifecycle.

• Regulatory Compliance: Expert knowledge of the NCC/BCA, Australian Standards, statutory approval processes, and authority requirements.

• Construction Methodology & Sequencing: Strong understanding of construction methods, program sequencing, procurement strategies, and their impact on design.

• Commercial Acumen: Commercially astute with a proactive approach to risk management, value engineering, cost alignment, and managing design-related variations.

• Documentation & QA: Highly organised with disciplined documentation and Quality Assurance (QA) practices.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, capable of managing diverse groups and fostering collaborative relationships.

• Document Control Platforms: Proficiency in industry-standard document control platforms such as Aconex, Revizto, or Bluebeam.

• Problem Solving: Ability to coordinate architectural, structural, civil, and services designs into compliant, buildable, and construction-ready outcomes, resolving clashes and inconsistencies effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in establishing and maintaining design management frameworks, plans, and review gateways.

• Familiarity with DCOH's specific project sectors (residential, commercial, hospitality, real estate).

• Experience with advanced clash detection and BIM coordination software.

• A proven track record in contributing to award-winning projects.

• Strong understanding of HSEQ-in-Design principles and application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical, hands-on experience in construction operations and regulatory frameworks, indicating a role that requires deep domain knowledge rather than theoretical understanding. The specific mention of platforms like Aconex and Revizto points to a need for proficiency in operational tools used for project collaboration and data management in construction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Lifecycle Management: Showcase examples of managing design processes across all project phases, from initial concept and feasibility through detailed design, construction documentation, and handover.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Present case studies demonstrating your ability to optimize design workflows, implement efficient review gateways, and improve coordination between disciplines, highlighting measurable improvements in time, cost, or quality.

• System Implementation & Integration: Provide examples of how you've implemented or utilized design management frameworks and document control systems (e.g., Aconex, Revizto) to streamline processes and enhance collaboration.

• Risk & Value Engineering Demonstrations: Include examples where you've proactively identified design risks, implemented mitigation strategies, and contributed to value engineering initiatives, showcasing the ROI of your design contributions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and documenting clear design workflows, including RACI matrices, review sign-off procedures, and communication protocols.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Detail how you've implemented design management processes and leveraged technology for automation, such as automated RFI tracking or clash detection reporting.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show evidence of how you track and report on design progress, quality metrics, and compliance using data-driven approaches within your documented processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in construction operations, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of design management principles within a project context. The focus should be on process, efficiency, risk management, and quantifiable outcomes, rather than purely aesthetic design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 8-12+ years of experience in Adelaide, South Australia, the estimated salary range is AUD $140,000 - $180,000 per annum. This estimate considers the complexity of managing large-scale construction projects, the critical nature of regulatory compliance, and the demand for specialized skills in the Australian construction market.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and optical coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contribution to a superannuation fund as per Australian legislative requirements, potentially with employer matching.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, certifications, and professional development relevant to design management and construction operations.

• Project Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to project milestones, successful delivery, and overall company profitability.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holiday entitlements.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, project demands may occasionally require flexibility and extended hours, particularly during critical construction phases or approval periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research from Australian job boards (e.g., Seek, Indeed Australia) and industry salary surveys for Design Managers in the construction sector in Adelaide, considering the specified experience level. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in Australian construction companies of this size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Development, with a strong focus on residential, commercial, hospitality, and real estate sectors. DCOH has a reputation for delivering complex projects and is committed to "Building Better," emphasizing quality, innovation, and disciplined execution.

Company Size: DCOH operates across the Northern Territory and Victoria, suggesting a mid-sized to large enterprise within the construction sector, with a significant workforce to manage diverse projects.

Founded: Established in 1987, DCOH brings decades of experience and a proven track record in the industry, indicating a stable and established organization with deep operational knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated design coordination team, potentially comprising junior designers, draftspersons, and administrative support.

• This role will report into a senior project leadership position, such as a Project Director or Senior Construction Manager, overseeing multiple projects.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Design decisions and problem-solving will be informed by project data, site conditions, constructability reviews, and commercial analysis.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on structured design management plans, clear review gateways, and efficient coordination processes to ensure seamless project progression.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: Leveraging document control platforms and potentially BIM for coordination to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve communication.

