Workspace Design Manager (Fixed Term 13 Months)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Workspace Design Manager (Fixed Term 13 Months)

Company: SEEK

Location: Cremorne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary

Category: Operations (Workplace Strategy & Design)

Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in leading the strategic design and fit-out of SEEK's commercial workspace projects, with a strong focus on a significant, large-scale site selection initiative.

• It requires a deep integration of the SEEK Workspace Playbook, ensuring all new spaces align with company standards, intent, and evolving ways of working.

• The position involves close collaboration with internal delivery streams (Technology, Office Experience) and external consultants to achieve high-quality, functional, and value-driven design outcomes.

• A key function is to act as a primary liaison, translating business aspirations into tangible design solutions and actively challenging external partners to ensure optimal results for SEEK and its employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Fixed Term 13 Months" designation and the specific focus on a large-scale project in site selection, this role is critical for immediate project execution and strategic alignment within the Finance and Business Support (FABS) division. The emphasis on "Workspace Playbook" suggests a need for strong process adherence and a strategic mindset to adapt existing frameworks to new environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Workspace Design & Fit-out: Spearhead the design and fit-out stream for SEEK workspace projects, ensuring alignment with the SEEK Workspace Playbook, company standards, and strategic intent.

• Project Coordination & Integration: Collaborate closely with the Workspace Project Director and internal teams (Technology, Office Experience) to coordinate delivery streams, define requirements, and manage dependencies for seamless integration of design elements.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Briefing: Lead comprehensive briefing activities to capture specific project requirements, articulate SEEK's aspirations and constraints, and ensure clarity on measures of success for both internal and external teams.

• External Consultant Management: Act as the key connector between SEEK and external design/project teams (Architects, Interior Designers, Project Managers), actively challenging and guiding them to achieve optimal design outcomes that are uniquely "SEEK."

• Data-Informed Strategy & Planning: Gather, interpret, and leverage data (headcount, utilization, ways-of-working insights, survey results) to inform workspace strategies, validate design assumptions, and measure project outcomes effectively.

• Budget, Timeline & Risk Management: Contribute to the overall project management by ensuring adherence to cost, time, and scope parameters, identifying, communicating, and managing risks and opportunities, and recommending well-reasoned deviations when beneficial.

• Documentation & Reporting: Manage the production of essential project documentation, including presentations, status reports, risk registers, minutes, agendas, and design packs, or ensure timely delivery of consultant reporting.

• Performance Monitoring: Oversee external consultants and contractors, ensuring their work and deliverables meet required quality standards and are completed on schedule.

• Facilitation & Workshop Leadership: Plan, facilitate, and document meetings and workshops, including stakeholder briefings, co-design sessions, design reviews, and lessons learned sessions, ensuring effective participation and clear outcomes.

• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders across the business to understand evolving team needs, headcount changes, and shifts in ways of working.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic design leadership and hands-on project execution. The emphasis on "actively challenge and guide external designers" indicates a need for strong technical expertise and confident communication. The requirement to "translate between the 'commercial office construction' world and the 'client' world" underscores the need for excellent communication and translation skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Non-negotiable: Significant experience (10+ years implied by AI assessment) as a workspace/workplace strategist and designer, leading the strategy and design of large, complex commercial workplace projects (e.g., headquarters, multi-floor, or multi-site projects) for progressive organizations.

• Exposure to working in ANZ and South East Asia markets.

• Demonstrated ability to lead workplace strategy and design from briefing through concept, schematic, and detailed design stages.

• Experienced in leading detailed documentation review.

• Proven ability to manage and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.

Required Skills:

• Workspace Strategy & Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead the strategic vision and design execution for complex commercial workplace projects.

• Commercial Fit-out Expertise: Deep understanding of commercial fit-out design principles, workplace planning, buildability, pricing, and their impact on design decisions.

• Stakeholder Management & Influence: Strong capability to identify, engage, and manage stakeholders at various levels, driving alignment and support for workspace initiatives.

• Design Software Proficiency: Medium to high proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD for space planning and design coordination.

• Presentation & Graphic Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator) for producing graphic concepts and compelling presentations.

