Senior Design Manager - Risk

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Risk

Company: Built Australia

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Management / Risk Management / Design Advisory

Date Posted: 2026-06-03

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a highly strategic advisory role focused on identifying and proactively managing design-related risks within the construction project lifecycle.

• You will act as an independent expert, providing critical insights and recommendations to project teams and senior leadership to enhance decision-making.

• The position involves reviewing design documentation, supporting risk mitigation strategy development, and fostering continuous improvement in design management processes.

• This role requires a broad, holistic view of construction projects and the ability to influence outcomes through constructive challenge and collaborative engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw input specifies "Senior Design Manager - Risk," the description clearly positions this as a strategic advisory role rather than a project-delivery embedded management role. The focus is on proactive risk identification and mitigation, influencing decisions at critical project stages, and providing expert insight, rather than day-to-day project execution oversight. This distinction is crucial for operations professionals seeking advisory and strategic impact roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough reviews of design documentation across tenders, Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), and live projects to identify potential risks early in the project lifecycle.

• Provide practical, experience-led recommendations and expert guidance to project teams to improve design outcomes and mitigate identified risks.

• Collaborate with internal project teams (Design Managers, Project Managers) and external specialist consultants to develop and strengthen robust risk mitigation strategies.

• Partner with internal stakeholders and external consultants to challenge existing design approaches and promote best practices in risk management.

• Contribute actively to the continuous improvement of Built Australia's design management processes, methodologies, and risk frameworks.

• Act as a trusted advisor, offering independent, expert insight that influences key decisions at critical project stages.

• Support the development and implementation of risk management plans specific to design elements and construction methodologies.

• Engage with stakeholders to articulate complex risk scenarios and recommend pragmatic solutions that align with project objectives and company standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific actions and engagements expected of a Senior Design Manager in a risk advisory capacity. This includes specifying how risks are identified (documentation review), how recommendations are delivered (practical, experience-led), and who they collaborate with (internal teams, external consultants). The emphasis on "trusted advisor" and "independent, expert insight" highlights the strategic nature of the role, distinguishing it from a direct project management function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design management within the commercial construction sector.

• Proven track record of managing design processes and identifying risks across various building typologies.

• Experience in tender evaluations, ECI phases, and managing design on live construction projects.

Required Skills:

• Significant expertise in design management within commercial construction, encompassing multiple building typologies.

• Strong technical grounding in architecture, engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• In-depth understanding of National Construction Code (NCC), relevant building codes, and other critical legislative requirements.

• Ability to develop and apply a broad, holistic view of construction projects, transcending single-discipline perspectives.

• Proven capability to influence and constructively challenge thinking in complex, sensitive, or high-pressure situations.

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, characterized by a collaborative, diplomatic, and persuasive approach.

• Strong analytical skills for reviewing design documentation and identifying potential risks.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in a relevant technical field or a specialized risk management qualification.

• Experience with advanced risk modeling or simulation tools.

• Familiarity with digital construction technologies and their impact on design risk.

• Experience in a consulting role focused on construction risk or design advisory.

• Knowledge of contract administration and its implications for design risk.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications section has been structured to clearly delineate education, experience, and specific skills. "Technical Grounding" and "NCC/Building Codes" are explicitly called out as critical due to the nature of construction risk. The distinction between "Required" and "Preferred" skills helps candidates prioritize their application. The AI-derived experience level of "10+" has been incorporated, and the emphasis on "influencing and challenging constructively" is highlighted as a key behavioral competency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Risk Identification & Mitigation: Showcase specific examples where you identified significant design risks and detail the strategic and practical steps taken to mitigate them, leading to improved project outcomes or cost savings.

• Design Review Process Examples: Demonstrate your methodology for reviewing complex design documentation (e.g., architectural drawings, structural reports, MEP schematics) and how you extract critical risk information.

• Stakeholder Influence Examples: Provide instances where you successfully influenced project teams or senior stakeholders to adopt risk-averse design strategies or implement mitigation plans that may have faced initial resistance.

• Process Improvement Contributions: Highlight any contributions you've made to refining design management or risk assessment processes within previous organizations, including documentation of new workflows or best practices.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing or contributing to design risk registers, risk assessment reports, and mitigation action plans.

