An Exciting Start to 2026 – Design Manager Opportunity Opportunities like this don't come around often.
We are working with a national development-focused business that is expanding its footprint in South Australia and is now seeking a Senior Architect or Associate-level professional to step into a pivotal Design Manager role.
This position sits at the front end of projects, where design, development, and commercial thinking intersect. It offers a level of influence, ownership, and exposure that is rarely available in traditional architectural roles.
Why This Role Stands Out
* Be part of a national organisation growing its SA presence
* Work directly with local developers, influencing projects from the outset
* Operate on the developer/builder side of the table, managing design strategically rather than producing it
* Gain exposure to the full development lifecycle, not just documentation and delivery
The Role As Design Manager, you will play a critical role in shaping projects from early concept through to coordinated delivery. You'll partner closely with developers, consultants, and internal stakeholders to ensure design outcomes align with both planning requirements and commercial objectives.
You'll be involved in:
* Managing the planning phase, including early massing studies and design feasibility
* Coordinating architects, engineers, and consultants across mid-to-large scale commercial and apartment projects
* Overseeing services coordination and clash detection to de-risk downstream delivery
* Leading stakeholder engagement and consultant relationships
* Ensuring design intent, programme, and commercial outcomes are aligned
This role will suit someone who enjoys being the connector between design and delivery someone who understands the realities of timeframes, approvals, and development pressure, and can confidently guide projects through their early and most influential stages.
What You'll Bring
* Senior Architect or Associate-level experience
* Strong capability in planning phase management and design coordination
* Experience across commercial and/or multi-residential projects
* A solid understanding of services integration and consultant management
* Clear communication, commercial awareness, and a solutions-focused mindset
* Confidence working directly with developers and senior stakeholders
The Opportunity If you're motivated by early-stage strategy, enjoy influencing outcomes beyond traditional architectural boundaries, and are looking to step into a role with genuine impact as we head into 2026, this is a standout opportunity.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Anna or Kelly at Roussos Recruitment on