Design Manager_ Building Construction Industry_ Remote

Job Overview:

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Design Manager with at least 10-15 years of experience in the design industry. This position requires an expert who excels in leading large, multidisciplinary design teams, managing complex projects, and fostering innovation. The Design Manager will be responsible for overseeing the full design process from initial concept through to completion, ensuring that design quality, stakeholder needs, budgets, and timelines are met while maintaining compliance with Australian standards and regulations.

Role & responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing design teams across multiple projects. Cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Design Oversight: Oversee and manage the design process from concept development through to final implementation, ensuring all design deliverables align with the overall project vision, client expectations, and quality standards.
• Project Management: Manage complex, high-profile projects with multiple stakeholders, ensuring design excellence, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery. Lead the creation and monitoring of project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their business goals and translating those into innovative design solutions. Ensure client satisfaction by meeting or exceeding expectations and maintaining regular communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Collaborate with other managers, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and external stakeholders to ensure smooth integration of design with other project components.
• Quality Control & Standards: Establish and enforce rigorous design quality control processes. Ensure compliance with Australian building codes, standards (such as the National Construction Code), industry regulations (e.g., AS/NZS standards), and sustainability guidelines.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Lead the integration of sustainable and innovative design practices. Drive the adoption of emerging technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modelling), energy-efficient design principles, and smart design solutions.
• Business Development: Play an active role in growing the design practice by identifying new business opportunities, leading design proposals, and contributing to the firm's overall growth strategy. Foster a reputation for design excellence and thought leadership in the industry.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate design-related risks, including technical challenges, budget overruns, and delays. Provide solutions to address complex design and engineering challenges.
• Mentoring & Development: Provide guidance and coaching to junior design managers and team members, promoting professional development and growth. Act as a role model for best practices in design, leadership, and project delivery.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: A Bachelors or Masters degree in Design, Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related field. Advanced qualifications or certifications in design management or project management would be highly regarded.
• Experience: A minimum of 20 years in design management or senior design roles, with a proven track record of leading large-scale, multidisciplinary projects from concept to completion.
• Technical Expertise: Advanced proficiency in design and project management software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, BIM, Adobe Suite, MS Project) and a deep understanding of Australian design standards and regulations.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience in leading large, diverse design teams and managing the performance of junior and senior designers. Strong ability to inspire, influence, and build a high-performance culture.
• Project Management: Extensive experience managing multi-million-dollar projects, including development and management of detailed project plans, budgets, and schedules. Certification in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is a plus.
• Client Management: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to liaise with senior clients, stakeholders, and external partners to understand needs and deliver complex design solutions.
• Problem-Solving: Highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to navigate complex design challenges and provide innovative, practical solutions.
• Sustainability & Innovation: Expertise in integrating sustainability principles and innovative design strategies into projects. Experience with sustainable certifications such as Green Star, NABERS, or WELL is desirable.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards (AS/NZS), and relevant local planning and zoning laws.
• Business Acumen: Strong commercial awareness and the ability to contribute to the overall success of the firm through strategic decision-making and business development.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with international design standards or working in global markets.
• Expertise in advanced design technologies such as VR/AR for design visualization or parametric design.
• Experience in contract negotiations, tendering, and procurement processes.
• Knowledge of construction methods and contract administration.

Perks and benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development, leadership training, and career progression.
• Access to cutting-edge design tools and technologies.
• Flexible working arrangements (if applicable).
• health insurance, wellness programs, company bonuses, etc.