Design manager

SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER

Paynter Dixon Pty Limited

Newstead, Brisbane QLD

Architecture (Design & Architecture)

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

Full time

$180,000 – $200,000 per year

Design isn't just what a project looks like. It's how it performs, how it gets built, and how people experience it long after completion.

At Paynter Dixon, we believe great projects are shaped long before construction begins. They are driven by clear thinking, collaboration, technical leadership, and the ability to bring together clients, consultants, stakeholders, budgets, programmes, and ideas into one aligned vision.

We are looking for a Senior Design Manager who thrives in that space. Someone who can lead complexity with confidence, is commercially minded, solutions‐focused, and capable of balancing design intent with buildability, programme, authority requirements, and client outcomes.

This is an opportunity to take ownership across commercial and residential projects while working within a business that genuinely values innovation, initiative, and strategic thinking.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Senior Design Manager, you will lead and manage the full pre‐construction and design delivery process from project inception through to construction handover. You will work closely with clients, consultants, Business Development Managers, estimators, and operational teams to ensure projects are delivered in line with programme, budget, authority requirements, quality expectations, and client objectives.

This is a pivotal leadership role requiring strong commercial acumen, technical capability, stakeholder management, and the ability to confidently navigate complex project environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the design development process across multiple projects.
• Establish project briefs, manage consultant teams, and drive programme outcomes.
• Coordinate design, authority approvals, documentation, and pre‐construction activities.
• Manage design budgets, consultant fees, forecasting, and reporting through CHEOPS.
• Facilitate collaboration between clients, consultants, estimators, and construction teams.
• Drive value engineering, buildability reviews, safety in design, and construction methodology input.
• Manage project risks, resolve design challenges, and ensure fit‐for‐purpose outcomes.
• Lead consultant coordination meetings and maintain project momentum.
• Ensure successful transition and handover from pre‐construction into delivery.

ABOUT YOU

You are an experienced Senior Design Manager who understands that successful projects require more than technical coordination alone. You bring people together, navigate competing priorities, and create clarity within complex environments. You are commercially aware, highly organised, and confident leading discussions with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders alike.

You are someone who:

• Thinks strategically while remaining delivery focused.
• Understands both the design and construction sides of a project.
• Can identify risks early and proactively drive solutions.
• Communicates clearly and confidently across all levels.
• Thrives in fast‐paced project environments.
• Brings leadership, accountability, and professionalism to every interaction.
• Has a strong understanding of buildability, programming, authority approvals, and consultant management.
• Is passionate about delivering quality outcomes and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Degree qualifications in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline.
• 5+ years' experience in a similar Design Management role.
• Experience across commercial and/or residential construction projects.
• Strong stakeholder and consultant management capability.
• Excellent programme, financial, and reporting skills.
• The ability to lead projects from early concept through to construction handover.