Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: BESIX Watpac

Location: Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Construction Design Management

Date Posted: June 10, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Lead and manage external consultants to ensure delivery of high-quality design documentation for large-scale commercial building projects.
• Oversee the review of project designs to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and building standards.
• Collaborate closely with construction teams and trade subcontractors to review designs for constructability, identifying opportunities for efficiency and optimization during project delivery.
• Actively contribute to the development of project methodology, integrating design considerations into overall construction planning and execution.
• Implement and maintain rigorous design quality control processes throughout the project lifecycle.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the activities of external design consultants, ensuring deliverables meet project specifications, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Conduct thorough reviews of design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports, to verify adherence to local building codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Engage with the construction team and specialized trade subcontractors to perform comprehensive constructability reviews, identifying potential issues and proposing design modifications to enhance efficiency and reduce risk during the construction phase.
• Participate in the strategic planning and development of project execution methodologies, ensuring design considerations are integrated from the outset to optimize construction sequences and logistics.
• Establish and enforce design quality assurance procedures, conducting regular checks and audits to maintain high standards of design documentation and minimize errors or omissions.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the design team, construction team, client, and other stakeholders to resolve design-related issues and ensure alignment throughout the project.
• Manage design-related risks, proactively identifying potential challenges and developing mitigation strategies to minimize impact on project schedule and cost.
• Oversee the design change management process, evaluating proposed changes, assessing their impact, and ensuring proper documentation and approval.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the project team on design-related matters, leveraging expertise in construction methods and materials.
• Ensure that design documentation facilitates smooth handovers to construction teams and supports efficient site activities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Tertiary Qualification in a relevant discipline such as Construction Management, Architecture, or Engineering. This foundational education provides the necessary technical understanding and project management principles required for this role.

Experience: Prior experience working with a principal contractor, specifically delivering large-scale Design & Construct (D&C) building projects from commencement to completion. This demonstrates practical experience in the full project lifecycle and the complexities of D&C delivery models. Experience should ideally include managing design processes within such projects.

Required Skills:

• Strong Design Leadership: Ability to guide and direct external design consultants effectively.
• Project Delivery Management: Proven track record in managing design aspects within large construction projects to ensure successful delivery.
• Regulatory and Building Compliance Knowledge: In-depth understanding of relevant building codes, standards, and regulatory requirements in Australia (specifically Queensland).
• Constructability Review Expertise: Ability to critically review designs from a construction perspective to identify potential challenges and opportunities for efficiency.
• Excellent Collaboration and Communication Skills: Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including consultants, construction teams, clients, and subcontractors.
• Ability to Deliver Results in a Dynamic Environment: Demonstrated capability to perform effectively and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction project setting.
• Design Quality Control: Experience in implementing and managing processes to ensure the quality and accuracy of design documentation.
• Risk Management (Design Focus): Ability to identify and mitigate design-related risks that could impact project outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific design review software or platforms commonly used in construction.
• Understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes and how design management integrates with BIM workflows.
• Experience in the commercial building sector in the Queensland region.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

While this role is focused on managing design documentation and processes within construction rather than creating original designs, demonstrating experience in managing complex project documentation and presenting design-related information is crucial. A portfolio for this role would typically focus on project case studies rather than creative design work.

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Present 3-5 detailed case studies of large-scale D&C building projects you have managed the design aspects of.
• Design Management Process: Illustrate your approach to managing the design process from inception through to construction handover.
• Compliance Management Examples: Showcase instances where you successfully navigated complex regulatory and building compliance challenges.
• Constructability Review Outcomes: Provide examples of how your involvement in constructability reviews led to tangible improvements or efficiencies during construction.

Process Documentation:

• Project Planning & Coordination: Document examples of how you planned and coordinated design activities within the broader project timeline.
• Stakeholder Communication: Illustrate your methods for communicating design information and decisions to diverse stakeholders.
• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Provide examples of how you identified and addressed design-related risks during project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AU$120,000 - AU$160,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry data for Design Manager roles in the construction sector within Queensland, Australia, considering the required experience level (5-10 years) and the complexity of managing large-scale projects. Salary can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive Remuneration Package: A salary package designed to attract experienced professionals in the construction design management field.
• Long-term Career Development Opportunities: Potential for growth within a large international construction group.
• Wellbeing Days: Three additional leave days per year to support work-life balance.
• Awards and Recognition Program: Acknowledging and rewarding employee contributions aligned with company values.
• Wellbeing Program: Access to initiatives such as annual skin checks and flu vaccinations to promote employee health.
• Corporate Discounts: Access to discounts on various services including gym memberships and meal subscriptions.
• Social Events and Family Days: Opportunities for team building and fostering a positive work environment.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with the understanding that project demands may require flexibility. Given the on-site and project-based nature, adherence to project timelines and site operating hours is important.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Construction. BESIX Watpac operates in the complex construction sector, specializing in both building and infrastructure projects. This industry context means the design function is heavily integrated with engineering, project management, and on-site execution.

