Design Manager - Games Master Plan

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Games Master Plan

Company: Lendlease

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-time, Contract

Category: Project Management / Design Management / Major Events Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive planning, coordination, and refinement of the Brisbane Athlete Village Games Master Plan, a critical component for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

• Manage and direct a diverse, multidisciplinary team of consultants, encompassing expertise in planning, design, transport, logistics, operations, and various technical disciplines to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Drive strategic stakeholder engagement with key entities such as Brisbane 2032 organizing committee, government agencies, and essential project partners to foster alignment and secure necessary approvals.

• Oversee design development, technical investigations, optioneering processes, and intricate interface management across the entire precinct to ensure seamless integration of all project elements.

• Ensure robust alignment between specific Games requirements, critical operational needs, comprehensive infrastructure planning, and the long-term legacy objectives for the athlete village.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a senior-level Design Manager with extensive experience in large-scale, complex projects, particularly those involving major events or urban development. The focus on "Games Master Plan" indicates a deep dive into operational readiness, logistical planning, and the intricate interplay between event requirements and sustainable urban legacy. This is not just a design role, but one heavily focused on strategic operations and execution within a high-stakes, time-sensitive environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the strategic development and iterative refinement of the Brisbane Athlete Village Games Master Plan, ensuring it meets all functional, aesthetic, and operational requirements.

• Orchestrate the day-to-day activities and strategic direction of a multidisciplinary consultant team, fostering collaboration and ensuring accountability for project deliverables.

• Act as the primary liaison for stakeholder engagement, managing communications and relationships with Brisbane 2032, government bodies, and other critical project stakeholders to facilitate decision-making and progress.

• Lead the design development lifecycle, including the initiation and execution of technical investigations, thorough optioneering studies, and the meticulous management of interdisciplinary design interfaces within the precinct.

• Guarantee that the Master Plan effectively translates Games-specific requirements and operational mandates into actionable infrastructure planning and enduring legacy outcomes.

• Drive the governance framework, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, effective programme management, and the successful navigation of all necessary project approvals.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage project risks, capitalize on opportunities, resolve dependencies, and validate planning assumptions to maintain project integrity.

• Serve as the central point of communication and decision-making between external consultants, internal project leadership, and all relevant stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "managing multidisciplinary consultant teams" and "coordinating workstreams" highlights the operational leadership required. The role demands not just design oversight but the strategic management of diverse operational inputs (logistics, operations, transport) to achieve a unified master plan. The responsibility for "governance, reporting, programme management, and key project approvals" signifies a strong operational and administrative component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Project Management, Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for this level of responsibility in large-scale development and event planning.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience, with a significant portion dedicated to leading complex planning, design, development, or major event projects.

Required Skills:

• Master Planning Expertise: Proven track record in developing and refining comprehensive master plans for large-scale projects.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to effectively manage, guide, and coordinate diverse teams of consultants and subject matter experts.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Management: Exceptional skills in building and maintaining relationships with government agencies, event organizers (like Brisbane 2032), industry partners, and community stakeholders.

• Complex Project Leadership: Significant experience leading large-scale, intricate projects from conception through to execution.

• Design Development & Technical Coordination: Proficiency in overseeing design processes, managing technical investigations, and resolving complex design interfaces.

• Programme & Risk Management: Strong capabilities in programme management, risk identification and mitigation, dependency management, and strategic optioneering.

• Exceptional Communication & Influence: Superior written and verbal communication, negotiation, and influencing skills to drive consensus and decision-making.

• Operational Acumen: Understanding of operational requirements, logistics, and infrastructure planning in the context of major events.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in major sporting events, particularly Olympic or Paralympic planning.

• Expertise in large-scale precinct development, urban regeneration, or infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with venue development processes and requirements.

• Experience in legacy planning for major event infrastructure.

