Design Manager | Pre-Construction
Saltair | Coolum Beach | Full Time
Saltair is a rapidly growing Queensland-based modular construction company delivering high-quality residential and commercial projects. With advanced manufacturing facilities in Coolum and Brisbane, we are driving innovation in off-site construction and shaping the future of housing in Australia. We are now seeking an experienced Design Manager – Pre-Construction to lead design coordination and provide technical certainty across our pre-construction and ECI phases.
The Role
Reporting to the GM Commercial, you will lead the design function during pre-construction, ensuring solutions are buildable, compliant, and commercially aligned. You will play a critical role in bridging design, estimating, and delivery teams to enable accurate pricing and seamless project execution.
Based in Coolum Beach, Queensland, this position is essential for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The successful candidate will collaborate with various stakeholders to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and success.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a team of 6–10 designers, ensuring high performance, coordination, and output quality
- Oversee design compliance with NCC/BCA and all relevant Australian Standards
- Act as the primary client interface, managing communication, expectations, and design outcomes
- Ensure NatHERS compliance (7-star rating), coordinating inputs to meet energy efficiency requirements
- Resolve service connection requirements, including authority interfaces, scope definition, and site constraints
- Coordinate showroom selections and client-facing design elements to align with project scope and budget
- Establish and manage project setup within internal systems (e.g. JobPac), ensuring accurate project data and tracking
- Manage project-related invoicing and financial coordination in line with milestones and contractual requirements
- Source and obtain consultant reports and specialist quotes (e.g. engineering, surveys, certifications) to support design and approvals
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a pre-construction or project management role within the manufacturing and production industry.
- Strong understanding of construction processes, methodologies, and regulations.
- Proficient in project management software and tools.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Highly regarded:
- Experience in modular/off-site construction
- Exposure to ECI or early contractor involvement phases
Why Join Saltair?
- Be part of a high-growth, forward-thinking modular builder
- Work on innovative projects transforming the construction industry
- Strong team culture focused on performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Opportunity to influence design standards and business outcomes
- Based in Coolum Beach with a supportive and driven leadership team
Apply Now
If you’re ready to lead design at the forefront of modular construction, apply now and be part of Saltair’s growth journey.