Company Size: Globally, the BESIX Group has over 11,000 employees. BESIX Watpac in Australia is a significant part of this international group. Working for a large organization provides stability, access to global expertise, and opportunities for involvement in major projects.

Founded: BESIX Group was founded in 1909, giving the company over a century of experience in the construction industry. This long history suggests a well-established company with deep industry knowledge and a strong foundation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the Queensland Construction team, indicating a regional focus within the larger national and international structure.
• The role involves leading and managing external consultants, highlighting a structure where design expertise is often sourced externally and managed internally by project teams.
• Close collaboration with the construction team is explicitly required, suggesting a matrix or integrated project delivery structure where design and construction functions work hand-in-hand.

Methodology:

• The emphasis on "deliver high quality design documentation on time, on budget" and "review the design for constructability" suggests a focus on efficient, practical, and commercially viable design solutions within the construction process.
• Active participation in "methodology development for the delivery of the project" indicates an integrated approach where design management contributes to overall project planning and execution strategies.
• The requirement for "design quality control management" points to structured processes for ensuring accuracy and completeness of design deliverables.

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

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is positioned as a Design Manager, typically a mid-senior level position within a construction company's project delivery structure. It involves significant responsibility for managing external consultants and ensuring the quality and compliance of design documentation for large projects.

Reporting Structure: The role reports within the Queensland Construction team, likely to a Project Manager, Construction Manager, or potentially a senior Design or Technical Manager overseeing multiple projects in the region. This places the Design Manager as a key technical and management resource within a project-focused hierarchy.

Design Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in influencing the constructability, efficiency, and compliance of the final built project. Effective design management directly impacts project cost, schedule, and quality outcomes. The role ensures that design decisions align with construction realities and regulatory requirements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Senior Design Manager or Technical Manager roles, overseeing design aspects on larger or more complex projects, or managing a team of Design Managers.
• Opportunities to move into broader Project Management roles, leveraging the experience gained in managing a critical project function.
• Specialization in specific types of complex construction projects or design management methodologies (e.g., BIM management in design).

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: This role is an on-site position based in Maroochydore, Queensland. As it's part of a construction team, the work environment will likely be a project site office, integrated with the construction delivery team.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Maroochydore, Queensland. As a large company, BESIX Watpac likely has other offices, but this specific role is tied to the Maroochydore project site.

Design Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be a project office environment, shared with construction managers, engineers, and other project delivery staff.
• Collaboration will be highly interactive and on-site, involving regular meetings and discussions with the construction team and potentially site visits.
• Access to project documentation, drawings (physical and digital), and project management tools will be standard.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site. The work schedule will be aligned with project requirements, which may involve standard business hours but could also necessitate extended hours depending on project phase and critical deadlines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video interview with HR or a Talent Acquisition specialist to assess basic qualifications and fit. Prepare to discuss your experience with large-scale D&C projects and your understanding of the Design Manager role in construction.
• Technical Interview(s): Interviews with the hiring manager (e.g., Project Manager, Construction Manager) and potentially other senior team members. Be prepared to discuss your experience managing external consultants, your knowledge of building codes and compliance, your approach to constructability reviews, and examples of successful design management on past projects.
• Case Study/Portfolio Review: While not creative design, be ready to present case studies of projects you have managed the design for. Focus on your process, challenges overcome, and the positive impact of your design management on project outcomes. Highlight your documentation and quality control methods.
• Cultural Fit Interview: Potentially an interview focusing on your collaboration skills, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and alignment with BESIX Watpac's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure your case studies to clearly outline the project, your specific design management responsibilities, the challenges faced, the actions you took, and the results achieved, particularly in terms of quality, compliance, and constructability.
• Include examples of documentation you managed, such as consultant briefs, design review reports, compliance checklists, or constructability review notes.
• Highlight your ability to manage external relationships and deliver quality outcomes through collaboration.
• Tailor your presentation to emphasize your experience with D&C projects and your understanding of the construction lifecycle.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for questions related to specific design management scenarios in construction, such as resolving design conflicts, managing scope changes, or ensuring compliance under pressure.
• Think about how you would approach a constructability review for a specific building element or system.
• Practice articulating your design quality control process and how you ensure accuracy in documentation.