• Data Analysis & Modelling: Strong skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, headcount modeling, test fit modeling, and basic dashboard creation.

• Project Planning & Tracking: Proficiency in Microsoft Project for program and milestone tracking.

• ESG & Sustainability Integration: Strong understanding of Universal Design Principles, Accessible Design Standards (APAC), green building credentials, WELL standards, and ability to implement SEEK's ESG initiatives (sustainability, carbon reduction).

• Communication & Translation: Ability to translate technical and commercial issues between the construction world and client stakeholders.

• Negotiation & Conflict Management: Proven skills in balancing user aspirations, commercial realities, and design integrity.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Qualification: Certification (e.g., Cert IV or higher) or equivalent practical project management experience on large workplace projects.

• Change Management Experience: Particularly relating to workplace, location, or ways of working transformations.

• Workplace Analytics Tools: Experience using utilization sensors, survey platforms, and space planning tools to inform and evaluate workspace strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience inferred by the AI suggests a senior-level role. The non-negotiable requirement for leading large, complex projects emphasizes the need for candidates to showcase substantial portfolio evidence of similar initiatives. The specific mention of APAC and SEA markets points to a need for understanding diverse regulatory and cultural nuances in design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Large-Scale Workplace Projects: Detailed examples demonstrating leadership in strategy, design, and fit-out of significant commercial office spaces (e.g., headquarters, multi-floor/multi-site projects).

• Strategic Framework Application: Evidence of using or adapting established workplace strategy frameworks (like the SEEK Workspace Playbook) to guide project execution.

• Design Problem-Solving: Examples showcasing how complex design challenges were overcome, balancing user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence: Demonstrations of effective stakeholder management, including how alignment was achieved and buy-in secured for design proposals.

• Data-Driven Design Process: Examples of how data (headcount, utilization, survey results) was collected, analyzed, and used to inform design decisions and measure outcomes.

• ESG & Sustainability Integration: Portfolios should highlight projects that successfully incorporated Universal Design, accessibility standards, and sustainability principles (e.g., green building credentials, carbon reduction strategies).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase examples of designing and optimizing end-to-end processes for workspace projects, from initial briefing and concept development through to detailed design and documentation review.

• Implementation & Automation: While not directly automation-focused, demonstrate an understanding of how design processes feed into construction and fit-out implementation, and how documentation supports these phases.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how project success was measured against agreed parameters (cost, time, scope, user satisfaction) and how lessons learned were captured and applied to future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is critical. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies that not only showcase aesthetic design but also strategic thinking, project management rigor, stakeholder influence, and a data-driven approach to creating functional and impactful workspaces. The emphasis on ESG and specific design standards suggests these should be clearly highlighted.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the seniority of the role (10+ years experience, leading large complex projects), location (Cremorne, Victoria, Australia), and the specialized nature of workspace strategy and design, a competitive fixed-term salary is expected.

• For a Senior Workspace Design Manager in a major Australian city like Melbourne, typical salary ranges for such specialized roles can fall between AUD $150,000 to AUD $200,000 per annum, potentially higher depending on the specific scope and the candidate's proven track record.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from research on similar senior-level design and project management roles within the property and corporate sectors in Australia, considering cost of living in Melbourne, and the fixed-term nature of the contract which often commands a premium.

Benefits:

• Fixed-Term Contract: Opportunity for a 13-month contract, providing a defined project scope and duration.

• Project Impact: The chance to lead a significant, large-scale workspace project for a prominent organization like SEEK.

• Strategic Involvement: Direct contribution to shaping SEEK's future workspace environment and employee experience.

• Professional Development: Exposure to high-level project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional team collaboration within a leading tech-focused company.

• Access to SEEK's Workspace Playbook: Opportunity to work with and refine a comprehensive framework for workplace design and strategy.

• Potential for Networking: Building relationships with a network of internal teams and external consultants in the property and design fields.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, given the project-driven nature and fixed-term contract, flexibility may be required to meet project milestones and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is a benchmark for a senior role in Australia. The candidate should be prepared to negotiate based on their specific experience and the full scope of responsibilities for this 13-month fixed-term position. Benefits are likely to be more project-focused than extensive long-term benefits typical of permanent roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Employment Marketplace & Technology Services. SEEK operates in the digital platform space, connecting job seekers with employers and educational institutions globally.

