Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: GPT Group

Location: Karrinyup, WA, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-05-12

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the design aspects of retail store presentations and functional quality for key assets like Cockburn Gateway and Belmont Forum.

• Ensure business-driven design solutions that effectively balance commercial objectives with creative vision.

• Collaborate closely with tenants, their designers, and internal stakeholders throughout the design and fit-out process.

• Uphold and implement GPT's Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) initiatives and minimum design standards across all retail tenancies.

• Drive consistency in design across the portfolio by adhering to GPT's fit-out and style guides, working in partnership with Asset and Development Teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a large property group, indicating a need for strong process adherence and scalability in design solutions. The emphasis on balancing commercial and creative aspects suggests a need for pragmatic design decision-making and an understanding of retail tenant needs and business viability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Concept to Fit-Out Management: Guide tenants and their designers from initial concept brief through to the commencement of store fit-outs, ensuring all GPT standards and ESD initiatives are integrated.

• Design Approvals: Conduct and manage the design approval process for new and renewed retail builds and fit-outs for stores within GPT's assets.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain strong relationships with Asset and Development Teams, as well as external tenants and designers, to foster a cohesive design approach.

• Portfolio Consistency: Ensure all designs align with GPT's established fit-out and style guides, promoting a consistent brand experience across the retail portfolio.

• Process Adherence: Diligently follow the internal design approval process within defined program timelines.

• Design Innovation & Influence: Contribute design ideas, inspiration, and information to the broader team, actively influencing positive design outcomes across the entire GPT retail portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical interface role, requiring strong project management capabilities to navigate complex approval processes and manage multiple stakeholders. The emphasis on contributing design ideas suggests an expectation for proactive engagement and creative problem-solving within defined operational frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Tertiary qualifications are required, ideally in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related design field.

Experience: Several years of relevant experience in interior design, specifically within the retail sector, or a similar design management role is essential.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to manage design projects from concept to completion.

• Retail Interior Design: In-depth understanding of retail environments and consumer experience design.

• Construction Process Knowledge: Familiarity with construction methodologies and project lifecycles.

• Building Services Understanding: Basic knowledge of building services (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing) and their integration into retail fit-outs.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with tenants, designers, and internal teams.

• Design Approval Process: Experience navigating and managing formal design approval workflows.

• Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD): Understanding of sustainability principles and their application in built environments.

• Portfolio Standards: Ability to work with and enforce design standards and style guides.

Preferred Skills:

• AutoCAD/Revit Proficiency: Familiarity with design software commonly used in architectural and interior design.

• Asset Management Principles: Understanding of how design impacts asset value and tenant experience.

• Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate design solutions with tenants and stakeholders.

• Project Prioritization: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both design and construction process knowledge, alongside building services understanding, indicates a need for a well-rounded design professional who can bridge the gap between creative vision and practical execution within a commercial property context. The mention of "business-driven design solutions" implies a need for candidates who can demonstrate commercial acumen alongside design expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating successful retail interior design projects, highlighting innovative solutions and aesthetic quality.

• Process Documentation Examples: Evidence of managing design approval processes, including submission and review stages.

• Stakeholder Collaboration Case Studies: Examples of how you have effectively managed relationships and communication with tenants, designers, and internal teams.

• ESD Integration: Visual or documented examples of how Environmentally Sustainable Design principles were incorporated into past projects.

• Commercial vs. Creative Balance: Projects that clearly illustrate the ability to balance commercial viability with strong design outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Showcase experience in designing or optimizing workflows for design approvals and tenant fit-out processes.

• Standardization: Examples of how you have applied or contributed to design standards and style guides to ensure consistency and quality.

• Performance Measurement: If possible, include examples of how design outcomes were measured against initial briefs or business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio is crucial for showcasing practical application of design principles, project management skills, and stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on process and standards suggests that candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodology for managing design approvals and ensuring consistency across multiple projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in major Australian cities like Perth, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $110,000 - $140,000. This range accounts for the specialized nature of retail design management within a large property group and the responsibilities associated with managing multiple assets.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Opportunities for adaptable work schedules to promote work-life balance.

• Generous Leave Options: Comprehensive leave entitlements beyond standard requirements.

• Market-Leading Parental Leave: 22 weeks of paid leave for primary carers, with an additional childcare allowance upon return to work.

• Learning & Development Support: Access to resources, training, and programs facilitated by a dedicated L&D team to support professional growth.

• Comprehensive Wellbeing Programs: Initiatives and support systems focused on employee physical and mental health.

• Employee Referral Program: Incentives for referring successful candidates to the company.

• Recognition Programs: Opportunities for peer recognition and awards.

Working Hours: The role is typically a full-time position, implying approximately 40 hours per week. While a standard work week is expected, the mention of flexible working arrangements suggests potential for some adaptability in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for Design Manager roles in Western Australia, considering the company's size and industry. Benefits highlight GPT's commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance, which are significant draws for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Property Investment and Development (Real Estate). GPT Group manages a diverse portfolio including office, retail, logistics, and student accommodation.

