Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: SMCT

Location: Springvale, VIC, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Project Management / Design Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-10-05

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and planning phases for significant capital projects within the Property, Infrastructure & Facilities team, ensuring alignment with SMCT's mission and community service objectives.

• Manage and coordinate a diverse range of external consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality project designs and comprehensive tender documentation.

• Oversee the development and execution of project budgets, timelines, procurement strategies, and essential project management documentation for capital works across 11 cemetery sites.

• Drive stakeholder consultation, facilitate project working groups, and lead design meetings to ensure collaborative progress and consensus on project deliverables within the infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on client-side project leadership within the infrastructure and facilities management domain, requiring a strong blend of technical design oversight and robust project management acumen. The emphasis on cemetery sites indicates a unique operational context requiring sensitivity and long-term vision.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the planning, scoping, and meticulous design delivery of capital projects, ensuring strategic alignment across SMCT's diverse portfolio of 11 cemetery locations.

• Proactively manage external design consultants, holding them accountable for delivering exceptional quality designs and complete tender documentation packages that meet stringent project requirements.

• Develop and rigorously manage project budgets, detailed programs, comprehensive procurement plans, and all necessary project management documentation, ensuring fiscal responsibility and timely execution.

• Coordinate extensive stakeholder consultation processes and facilitate productive project working groups and design meetings to foster collaboration and achieve project milestones.

• Oversee the entire tender process, from initial assessment and evaluation to making recommendations and finalizing contract documentation for construction and service providers.

• Diligently monitor project scope, cost, quality, and schedule, implementing proactive measures to ensure successful project outcomes and mitigate risks.

• Prepare comprehensive project reports, essential governance documentation, and impactful presentations for senior leadership and stakeholders, communicating project status and strategic insights effectively.

• Ensure all capital projects strictly adhere to safety, environmental, legislative, and organizational requirements, maintaining the highest standards of compliance and corporate responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a client-side perspective, focusing on managing external parties and internal stakeholders to achieve project objectives. The emphasis on "cemeteries" suggests a focus on landscape architecture, civil engineering, and potentially heritage preservation within the project scope.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Project Management, or a closely related discipline.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of proven experience in a client-side Design Manager, Project Manager, or similar infrastructure delivery role, with a strong track record in managing the design and procurement phases of construction, civil, or infrastructure projects.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in client-side Design Management or Project Management for infrastructure or construction projects.

• Expertise in managing the design and procurement phases of capital works, including tender processes and contract documentation.

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage, influence, and build strong relationships across diverse groups at all organizational levels.

• Superior communication, report writing, and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex technical information clearly and concisely.

• Strong financial acumen, commercial understanding, and robust project management capabilities, including budget and program management.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and project management software, specifically Microsoft Project.

• Highly organized, proactive, and adept at managing multiple priorities within a complex, dynamic environment.

• Thorough understanding of safety, environmental, legislative, and organizational compliance requirements in project delivery. Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the not-for-profit, community services, or heritage management sectors.

• Familiarity with landscape architecture principles and urban planning considerations.

• Knowledge of civil engineering practices relevant to site development and infrastructure.

• Experience with specific tender assessment methodologies and contract negotiation.

• Familiarity with governance frameworks for community-based organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a degree in specific disciplines like Architecture or Landscape Architecture, combined with the focus on infrastructure and civil projects, suggests that technical design understanding is crucial, not just project management. The "client-side" experience is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful management of the design phase for capital projects, showcasing a clear understanding of project lifecycles from concept to tender.

• Case studies detailing the management of external design consultants, highlighting strategies for quality assurance and timely delivery of design documentation.

• Examples of budget and program management for infrastructure projects, illustrating financial control and adherence to timelines.

• Documentation showcasing stakeholder engagement strategies and the successful resolution of design-related conflicts or challenges.

• Evidence of managing tender processes, including procurement plans, bid assessments, and contract finalization. Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs and optimization strategies employed in managing design consultants and project phases.

• Implementation and automation methods used to streamline design review and approval processes.

• Measurement and performance analysis of design delivery, including metrics for quality, cost, and schedule adherence.

• Governance documentation and reporting templates used for senior stakeholder updates on project design progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should ideally showcase visual elements of projects managed (plans, renders, site photos) alongside project management documentation. The emphasis is on the management of the design process and its outcomes, rather than personal design creation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the Australian market, particularly within the Melbourne metropolitan area, a salary range of AUD $120,000 - $160,000 per annum is estimated. This range accounts for the client-side nature of the role, the responsibility for significant capital projects, and the specialized industry context.