Company Size: SEEK is a large, publicly listed company with thousands of employees worldwide. This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within specific teams.

Founded: SEEK was founded in 1997. This history suggests a company with a strong foundation, adaptability, and a proven track record in its industry.

Team Structure:

• Finance and Business Support (FABS): This role sits within the FABS division, indicating a strong connection to the financial and operational backbone of the company.

• Workspaces Team: A specialized team focused on the strategic planning, design, and management of SEEK's physical office environments.

• Reporting: Reports to the Head of Workspace Strategy & Travel, placing it within a strategic leadership function for workplace operations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Extensive collaboration with internal teams like Office Experience (OX) and Technology, as well as external Project Managers, Architects, Interior Designers, Property Consultants, and Cost Consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes gathering and interpreting data (headcount, utilization, surveys) to inform strategy and design, reflecting a broader company commitment to data-informed approaches.

• Strategic Frameworks: Reliance on the "SEEK Workspace Playbook" indicates a structured, repeatable methodology for developing and implementing workspace strategies.

• Agile & Iterative Design: While not explicitly stated, the need to "refine the strategy as needed" and "actively challenge and guide" suggests an iterative approach to design and planning, adapting to feedback and evolving needs.

• Purpose-Driven Operations: SEEK's purpose ("help people live more fulfilling and productive working lives") likely influences how workspace decisions are made, aiming to create environments that support employee well-being and productivity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: SEEK's position as a global leader in online employment suggests a culture that values innovation, data, and employee well-being. The FABS division's involvement implies a rigorous approach to project management and financial accountability, even in creative fields like workspace design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level, specialized role within workplace operations, bridging strategic design, project management, and stakeholder relations. It requires a high degree of autonomy and expertise.

Reporting Structure: Reporting to the Head of Workspace Strategy & Travel, offering exposure to senior leadership within the FABS division and strategic decision-making processes related to the physical workplace. The role also involves significant collaboration with peer-level internal teams (OX, Tech) and external project teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the employee experience, productivity, and the overall operational efficiency of SEEK's physical spaces. Successful execution contributes to SEEK's ability to attract and retain talent, foster collaboration, and embody its brand and culture through its environments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Opportunity to lead a high-profile, large-scale project from site selection through to design completion, offering significant portfolio enhancement and proven leadership experience.

• Strategic Framework Development: Chance to contribute to refining and potentially evolving the SEEK Workspace Playbook, influencing future workplace standards.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepen understanding of how technology, office experience, and real estate strategies intersect within a large organization.

• Market Exposure: Gain experience with workspace design challenges and solutions across different markets (ANZ, SEA), broadening international perspective.

• Potential for Future Opportunities: While a fixed-term role, exceptional performance and demonstrated capabilities could lead to further opportunities within SEEK or its network, particularly in project management, strategy, or design-related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a 13-month fixed-term role, "growth" is primarily defined by the project's scope and the candidate's ability to demonstrate leadership and strategic impact within that timeframe, rather than a traditional linear career path. The experience gained here is highly valuable for future senior roles in workplace strategy, design management, or corporate real estate.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, requiring presence at the relevant project sites and potentially SEEK offices for collaboration and stakeholder meetings. Cremorne is a known commercial hub in Melbourne.

Office Location(s): Cremorne, Victoria, Australia, with potential travel required to other SEEK locations or project sites as needed.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with internal teams (OX, Technology, FABS leadership) and external consultants, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite), project management tools (MS Project), and data analysis tools (MS Excel) will be essential.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with diverse teams, including project managers, architects, designers, end-users, and senior leadership, to gather requirements, present designs, and manage feedback.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected. However, as a fixed-term project role, there may be periods requiring extended hours or flexible scheduling to meet critical project milestones, particularly during site selection, design development, and review phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial. Candidates must be able to commit to regular physical presence. The dynamic nature of project work means adaptability in hours and location (within the specified region) will be key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio against essential qualifications and experience.