Company Size: GPT Group is one of Australia's largest property groups, managing approximately AUD $40 billion in assets, indicating a large, established organization with significant market presence.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't provided, their scale and asset management value suggest a company with a long-standing history and established market position.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the Retail team, specifically focusing on assets like Cockburn Gateway and Belmont Forum.

• This role requires close collaboration with Asset and Development Teams, suggesting a matrixed or project-based team structure where functional expertise is leveraged across different asset groups.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centricity: A core focus on delivering "great experiences" for customers, which translates into design that is both functional and engaging.

• Sustainability Focus: Strong emphasis on "doing good" and driving "positive impact for people, place and planet," evident in their Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) initiatives.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouragement of inquisitive minds, pioneering industry firsts, and pushing new ideas to achieve exceptional outcomes.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Implicit in managing a large asset portfolio, suggesting that design decisions are informed by performance data, market trends, and commercial viability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GPT's emphasis on sustainability, customer experience, and innovation suggests a forward-thinking corporate culture. For a Design Manager, this means opportunities to implement modern design practices and contribute to a company recognized for its ESG commitments. The scale of operations implies robust internal processes and a structured approach to project management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level management position. As a Design Manager, you are responsible for the successful execution of design strategies within specific retail assets, requiring a blend of technical design expertise, project management, and stakeholder negotiation skills. Your impact is measured by the quality, functionality, and commercial success of retail spaces.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report into a senior leader within the Retail team, likely an Asset Manager or a Head of Retail Operations/Development. Close collaboration with Asset and Development Teams is a key aspect of the role, indicating a cross-functional reporting or working relationship.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager directly influences the tenant experience, the aesthetic appeal of shopping centers, and ultimately, their commercial performance. By ensuring high standards and effective design solutions, this role contributes to tenant satisfaction, customer footfall, and the overall brand value of GPT's retail assets. Adherence to ESD principles also contributes to the company's sustainability goals and corporate social responsibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Portfolio Expansion: Potential to manage design across a broader range of GPT's retail assets or even other property types (office, logistics) as experience and impact grow.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like sustainable retail design, tenant engagement strategies, or specific retail fit-out technologies.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers or take on leadership roles within larger development or asset management projects.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into roles within Asset Management, Development Management, or broader Property Management, leveraging design expertise in a different capacity.

• Industry Engagement: Representing GPT at industry events, contributing to design standards evolution, and staying abreast of retail design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for growth within a large, diversified property group. Success here could lead to broader responsibilities, specialization, or movement into different facets of property management and development, making it an attractive position for ambitious design professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Cockburn Gateway, implying a presence within a dynamic retail environment. While there might be an administrative office space associated with the center, the nature of the role suggests regular site visits and interaction within the retail centers. This is a hybrid role, balancing office-based responsibilities with on-site work.

Office Location(s): The primary focus is on Cockburn Gateway and Belmont Forum in Western Australia. This necessitates regular travel between these sites and potentially to other GPT offices or external stakeholder locations as needed.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic Retail Setting: Working within active shopping centers provides a real-time view of customer interaction and retail trends, offering a vibrant and evolving workspace.

• Collaborative Design Hub: The role involves close interaction with internal teams (Asset, Development) and external partners (tenants, designers), fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving shared design goals.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, design software (likely CAD/BIM), and potentially project management platforms will be available to support design processes.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature allows for flexibility, with potential to structure days between site visits, office work, and remote collaboration, depending on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and site-based responsibilities indicate a practical, hands-on work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of office, remote, and on-site work, and enjoy the fast-paced nature of the retail sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume by the Talent Acquisition team (Mandy).

2. First Interview: Likely a discussion with a hiring manager or senior team member to assess your experience, technical skills, and cultural fit. This may involve discussing your approach to design management and stakeholder collaboration.

3. Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where you will be asked to present your portfolio, showcasing your best work and explaining your design process, problem-solving approach, and commercial considerations for specific projects.

4. Technical/Case Study: Potentially a scenario-based question or a small case study related to retail design challenges, requiring you to outline your strategic approach and proposed solutions.

5. Final Interview: May involve meeting with more senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in retail design, stakeholder management, process adherence, and balancing commercial needs with creative vision.

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by the key responsibilities of the role. Clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your solution, and the outcomes (both design and commercial).

• Highlight Process: For each project, explain your design process, how you managed approvals, engaged stakeholders, and integrated ESD principles.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., tenant satisfaction, foot traffic impact, sustainability achievements).

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss a challenging project and how you overcame obstacles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Retail Trends: Familiarize yourself with current trends in retail design, customer experience, and sustainable retail practices.

• GPT Assets: Research Cockburn Gateway and Belmont Forum to understand their current offerings and target demographics.

• Scenario Planning: Prepare for questions about how you would handle common design conflicts, tenant requests that deviate from standards, or tight project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare a compelling narrative around their projects, emphasizing not just aesthetic outcomes but also the process, stakeholder management, and commercial considerations that define successful design management in a property group.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in tools like AutoCAD, Revit, or similar architectural design software is highly probable for creating and reviewing technical drawings.