• Knowledge of sustainability principles in urban development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "significant experience leading complex planning, design, development or major event projects" and "Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary consultant teams and coordinate multiple workstreams" strongly suggests a need for robust project and program management capabilities, often honed through operations-focused roles within development or event management. The emphasis on stakeholder management and influencing is crucial for navigating the complex operational landscape of a major event.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Master Planning Case Studies: Showcase examples of large-scale master plans developed, detailing the process from concept to final design, including strategic objectives and achieved outcomes.

• Project Leadership Demonstrations: Present evidence of successfully leading multidisciplinary teams, highlighting problem-solving approaches and coordination strategies for complex workstreams.

• Stakeholder Engagement Documentation: Include examples of engagement strategies, communication plans, and successful resolutions achieved through collaboration with diverse stakeholder groups.

• Design & Technical Integration Examples: Illustrate how complex design interfaces and technical challenges were managed and resolved within a project context.

• Legacy & Operational Integration: Provide examples demonstrating how operational needs and long-term legacy objectives were integrated into master planning processes.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning Frameworks: Demonstrate understanding and application of frameworks for strategic planning, optioneering, and decision-making in large-scale development.

• Risk Management Protocols: Outline methodologies used for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in complex project environments, particularly those related to event delivery and infrastructure.

• Governance and Reporting Structures: Showcase experience with establishing and adhering to governance frameworks, including reporting lines, approval processes, and programme management systems.

• Consultant Management Processes: Detail established processes for managing external consultants, including scope definition, performance monitoring, and contract oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should not just showcase design output but the process and operational management behind it. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they structured work, managed interfaces, mitigated risks, and engaged stakeholders to deliver complex plans. The "Games Master Plan" aspect implies a need to demonstrate how operational readiness and legacy planning were embedded into the design and planning phases.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the seniority (10+ years experience), the critical nature of the role (major event master planning), and the location (Brisbane, Australia), an estimated annual salary range would be AUD $180,000 - $250,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior Design Managers and Project Directors involved in large-scale infrastructure and event development in major Australian cities.

Benefits:

• Work Flexibility: Options for flexible working arrangements to balance professional and personal commitments.

• Purchase Additional Annual Leave: Opportunity to buy more annual leave, enhancing work-life balance.

• Family Support Benefits: Comprehensive support systems and benefits designed for employees with family responsibilities.

• 3x Extra Wellbeing Days: Additional paid days off specifically for employee wellbeing, above standard leave.

• Parental Leave: Generous parental leave policy (26 weeks to any parent, regardless of gender) reflecting a commitment to family support.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning and development, including potential for industry certifications and training.

• Inclusion Initiatives: Participation in and support for a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Working Hours: The role is designated as full-time, with an expected workload of approximately 40 hours per week. However, the nature of major event planning and large-scale project management often requires flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines and manage complex operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from typical compensation for senior project and design management roles in Australia's construction and development sectors, particularly those with a focus on major projects and events. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text, highlighting Lendlease's commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance, which are attractive to senior professionals managing demanding roles. The mention of 26 weeks parental leave is a significant differentiator.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate (Investments, Development, Construction). Lendlease is a global leader in creating sustainable, innovative, and vibrant city places, with a strong focus on urban regeneration and long-term community benefit.

Company Size: Large (implied by global operations and diverse capabilities). Lendlease operates globally across multiple continents, indicating a substantial workforce and complex organizational structure.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly provided, Lendlease has a long history in property development and construction, suggesting a stable and established organization with deep industry experience.

Team Structure:

• Operations-centric: The role operates within the Brisbane Athlete Village team, a specialized unit focused on the delivery of a critical component for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The Design Manager will manage a multidisciplinary team of consultants and engage with numerous internal and external stakeholders, including Brisbane 2032, government agencies, and project partners. This necessitates a highly collaborative operational approach.

