Project Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Design Manager
Company: Mirvac Limited
Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Project Management / Design Management
Date Posted: 2026-01-23
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Facilitate and manage the effective delivery of design across all project disciplines to achieve optimal project outcomes, maximize value, and minimize risk.
• Support the development and delivery of a next-generation premium office tower, strategically located above a major metro station, ensuring alignment with Mirvac standards and project briefs.
• Drive the proactive identification of value-add design opportunities and innovation through collaborative engagement with the entire project team.
• Uphold and foster an environment of design excellence, ensuring the integrity of the design intent is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage projects under various delivery models and client types, demonstrating a strong understanding of project feasibility and market objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the design management aspect of large-scale, complex construction projects, particularly in the commercial real estate and infrastructure sectors. The emphasis on "value-add design" and "innovation" indicates a need for proactive, strategic thinking beyond standard project execution. The "On-site" status is critical for a role directly involved in physical project development and stakeholder engagement at a major construction site.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and facilitate the design process for a premium office tower, ensuring all design disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, interior, etc.) are coordinated and aligned.
• Review and appraise design options, providing recommendations to Development teams to optimize project objectives, customer satisfaction, market appeal, and feasibility.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including Development, project teams, and external consultants and contractors, to ensure design intent is met and risks are mitigated.
• Foster a culture of design excellence, encouraging innovative solutions and best practices to enhance the project's value proposition and legacy impact.
• Ensure compliance with Mirvac's standards, project briefs, and relevant regulatory requirements throughout the design and delivery phases.
• Proactively identify opportunities for value engineering and design innovation, balancing cost-effectiveness with aspirational project outcomes.
• Manage relationships with various client types and stakeholders, adapting to different project delivery models and client expectations.
• Support the delivery of sustainability initiatives and customer-focused quality within the project's design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight and strategic project management. The emphasis on "facilitating," "collaborating," and "fostering" indicates a leadership role that relies heavily on influencing and coordinating diverse teams rather than direct execution of design tasks. The specific mention of "maximizing value and minimizing risk" points to a strong commercial acumen required.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A qualification in a relevant field of study (e.g., Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Project Management) is preferred but not essential, with significant project experience being a strong consideration.

Experience:

• Proven experience in a similar design management or project management role, preferably on large, complex commercial building projects.
• Experience within a Main Contractor or Design environment is highly desirable.
• Experience managing projects under various delivery models and for different client types.

Required Skills:

• Project Design Management: Ability to effectively manage and facilitate the design process across multiple disciplines for large-scale commercial projects.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, consultants, contractors, and government bodies.
• Communication & Organizational Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication, coupled with strong organizational capabilities to manage complex project documentation and timelines.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve design-related issues proactively and creatively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration: A collaborative nature essential for fostering teamwork and achieving consensus among diverse project stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Transport or Government Infrastructure Projects: Experience in large-scale government infrastructure projects, particularly transport-related, is a significant advantage.
• Value Engineering & Innovation: Aptitude for identifying and implementing value-add design solutions and innovative approaches.
• Sustainability & Legacy Focus: Passion for delivering customer-focused quality and leaving a positive legacy, with an understanding of sustainable design principles.
• Contract Management & Delivery Models: Experience with diverse project delivery models (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, PPP) and client engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "preferred but not essential" qualifications suggest that practical, hands-on experience and demonstrated capability in managing complex design processes will be highly valued. The emphasis on "customer-focused quality" and "positive legacy" indicates a company culture that prioritizes long-term impact and client satisfaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Coordination Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful coordination between multiple design disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, etc.) on complex building projects, highlighting how conflicts were resolved and integration was achieved.
• Value Engineering & Innovation Examples: Specific instances where innovative design solutions were proposed or implemented to add value, reduce cost, improve functionality, or enhance sustainability, with quantifiable results.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Documentation: Evidence of effective collaboration with development, construction, and client teams, showcasing how design decisions were aligned with project objectives and stakeholder requirements.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Examples of how design-related risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring project viability and minimizing potential issues.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Workflow: Documentation outlining a structured approach to managing the design process, from concept through to construction documentation, including key milestones, review gates, and approval processes.
• Stakeholder Engagement Framework: A clear process for engaging with and managing expectations of diverse stakeholders, ensuring timely feedback and buy-in on design decisions.
• Innovation Integration Process: A methodology for evaluating, developing, and integrating new ideas and technologies into the design process, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Project Design Manager role, a portfolio should showcase not just the final design outcomes but the process by which those outcomes were achieved. This includes demonstrating strong project management methodologies, collaborative efforts, and strategic decision-making in design. Quantifiable results and clear documentation of workflows are crucial for demonstrating effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Project Design Managers in Sydney, Australia, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $140,000 - $190,000. This range accounts for the complexity of the project, the strategic importance of the role, and the high cost of living in Sydney.