• First Interview: Likely with the Hiring Manager (Head of Workspace Strategy & Travel) or a senior member of the Workspaces team. Focus on strategic thinking, experience with large-scale projects, and understanding of workplace strategy principles.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A dedicated session to present key portfolio pieces, discussing strategy, design process, stakeholder management, and outcomes. This will also involve technical questions related to design software, construction principles, and ESG standards. This is where the candidate's ability to "translate" complex information will be tested.

• Stakeholder/Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with representatives from key internal teams (e.g., Office Experience, Technology) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and understanding of cross-functional dependencies.

• Final Interview/Offer: May involve a final discussion with senior leadership or HR to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around 2-3 major, large-scale workplace projects that best demonstrate your capabilities as a strategist and designer.

• Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your strategic approach, the challenges faced, the design solutions implemented, your specific role and contributions, stakeholder engagement efforts, and measurable outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, user satisfaction, ESG compliance).

• Data & Metrics: Quantify impact wherever possible. Include examples of headcount modeling, utilization data analysis, and how design decisions were supported by data.

• Process Focus: Highlight your process for translating needs into design, managing consultants, reviewing documentation, and ensuring alignment with frameworks like the SEEK Workspace Playbook.

• Visuals: Include high-quality renderings, floor plans, and space utilization diagrams to visually communicate your design concepts and planning.

• ESG Integration: Explicitly showcase how Universal Design, accessibility, and sustainability were integrated into your projects.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, as time will likely be limited. Tailor your presentation to the specific requirements of SEEK and this role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates may be asked to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to site selection challenges, stakeholder conflicts, or design compromises.

• Be prepared to articulate how you would approach refining the SEEK Workspace Playbook for a new market or specific business unit.

• Practice explaining technical design concepts and their business implications to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component. Candidates should prepare a presentation that directly addresses the responsibilities and qualifications outlined, showcasing their ability to lead complex projects and drive strategic outcomes. The emphasis on "challenging" external consultants suggests interviewers will probe for assertiveness and expertise.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/3D Modeling:

  • Revit: Essential for detailed design, coordination, and documentation in architectural projects. Proficiency in its use for space planning and design coordination is explicitly required.
  • AutoCAD: Often used for 2D drafting, space planning, and coordination. Medium to high proficiency is required.

• Graphic Design & Presentation:

  • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator): Crucial for creating visually compelling design concepts, presentations, and project documentation.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint: The primary tool for stakeholder presentations, storytelling, and conveying strategic proposals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Required for data analysis, headcount/test fit modeling, and creating basic dashboards. This highlights the data-driven nature of the role.

• Workplace Analytics Tools (Preferred): Experience with utilization sensors, survey platforms, and specialized space planning tools is a plus, indicating a sophisticated approach to workspace performance measurement.

CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Project: Necessary for program and milestone tracking, indicating a need for structured project management capabilities. While not a CRM, it's a key project management system.

Other Relevant Tools/Systems:

• ESG/Green Building Platforms: Familiarity with standards and reporting for green building credentials and WELL certifications.

• Collaboration Platforms: Likely experience with tools like Microsoft Teams or similar for daily communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific software requirements (Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, MS Project, Excel) are non-negotiable for the core design and project management functions. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their proficiency and experience with these tools, particularly in the context of large-scale commercial workplace projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven: A strong alignment with SEEK's purpose of helping people live more fulfilling working lives, translating into creating spaces that support well-being and productivity.

• Data-Driven: A commitment to using data and insights to inform strategic decisions, validate assumptions, and measure the impact of workspace designs.

• Collaborative: An expectation of close teamwork and open communication across internal departments and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Agile & Adaptive: The ability to respond to changing business needs, evolving ways of working, and project feedback with flexibility and strategic foresight.

• Quality & Value Focused: A dedication to delivering high-quality, functional, and cost-effective design outcomes that represent SEEK's brand and standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working closely with Office Experience, Technology, and other business units to ensure holistic workspace solutions.