Benefits:

• Leadership and Development programs designed to foster professional growth and career advancement.

• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Employee Health, Wellbeing, and Assistance Programs.

• Access to complimentary onsite physio services for employee wellness.

• Generous paid parental leave: 16 weeks for primary carers, 6 weeks for secondary carers.

• Specialized leave entitlements including Reproductive Health and Wellbeing leave, Gender Affirmation leave, and Cultural/Ceremonial leave.

• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave, providing greater flexibility.

• Discounts at the employee café and onsite florists, enhancing the employee experience.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 38-40 hours per week, with the possibility of flexible arrangements as noted in the benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for similar roles in Australia, considering the experience level and the specific responsibilities of managing capital projects in a non-profit, community-focused organization. The extensive leave entitlements are a significant draw.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Community Services / Not-for-Profit / Cemetery Management. SMCT operates within a unique sector focused on providing essential services related to end-of-life care, memorialization, and the management of significant cultural and natural heritage sites. This context implies a mission-driven culture with a strong emphasis on community impact, long-term stewardship, and compassionate service delivery. The organization's status as a $80m community-based, purpose-driven entity underscores its commitment to its mission over profit.

Company Size: SMCT is described as an $80m organization, suggesting a substantial operational scale. While exact employee numbers aren't provided, this financial scale typically correlates with a mid-to-large sized organization, likely employing several hundred individuals across various departments. For operations professionals, this means a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for significant impact due to the organization's size and purpose.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the company description implies a long-standing presence and a commitment to managing "shared heritage." This suggests a history of stable operations and a focus on long-term sustainability.

Team Structure: The Design Manager will join the Property, Infrastructure & Facilities team. This team is likely responsible for the planning, development, maintenance, and management of all SMCT's physical assets, including its 11 cemetery locations. The Design Manager will report into this team's leadership, collaborating closely with other project managers, engineers, facilities staff, and potentially heritage specialists. Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, involving engagement with operations teams at the cemetery sites, finance, and senior leadership for governance and approvals.

Methodology: SMCT emphasizes innovation, constant improvement, and doing the "right thing." Operations within SMCT likely involve a blend of traditional project management methodologies for capital works, alongside a strong focus on sustainable practices, community engagement, and heritage preservation. Data analysis will be crucial for project planning, resource allocation, and performance monitoring, while workflow optimization will aim to enhance efficiency in site management and service delivery.

Company Website: www.smct.org.au

📝 Enhancement Note: The "client-side" nature of this role is critical. It means SMCT is the owner and client of the projects, not a consultant or contractor. This requires managing external design consultants and contractors from the client's perspective, focusing on achieving the organization's strategic goals and ensuring value for money.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and project management spectrum. As a Design Manager, the individual is expected to possess substantial autonomy in managing project lifecycles, making critical decisions regarding design strategy, consultant selection, and tender processes. The scope of managing capital projects across multiple sites indicates a significant level of responsibility and strategic input.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report into the leadership of the Property, Infrastructure & Facilities team. This likely means reporting to a Director or Head of Department who oversees all aspects of SMCT's physical assets and capital investments. The role requires regular reporting to senior stakeholders and potentially board committees, indicating a high level of visibility.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct and profound impact on SMCT's ability to serve the community, manage its heritage assets, and maintain its operational efficiency. By leading the design of capital projects, this role shapes the physical spaces that will serve the community for generations, influencing user experience, operational functionality, and the long-term preservation of iconic locations. Successful project delivery contributes directly to SMCT's mission fulfillment and its reputation as an innovative leader in its sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of infrastructure design relevant to cemetery management, such as landscape architecture, sustainable development, or heritage conservation project management.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to a senior project director role, overseeing larger portfolios of capital works or managing a broader team of project managers and designers within SMCT.

• Strategic Planning: Contribute more significantly to the organization's long-term strategic planning for asset development and infrastructure investment, leveraging design and project expertise.