Benefits:

• Employee Securities Program: Annual award of $1,000 in Mirvac Securities, aligning employee success with company performance.
• Discounts: Access to a wide range of discounts across health, wellness, lifestyle, motor vehicle, travel, and technology.
• Leadership & Professional Development: Opportunities through programs like Mirvac Masters and other leadership development initiatives.
• Health & Wellness: Discounts and potential wellness programs to support employee well-being.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Superannuation Contributions: Standard employer superannuation contributions as per Australian legislation.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Mirvac often promotes a culture that supports work-life balance, though project demands may require flexibility and occasional extended hours during critical phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar roles in Sydney, considering the specified experience level and the nature of large-scale commercial and infrastructure projects. The benefits package highlights a company that invests in employee well-being, professional growth, and financial participation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development & Construction. Mirvac is a prominent Australian developer with a focus on creating sustainable and innovative urban environments, including residential, commercial, and retail properties. Company Size: Mirvac Limited is a publicly listed company, indicating a large organizational structure with established processes, potentially employing thousands of individuals across various divisions and projects. Founded: Mirvac was founded in 1972, signifying a long history and deep experience in the Australian property market, contributing to a culture that values stability, long-term vision, and proven methodologies.

Team Structure:

• The Project Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project delivery team, reporting to a Development Manager or Senior Project Director.
• This team will include various specialists such as project managers, construction managers, development managers, and potentially dedicated sustainability or innovation leads.
• Close collaboration with external design consultants (architects, engineers) and contractors will be a core aspect of the role.

Methodology:

• Mirvac emphasizes a "better experiences" approach, focusing on innovation, diversity, and optimism. This translates to a project methodology that values creative problem-solving, forward-thinking design, and a customer-centric perspective.
• A strong commitment to sustainability and "shared value" suggests that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are integrated into project planning and execution.
• The company promotes a culture of continuous improvement and learning, encouraging employees to seek out new ideas and apply them effectively.

Company Website: https://www.mirvac.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mirvac's stated values of innovation, diversity, optimism, sustainability, and shared value are key indicators of their company culture. The Project Design Manager role is expected to embody these values, particularly in how they approach design challenges and collaborate with teams. The long history of the company suggests a stable yet evolving work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring significant experience in managing complex design processes within large construction projects. It’s a critical role for project success, bridging the gap between strategic development vision and practical design execution.

Reporting Structure: The Project Design Manager typically reports to a Development Manager or a Senior Project Director within Mirvac's development division. They will manage relationships with a wide array of consultants and contractors, influencing their work on the project.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the project's success by ensuring design excellence, value maximization, risk mitigation, and adherence to project briefs. Effective design management is crucial for achieving the project's commercial, customer, and legacy objectives. The design decisions made under this role will influence construction costs, operational efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and the long-term value and sustainability of the asset.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential advancement to Senior Project Design Manager, Development Director, or a broader project leadership role within Mirvac's development pipeline.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design, complex urban developments, or large-scale infrastructure integration.
• Mentorship & Training: Access to Mirvac's professional development programs (e.g., Mirvac Masters) and opportunities to mentor junior team members.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Exposure to various project types and delivery models within Mirvac's diverse portfolio, broadening skill sets and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Project Design Manager at Mirvac likely involves increasing responsibility for larger, more complex projects, and potentially moving into broader development management roles. The company's emphasis on development and innovation suggests opportunities to be involved in cutting-edge projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at a major development project in Sydney, likely involving a combination of site visits, project site offices, and potentially some time at Mirvac's corporate offices for broader team meetings and strategic planning.