• Hierarchical Reporting: While not explicitly detailed, senior roles like this typically report to a Project Director or Head of Development for the precinct, with clear lines of accountability for the Games Master Plan.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Planning: The role requires a strategic approach to planning, underpinned by technical investigations, optioneering, and rigorous analysis to ensure alignment with Games requirements and legacy objectives.

• Process Optimization: Emphasis on refining the Games Master Plan, managing design development, and coordinating interfaces points to a focus on optimizing processes for efficiency and effectiveness.

• Risk and Dependency Management: Proactive identification and management of risks, dependencies, and planning assumptions are critical operational methodologies for successful event-related development.

Company Website: https://www.lendlease.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Lendlease's focus on "creating benefit for all" and "sustainable, innovative and vibrant city places" indicates a company culture that values long-term impact and responsible development. For an operations professional, this means understanding the strategic importance of the Athlete Village beyond just the Games, emphasizing its legacy and community integration. The "multi-capability" structure (Investments, Development, Construction) suggests a comprehensive approach to project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level role, likely falling into a "Senior Manager," "Director," or "Principal" level within the project management or design management spectrum. It demands strategic oversight, significant decision-making authority, and the ability to lead complex, high-stakes initiatives. The "10+ years" experience requirement reinforces this seniority.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive overseeing the Brisbane Athlete Village project, such as a Project Director or Development Lead. They will, in turn, manage a team of external consultants and potentially some internal project staff, forming a key operational nexus within the project leadership team.

Operations Impact: This role has a profound impact on the success of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and its long-term legacy. The Games Master Plan directly influences athlete and official experience, operational efficiency during the Games, and the future usability and value of the precinct. Strategic planning and execution by this role are critical for delivering a world-class village and a lasting positive impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into broader leadership roles within Lendlease's major projects or urban development divisions, managing larger precincts or multiple projects.

• Specialized Event Expertise: Deepening expertise in major international event planning and delivery, which is a highly sought-after skill set.

• Legacy Development Strategy: Opportunities to contribute to strategic urban planning and legacy realization for significant public infrastructure projects.

• Directorship Potential: Advancement to Director-level positions within Lendlease or related organizations, focusing on strategic development and program oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 12-month fixed-term contract suggests this role is highly specialized and critical for a specific project phase. Growth opportunities would likely involve leveraging this experience into similar high-impact roles within major event organizations or large-scale urban development firms, or transitioning into permanent senior operational leadership positions within Lendlease if the project's success warrants it. The experience gained here is invaluable for future roles in complex project operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Given Lendlease's focus on major developments, the work environment is likely a professional project office, potentially co-located with other project teams, consultants, and stakeholders involved in the Brisbane Athlete Village development.

Office Location(s): Primarily in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, with potential for site visits to the Athlete Village development areas. The exact office location would be within Lendlease's Brisbane operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace is expected to be a dynamic environment fostering intense collaboration among a diverse group of consultants, project managers, and client representatives (Brisbane 2032, government).

• Resource-Rich: Access to project-specific documentation, design software, and potentially advanced visualization tools will be critical for managing the Master Plan.

• Stakeholder Interface: Frequent interaction with various stakeholders will be a hallmark of the daily work, requiring an adaptable and communicative approach.

Work Schedule: While the standard work week is approximately 40 hours, the demands of a major international event project, particularly in the lead-up to and during critical planning phases, will likely necessitate flexibility. This may include occasional extended hours, weekend work, or intensive periods to meet project milestones and operational readiness requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is crucial. This role demands physical presence for direct engagement with teams, site assessments, and critical stakeholder meetings that are often best conducted in person for major event planning. The environment will be fast-paced, demanding, and highly collaborative, typical of large-scale development and event operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience in master planning, major events, and project leadership.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on experience with complex planning, design coordination, stakeholder management, and operational considerations for large-scale projects and events. Candidates will be asked to elaborate on their approach to managing multidisciplinary teams and resolving interface challenges.

• Case Study/Presentation: A potential requirement to present a past project or a hypothetical scenario demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate complex plans and operational strategies. This would heavily feature portfolio elements.