• Professional Development: Access SMCT's leadership and development programs, potentially leading to certifications in advanced project management, sustainability, or relevant technical fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "client-side" project leadership suggests a path towards broader strategic asset management or directorial roles within organizations that manage significant physical portfolios.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, implying a mix of office-based work and potential site visits or remote work as needed. The primary office location is in Springvale, VIC. This suggests a professional office environment within SMCT's headquarters, likely featuring collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and standard office amenities.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Springvale, Victoria. However, the role's responsibilities involve managing projects across SMCT's 11 cemetery sites. This necessitates regular travel to these sites, which are likely situated within the broader Melbourne metropolitan area and potentially surrounding regions.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, supporting the interaction required for project planning and stakeholder meetings.

• Access to standard office technology and software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Project, is a given.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of internal teams (operations at cemetery sites, facilities management, finance) and external consultants will be frequent, fostering a dynamic work environment.

• The hybrid nature of the role allows for focused work at the office or remotely, balanced with essential site visits to understand project context and oversee progress.

Work Schedule: While a standard full-time schedule is implied, the hybrid arrangement suggests some flexibility in terms of where work is performed. However, the nature of project management, especially in client-side roles requiring coordination with consultants and site visits, means that adherence to project timelines and meeting commitments will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a key aspect. Candidates should be comfortable with a blend of office, remote, and site-based work, with travel to the various cemetery locations being an integral part of the job.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted applications, focusing on alignment with the required experience, qualifications, and key skills, particularly client-side project leadership in infrastructure.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (likely Head of Property, Infrastructure & Facilities) and possibly an HR representative. This will assess overall fit, experience depth, and understanding of the role's core responsibilities. Behavioral questions focusing on stakeholder management, problem-solving, and project execution will be common.

• Second Interview / Panel Interview: May involve meeting with other key stakeholders from the Property team, relevant department heads, or senior leadership. This stage often includes more in-depth technical discussions, case study presentations, or scenario-based questions related to managing complex design projects.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant past projects. This is crucial for demonstrating practical experience in design management, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery.

• Final Interview/Reference Checks: A final conversation, potentially with a senior executive, followed by thorough reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Curate 2-3 key projects that best exemplify your experience in managing the design and procurement phases of infrastructure or construction projects from a client-side perspective.

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline: the project scope and objectives, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced (e.g., stakeholder conflicts, budget constraints, technical issues), your strategies and solutions, the key outcomes (design quality, tender success, cost/schedule adherence), and any lessons learned.

• Visuals: Include relevant visuals where possible (site plans, concept designs, progress photos) to illustrate project context and complexity.

• Metrics: Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., budget managed, schedule improvements, cost savings achieved through design optimization, number of stakeholders managed).

• Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, articulating your decision-making process and demonstrating your understanding of project management principles and design oversight.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical project scenario, such as managing a design consultant who is consistently missing deadlines or dealing with conflicting stakeholder requirements for a new development on one of the cemetery sites.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of the tender process, from developing tender documents to evaluating bids and awarding contracts.

• Consider how you would ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations throughout the design and procurement phases of infrastructure projects.

• Practice articulating your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within project teams and with external parties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just their project management skills, but their ability to effectively manage design consultants and ensure the quality and suitability of designs for SMCT's unique assets.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Project: Essential for developing, managing, and tracking project timelines, task dependencies, and resource allocation for capital works.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Crucial for report writing, budget management, data analysis, stakeholder communications, and presentations. Excel will be heavily used for financial tracking and project data.

• Project Management Software (General): While Microsoft Project is specified, familiarity with other comprehensive project management platforms (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Jira for task tracking, though less likely for infrastructure) may be beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing, organizing, and versioning project documentation, including design drawings and contracts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel for Data Analysis: Likely the primary tool for analyzing project costs, schedules, and performance data.

• Power BI or Similar (Potential): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with business intelligence tools for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance could be an advantage for reporting to senior management.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating clear, concise, and data-driven project reports tailored for different stakeholder audiences.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable: CRM systems are typically for sales and marketing. For this role, the focus is on project and contract management tools.

• Workflow Automation (Potential): Understanding of how to leverage technology to automate aspects of the design review, approval, or tender issuance process would be a plus, though not a core requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Microsoft Office and Project clearly defines the core technology stack. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable. The ability to use Excel for robust data analysis and reporting is also highly important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community Focus: A deep commitment to serving the community and fulfilling SMCT's mission of providing essential services and caring for shared heritage. This translates to prioritizing project outcomes that benefit the public and uphold the organization's purpose.

