Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: DCOH

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-06T00:50:32.646

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for complex construction projects, from conceptualization through to final handover.

• Implement and maintain robust Design Management Plans and frameworks aligned with DCOH's high standards and project-specific objectives.

• Drive strategic design leadership that integrates construction methodology, sequencing, procurement strategies, and commercial considerations.

• Coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, including architectural, structural, civil, and building services, to achieve fully integrated and constructible solutions.

• Manage design programs to ensure timely achievement of approval milestones, issue dates, and construction readiness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a construction and development company with a strong emphasis on buildability, program certainty, and on-site execution. The Design Manager will be pivotal in bridging the gap between design intent and practical construction realities, requiring a deep understanding of both design principles and on-site operations. The Darwin-based aspect mentioned in the original description has been superseded by the Brisbane location data, and the description has been updated to reflect Brisbane as the primary location.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Define, implement, and manage project-specific Design Management Plans, clearly establishing scope, responsibilities, deliverables, and critical review gateways.

• Set and maintain a consistent Design Management framework that aligns with DCOH's organizational standards and overarching project objectives.

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

• Coordinate architectural, structural, civil, and building services disciplines to ensure fully integrated, compliant, and buildable design solutions for complex projects.

• Develop, manage, and control detailed design programs to meet key approval milestones, crucial issue dates, and essential construction readiness requirements.

• Review and formally authorize design documentation to guarantee technical accuracy, comprehensive coordination, and strict 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, RFIs, clashes, and inconsistencies to minimize downstream construction impacts and project delays.

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

• Act as the central point of accountability for all design communications with consultants, project teams, 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), Australian Standards, authority requirements, and Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ)-in-Design obligations.

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

• Oversee design documentation control, implement rigorous quality assurance processes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives while mentoring and developing the design team's capability in line with DCOH values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the operational impact of design management within a construction context. Emphasis is placed on the integration of design with construction methodology, risk management, and commercial alignment, reflecting the typical demands of a Design Manager in a major projects environment.

🎓 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 within construction, major projects, or development environments.

Required Skills:

• Design Management Leadership: Proven ability to lead end-to-end design delivery from concept through construction and handover on large-scale, complex projects.

• Multi-disciplinary Coordination: Demonstrated capacity to manage and coordinate complex, multi-disciplinary design teams and consultants effectively.

• Construction Methodology Acumen: Strong understanding of construction methodology, sequencing, procurement strategies, and the commercial drivers influencing project delivery.

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

• Design Framework Implementation: Experience establishing and maintaining robust design management frameworks, plans, and review gateways to ensure structured delivery.

• Integrated Design Solutions: High capability in coordinating architectural, structural, civil, and services designs into compliant, buildable, and construction-ready outcomes.

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

• Stakeholder Engagement: Highly organised people leader with strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Documentation & QA Practices: Disciplined in documentation control and Quality Assurance (QA) practices, ensuring high standards in project deliverables.

• Industry-Standard Platforms: Proficiency in industry-standard document control and collaboration platforms such as Aconex, Revizto, or Bluebeam.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Certification: A recognized project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) would be advantageous.

• Contract Administration: Familiarity with various contract administration methods relevant to design and construction.

• BIM Proficiency: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles and software for design coordination and clash detection.

• Cost Management Systems: Exposure to cost management systems and their integration with design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills list has been populated with specific competencies derived from the job description, focusing on the practical application of design management within a construction context. These keywords are critical for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and highlight the blend of technical, commercial, and leadership abilities required.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Frameworks: Showcase examples of Design Management Plans (DMPs) or similar frameworks developed and implemented for large-scale construction projects. Detail the key components, review stages, and how they ensured project objectives were met.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Present case studies demonstrating how you've improved design processes, reduced coordination issues, or enhanced constructability through innovative approaches. Quantify the impact where possible (e.g., reduction in RFIs, cost savings from value engineering).

• System Implementation & Integration: Provide evidence of successful implementation or management of design documentation control systems (e.g., Aconex) and collaborative platforms. Highlight how these systems facilitated communication, streamlined workflows, and ensured data integrity.

• Risk Mitigation & Value Engineering: Include examples of how you've proactively identified and mitigated design risks, and successfully implemented value engineering initiatives. Demonstrate the process from identification to approval and the resulting benefits to the project.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your approach to designing and optimizing workflows for design coordination, consultant management, and stakeholder communication. Illustrate with diagrams or flowcharts where appropriate.

• Implementation & Automation: Describe your experience in implementing and overseeing the use of digital tools and platforms for design management, document control, and collaboration.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Explain how you measure the effectiveness of design management processes, including key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery, quality, cost, and program adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to the specific needs of an operations role like Design Manager, emphasizing the need for a portfolio that demonstrates tangible process improvements, system proficiency, and quantifiable results, rather than just theoretical knowledge.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum (Estimated)

Benefits:

• Superannuation: Employer contributions in line with Australian legislative requirements.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, industry certifications, and attendance at relevant conferences.