ATS Keywords: Design Management, Construction Management, Design & Construct, D&C, Project Delivery, Consultant Management, Regulatory Compliance, Building Codes, Australian Standards, Constructability Review, Quality Control, Risk Management, Design Coordination, Stakeholder Management, Commercial Projects, Large-Scale Projects, Building Projects, Queensland, Maroochydore, BESIX Watpac, Construction Industry, Project Lifecycle, Design Review, Technical Management, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Communication, Project Planning, Documentation, Reporting, Engineering Design, Architectural Design, Structural Design, Services Design, Building Information Modeling (BIM) (if applicable experience).

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

While specific software was not listed, a Design Manager in this context would likely interact with various tools:

Primary Design Tools (Management Interaction):

• CAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation): While not directly using, understanding the outputs and file formats is crucial for reviewing documentation.
• BIM Software (e.g., Revit, ArchiCAD): Increasingly relevant in construction; familiarity with BIM models for design review and coordination is beneficial.
• Document Management Systems (e.g., Aconex, TeamBinder): Essential for managing and tracking design documentation, versions, and transmittals.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Project Management Software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project): For integrating design timelines with overall project schedules.
• Communication Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): For facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Cloud Storage and Sharing Platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Dropbox): For sharing large design files and documentation.

Research & Testing:

• Access to relevant building codes, standards, and regulatory databases.
• Potentially platforms for managing design review comments and feedback loops.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Quality and Compliance: A strong emphasis on delivering design documentation that is accurate, complete, and fully compliant with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Constructability and Efficiency: Design is valued for its practicality and how well it facilitates efficient and cost-effective construction.
• Collaboration and Integration: Design management is seen as an integral part of the project delivery team, requiring close collaboration with construction and other functions.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactive identification and management of design-related risks to ensure smooth project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Team Approach: Working closely with the on-site construction team, engineers, and project managers.
• External Consultant Management: Directing and collaborating effectively with external design firms.
• Stakeholder Communication: Clear and timely communication with clients, authorities, and subcontractors regarding design matters.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Managing Multiple External Consultants: Coordinating and ensuring consistency among various design disciplines and firms.
• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: Staying up-to-date with and ensuring compliance with evolving building codes and standards in Queensland.
• Balancing Design Intent with Constructability and Budget: Finding practical solutions that meet design requirements while being feasible and cost-effective to build.
• Managing Design Changes: Handling variations and modifications to the design during the construction phase efficiently and effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Large and Complex Projects: Gaining experience on significant commercial building projects enhances expertise in managing intricate design processes.
• Deepening Expertise in Constructability: Further developing the ability to critically assess designs from a construction execution perspective.
• Enhancing Consultant Management Skills: Refining skills in leading, motivating, and managing external design teams for optimal performance.
• Professional Development in Construction Management: Opportunities to expand knowledge in related areas such as project planning, procurement, and risk management within the construction context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Describe your experience managing the design process on a large-scale D&C project from start to finish. Be prepared to walk through the key stages and your role in each.
• How do you ensure design documentation complies with all relevant building codes and standards? Provide specific examples of challenges you've faced and how you addressed them.
• Explain your approach to constructability reviews. How do you collaborate with construction teams and subcontractors to identify potential issues and propose solutions?

Company Culture Questions:

• What is your experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic project environment? How do you manage pressure and competing priorities?
• Describe a time you had to manage a difficult relationship with an external consultant. What was the situation, and how did you resolve it?
• How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between the design team and the construction team on a project?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 of your strongest project case studies that best demonstrate your experience in managing design on large D&C projects.
• For each case study, clearly articulate the project scope, your specific design management responsibilities, the key challenges related to design, and the strategies you implemented to overcome them.
• Highlight quantifiable outcomes where possible, such as how your constructability reviews led to time or cost savings, or how your compliance management prevented delays.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to documentation, quality control, and risk management within the context of your presented projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link on the SmartRecruiters platform.
• Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in Design Management specifically within large-scale Design & Construct building projects. Use keywords from the ATS keyword list that match your experience.
• Prepare your portfolio (or a presentation of case studies) focusing on your design management process, experience with compliance and constructability, and successful project outcomes.
• Research BESIX Watpac's recent projects, particularly in Queensland, to understand the type of work they undertake and potentially reference them in your application or interview.