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: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the comprehensive end-to-end design process from conceptualization through construction and final handover, ensuring all outcomes are compliant, coordinated, and buildable.

• Establish and implement a robust Design Management framework across the division, encompassing project-specific Design Management Plans, scope definition, deliverable tracking, and critical review gateways.

• Provide strategic design leadership that aligns with overarching project objectives, construction methodologies, procurement strategies, and commercial drivers.

• Ensure design documentation is optimized for buildability, constructability, safety in design, and efficient sequencing, while proactively identifying and mitigating design-related risks and capitalizing on opportunities.

• Drive the integration of architectural, structural, civil, and building services disciplines into cohesive and fully integrated design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between design intent and on-site execution within a construction and development company. The emphasis on "buildability," "programme certainty," and "strong on-site execution" suggests a highly practical and hands-on approach to design management, prioritizing tangible project delivery over purely theoretical design concepts. The mention of "commercial drivers" and "value engineering" indicates a need for a candidate who understands the financial implications of design decisions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete design lifecycle, from initial concept development through to final construction and project handover, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to project goals.

• Develop, implement, and maintain a standardized Design Management framework to ensure consistency and efficiency across all divisional projects.

• Create and manage project-specific Design Management Plans, detailing design scope, required deliverables, assigned responsibilities, and essential review milestones.

• Provide expert design leadership, ensuring alignment with project objectives, construction methods, procurement strategies, and financial targets.

• Guarantee that all design documentation facilitates buildability, constructability, safety protocols (including Safety in Design), and efficient construction sequencing, while actively managing design-related risks and identifying potential opportunities.

• Coordinate and integrate architectural, structural, civil, and building services disciplines to produce comprehensive and unified design solutions.

• Develop and manage detailed design programs to meet critical milestones, secure necessary statutory approvals, and ensure timely issuance for construction.

• Facilitate and lead crucial design workshops, coordination meetings, user group sessions, and value engineering initiatives to optimize design outcomes.

• Review, approve, and manage design documentation, driving the prompt resolution of design issues, Requests for Information (RFIs), clashes, and inconsistencies.

• Lead the engagement, novation, briefing, and ongoing management of design consultants, rigorously monitoring their performance against program timelines, quality standards, and contractual obligations.

• Serve as the primary liaison for all design-related matters, connecting consultants, internal project teams, subcontractors, regulatory authorities, and clients.

• Manage the statutory approval process, ensuring all designs strictly comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA), National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, and specific authority and project requirements.

• Oversee Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) in Design processes, ensuring sustainability requirements and targets are effectively embedded, documented, and verified throughout the design phase.

• Ensure design outcomes are financially aligned with project budgets and cost plans, managing value engineering, trade packaging, variations, and consultant fee claims.

• Supervise design document control and quality assurance processes, while actively leading, mentoring, and developing the capabilities of Design Coordinators and other design team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a broad scope of work, from strategic framework development to tactical execution of design coordination and consultant management. The emphasis on "HSEQ-in-Design" and "sustainability requirements" indicates a modern approach to construction design, integrating critical compliance and environmental considerations early in the process. The need to manage consultant fee claims and variations points to a strong commercial acumen requirement for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Eight to twelve years or more of progressive design management experience specifically within the construction or major projects environment.

• Proven track record managing complex, multidisciplinary design teams across large-scale construction projects.

• Demonstrated understanding of construction methodology, sequencing, procurement processes, and the impact of commercial drivers on design. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and controlling the design process from concept to completion.

• Construction Methodology: Deep understanding of building processes, sequencing, and constructability principles.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to effectively engage and manage diverse stakeholders, including consultants, clients, and internal teams.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Strong grasp of project planning, scheduling, and risk management as they apply to design phases.

• BCA & NCC Compliance: Expert knowledge of the Building Code of Australia and National Construction Code requirements.

• Australian Standards: Proficient understanding and application of relevant Australian Standards in design.

• Statutory Approval Processes: Experience navigating and managing approvals from regulatory bodies.

• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, mentor, and develop design teams.

• Negotiation Skills: Effective negotiation capabilities for consultant agreements and design issue resolution.

• Problem-Solving: Advanced analytical and decision-making skills to address complex design challenges.

• Document Control Systems: Proficiency with industry-standard document control and collaboration platforms.

• HSEQ-in-Design: Understanding and implementation of health, safety, environment, and quality principles within design.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Skill in integrating various engineering and architectural disciplines.

Preferred Skills:

• Value Engineering: Experience in identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or functionality.

• Procurement Strategy: Understanding how design influences and aligns with procurement approaches.

