Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: DCOH

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-06

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for complex construction projects, ensuring seamless integration from concept to handover.

• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, consultants, and stakeholders to achieve project objectives and contractual compliance.

• Drive strategic design leadership, aligning buildability, programme certainty, and commercial drivers with DCOH’s "Building Better" ethos.

• Ensure adherence to all relevant Australian Standards, NCC/BCA regulations, and statutory approval processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the technical feasibility and commercial viability of DCOH's construction projects. The Design Manager acts as the central point of accountability for design-related aspects, directly impacting project delivery timelines, budgets, and quality outcomes. The emphasis on "Building Better" suggests a company culture that values quality, innovation, and long-term value creation, which the Design Manager must embody and drive within the design function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive design process across all project phases, from initial concept development through to construction completion and final handover.

• Define, implement, and maintain project-specific Design Management Plans, clearly delineating scope, responsibilities, key deliverables, and critical review gateways.

• Establish and uphold a consistent Design Management framework that aligns with DCOH's overarching standards and specific project objectives.

• Provide strategic design leadership, ensuring alignment with construction methodology, sequencing, procurement strategies, programme timelines, and overall commercial outcomes.

• Coordinate and integrate architectural, structural, civil, and building services disciplines to create fully integrated, buildable, and construction-ready design solutions.

• Develop, manage, and control detailed design programmes to meet critical approval milestones, key issue dates, and construction readiness requirements.

• Review and formally authorize design documentation, verifying technical accuracy, interdisciplinary coordination, and contractual compliance.

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

• Lead the effective resolution of design issues, Requests for Information (RFIs), clashes, and inconsistencies to minimize downstream construction impacts and delays.

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

• Act as the primary point of accountability for all design communications, liaising effectively with consultants, internal project teams, statutory authorities, subcontractors, and clients.

• Oversee and manage statutory approval processes, including planning changes, staged permits, and occupancy certifications, ensuring timely progression.

• Ensure strict 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.

• Oversee robust design documentation control and quality assurance processes, fostering continuous improvement and mentoring design team capabilities in line with DCOH values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on leadership role requiring deep technical expertise in construction design and project management. The emphasis on "fully integrated and buildable design solutions" and "construction-ready outcomes" indicates a strong focus on practical application and minimizing site issues. The requirement to manage consultants and act as a central point of accountability points to a need for exceptional communication and negotiation skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 8–12+ years of progressive experience in design management within the construction or major projects environments.

Required Skills:

• Design Management Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and establish comprehensive design management frameworks, plans, and review gateways.

• Multi-disciplinary Coordination: High capability in coordinating architectural, structural, civil, and services designs into compliant, buildable, and construction-ready outcomes.

• Construction Methodology & Sequencing: Strong understanding of construction methodology, sequencing, procurement strategies, and commercial drivers impacting design.

• NCC/BCA & Australian Standards Expertise: Expert knowledge of the National Construction Code (NCC)/Building Code of Australia (BCA), Australian Standards, statutory approval processes, and authority requirements.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Excellent people leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with a disciplined approach to documentation and QA practices.

• Risk Management & Value Engineering: Commercially astute with a proactive approach to risk management, value engineering, cost alignment, and managing design-related variations.

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

• Contractual Compliance: Ability to review and authorize design documentation ensuring technical accuracy, coordination, and contractual adherence.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing design for residential, commercial, or hospitality sectors.

• Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows and coordination.

• Experience in cost control and budget management related to design development.

• Knowledge of HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment, Quality) principles in design.

• Experience in mentoring and developing junior design team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 8-12+ years with a focus on "large-scale projects" and "end-to-end delivery" suggests this role is for a seasoned professional capable of handling significant project complexity and responsibility. The explicit mention of specific document control platforms (Aconex, Revizto, Bluebeam) indicates a practical, hands-on requirement for these tools in daily operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful end-to-end design delivery on large-scale construction projects.

• Include case studies detailing the implementation and effectiveness of Design Management Plans and frameworks.

• Provide examples of coordinated multi-disciplinary designs that resulted in buildable and compliant outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of established Design Management Plans, including scope definition, responsibilities, deliverables, and review gateways.

• Documentation illustrating the process for coordinating architectural, structural, civil, and services disciplines.

• Evidence of processes for managing design programmes, tracking milestones, and ensuring construction readiness.

