Design Manager

At Gardner Vaughan, we’re proud of our reputation for delivering exceptional multi-residential and mixed-use developments valued up to $120M, across Southeast Queensland. Our team is currently seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our collaborative construction department, where you’ll serve as the vital link between creative vision and practical execution.  Collaborate with a dedicated team of Design Managers and report directly to the Construction Manager to ensure high-quality, seamless project delivery from start to finish. 

The Opportunity

This pivotal role represents the construction department’s interests throughout the entire project lifecycle. As our Design Manager, you’ll drive buildability, compliance, documentation management, risk mitigation, and program milestone achievement while ensuring design visions translate into practical, buildable solutions.

Your Impact

This leadership role will have you working directly with the Construction Manager and Project Managers, working across departments to deliver outstanding results. Your expertise will be instrumental in:-

• Design Development & Documentation – providing critical feedback on design efficiency, value, construction speed, safety compliance, and quality outcomes
• Construction Phase Management: Ensuring compliance with standards, managing design deliverables, and identifying constructability solutions
• Stakeholder Coordination: Building strong relationships with consultants, cost planners, and project managers
• Risk & Cost Management: Identifying potential non-compliances, recommending cost-effective construction strategies, and tracking value management
• Quality Control: Reviewing documentation to ensure compliance with quality requirements and customer expectations

Your Experience & Attributes

• Proven experience in construction design management within residential or mixed-use developments – 10 years+
• Strong understanding of construction methodology, sequencing, and design for buildability
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant standards including NCC, BCA, AS, and WHS regulations
• Exceptional attention to detail, focused on compliance and practical design solutions
• Interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with cross-departmental collaboration ability
• Confidence in leading consultant coordination from concept through construction
• Commercial awareness that aligns design outcomes with cost, program, safety, and quality objectives
• Leadership experience at a senior level
• A tertiary qualification in Architecture or related field

At Gardner Vaughan 

If you think this sounds like what drives you, and wish to be part of our hard-working team, and contribute to building on our history of success, with a culture that promotes loyalty, company focus, openness, transparency, please submit your resume, cover letter, complete with references.   

Submit your application with references to be considered for this exciting opportunity.  For questions regarding this role, please contact Gardner Vaughan HR at jobs@gvg.com.au.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding application outcomes.