ABOUT THE PROJECT
We're proud to be delivering a new Social and Affordable Housing development in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs for a long-term community housing provider, under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) leading into Design & Construct delivery.
Valued at approximately $90 million, the project will deliver 140+ apartments across a multi-building residential scheme, incorporating a blind-tenure approach with no distinction between social and affordable dwellings. The development will include a shared basement, landscaped communal spaces, and durable, low-maintenance materials designed for long-term asset performance rather than sell-down.
This is a brownfield redevelopment within a constrained urban site, requiring careful coordination of demolition, excavation, piled shoring, services, and stakeholder interfaces. The project must meet NCC 2025, Liveable Housing requirements, and Homes NSW and Housing Australia governance expectations, with programme milestones linked to funding and approvals.
This is a complex, purpose-driven project with real social impact, delivered within a structured, well-resourced environment.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As Design Manager, you will lead the design process from ECI through to construction delivery, working closely with the Construction Manager, Project Director and broader project team to ensure the design is coordinated, compliant, buildable and aligned with cost, programme and risk objectives.
Based in Head Office, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the project during the ECI phase, influencing design outcomes, construction methodology, services coordination and authority pathways before transitioning into D&C delivery.
You will be responsible for managing consultant teams, driving design programmes, coordinating approvals, and ensuring all design outputs meet contractual, regulatory and client requirements. This role is critical to balancing design quality, long-term asset performance and construction efficiency on a project that carries both technical and social responsibility.
WHERE WILL YOU HAVE THE MOST IMPACT?
* Leading the design process from ECI through to construction delivery
* Preparing and implementing the project Design Management Plan
* Briefing, commissioning and managing consultant teams across all disciplines
* Managing design programmes and tracking progress against milestones
* Coordinating drawings, specifications and design documentation for construction readiness
* Ensuring compliance with NCC 2025, Liveable Housing requirements and authority conditions
* Managing design approvals and authority interfaces through DA, CC and construction phases
* Reviewing design for buildability, cost efficiency, risk and programme impacts
* Supporting construction methodology development and sequencing decisions
* Coordinating design responses to site conditions, latent risks and services constraints
* Maintaining rigorous document control and design registers
* Contributing to cost planning, value engineering and risk mitigation strategies
WHAT TYPE OF DESIGN MANAGER WILL SUCCEED HERE?
You're an experienced Design Manager who understands the realities of delivering complex projects, not just producing drawings.
You bring strong technical judgement, structured thinking and the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders while balancing design intent with buildability, compliance and programme outcomes. You are comfortable working in ECI environments, influencing outcomes early, and carrying accountability through to delivery.
You'll bring:
* A tertiary qualification in Architecture, Urban Development or a related field
* 5+ years' experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 builder
* Strong experience delivering D&C projects from tender or ECI through to construction
* A solid understanding of construction methodology, services coordination and cost impacts
* Experience managing consultant teams and authority approvals
* Strong communication skills and confidence working with clients, consultants and delivery teams
* A proactive, organised approach with the ability to anticipate and manage design risk
Experience within social, affordable, seniors living or institutional residential projects will be highly regarded, but is not essential.
Not sure if you tick every box? If you have the core experience working as a Design Coordinator and are ready to step into a role with greater influence and responsibility, we'd still like to hear from you.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
* A key role on a large-scale Social and Affordable Housing project with genuine community impact
* Early involvement through ECI, influencing design, risk and delivery outcomes from day one
* A collaborative, professional delivery environment with strong governance and funding certainty
* Hybrid working arrangements between Head Office and home, supported by Core Collaboration Hours
* A modern perks and benefits suite including Loyalty Leave, Switch Off days and Paid Parental Leave
* Novated leasing, trade partner discounts and additional benefits delivering value beyond salary
* Clear long-term opportunities across Growthbuilt's pipeline of complex D&C projects
* Part time options consuidered
WHY GROWTHBUILT?
At Growthbuilt, our goal is to help you achieve yours.
Since 2005, we've built a reputation for delivering high-quality projects through trusted partnerships and a genuinely collaborative approach. We work across seniors living, residential, education, community and commercial sectors, with a strong focus on repeat clients and long-term relationships.
With a Gold Star iCIRT rating and a growing pipeline of complex projects across NSW, Growthbuilt offers stability, opportunity and the chance to work on projects that matter.
HOW TO APPLY
Ready to play a key role in delivering a project with real social impact?
Submit your CV or LinkedIn profile and our Talent Acquisition team will be in touch to discuss your experience and aspirations.