• Examples of process flows for design review, risk escalation, and stakeholder consultation within the design and construction lifecycle.

• Documentation illustrating how you’ve integrated legislative requirements (NCC, building codes) into design risk assessment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for operations and advisory roles. The "Portfolio Essentials" are tailored to demonstrate the core competencies of a Senior Design Manager focusing on risk: identifying risks, developing mitigation strategies, influencing stakeholders, and improving processes. The "Process Documentation" requirements emphasize tangible outputs that showcase their expertise in formalizing risk management within construction projects, aligning with industry best practices for demonstrable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package designed to support wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance.

• Opportunities for accelerated development and taking on meaningful responsibility across diverse project scales.

• Exposure to a strong pipeline of diverse projects, offering continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Investment in digital solutions and innovative ways of working, providing access to cutting-edge tools and methodologies.

• Supportive leadership that encourages good ideas and provides space for professional growth and autonomy.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. However, given the advisory and strategic nature of the role, flexibility may be offered to accommodate critical decision points or project deadlines, ensuring the focus remains on delivering high-impact insights rather than strict adherence to a rigid schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated for Sydney, Australia, based on the experience level (10+ years), seniority (Senior Manager), and specialized focus (Risk Advisory in Construction). The methodology involves referencing Australian construction industry salary guides for similar roles and adjusting for the strategic, advisory component. Benefits are elaborated from the provided "Comprehensive Range Of Benefits" to reflect typical offerings for senior roles in large construction firms, emphasizing growth and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Built Australia operates within the leading privately owned construction sector, with a significant presence across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. This positions them as a major player capable of undertaking large-scale, complex projects while retaining the agility of private ownership. Their focus on innovation and digital solutions indicates a forward-thinking approach to construction project delivery and management.

Company Size: With over 1,300 employees, Built Australia is a substantial organization. This size offers opportunities for significant project impact and cross-functional collaboration, while also implying structured processes and a robust internal framework. For operations professionals, this means working within established systems but also having the potential to influence and refine them due to the company's agility.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly provided, the company's description as "leading privately owned" and operating across multiple countries suggests a history of stable growth and established market presence. This implies a culture built on experience, reliability, and a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the "Project Risk function," indicating a specialized team dedicated to risk management across the company's portfolio.

• This function likely operates independently of direct project delivery teams, acting as an oversight and advisory body.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Risk Assessment: Emphasis on analyzing design documentation and project data to identify and quantify risks, moving beyond anecdotal evidence.

• Strategic Advisory Framework: Implementing structured approaches to providing expert recommendations and challenging existing paradigms to drive better project outcomes.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to refining design management and risk mitigation processes based on lessons learned and evolving industry best practices.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork to develop comprehensive and effective solutions to complex design and risk challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been fleshed out using the provided description. The implications of company size and industry for an operations role are detailed, focusing on structure, process, and collaboration. The "Methodology" section infers a structured, data-driven, and collaborative approach to risk management, aligning with modern operations and advisory functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior advisory position within the operations and project management domain. It is a step beyond direct project delivery management, focusing on strategic oversight, risk mitigation, and influencing decision-making across multiple projects. It signifies a move towards a specialist, expert role that leverages extensive experience to guide the organization.

Reporting Structure: The role is positioned within the "Project Risk function" and will likely report to a Head of Risk, Director of Project Management, or a similar senior leader responsible for overall project governance and risk mitigation. While not embedded in project delivery, it will have strong dotted-line reporting or close working relationships with senior project leadership.

Operations Impact: The operations impact is significant and strategic. By proactively identifying and mitigating design risks, this role directly contributes to:

• Reduced project cost overruns.

• Improved project timelines and schedule adherence.

• Enhanced project quality and reduced rework.

• Lowered legal and contractual liabilities.

• Strengthened company reputation and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in niche areas of construction risk management, complex building typologies, or specific regulatory frameworks.

• Leadership in Risk Function: Potential to lead or expand the Project Risk function, mentor junior risk advisors, and shape the company's risk strategy.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Transition into broader leadership roles within project management or operations, leveraging a strong foundation in risk and strategy.