• Project Variety: Exposure to a diverse portfolio of high-profile residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.

• Team Collaboration: A supportive and collaborative work environment with a focus on teamwork and knowledge sharing.

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

• Company Culture: Opportunity to contribute to a company culture driven by a commitment to "Building Better."

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for flexibility based on project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated for a Design Manager role in Brisbane, Australia, based on industry benchmarks for similar positions with 10+ years of experience. This estimate considers the cost of living and typical compensation structures in major Australian cities for senior construction management roles. Benefits have been inferred based on standard offerings for full-time roles in the Australian construction industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Development. DCOH operates across residential, commercial, hospitality, and real estate sectors, demonstrating a broad expertise within the built environment.

Company Size: DCOH is an established company with operations in both the Northern Territory and Victoria, indicating a significant but likely not enterprise-level structure. This size suggests a balance between established processes and the agility to adapt.

Founded: Established in 1987, DCOH brings decades of experience and a proven track record in delivering complex projects, including award-winning developments. This history underscores a commitment to quality and long-term value creation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated design team or function, comprising architects, engineers, and design coordinators.

• This role will report to senior project management or a director, with a dotted line to operations leadership concerning process and efficiency standards.

Methodology:

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

• Integrated Project Delivery: A focus on collaborative planning and execution, ensuring all project stakeholders are aligned from inception through completion.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning from past projects, refining methodologies, and implementing best practices across all operations to achieve higher standards of buildability and program certainty.

Company Website: https://www.dcoh.au (Assumed based on domain derived: dcoh.au)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been synthesized from the provided description, highlighting DCOH's established presence, sectoral diversity, and commitment to quality. This information is crucial for a Design Manager to understand the operational environment and cultural expectations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, designated as a Managerial role within the operations and project delivery framework. It requires significant autonomy and strategic input into project execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or Senior Operations Manager, overseeing a team of design professionals and consultants. This position acts as a key interface between design, construction, and commercial functions.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct and substantial impact on project profitability, program timelines, quality outcomes, and client satisfaction. Effective design management minimizes costly variations, ensures constructability, and upholds the company's reputation for delivering high-quality projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into more senior project management roles, such as Senior Design Manager, Project Director, or Operations Manager, overseeing larger portfolios or strategic initiatives.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific sectors (e.g., high-rise residential, complex commercial) or in specialized areas like BIM integration or sustainable design within construction.

• Mentorship & Training: Role in mentoring junior design staff and contributing to the development of DCOH's design management standards and best practices, enhancing team capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the progression pathways and impact of a Design Manager within the construction operations landscape, providing candidates with insights into long-term career prospects and the strategic importance of the role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily based in an office environment, facilitating design coordination, stakeholder meetings, and administrative tasks. However, regular site visits are expected to ensure practical application of design principles.

Office Location(s): Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The office is likely situated in a central business district or a well-connected commercial area, providing accessibility for team members and external partners.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office space will likely foster collaboration among design teams, project managers, and other key personnel, with meeting rooms equipped for design reviews and presentations.

• Technology Enabled: Access to industry-standard design software, document management systems (like Aconex), communication tools, and potentially BIM viewers.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, consultants, and potentially clients during design reviews and progress meetings.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility often required to meet project deadlines and attend site visits or critical meetings, which may occasionally fall outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to a Design Manager, emphasizing the blend of office-based coordination and essential site engagement crucial for this role in the construction industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on your experience in design management, project scale, and specific qualifications against the job requirements.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with senior management or a panel to assess your technical expertise in design coordination, NCC/BCA compliance, construction methodology, and risk management. Expect scenario-based questions related to complex design challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, highlighting your role, process, challenges, and outcomes. This is crucial to demonstrate your practical application of design management principles.

• Cultural Fit & Behavioral Interview: An assessment of your leadership style, stakeholder management abilities, problem-solving approach, and alignment with DCOH's values ("Building Better," teamwork, integrity).

• Final Interview: Potentially with a director or executive, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term vision for the design function within DCOH.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects that demonstrate your experience with large-scale, complex construction projects.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the design management process you followed, key decisions made, and how you managed consultants and stakeholders. Use visual aids like flowcharts or diagrams.

• Quantify Results: Highlight achievements with data. Detail how your design management contributed to cost savings (value engineering), improved program timelines, reduced RFIs, enhanced safety, or improved buildability.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: If relevant, show how you utilized tools like Aconex, Revizto, or Bluebeam to manage documentation, facilitate collaboration, or resolve clashes.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss design challenges encountered and how you effectively resolved them, showcasing your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: Be ready to analyze a complex design problem (e.g., conflicting services, site constraints) and outline your systematic approach to resolution, including communication and documentation steps.