• Consultative Partnership: Engaging external consultants as strategic partners, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect, clear communication, and constructive challenge to drive the best outcomes.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining regular and transparent communication with all stakeholders, providing updates, managing expectations, and facilitating feedback loops.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in knowledge sharing within the Workspaces team and potentially broader FABS, contributing insights from projects and advocating for best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at SEEK, as inferred from its purpose and industry, likely emphasizes innovation, employee-centricity, and a professional yet dynamic work environment. The values reflect a modern approach to operations and workplace management, focusing on impact, efficiency, and employee well-being.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Large-Scale Project Complexity: Managing a significant, large-scale project from site selection through design involves navigating multiple stakeholders, complex technical requirements, and potential unforeseen issues.

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Reconciling the varied requirements and expectations of different business units, employees, and leadership within the framework of the SEEK Workspace Playbook and project constraints.

• Geographic/Market Nuances: Adapting design strategies and ensuring compliance with standards across different markets (ANZ, SEA), each with unique regulations, cultures, and construction practices.

• Fixed-Term Contract Pressure: Delivering high-impact results within a defined 13-month period requires efficient planning, execution, and proactive problem-solving.

• Challenging External Consultants: Effectively guiding and pushing external design teams to deliver optimal, SEEK-specific outcomes while maintaining positive working relationships.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Workplace Strategy: Deepening expertise in current trends in workplace design, employee experience, and the future of work.

• International Market Exposure: Gaining practical experience in adapting workplace strategies and designs for diverse international markets.

• ESG & Sustainability Leadership: Enhancing knowledge and application of global ESG standards, green building certifications, and sustainable design practices.

• Cross-functional Acumen: Developing a more comprehensive understanding of how technology integration, facilities management, and corporate real estate strategies interlink with workspace design.

• Project Leadership & Negotiation: Honing skills in leading major projects, managing complex contracts, and navigating high-stakes negotiations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of senior-level project management roles in corporate real estate and design. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a chance to gain specialized experience in a leading organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a company's overarching purpose and way of working into a tangible workspace strategy and design brief." (Focus on SEEK's purpose and Playbook).

• "How would you approach the initial site selection phase for a major corporate headquarters, ensuring the chosen location supports our strategic objectives and design aspirations?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to significantly challenge an external architect or designer on a project. What was the situation, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of SEEK, how would you ensure our new workspaces truly embody our brand and support our purpose of helping people live more fulfilling working lives?"

• "How do you typically engage with internal stakeholders from departments like Technology and Office Experience to ensure their needs are met and integrated into workspace design?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Select 2-3 key projects that best represent your ability to lead large-scale commercial workplace design and strategy. For each, clearly define:

  • The Challenge: What was the core problem or objective?
  • Your Strategy: How did you approach it? What frameworks did you use (mentioning the SEEK Playbook if applicable)?
  • Your Role & Actions: Detail your specific contributions, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making.
  • The Solution: Showcase the design outcomes with visuals.
  • The Impact: Quantify results (cost savings, efficiency, user feedback, ESG compliance).

• Data Visualizations: Be ready to show how you use Excel for modeling and present dashboards or key metrics clearly.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite in the context of these projects, perhaps showing examples of coordination or documentation.

• ESG Focus: Explicitly highlight how ESG principles were implemented and measured.

• Conciseness: Practice presenting your key achievements within a set timeframe (e.g., 15-20 minutes for the presentation portion).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of strategic vision, practical design and project management skills, strong stakeholder management abilities, and a deep understanding of modern workplace design principles, including ESG. Be prepared to articulate your thought process and demonstrate how you add value beyond basic design execution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience in large-scale commercial workplace strategy and design, specifically mentioning experience with fit-outs, stakeholder management, and any relevant software proficiencies.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with specific software (Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, MS Project, Excel) and your involvement in projects of similar scale and complexity to those described. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects. Prepare a concise presentation (as outlined in Interview Preparation) that demonstrates your strategic approach, design process, stakeholder engagement, and measurable outcomes, with a strong emphasis on ESG compliance.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research SEEK's business, its purpose, and its existing workspace initiatives (if publicly available) to understand their culture and priorities. Familiarize yourself with the concept of a "Workspace Playbook" and how it might be applied.

⚠️ 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.