• Examples of risk assessment and value engineering processes applied to design development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to present specific examples of their work that highlight their ability to manage complex design processes and deliver tangible results. The portfolio should not only showcase the final outcomes but also the methodologies and processes used to achieve them, particularly concerning coordination, compliance, and risk mitigation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary within the estimated range.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses linked to project delivery and company success.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Contribution to superannuation as per Australian legislative requirements.

• Generous annual leave and personal leave entitlements.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be expected during critical project phases, with potential for overtime compensation or time-in-lieu arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from industry salary surveys for construction and design management roles in major Australian cities, adjusted for Perth's market. Benefits are typical for senior roles in the construction sector, with an emphasis on professional growth, which is crucial for retaining experienced talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Development (Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Real Estate)

Company Size: Established in 1987, DCOH has grown into an experienced construction and development company. While specific headcount isn't provided, its operation across multiple sectors and regions (Northern Territory and Victoria) suggests a significant organizational structure, likely employing over 100 professionals.

Founded: 1987

Team Structure:

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

• They will lead and coordinate a virtual team of design consultants (architects, engineers, services consultants) and collaborate closely with site-based construction teams, procurement specialists, and commercial managers.

Methodology:

• DCOH emphasizes a "Building Better" approach, focusing on buildability, programme certainty, and strong on-site execution.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for technical accuracy, coordination, and alignment with commercial drivers.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to the Design Manager's role, ensuring designs are constructible and efficient.

• Automation and efficiency are likely encouraged, particularly through the use of industry-standard document control platforms.

Company Website: dcoh.au

📝 Enhancement Note: DCOH's long history and diverse project portfolio suggest a stable and reputable company. The "Building Better" slogan and emphasis on quality and execution indicate a culture that values robust processes and high standards. The mention of award-winning projects highlights a commitment to excellence and innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific project typologies (e.g., hospitality, complex commercial).

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to Project Director, Program Manager, or Head of Design roles within DCOH.

• Strategic Input: Contribute to the development of DCOH's design standards, innovation strategies, and pre-construction processes.

• Mentorship: Develop and mentor junior design coordinators and managers, building future talent for the organization.

• Professional Development: Access to industry conferences, advanced training, and certifications to stay at the forefront of design and construction technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a well-established construction firm. The emphasis on leadership, strategic input, and mentorship suggests DCOH invests in its senior talent and provides opportunities for significant professional growth and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with project managers, site engineers, commercial teams, and external consultants.

• Access to industry-standard design and document control software, hardware, and communication tools will be essential.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are 40 hours per week. However, the demanding nature of construction projects means flexibility and occasional extended hours may be required to meet critical deadlines, particularly during key design review phases or tender periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description implies a dynamic work environment that balances office-based strategic work with on-site engagement. This is typical for senior roles in construction, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach to managing diverse project demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and Cover Letter to assess alignment with core requirements (experience, qualifications, key skills).

• First Interview: Typically with HR and/or a Hiring Manager (e.g., Project Director). Focus on behavioral questions, career history, and high-level understanding of design management principles.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: In-depth discussion with senior technical leads or peers. Candidates will be expected to present and discuss their portfolio, detailing specific project examples, challenges overcome, and design solutions implemented. This stage will heavily assess technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership. Focus on strategic thinking, cultural fit, leadership potential, and alignment with DCOH's values and "Building Better" ethos.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 large-scale projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end design management capabilities.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the project's scope and complexity, your specific role and responsibilities, the design challenges faced, your strategic approach to overcoming them, the tools and processes used (e.g., Design Management Plans, coordination meetings), and the tangible outcomes (e.g., budget adherence, schedule impact, quality improvements, risk mitigation).

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you managed and coordinated multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail specific instances where you resolved design issues, managed variations, or implemented value engineering solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the positive impact of your design management efforts (e.g., cost savings, reduction in RFIs, improved construction efficiency).

• Address Compliance: Be prepared to discuss your experience with NCC/BCA, Australian Standards, and statutory approvals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions or a potential short case study exercise related to managing a design conflict, resolving a critical design issue, or optimizing a design process for constructability.

• Focus on demonstrating a structured, logical approach to problem-solving, clear communication, and an understanding of commercial and schedule implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component. Candidates should treat it as a presentation of their professional capabilities, emphasizing not just what they did, but how they did it and the impact their actions had on project success. Preparing concise, impactful case studies will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Document Control Platforms: Aconex, Revizto, Bluebeam (essential proficiency required).