Company Website: https://www.dcoh.au

📝 Enhancement Note: DCOH's focus on "Building Better" and their award-winning projects suggest a culture that values quality, expertise, and a results-oriented approach. The company's operational footprint in multiple states implies a need for standardized processes and strong management capabilities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Design Management role, operating at a strategic and operational intersection. It requires significant autonomy and responsibility for a critical function within the project delivery lifecycle. The role is key to operational success by ensuring designs are compliant, constructible, and commercially viable before and during construction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Director, Senior Project Manager, or Operations Manager, indicating a position with significant influence on project outcomes. They will, in turn, manage a team of design coordinators and consultants.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact on revenue and business decisions is substantial. Effective design management directly influences project profitability through cost control, risk mitigation, and schedule adherence. Poor design management can lead to significant cost overruns, delays, and reputational damage, impacting DCOH's ability to secure future work and maintain client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Operations Leadership: Progression to roles such as Head of Design Management, Senior Project Director, or General Manager of Operations, overseeing multiple large-scale projects or a broader operational portfolio.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific project typologies (e.g., high-rise commercial, complex hospitality) or advanced construction technologies (e.g., BIM, modular construction).

• Commercial & Business Development: Moving into roles with a greater commercial focus, such as a Commercial Director, or contributing to pre-construction services and business development by leveraging design expertise to win bids.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in construction operations is typically towards broader project leadership or specialized operational management, emphasizing the strategic importance of design in the overall success of a construction company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment will be an on-site office, likely located at the project’s head office or a dedicated site office within Adelaide. This setting is crucial for close collaboration with site teams, consultants, and stakeholders.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Adelaide, South Australia, with potential for site visits to active construction locations within the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space will foster close collaboration with project management teams, site engineers, surveyors, and commercial staff, facilitating real-time problem-solving and decision-making.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard project management software, document control systems (Aconex, Revizto), BIM viewing software, and communication platforms will be essential.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with internal project teams, external design consultants, subcontractors, and potentially clients or regulatory bodies.

Work Schedule: While the core hours are typically Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, the dynamic nature of construction projects means that flexibility to attend site meetings, respond to urgent RFIs, or meet critical deadlines may be required. This often involves early starts or occasional late finishes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site presence highlights the operational necessity for direct oversight and rapid response in a construction environment, which is typical for senior project delivery roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and cover letter by HR or a recruitment specialist to assess alignment with core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a Project Director or Operations Manager) focusing on your experience, technical skills, and leadership approach. Be prepared to discuss specific project challenges and your solutions.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to present a past project or a hypothetical scenario, demonstrating your approach to design management, problem-solving, risk assessment, and stakeholder coordination. This is where your portfolio will be invaluable.

• Team/Stakeholder Meet & Greet: An opportunity to meet key members of the project team and potentially senior leadership to assess cultural fit and collaborative potential.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior management to formalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skill sets (e.g., a section on risk management, a section on stakeholder engagement).

• Process Improvement Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate the design management challenge, your approach (process, tools, methodologies), the actions taken, and the quantifiable results (e.g., reduced RFIs, improved program certainty, cost savings through value engineering).

• Metrics & ROI: Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Use data to showcase the impact of your design management efforts on project success, cost, time, and quality.

• DCOH Alignment: Tailor your presentation to highlight how your skills and experience align with DCOH's values and project delivery methods, referencing their commitment to "Building Better."

Challenge Preparation:

• Operations Scenario Simulation: Be ready to discuss how you would manage a complex design clash or a significant RFI that impacts the construction schedule and budget.

• Time Management & Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio and case studies concisely and effectively within a given timeframe. Focus on clarity and impact.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to articulate your strategies for managing difficult stakeholders or resolving conflicts between different design disciplines or project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager role in construction operations will heavily weigh practical experience and problem-solving capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio demonstrating a structured, results-driven approach to design management is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Document Control Platforms: Aconex, Revizto, Procore (for document management, collaboration, and issue tracking).

• BIM Software: Autodesk Revit, Navisworks (for coordination, clash detection, and 3D modeling review).

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (for viewing and basic markups of 2D drawings).

• Project Management Software: MS Project, Primavera P6 (for program development and tracking).

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack (for team communication and real-time updates).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Clash Detection Reports: Generated from Navisworks or similar software to identify and resolve design conflicts.

• RFI Tracking Systems: Integrated within document control or project management platforms to monitor and manage queries.

