Design Manager

Join a forward-thinking construction leader and shape the future of landmark projects in Newcastle.

Verve Partners are currently seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the design and delivery of a landmark construction project in the Newcastle region.

This is an opportunity to make your mark with a company that values collaboration, innovation, and design excellence across every phase of construction.

Reporting to the Project Manager and working collaboratively with the broader project team, you will provide leadership, direction, and oversight across the full project lifecycle.

You’ll drive the development of design strategies that balance aesthetic integrity, compliance, cost-efficiency, and buildability, ensuring all documentation and deliverables align with project objectives and legislative requirements.

Key responsibilities:

• Overseeing design management during pre-construction and construction phases
• Managing communication channels between design, planning, and delivery teams
• Leading coordination with consultants, subcontractors, and authorities
• Ensuring documentation aligns with the Design and Building Practitioners Act (DBP)
• Championing value engineering initiatives to achieve project savings
• Mentoring and developing design staff while fostering a collaborative culture
• Contributing to continual improvement through lessons learned and system development

About You:

You’ll bring a balance of technical design expertise, commercial acumen, and leadership capability. You’ll be comfortable managing multiple stakeholders and projects while maintaining high standards for quality, compliance, and innovation.

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Architecture, Construction or Engineering
• Proven experience in design management within the construction industry preferably with multi-storey residential experience
• Strong understanding of design coordination, risk analysis, and documentation control
• Familiarity with DBP Act compliance and certification processes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing team

Benefits:

• Attractive remuneration package
• Opportunity to lead design for high-profile projects
• Professional growth within a collaborative, innovative environment

If this sounds like your next role, or you would like to have a confidential discussion, please contact Stephanie Airlie at Verve Partners, 0416 129 042. 

Verve Partners is an energetic team of specialist consultants reimagining recruitment Australia-wide. With over 170 years of combined experience, we’ve found the sweet spot in talent search – and want to share it. By scouting smart, digging deep and embracing diversity, we grow vibrant careers, cultures and communities. 
  
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live. We pay our respects to the First Peoples of this country, their culture and Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise that this land was and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land because sovereignty was never ceded.