• Commercial Acumen: Awareness of commercial drivers and their impact on design decisions and project profitability.

• Sustainability Integration: Familiarity with embedding sustainable design practices and achieving environmental targets.

• Advanced Documentation Review: Ability to critically interpret and integrate complex architectural and engineering documentation.

• Industry-Specific Software: Proficiency in platforms such as Aconex, Revizto, and Bluebeam.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8-12 years of experience, coupled with a tertiary qualification, positions this as a senior-level role. The extensive list of required skills emphasizes a blend of technical design knowledge, project management acumen, regulatory compliance expertise, and strong interpersonal and leadership capabilities. Proficiency in specific software like Aconex, Revizto, and Bluebeam is explicitly called out, suggesting these are critical tools for daily operations and collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Framework: Showcase examples of established and implemented Design Management frameworks, detailing their structure, key components, and impact on project consistency.

• Project-Specific Plans: Present case studies of Design Management Plans developed for complex, large-scale projects, highlighting scope definition, deliverable tracking, and review gateway strategies.

• Integrated Design Solutions: Provide examples demonstrating the successful coordination and integration of multidisciplinary design elements (architectural, structural, MEP, etc.) into cohesive project designs.

• Risk Mitigation & Opportunity Identification: Illustrate instances where proactive identification and management of design-related risks, or the capitalization on design opportunities, led to tangible project benefits (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, enhanced buildability).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your approach to designing and optimizing design workflows, emphasizing efficiency, collaboration, and adherence to project timelines.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you have implemented design processes and utilized technology (e.g., document control platforms, clash detection software) to streamline operations and improve outcomes.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you measure the success of design processes, including tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to buildability, compliance, budget adherence, and timely delivery of design documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role, candidates are expected to have a demonstrable portfolio that showcases not just their ability to manage design, but also their strategic thinking in process development and system implementation. The focus should be on quantifiable results and evidence of structured approaches to design management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager role with 10+ years of experience in Perth, Western Australia, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $140,000 - $190,000. This estimate considers the seniority, scope of responsibilities, and the specific demands of the construction and development sector in a major Australian city. Benefits:

• Superannuation: Contributions as per Australian legislative requirements.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, industry certifications, and conference attendance to enhance skills in design management, construction technology, and regulatory compliance.

• Project Involvement: Opportunity to work on high-profile, award-winning projects within the residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors.

• Team Collaboration: Access to a collaborative and experienced team environment focused on delivering high-quality construction projects.

• Career Progression: Potential pathways for advancement within DCOH, leveraging experience gained in this senior role.

• Health & Safety Focus: Commitment to a strong HSEQ culture, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime depending on project demands and critical deadlines. Flexibility may be considered for specific tasks or project phases, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for similar roles in Perth. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and performance during the interview process. The benefits listed are typical for senior roles in the Australian construction industry, emphasizing professional growth and project impact.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

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

Company Size: DCOH operates across multiple locations (Northern Territory and Victoria), suggesting a medium to large enterprise size within the construction sector. This implies established processes and a structured organizational hierarchy.

Founded: Established in 1987, DCOH has a significant history and extensive experience in delivering complex projects, indicating stability and a deep understanding of the market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated design team, potentially including Design Coordinators, Draftspersons, and administrative support.

• This role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with project management, construction, procurement, commercial, and HSEQ teams.

• Reporting structure is expected to be to a senior executive, such as a General Manager, Operations Director, or similar, given the strategic importance of the design function. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using project data, performance metrics, and compliance checks to inform design decisions and process improvements.

• Process Optimization: A core focus on refining workflows for design management to enhance efficiency, buildability, and program certainty.

• Automation & Technology Integration: Utilization of industry-standard platforms (Aconex, Revizto, Bluebeam) for collaboration, document control, and clash detection to drive project outcomes.

• Quality & Compliance Focus: Rigorous adherence to building codes, Australian Standards, and internal quality assurance protocols.