• Progress Reporting Tools: Dashboards or standardized report templates to track design milestones against program.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design information links to sales/client requirements may be beneficial.

• Automation may be present in RFI workflows, document distribution, and reporting within the chosen document control or project management platforms.

• Integration Tools: Familiarity with how different platforms (e.g., BIM software to document control) integrate to ensure data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard document control and BIM coordination software is non-negotiable for this role, as these are the primary operational tools for managing design information in large construction projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant, and buildable designs, reflecting DCOH's "Building Better" ethos.

• Integrity & Accountability: Taking ownership of design responsibilities, ensuring transparency in processes, and acting with professional integrity.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where design teams, project teams, and consultants work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Innovation: Continuously seeking ways to optimize design processes, leverage technology, and find innovative solutions that drive efficiency and value.

• Safety & Compliance: Prioritizing health, safety, environmental, and quality (HSEQ) considerations throughout the design process.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with all project stakeholders, including site operations, commercial teams, and clients, to ensure design aligns with practical construction realities and business objectives.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture of constructive feedback on design processes and outcomes, utilizing lessons learned to improve future projects.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, technical expertise, and lessons learned within the design and project teams to build collective capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: DCOH's stated values and DCOH's emphasis on "Building Better" suggest a company culture that prioritizes robust execution, quality outcomes, and a professional, collaborative approach to project delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multi-Disciplinary Complexity: Coordinating diverse design inputs from multiple consultants and ensuring seamless integration into a cohesive and buildable solution.

• Navigating Regulatory Hurdles: Staying abreast of evolving NCC/BCA requirements and Australian Standards, and successfully managing complex statutory approval processes.

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Effectively balancing design quality, program timelines, and commercial constraints to achieve optimal project outcomes.

• Resolving Design Clashes & RFIs: Proactively identifying and efficiently resolving design conflicts and queries to minimize on-site disruption and cost impacts.

• Adapting to Project Changes: Managing design variations and scope changes efficiently while maintaining control over program and budget.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Digital Construction: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other digital construction technologies for enhanced coordination and analysis.

• Specialized Construction Sectors: Gaining in-depth knowledge and experience in DCOH's diverse project sectors (hospitality, commercial, residential, etc.).

• Leadership & Management Training: Access to leadership development programs to enhance people management, strategic planning, and operational oversight skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in industry events to stay current with best practices, new technologies, and network with peers and potential future collaborators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are typical of large-scale construction projects, requiring strong problem-solving skills and resilience. The growth opportunities lean towards deepening technical expertise and advancing into broader operational leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a Project-Specific Design Management Plan for a large-scale commercial development." (Focus on structure, key inclusions, and stakeholder buy-in).

• "How do you manage and resolve design clashes between architectural, structural, and services disciplines? Provide a specific example." (Highlight your process, tools used, and collaboration strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does DCOH's commitment to 'Building Better' mean to you in the context of design management?" (Connect your values and practices to their stated mission).

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between design consultants and the site construction team?" (Discuss your strategies for bridging the gap between design intent and site execution).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Project Overviews: For each portfolio example, provide a brief project context, your specific role, and the key challenges addressed.

• Process Flow Visualization: Use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate your design management processes, showing how you ensure integration and review at critical stages.

• Quantifiable Results: Clearly present the impact of your work using metrics. For example, "Reduced design-related variations by 15%," or "Achieved 100% compliance with NCC/BCA during final inspections."

• Interactive Demonstration: Be prepared to navigate through key documents or system screenshots (if applicable) to illustrate your workflow and the tools you utilize.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical, hands-on experience in managing design within a construction operations context, emphasizing process, problem-solving, and measurable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your CV and cover letter through the application link provided by Workable.

• Tailor Your Cover Letter: Specifically address the criteria detailed in the job description, highlighting your experience in leading end-to-end design delivery, managing multi-disciplinary teams, and your understanding of NCC/BCA and Australian Standards.

• Optimize Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly outlines your 8-12+ years of experience in construction design management, emphasizing your achievements in large-scale projects, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your work that showcase your design management process, project coordination skills, problem-solving abilities, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present key case studies during the interview process.

• Research DCOH: Familiarize yourself with DCOH's project portfolio, company values, and recent achievements (such as the award for Charles Darwin University Danala Education and Community Precinct) to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.

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