• 3D Modelling/Rendering Software: Tools such as SketchUp, 3ds Max, or Lumion may be used for visualization and client presentations.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for documentation, presentations, and communication (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or similar for tracking project progress and timelines.

• Communication Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack for real-time team communication and collaboration.

Data & Reporting:

• CRM/Tenant Management Systems: While not explicitly stated, understanding how design integrates with tenant management systems may be beneficial.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic ability to interpret data related to store performance, foot traffic, or tenant feedback to inform design decisions.

Document Management:

• Cloud Storage Solutions: Experience with platforms like SharePoint or Google Drive for storing and sharing design documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the nature of design management in property development strongly implies a need for proficiency in standard CAD/BIM software. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with design visualization and project tracking tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A paramount value, driving the need to create "great experiences" for shoppers and tenants. Design decisions should always consider the end-user.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: A strong commitment to "doing good" for people, place, and planet, integrated into design through ESD initiatives.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Encouragement of people working together, sharing ideas, and supporting each other to achieve collective goals.

• Innovation & Pioneering Spirit: A culture that values curiosity, challenges the status quo, and seeks new ways to deliver exceptional outcomes.

• Integrity & Accountability: As a large property group, adherence to ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities is expected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with Asset Managers, Development Teams, and external tenants/designers, requiring a partnership-oriented approach.

• Proactive Communication: Regular updates and transparent communication are essential to manage expectations and ensure alignment across diverse stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where design ideas can be shared and critiqued constructively to achieve the best possible outcomes for the portfolio.

• Shared Vision: Working towards a common goal of enhancing the retail assets and delivering value for GPT and its stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: GPT's culture emphasizes a balance between commercial objectives and social/environmental responsibility. Successful candidates will likely be those who can integrate these values into their design philosophy and collaborative approach, demonstrating a commitment to both performance and purpose.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Managing expectations and design preferences from multiple tenants, each with unique commercial goals, alongside GPT's internal standards and sustainability objectives.

• Maintaining Design Consistency Across Assets: Ensuring a cohesive brand and functional experience across different retail locations (Cockburn Gateway, Belmont Forum) that may have varying architectural characteristics or tenant mixes.

• Navigating Complex Approval Processes: Adhering to internal timelines and procedures while facilitating efficient design approvals for a high volume of tenant fit-outs.

• Keeping Pace with Retail Trends: Continuously adapting design strategies to evolving consumer behaviour, retail technology, and market demands.

• Integrating Sustainability Mandates: Effectively incorporating ESD initiatives into tenant fit-outs, which may require negotiation and education with tenants.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in sustainable building design, retail experience design, or specific construction technologies.

• Project Leadership: Taking lead roles on larger design-led projects or asset upgrades within the retail portfolio.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to asset management, development, and leasing functions within the property sector.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing professional development in areas like Green Star, LEED, or other sustainability accreditations.

• Mentorship Programs: Engaging with senior leaders within GPT for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges within a leading property group, fostering significant professional growth. The challenges are directly tied to the dynamic nature of retail and the responsibilities of managing large-scale assets.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing tenant design approvals from initial concept to final sign-off, ensuring both tenant satisfaction and adherence to company standards." (Focus on process, stakeholder management, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you balance commercial objectives (e.g., speed of fit-out, cost-effectiveness for tenants) with creative design principles and the company's sustainability goals?" (Focus on commercial acumen, design philosophy, and ESG integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about GPT Group's commitment to sustainability, and how would you integrate this into your role as Design Manager?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company values.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative working relationship with Asset Managers and Development Teams to ensure design consistency across the portfolio?" (Focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Retail: Showcase projects that are directly relevant to retail environments, demonstrating your understanding of shopper behaviour and retail functionality.

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the challenge, your creative and practical solutions, the key stakeholders involved, and the tangible results (commercial, aesthetic, sustainability).

• Highlight Process & Standards: Explicitly show how you managed design approvals, adhered to or developed standards, and integrated ESD principles.

• Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: Explain how your design decisions supported business objectives, tenant success, or asset value.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, decision-making process, and how you handle conflicts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a holistic understanding of design management within a commercial property context. Candidates should be ready to articulate their processes, showcase their problem-solving skills through concrete examples, and align their approach with GPT's stated values of sustainability and customer experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the GPT careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and cover letter highlight relevant experience in retail design, stakeholder management, and process adherence. Tailor your portfolio to showcase specific projects that demonstrate your ability to manage design approvals and balance commercial needs with creative excellence, particularly within retail environments.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your years of experience, educational background, and key skills in design management, interior design, construction processes, and sustainable design principles. Use keywords found in the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, stakeholder management strategies, and how you approach balancing commercial and creative aspects of design. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss case studies that exemplify your capabilities.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research GPT Group's portfolio, sustainability initiatives, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of their business and cultural values. Familiarize yourself with the specific assets mentioned (Cockburn Gateway, Belmont Forum).

⚠️ 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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