Company Website: https://www.dcoh.com.au/ (Based on domain inference and company description)

📝 Enhancement Note: DCOH's emphasis on "Building Better," "experience, innovation, and disciplined execution," and their award-winning projects suggest a culture that values quality, reliability, and continuous improvement. The company's long history indicates a stable environment with established operational procedures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a senior management level. It requires a strategic overview of the design process, leadership of design teams, and significant influence over project outcomes, buildability, and commercial alignment. It's a critical function that directly impacts project success and profitability.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within DCOH, such as a Project Director, Operations Manager, or General Manager. They will, in turn, manage and mentor Design Coordinators and other members of the design team.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a profound impact on the operational success of DCOH. By ensuring designs are compliant, coordinated, and buildable, they directly influence construction efficiency, project timelines, cost control, safety, and the overall quality of the finished product. Effective design management minimizes costly rework, reduces project risks, and contributes to client satisfaction and DCOH's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into a Design Director role, overseeing design strategy across the entire organization, or into broader operational leadership positions.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific sectors (e.g., high-rise residential, complex commercial builds) or in emerging areas like sustainable design or advanced construction technologies.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a broader understanding of project management, commercial negotiations, and construction operations through close collaboration with other departments.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior design staff, contributing to the development of future talent within DCOH.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth within a well-established construction company. The emphasis on managing complex projects and multidisciplinary teams provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles, either within design or broader operations management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a need for regular presence at project sites and potentially a head office or project office environment. The work will involve a mix of office-based design coordination and site visits for inspections and meetings.

Office Location(s): While the job title specifies Perth, Western Australia, the company description mentions operations in the Northern Territory and Victoria. The role is described as "Darwin-based" in the "WHO YOU ARE" section, which conflicts with the "Perth, Western Australia, Australia" location. Assuming the primary focus is on projects within Western Australia, with potential for travel or oversight of projects in other regions.

• Perth, Western Australia, Australia: Likely the primary base for operations and project oversight in that state.

• Darwin, Northern Territory: Mentioned as a base for this role, indicating potential travel or dual-site responsibilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with internal project teams, consultants, subcontractors, and authorities. This suggests an open, communicative, and team-oriented workspace.

• Technology-Rich: Expect access to industry-standard design, documentation, and collaboration software (Aconex, Revizto, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office Suite), as well as necessary hardware.

• Site Interaction: Regular site visits will be a key part of the role, requiring adaptability to dynamic construction environments.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. However, the nature of construction projects may necessitate flexibility to meet critical deadlines, attend site meetings, or respond to urgent design queries.

📝 Enhancement Note: There's a geographical discrepancy between the listed location (Perth) and the description's mention of a "Darwin-based role." This should be clarified with the hiring manager. The work environment will likely be a hybrid of office-based tasks and significant on-site presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter against stated requirements, with a focus on demonstrable design management experience and qualifications.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on construction methodology, BCA/NCC compliance, stakeholder management, and experience with complex projects. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present selected projects from their portfolio, detailing their role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved, particularly focusing on buildability and coordination.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key internal stakeholders (e.g., Project Managers, Construction Managers) and potentially senior leadership to assess cultural fit, leadership style, and collaborative capabilities.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior management to finalize offer terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantifiable Achievements: Clearly articulate the impact of your design management on project success using metrics (e.g., reduction in RFIs, adherence to budget/schedule, safety improvements).

• Process Demonstration: Showcase your structured approach to design management, including how you develop and implement Design Management Plans and frameworks.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Select 2-3 diverse projects that highlight your ability to resolve complex design issues, manage multidisciplinary teams, and navigate regulatory hurdles.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Aconex, Revizto, Bluebeam, and other relevant design and document control software, providing specific examples of their application.

• Buildability Focus: Emphasize how your design management ensured constructability and efficient sequencing on-site.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Exercise: You may be presented with a set of architectural and engineering drawings and asked to identify clashes, potential constructability issues, or areas needing further coordination.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare to answer questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a difficult consultant, resolving a significant design conflict, or addressing a last-minute design change request.

• Strategic Thinking: Be ready to discuss your approach to developing a Design Management Plan for a hypothetical project or how you would improve DCOH's current design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to articulate past successes through a well-prepared portfolio. Demonstrating a deep understanding of construction processes and regulatory compliance will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Aconex: Expected proficiency for document control, project management, and collaboration on large construction projects. Experience in managing workflows, transmittals, and RFIs within Aconex is vital.

• Revizto: Likely used for BIM coordination, clash detection, and issue tracking. Candidates should be comfortable navigating and managing federated models and resolving clashes efficiently.

• Bluebeam Revu: Essential for PDF markup, collaboration, and document comparison. Proficiency in using its features for reviewing design documents, creating markups, and managing revisions is expected.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for general documentation, reporting, scheduling, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, creating schedules, tracking RFI logs, and generating basic reports.

• Project Management Software Reporting Features: Familiarity with generating reports from Aconex or similar platforms to track design progress, document status, and issue resolution.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly stated as CRM-focused, understanding how design documentation integrates with project management and commercial systems is important.