• Cultural Fit & Leadership Assessment: Interviews with senior management to evaluate leadership style, collaborative approach, and alignment with Lendlease's values and the project team's operational ethos.

• Final Selection: Decision based on a holistic assessment of technical expertise, operational leadership, stakeholder management skills, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Operational Impact: Focus on how your master plans translated into tangible operational benefits for past projects, especially major events or developments. Showcase how you integrated logistics, operational needs, and legacy planning.

• Demonstrate Team Leadership: Provide concrete examples of how you managed and motivated multidisciplinary consultant teams, emphasizing your role in coordinating diverse workstreams and resolving conflicts.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your planning and management, such as efficiency gains, risk mitigation outcomes, or successful stakeholder consensus.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by key responsibility area (e.g., Master Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Team Management), making it easy for reviewers to find relevant examples.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Include case studies that detail complex challenges faced and the innovative, operational solutions you implemented to overcome them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare to discuss how you would approach specific challenges related to the Brisbane Athlete Village, such as managing conflicting stakeholder demands, integrating legacy infrastructure with event needs, or mitigating unforeseen risks.

• Strategic Articulation: Practice articulating your strategic vision for the Games Master Plan, focusing on how it supports both the immediate Games operational requirements and the long-term urban legacy.

• Process Walkthroughs: Be ready to walk interviewers through your typical process for developing and refining a master plan, emphasizing the operational and stakeholder engagement steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on both strategic vision and operational execution. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just design principles but how they managed complex operational interdependencies, navigated stakeholder politics, and ensured project delivery within demanding timelines. A portfolio that clearly articulates process, problem-solving, and quantifiable results will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in enterprise-level project management tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Asana for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Visualization Software: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD), BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms (e.g., Revit), and 3D visualization tools (e.g., SketchUp, Lumion) for reviewing and understanding design outputs.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace for seamless team communication and document sharing.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems like SharePoint or similar for organizing and accessing project documentation, reports, and plans.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from various sources (e.g., feasibility studies, technical reports, stakeholder feedback) to inform master planning decisions.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating clear, concise reports and presentations using tools like Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel to communicate progress, risks, and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

• Dashboarding Software: Experience with or understanding of dashboarding tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for visualizing project progress and key performance indicators, though direct use may be by dedicated PMO teams.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how CRM principles apply to stakeholder management and relationship tracking could be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how workflow automation can streamline project approval processes, document management, and communication within large project teams.

• Integration Understanding: Appreciation for how different systems (e.g., design, project management, financial) need to integrate for efficient project operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role isn't a pure "operations tech" role, a strong understanding of how project management, design, and collaboration tools are used to drive large-scale development and event operations is essential. The ability to interpret data and present findings clearly using standard office suites is a given. Familiarity with BIM and advanced visualization tools would be a significant plus for understanding complex precinct designs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Delivery: A commitment to achieving high standards in planning, design, and execution, particularly crucial for a major international event.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively within a multidisciplinary team and across diverse stakeholder groups to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Sustainability: A drive to create forward-thinking, sustainable urban environments that deliver lasting social and economic benefits.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, especially in managing complex projects and public trust.

• Respect & Inclusion: Fostering a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels supported to contribute their best.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Engaging: A style that actively seeks input, facilitates open communication, and builds strong working relationships with consultants, stakeholders, and project leadership.

• Process-Oriented: A methodical approach to managing workflows, ensuring clarity in roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.

• Feedback-Driven: An openness to constructive feedback and a culture that encourages continuous improvement in planning and execution strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Lendlease's stated commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, alongside their values like Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan and support for Pride in Diversity, indicates a strong emphasis on creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. For an operations role, this translates to an expectation of working respectfully with diverse teams and stakeholders, ensuring all voices are considered in the master planning process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse and often competing interests of Brisbane 2032, government bodies, community groups, and Lendlease's own commercial objectives.