Office Location(s): The primary project location is at 200 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia, directly above the future Hunter Street Metro station. This is a central and highly accessible location within Sydney's CBD.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will foster intense collaboration with project teams, consultants, and contractors, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to mediate design discussions.
• Technology Integration: Access to project management software, BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools, and communication platforms will be essential for managing design information and facilitating virtual collaboration.
• Dynamic Project Environment: The work environment will be fast-paced and dynamic, characteristic of large construction projects, with a need for adaptability and quick decision-making.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with an on-site presence required. Project deadlines may necessitate flexibility and working additional hours during critical design or construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is crucial. It implies a hands-on approach, direct engagement with the physical project, and constant interaction with the construction and development teams. This is not a remote-friendly role due to the direct oversight and coordination required on a major development site.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, potentially with a brief phone call from HR to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Development Manager or Senior Project Director) focusing on your experience with large-scale commercial projects, design management methodologies, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve a panel of key project stakeholders (e.g., lead architect, construction manager, development lead) to assess your technical knowledge, collaborative approach, and ability to integrate design with construction and commercial objectives.
• Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a selection of your past projects, highlighting your role, key design challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your practical experience and value-add approach.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss strategic alignment, leadership potential, and long-term fit with Mirvac's culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process, Not Just Product: Showcase how you managed design, coordinated disciplines, resolved conflicts, and added value, not just the final aesthetic.
• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design management, e.g., cost savings from value engineering, reduction in design changes, improved project timelines due to efficient coordination.
• Highlight Collaboration: Provide specific examples of how you worked with diverse teams (designers, engineers, contractors, clients) to achieve shared goals.
• Tailor to Mirvac: If possible, align your examples with Mirvac's stated values like sustainability, innovation, and customer focus.
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by key skill demonstrated (e.g., design coordination, stakeholder management, value engineering).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to design challenges on a large office tower project (e.g., conflicting site constraints, stakeholder disagreements on design elements, sustainability targets).
• Value Engineering Exercise: You might be asked to brainstorm value-add opportunities for a specific project component or discuss your approach to identifying cost efficiencies without compromising quality or vision.
• Stakeholder Alignment Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would manage differing opinions or conflicting priorities among various project stakeholders regarding design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case studies suggests that Mirvac values tangible evidence of past performance and problem-solving skills. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their project management methodologies and demonstrate how they drive design excellence and value.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or Monday.com for scheduling, task management, and resource allocation.
• BIM (Building Information Modeling) Software: Familiarity with BIM concepts and potentially experience with platforms like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar for design visualization, clash detection, and coordination.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or proprietary project management portals for seamless communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and design-related reports to inform decision-making and identify trends.
• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in using or contributing to project dashboards for tracking progress, budget adherence, and design milestones.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design interfaces with client relationship management and project lifecycle automation tools may be beneficial. Familiarity with integrated project delivery platforms is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Project Design Manager, the technology stack is heavily oriented towards project planning, execution, and collaboration. BIM proficiency is increasingly critical for managing complex building designs and ensuring constructability.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Boldness: Mirvac encourages forward-thinking and a willingness to explore new ideas in design and development.
• Optimism & Collaboration: A positive outlook and a strong emphasis on working together with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Customer Focus & Legacy: A deep commitment to creating spaces that enhance people's lives and leave a positive, lasting impact on communities.
• Sustainability & Shared Value: Integration of environmental responsibility and creating benefits for all stakeholders into the core of project development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Mirvac fosters a collaborative environment where project teams, including design, development, and construction, work in close alignment.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent communication and feedback loops among all parties involved in a project.
• Shared Responsibility: A culture where team members feel empowered and collectively responsible for project success, promoting a proactive and solution-oriented approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mirvac's stated values are deeply embedded in their approach to business. The Project Design Manager is expected to embody these values, particularly in their leadership of design processes and their interactions with teams and external partners.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Project Integration: Managing the design of a large, multi-faceted project like a premium office tower above a major transit hub involves intricate coordination across numerous disciplines and stakeholder requirements.
• Balancing Competing Interests: Navigating the diverse needs and priorities of clients, government bodies, construction teams, and Mirvac's commercial objectives to achieve optimal design outcomes.
• Driving Innovation: Fostering a culture of innovation within a structured development environment, ensuring new ideas are practical, sustainable, and add tangible value.
• Maintaining Design Intent: Ensuring that the original vision and quality of the design are preserved through all stages of development and construction, especially under budget and timeline pressures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Major Infrastructure: Working on a flagship project like the Hunter Street Metro station development provides invaluable experience in large-scale, high-profile urban regeneration.
• Advanced Development Methodologies: Gaining insights into Mirvac's sophisticated development and project management frameworks.
• Sustainability Leadership: Opportunities to contribute to and learn about cutting-edge sustainable design practices and their implementation in commercial real estate.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network within Mirvac, with industry consultants, and government stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges due to the scale and complexity of the project, but also offers substantial growth opportunities, particularly in gaining experience with major urban development and infrastructure projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you facilitated design delivery across multiple disciplines on a complex commercial project. What was your role, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?"
• "How do you approach identifying and integrating value-add design opportunities while managing project budgets and timelines?"
• "Discuss your experience in managing stakeholder expectations on large development projects. How do you ensure alignment and buy-in on design decisions?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Mirvac emphasizes 'creating better experiences' and 'leaving a lasting legacy.' How would you ensure these values are reflected in the design and delivery of this office tower project?"
• "How do you foster collaboration and innovation within a project team, especially when dealing with diverse stakeholders and established processes?"
• "What is your understanding of sustainability in commercial real estate development, and how would you integrate these principles into the design management process?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear narrative for each project: the challenge, your approach (process, tools, collaboration), the solution, and the measurable outcomes/impact.
• Visual Aids: Use high-quality images, diagrams, and floor plans to illustrate design concepts and your role in their development.
• Focus on Your Contribution: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and contributions, rather than just describing the project team's overall work.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, challenges encountered, and how you managed them. Demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of strong project management skills, a proactive and collaborative approach to design, and a clear understanding of how design contributes to commercial success and community value. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their experience in a structured, results-oriented manner.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Mirvac careers portal link provided.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio (digital or PDF) that highlights 2-3 key projects demonstrating your experience in large-scale commercial or infrastructure design management. Focus on showcasing your process, problem-solving, and value-add contributions.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience in design coordination, stakeholder management, project delivery, and any relevant qualifications or achievements mentioned in the job description, using keywords like "design delivery," "commercial building projects," "stakeholder management," and "value-add design."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Be ready to discuss your portfolio and demonstrate your understanding of Mirvac's values and project goals.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mirvac's recent projects, sustainability initiatives, and company values. Understand the context of the Sydney Metro West development and the specific project details of the office tower.

⚠️ 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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