• Project Management Software: Potentially MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme management.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Outlook) for communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in terms of sales CRM, but understanding how design documentation integrates with procurement and contract management systems is crucial. Experience with document management systems and workflow automation within design processes would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Aconex, Revizto, and Bluebeam indicates these are core operational tools. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and proficiency with these platforms, including how they leverage them for coordination, issue tracking, and document management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Building Better": A core value emphasizing quality, durability, and long-term value in all construction and development endeavors.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in dealings with clients, partners, and employees.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and refining processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and delivering on commitments.

Collaboration Style:

• The Design Manager will foster a collaborative style, acting as a central conduit for design-related information. This involves proactive communication, clear articulation of requirements, and a willingness to mediate and resolve design conflicts constructively.

• Emphasis will be placed on cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that design decisions are well-informed by site realities, commercial constraints, and HSEQ requirements.

• A culture of open feedback and continuous improvement around design processes is likely encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: DCOH's values suggest a company that prioritizes quality, reliability, and strong working relationships. The Design Manager is expected to embody these values, particularly in their interactions with consultants and internal project teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Conflicting Priorities: Balancing the demands of design excellence, strict budget constraints, aggressive timelines, and diverse stakeholder expectations.

• Design Coordination Complexity: Ensuring seamless integration across numerous specialist disciplines in large-scale projects.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of and complying with evolving NCC/BCA, Australian Standards, and local authority requirements.

• Mitigating Design Risks: Proactively identifying and managing potential design flaws or constructability issues before they impact the project.

• Consultant Management: Effectively leading and motivating external consultants to meet DCOH's high standards for quality and timeliness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Opportunities to attend workshops or courses on cutting-edge design coordination tools and methodologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training in management, strategic planning, and team leadership.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in key construction and design industry events to stay updated on trends and network.

• Mentorship: Being mentored by senior leaders within DCOH or mentoring junior staff, enhancing leadership and knowledge transfer skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across DCOH's varied project portfolio, broadening technical and sector-specific expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in construction design management, requiring strong problem-solving skills and resilience. The growth opportunities highlight DCOH's commitment to employee development and providing avenues for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing and implementing a Design Management Plan for a large-scale commercial project. What are the key elements you focus on?" (Prepare to detail your framework, stakeholder engagement, review gateways, and risk mitigation strategies).

• "How do you ensure effective coordination and integration between architectural, structural, and building services design on complex projects?" (Focus on your methods for clash detection, RFI management, and collaborative design workshops).

• "Walk me through a time you had to resolve a significant design conflict or issue that threatened a project's schedule or budget. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method - Situation, Task, Action, Result - to structure your answer, highlighting your problem-solving and negotiation skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to DCOH, and how does our 'Building Better' philosophy resonate with your professional approach?" (Research DCOH's projects, values, and history. Connect your experience to their mission).

• "How do you foster collaboration and ensure effective communication across diverse teams, including external consultants and internal project staff?" (Discuss your communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and leadership style).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Overview: Begin with a brief summary of your career and the types of projects you've managed.

• Deep Dive on Key Projects: Select 2-3 projects for detailed discussion. For each:

  • Context: Project type, scale, location, key challenges.
  • Your Role: Specific responsibilities and leadership.
  • Process: How you managed design, coordination, approvals, and risks.
  • Solutions: How you overcame technical, commercial, or stakeholder issues.
  • Outcomes: Tangible results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality achievements).

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how you utilized tools like Aconex, Revizto, or Bluebeam in your projects.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of the construction project lifecycle. The portfolio presentation is your opportunity to visually and verbally showcase your expertise and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your CV and a tailored cover letter through the DCOH careers portal or the provided application link. Your cover letter should specifically address the criteria detailed in the job description and highlight your most relevant experience.

• Portfolio Preparation: Begin curating your portfolio, selecting key projects that demonstrate your end-to-end design management experience on large-scale construction projects. Prepare concise case studies for presentation, focusing on challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 8-12+ years of experience in design management, specifically mentioning large-scale projects, multi-disciplinary coordination, and proficiency in tools like Aconex, Revizto, or Bluebeam. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research DCOH, its recent projects (like the Charles Darwin University precinct), its "Building Better" philosophy, and its operational regions. Understand their market position and values.

• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail. Anticipate questions related to design challenges, stakeholder management, and compliance.

⚠️ 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.