• BIM Software (Revit, AutoCAD): While direct modeling skills might not be the primary requirement, a strong understanding of how BIM models are used for coordination (e.g., via Revizto) and how they inform construction is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Aconex, Revizto, and Bluebeam is explicitly mentioned and is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their hands-on experience with these platforms in the context of design management and construction projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Building Better: A core value emphasizing quality, excellence, and continuous improvement in all aspects of construction and development.

• Experience & Innovation: A blend of leveraging established expertise with embracing new technologies and methodologies to deliver superior outcomes.

• Disciplined Execution: A commitment to rigorous planning, structured processes, and reliable on-site performance to ensure project certainty.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong relationships with clients, partners, and internal teams to achieve shared goals.

• Value Creation: Focus on delivering lasting value for clients, stakeholders, and the communities in which DCOH operates.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: DCOH likely promotes a collaborative environment where design, construction, and commercial teams work closely together.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and timely communication to resolve issues, share information, and maintain project momentum.

• Solution-Oriented: A proactive approach to identifying challenges and working collaboratively to find effective solutions.

• Feedback Culture: Valuing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in processes and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be built around delivering high-quality projects through a combination of experience, structured processes, and collaborative teamwork. Candidates who thrive in environments that emphasize accountability, quality, and continuous improvement will likely find DCOH a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Geographical Coordination: Managing design processes across potentially different states (WA, NT, VIC) can present logistical and communication challenges.

• Balancing Design Intent with Site Realities: Ensuring designs are not only aesthetically and functionally sound but also practical and cost-effective to build on-site, requiring constant liaison with construction teams.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating and satisfying the requirements of various stakeholders, including clients, consultants, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies, each with potentially competing interests.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously adopting and integrating new design technologies and methodologies (e.g., advanced BIM, AI in design) to maintain a competitive edge.

• Navigating Regulatory Changes: Staying abreast of evolving building codes, standards, and approval processes across different jurisdictions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Exposure: Gaining experience on a diverse portfolio of challenging and award-winning projects.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through managing multidisciplinary teams and contributing to strategic decision-making.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning and applying best practices in design management, construction technology, and project delivery within a reputable firm.

• Cross-Functional Skill Enhancement: Developing a deeper understanding of commercial management, procurement, and construction operations.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leadership and to mentor junior design professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in the construction industry, offering significant opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement. The company's commitment to "innovation" suggests an openness to exploring new approaches.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Framework: "Describe your process for developing and implementing a Design Management Framework for a large-scale construction project. What are the key components you would include?"

• Stakeholder Alignment: "How do you ensure alignment and effective communication between diverse stakeholders (clients, consultants, site teams) throughout the design process, especially when there are conflicting requirements?"

• Buildability & Constructability: "Walk me through an example where your design management directly improved the buildability or constructability of a project. What specific actions did you take?"

• Risk Mitigation: "Describe a significant design-related risk you identified on a past project. How did you mitigate it, and what was the outcome?"

• Technology Integration: "How have you leveraged technology like BIM coordination tools (e.g., Revizto) or document control platforms (e.g., Aconex) to enhance design outcomes and project efficiency?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of DCOH, how do you see your approach to design management aligning with our core values of 'Building Better' and 'Disciplined Execution'?"

• "How would you contribute to fostering a collaborative design and construction environment within DCOH?"

• "What is your experience in managing design teams, and how do you motivate and develop junior design professionals?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Case Studies: Select 2-3 projects that best represent your capabilities. For each, clearly outline:

  • Project type, scale, and your specific role.
  • Key design challenges and how you addressed them.
  • How you managed multidisciplinary coordination.
  • The impact on buildability, budget, and schedule.
  • Your experience with relevant software.

• Quantify Results: Use metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the success of your design management efforts.

• Focus on Process: Explain your methodologies for design control, RFI management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific aspects of your presented projects, especially regarding compliance, sequencing, and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and be ready to discuss specific examples of their work, demonstrating both technical expertise and leadership capabilities. Highlighting experience with DCOH's stated values and methodologies will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing end-to-end design processes, multidisciplinary coordination, BCA/NCC compliance, and proficiency with Aconex, Revizto, and Bluebeam. Select portfolio pieces that best showcase these skills.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 8-12+ years of design management experience in construction/major projects, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "buildability," "programme certainty," "stakeholder management," "HSEQ-in-Design"). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, preparing specific examples for common interview questions related to design management, problem-solving, and leadership. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on demonstrating your impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review DCOH's website, project portfolio, and company values. Understand their approach to "Building Better" and how your role contributes to their mission.

⚠️ 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. The potential geographical discrepancy (Perth vs. Darwin) should be clarified during the application process.