• Value Engineering Proposal: Prepare to present a hypothetical value engineering proposal for a common construction element, detailing cost-benefit analysis and constructability considerations.

• Stakeholder Management Simulation: Practice articulating design decisions and managing feedback from different stakeholders (e.g., client, site supervisor, architect) in a role-playing scenario.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications and prepare for the specific interview stages and portfolio review expected for a senior Design Manager role in construction.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Documentation Control: Proficiency in platforms such as Aconex is essential for managing project documentation, communications, and workflows in a structured, auditable manner.

• 3D Design Review & Collaboration: Experience with tools like Revizto or similar BIM coordination software for clash detection, issue tracking, and virtual design reviews.

• Document Management & Markup: Familiarity with tools like Bluebeam Revu for reviewing, marking up, and collaborating on technical drawings and documents.

• CAD/BIM Software: While not expected to be a primary user, a strong understanding of common CAD platforms (e.g., AutoCAD) and BIM software (e.g., Revit) used by design consultants is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Information Systems (PMIS): Experience with integrated systems that track project progress, costs, and performance metrics.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to interpret and potentially contribute to project performance dashboards that track design milestones, RFIs, and variation status.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how design impacts client relationships and commercial outcomes is key. Familiarity with project management software that integrates various project aspects is advantageous.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how digital tools can automate design review processes, approval workflows, and RFI management to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack have been specifically selected based on the job description's mention of Aconex, Revizto, and Bluebeam, and are common in large-scale construction project management and design coordination.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Building Better": A core value emphasizing quality, innovation, and creating lasting value in all projects undertaken by DCOH. This translates to a commitment to excellence in design and execution.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, particularly in managing design processes and consultant performance.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve project goals.

• Efficiency & Discipline: A focus on structured processes, program certainty, and disciplined execution to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with project managers, site teams, commercial departments, and external consultants to ensure seamless integration of design into the construction process.

• Open Communication: Promoting a culture of transparent and timely communication regarding design progress, challenges, and resolutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of lessons learned and best practices within the design team and across project teams to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are inferred from DCOH's stated ethos and the typical collaborative demands of a construction project environment, highlighting how a Design Manager can contribute to and embody these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Intent with Constructability: Ensuring that innovative design concepts are practical and cost-effective to build, especially on complex projects with tight site constraints or program demands.

• Managing Diverse Consultant Teams: Effectively coordinating and aligning multiple design consultants (architects, engineers, specialists) with potentially conflicting priorities or approaches.

• Navigating Regulatory Changes: Keeping abreast of evolving NCC/BCA requirements, Australian Standards, and local authority regulations that may impact design approvals and project timelines.

• Mitigating Design-Related Risks: Proactively identifying and managing risks associated with design, such as clashes, errors, omissions, or value engineering impacts, to prevent costly rework.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Opportunities to attend workshops or training on cutting-edge design coordination methodologies, BIM implementation strategies, and digital construction technologies.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications in project management, construction, or design disciplines.

• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training programs focused on enhancing people management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills within the construction industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates potential challenges inherent in the Design Manager role within construction and outlines specific learning and development avenues, offering a forward-looking perspective for candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a Design Management Plan for a large-scale commercial project. What are the critical components you always include?" (Focus: Frameworks, process documentation)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between multiple design consultants and the site construction team to minimize clashes and RFIs?" (Focus: Stakeholder engagement, collaboration style)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see the 'Building Better' philosophy influencing your approach to design management at DCOH?" (Focus: Company values, cultural alignment)

• "Describe your experience working within a construction company that prioritizes program certainty and strong on-site execution. How would you support these priorities from a design perspective?" (Focus: Operations context, efficiency)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem (project goals/constraints), your solution (design management approach, tools used, key decisions), and the result (quantifiable outcomes, lessons learned).

• Highlight Your Role: Emphasize your specific contributions and leadership in managing design processes, consultants, and approvals.

• Showcase Visuals: Utilize drawings, BIM models, or site photos where appropriate to illustrate design complexity and coordination efforts.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific challenges, technical aspects, and your decision-making rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete examples of interview questions tailored to the Design Manager role, along with strategic advice on how to approach portfolio presentations, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the specified criteria through the provided application link.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in design management for large-scale construction projects, specifically mentioning your proficiency with NCC/BCA, Australian Standards, and document control platforms like Aconex, Revizto, or Bluebeam. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Directly address the key requirements outlined in the job description, showcasing your strategic leadership, technical expertise, and commercial awareness. Explain how your experience aligns with DCOH's commitment to "Building Better."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects to showcase your design management process, challenges overcome, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present these with clear, concise narratives focusing on your role and impact.

• Research DCOH: Familiarize yourself with DCOH's project portfolio, company values, and operational approach to demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their business.

⚠️ 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.