• Integration of Event & Legacy Needs: Ensuring the Master Plan effectively serves the immediate, high-pressure operational demands of the Olympic and Paralympic Games while also laying the foundation for a sustainable, valuable long-term legacy.

• Managing Multidisciplinary Dependencies: Coordinating intricate technical, logistical, and design interfaces across numerous specialized teams to avoid conflicts and ensure seamless integration.

• Navigating Regulatory & Approval Processes: Successfully guiding the Master Plan through complex governmental and organizational approval pathways within tight timelines.

• Maintaining Project Momentum: Keeping a large-scale, long-term project on track amidst potential changes in scope, timelines, or external factors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Major Event Operations Expertise: Gaining unparalleled experience in the operational intricacies of planning for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

• Large-Scale Urban Development: Deepening knowledge in the strategic planning and execution of significant urban regeneration projects.

• High-Level Stakeholder Diplomacy: Honing advanced skills in negotiating and influencing at the highest levels of government and international sports organizations.

• Cross-Cultural Project Leadership: Experience in managing diverse teams and stakeholders within a global context, as Lendlease operates internationally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be the immense complexity and high stakes involved in delivering a master plan for a global event, where operational success is paramount. The growth opportunities lie in leveraging this unique, high-profile experience into future leadership roles within major event management, urban development, or large-scale infrastructure projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a master plan for a major event like the Olympic Games, focusing on balancing immediate operational needs with long-term legacy objectives." (Prepare to discuss your process, key considerations, and how you'd integrate operational requirements.)

• "How would you manage conflicting priorities and demands from key stakeholders such as Brisbane 2032, government agencies, and the development team to ensure project alignment?" (Focus on your stakeholder management strategies, communication techniques, and conflict resolution skills.)

• "Walk us through a complex project where you managed multiple, interdependent workstreams involving diverse consultant teams. What were the critical operational challenges, and how did you address them?" (Use a specific case study from your portfolio that showcases your project and team management capabilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Lendlease and the Brisbane 2032 Games, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges and opportunities for the Athlete Village Master Plan?" (Demonstrate your research into the company, the project, and the broader context of the Games.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within a multidisciplinary project team, especially when dealing with high-pressure situations?" (Relate your answer to Lendlease's stated values and your own leadership style.)

• "How do you measure the success of a master plan beyond design, focusing on its operational effectiveness and long-term legacy impact?" (Prepare to discuss KPIs and metrics relevant to operational efficiency and legacy value.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: When presenting case studies, don't just show the final plans. Detail the process you followed, the operational challenges encountered, how you managed interfaces, and the decisions made.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to illustrate the success of your interventions – e.g., "Reduced coordination time by X% through improved workflow," or "Achieved Y% stakeholder consensus on key design elements."

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role as a leader in managing teams, driving decisions, and resolving issues. Use "I" statements for your actions and "We" for team achievements.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experiences most relevant to major event planning, urban development, and complex stakeholder management. Show how your skills directly address the requirements of the Design Manager - Games Master Plan role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize operational execution, stakeholder management, and strategic problem-solving within the context of large-scale projects and major events. Candidates should be ready to translate their experience into tangible outcomes relevant to the success of the Brisbane Athlete Village and the 2032 Games.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Lendlease Careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in master planning, leading multidisciplinary teams, and managing complex stakeholders, particularly for large-scale developments or major events. Ensure these examples highlight your strategic thinking, problem-solving, and operational impact.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in this job description, such as "Master Planning," "Stakeholder Engagement," "Multidisciplinary Team Leadership," "Program Management," and "Major Events." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your most relevant portfolio case studies. Focus on clearly articulating the project context, your role and leadership, the operational challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes. Practice concise communication and be ready to answer in-depth questions.

• Research Lendlease & Brisbane 2032: Understand Lendlease's mission, values, and past projects, as well as the specific goals and operational requirements of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This will enable you to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.