• Integrity & Doing the Right Thing: Operating with honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all project dealings, from consultant selection to contract management and site compliance.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A forward-thinking approach to project delivery, seeking better methods, technologies, and designs to enhance the functionality, sustainability, and user experience of SMCT's facilities.

• Care & Respect: Demonstrating care and respect for colleagues, stakeholders, and the natural environment, particularly in the sensitive context of cemetery management. This extends to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality in all aspects of project planning and delivery, ensuring that capital projects are well-designed, efficiently managed, and built to last.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively with diverse internal teams (e.g., cemetery operations, facilities management, finance) and external parties (consultants, authorities, contractors) to achieve shared project goals.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and regular communication channels to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned. This includes proactive engagement in meetings and reporting.

• Partnership Approach: Building strong, respectful working relationships with consultants and contractors, fostering a collaborative environment focused on mutual success and project objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply intertwined with its mission. Operations professionals are expected to embody these values, particularly integrity, care, and a commitment to the community, in their daily work and project decision-making.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Managing design and tender processes for multiple capital projects simultaneously across different cemetery sites, each with unique requirements and stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder needs and expectations, including community groups, internal departments, regulatory bodies, and external consultants, to achieve consensus on design solutions.

• Budget and Schedule Constraints: Delivering high-quality projects within defined financial and time parameters, often requiring creative problem-solving and efficient resource management.

• Unique Site Constraints: Addressing the specific environmental, historical, and operational challenges presented by managing projects within cemetery landscapes, which may involve heritage considerations, sensitive ecosystems, or existing infrastructure.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Staying abreast of best practices in design, construction, and project management, while also responding to the evolving needs of the community and the organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to undertake training in advanced project management methodologies, specific infrastructure design disciplines (e.g., landscape architecture, civil engineering), or heritage management.

• Industry Exposure: Attending relevant industry conferences, workshops, and site visits to gain insights into best practices and emerging trends in infrastructure development and management.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within SMCT or to mentor junior project staff, fostering leadership development.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gaining exposure to different facets of SMCT's operations through collaboration, broadening understanding of the organization's overall mission and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role offer significant opportunities for professional development, particularly in areas like stakeholder negotiation, complex project management, and specialized design considerations for unique environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex capital project you managed from concept through to tender documentation. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on demonstrating client-side experience, stakeholder management, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure the quality and compliance of designs produced by external consultants, especially when working on sensitive sites like cemeteries?" (Highlight your oversight processes, quality assurance methods, and understanding of relevant regulations.)

• "Walk me through your approach to managing project budgets and schedules for infrastructure projects. What tools and techniques do you use?" (Emphasize financial acumen, planning rigor, and proactive risk management.)

• "How would you facilitate a design meeting with diverse stakeholders who have conflicting requirements for a new facility on one of our cemetery sites?" (Showcase your facilitation skills, negotiation abilities, and focus on finding collaborative solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for SMCT, and how do you see your skills contributing to our mission of creating extraordinary experiences and caring for our shared heritage?" (Demonstrate research into SMCT's values and mission, and connect your experience to their purpose.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with external consultants and contractors?" (Focus on partnership, clear communication, and accountability.)

• "Describe a time you had to deliver difficult news or manage a challenging situation with senior stakeholders regarding a project. How did you handle it?" (Assess your communication, integrity, and professional demeanor.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Narrative: For each project presented, focus on a clear, compelling story: the problem/opportunity, your role and actions, and the positive outcomes.

• Quantifiable Results: Use data and metrics to support your claims about budget management, schedule adherence, quality improvements, or stakeholder satisfaction.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain how you managed the design process, including consultant selection, review cycles, and tender preparation, rather than just showing the final output.

• Relevance: Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight aspects most relevant to SMCT's needs, such as experience with infrastructure, public spaces, or long-term asset management.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your project decisions, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your ability to manage complex projects from a client perspective, your stakeholder engagement skills, and your understanding of the unique context of SMCT's operations. A well-prepared portfolio is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in client-side project management, design management, infrastructure delivery, stakeholder engagement, and budget/procurement management. Use keywords from the job description and ensure achievements are quantified.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key capital projects you've managed from design through tender. Focus on demonstrating your process, challenges overcome, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present this virtually or in person.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research SMCT's mission, values, and recent projects. Understand their role in the community and the significance of managing cemetery sites. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by practicing your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on examples relevant to infrastructure project management and stakeholder relations.

⚠️ 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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