• Consulting & Advisory Expansion: Develop a reputation as a go-to expert, potentially leading external advisory engagements or contributing to industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Career & Growth Analysis" section provides a strategic perspective on the role's place within an operations career path. It defines the seniority, potential reporting lines, and critically, the tangible impact on the business. Growth opportunities are outlined from a specialist's perspective, focusing on deepening expertise, leadership within the risk function, and broader operational influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "on-site" in Sydney, indicating a professional office environment within Built Australia's Sydney headquarters or a designated project risk office. This environment is expected to be conducive to focused analytical work, strategic planning, and collaborative discussions.

Office Location(s): Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Specific office location details would typically be provided upon application or during the interview process, but it is expected to be a professional corporate setting within the Sydney metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: While the role is advisory, the Sydney office likely provides dedicated spaces for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative problem-solving with project teams and fellow risk specialists.

• Access to Tools & Technology: Expect access to necessary software for design review, risk analysis, project management, and communication, supporting the company's investment in digital solutions.

• Professional Atmosphere: The environment will foster a culture of expertise, professionalism, and a commitment to high standards in construction and risk management. Opportunities for informal knowledge sharing with experienced professionals will be present.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). Given the advisory nature and focus on critical decision points, there may be an expectation for flexibility to ensure timely input and support for project teams, particularly during tender or ECI phases. The emphasis is on achieving outcomes and providing timely advice rather than strict hour-by-hour adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" section details the on-site nature of the role in Sydney. It infers the likely characteristics of a professional office setting for a company like Built, focusing on collaboration, technology access, and professional atmosphere, all relevant to an operations professional's daily experience. The work schedule is framed in the context of advisory roles, balancing structure with flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in commercial construction design risk and technical background.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with members of the Project Risk function and potentially senior project leadership. Expect questions on your approach to design risk identification, mitigation strategies, NCC compliance, and handling complex stakeholder situations.

• Case Study Presentation/Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present a detailed case study from your experience or walk through aspects of your portfolio. This will focus on demonstrating your analytical skills, strategic thinking, and ability to influence outcomes.

• Final Interview: Discussion with a senior executive (e.g., Head of Risk, Operations Director) to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the senior advisory role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem (design risk identified), your solution (strategy, actions taken), and the quantifiable outcome (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction percentages).

• Demonstrate Process: Show your methodology for risk assessment, review of technical documentation, and stakeholder engagement. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Highlight Influence: Provide examples of how you persuaded others to adopt your recommendations, especially in challenging situations.

• Tailor to Built: Research Built Australia's projects and values. Frame your experience to show how you can contribute to their specific goals and culture of innovation and risk management.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present complex information clearly and concisely, respecting time limits.

Challenge Preparation:

• Risk Scenario Analysis: Be ready to analyze a hypothetical design risk scenario and outline your immediate steps, risk assessment approach, mitigation recommendations, and communication plan.

• NCC/Code Interpretation: Prepare to discuss how you interpret and apply complex building codes and legislative requirements to real-world design challenges.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would handle disagreements with project managers, architects, or engineers regarding risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Application & Portfolio Review Process" is tailored for a senior advisory role. It emphasizes the need for demonstrable impact, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence, which are critical for operations and risk functions. The portfolio review advice is specific to showcasing risk management expertise, and challenge preparation focuses on typical scenarios encountered in construction risk advisory.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Modeling Software: Familiarity with common architectural (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD), structural, and MEP design software is essential for reviewing documentation. While not expected to be a user, understanding the output and implications is key.

• Risk Management Software: Experience with specialized risk assessment and management platforms (e.g., Primavera Risk Analysis, Acumen Fuse, or similar enterprise-level risk tools) would be highly advantageous for quantitative analysis.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management tools (e.g., Procore, Aconex, Microsoft Project) to understand project timelines, dependencies, and workflow.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), potentially SQL for data extraction, and BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for visualizing risk data and trends.

• Reporting & Dashboarding: Ability to create clear, concise reports and dashboards that communicate complex risk information effectively to various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this advisory role, understanding how CRM systems might track project risks or how automation tools are used in project management workflows could be beneficial for broader context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" section focuses on tools relevant to reviewing technical documentation, performing risk analysis (both qualitative and quantitative), and understanding project management workflows. The emphasis is on understanding and utilizing information from these tools rather than necessarily being an expert user of all of them, reflecting the advisory nature of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership: Taking accountability for providing robust, insightful risk advice that genuinely helps Built Australia achieve better project outcomes.

