About Our Client

Established over a decade ago in Sydney, our client is a highly regarded builder and developer specialising in luxury houses, townhouses, apartments, and medium to high-rise projects. With a proven track record across Sydney’s Northern Suburbs and a healthy pipeline of upcoming developments, they are seeking a talented Design Manager (Class 2 residential construction projects) to join their collaborative and welcoming team.

About the Role

Reporting to the Project Development Manager, as the Design Manager, you will take ownership of all design-related matters, guiding projects from DA through to OC. Working closely with both internal stakeholders and external consultants, you will drive documentation delivery, manage compliance with regulatory standards, and provide practical, builder-friendly solutions that balance quality and cost efficiency.

The role also includes managing purchaser variations, reviewing drawings and specifications, and supporting construction teams through the build phase. You will receive strong support from the internal project team and external consultants. A clear career pathway towards Senior Design Manager and beyond is attainable.

This is a full-time, office-based role with regular site interaction.

Key Responsibilities

Understand the sales aspect of the project and can deal with purchaser requested design variations, coupled with the ability to manage and follow them through till OC

Identify, coordinate and drive external consultants to complete detailed design and documentation, ensure all relevant aspects of their duties are completed correctly and within specified timeframes

Identify and recommend cost effective construction strategies and methodologies, and oversee the external consultant team to incorporate them into the design documentation

Challenge consultants appropriately and act with flexibility and curiosity to come up with effective design solutions and find efficiencies in design

Run design meetings in conjunction with the PM and external Architect. Maintain an internal design register and keep following up open items until closed

Assist and support the internal construction team during construction on design RFIs

Conduct design reviews and undertake value engineering assessments at all design stages/levels (from high level concepts to detail shop drawings), in conjunction with the internal and external team

Contribute to the evolution of the company's design strategy, Standards and PPR

Ensure that the design documentation and shop drawings comply with specified requirements, is checked for accuracy and approved prior to release for construction in accordance with the Design Plan and procedures

Ensure all plans adhere to the Building Regulations (NCC), Australian Standards and reflect best practice

Experience, Qualifications & Skills

Tertiary qualifications in construction, architecture, engineering, or a related discipline

5–7 years’ experience in residential design and construction management for high-end Class 2 projects

Project Architect or Interior Design experience highly regarded

Proven track record delivering projects valued at $25M+

Strong technical understanding of DPBA, NCC, and relevant Australian Standards

Proficient in MS Office Suite, AutoCAD, Revit, Procore, Bluebeam, and BIM

Personal Attributes

Confident and assertive communicator

Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality

Solutions-driven with a preference for function over form

Collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solving