• Curiosity: A drive to deeply understand project details, explore potential risks from multiple angles, and ask probing questions to uncover hidden issues.

• Collaboration: A willingness to work constructively with project teams, architects, engineers, and consultants, fostering an environment of shared responsibility for risk management.

• Practical Problem-Solving: Focusing on delivering actionable, implementable solutions rather than theoretical advice, grounded in real-world construction experience.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning, adapting, and refining approaches to design risk management based on evolving best practices and project learnings.

Collaboration Style:

• Trusted Advisor: Building strong relationships based on expertise, integrity, and clear communication to be seen as a reliable source of guidance.

• Constructive Challenge: Engaging in open dialogue, respectfully questioning assumptions and design decisions to ensure all risks are considered, even when it requires difficult conversations.

• Proactive Partnership: Actively seeking out opportunities to engage with project teams early in their lifecycle to embed risk considerations from the outset.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the development of best practices and lessons learned within the Project Risk function and across project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Culture & Values" section directly translates the company's stated values ("curiosity, ownership," etc.) and the role's advisory nature into specific behavioral expectations for operations professionals. The collaboration style emphasizes the unique dynamic of an independent advisor working within a project-driven organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Advisory Independence with Project Integration: Maintaining an objective, advisory stance while ensuring recommendations are practical, understood, and adopted by project teams with diverse priorities.

• Influencing Without Direct Authority: Persuading stakeholders and project teams to implement risk mitigation strategies when you do not have direct line management over them.

• Navigating Complex Project Environments: Dealing with intricate design challenges, evolving project scopes, and diverse stakeholder expectations within large-scale construction projects.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Standards: Staying current with the latest building codes, regulatory changes, and advancements in construction technology that impact design risk.

• Quantifying Risk Impact: Accurately assessing and communicating the financial, schedule, and reputational impact of design risks in a way that resonates with business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Risk Certifications: Pursuing advanced certifications in risk management (e.g., RMIA, PMI-RMP) or construction law.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending events focused on construction risk, design innovation, and regulatory updates to enhance knowledge and network.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Engaging with experts in various engineering disciplines, architecture, and project management to broaden understanding of project interdependencies.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior risk advisors or take on leadership responsibilities within the Project Risk function.

• Exposure to Diverse Project Types: Gaining experience across a wide range of Built Australia's projects, from residential to commercial and industrial, enriching practical knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges & Growth Opportunities" section provides a realistic outlook for a senior advisory role. Challenges are framed around the inherent difficulties of influencing without authority and navigating complex project environments. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening specialized expertise and advancing within the risk management domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant design risk that was initially overlooked by the project team. How did you approach communicating this risk and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, communication, and impact.)

• "How do you balance the need for thorough risk assessment with the pressures of project timelines and tender deadlines?" (Demonstrate your understanding of operational constraints and prioritization.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about Built Australia's approach to innovation and digital solutions, and how can design risk management contribute to these initiatives?" (Show your research and strategic alignment.)

• "How would you foster a culture of proactive risk identification within project teams, given your advisory role?" (Address your influence and collaboration style.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each example, clearly define the project context, the specific design risk, your methodology for identification and assessment, the mitigation strategies proposed, and the achieved outcomes (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Your Role: Emphasize your specific contributions, particularly your analytical skills, advisory capacity, and ability to influence.

• Visual Aids: Use clear visuals (e.g., simplified diagrams, risk matrices, timelines) to illustrate complex points and make your presentation engaging.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, assumptions, and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Interview Preparation" section provides concrete examples of strategic, technical, and behavioral questions tailored to this specific role. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes demonstrating impact and analytical rigor, crucial for an advisory position.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Built Australia careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in commercial construction design management, risk identification, NCC/building code compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best demonstrate your ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design risks, and showcase your influence on project outcomes.

• Research Built Australia: Understand their recent projects, company values, and approach to innovation and risk management. This will be invaluable for your application and interviews.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your case studies and answering common interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your strategic thinking.

⚠️ 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.