Design Manager

About DCOH

DCOH is a long-standing construction and development business, founded in 1987, with experience spanning residential, commercial, hospitality and real estate work. The company has a history of delivering challenging projects and is recognised for award-winning outcomes, including the Charles Darwin University Danala Education and Community Precinct, which received a 2025 National Master Builders Award of Excellence.

Operating in both the Northern Territory and Victoria, DCOH is focused on delivering high-quality projects with strong buildability, reliable programme outcomes and disciplined on-site delivery. Its approach combines experience, innovation and structured execution to create long-term value for clients, partners and the communities it serves.

About the role

This Darwin-based Design Manager position calls for an experienced professional who can bring strategic leadership, technical depth and commercial judgement to complex construction projects from early design through to completion.

What you will bring

• A tertiary qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or a closely related field.
• At least 8–12+ years of background in design management within construction or major projects settings.
• A strong record of leading design delivery end to end, including concept, construction and handover on large-scale projects.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants across complex projects.
• Good knowledge of construction methods, sequencing, procurement approaches and commercial considerations.
• Strong working understanding of NCC/BCA, Australian Standards, approvals pathways and authority requirements.
• Confidence in setting up and maintaining design management plans, review stages and governance frameworks.
• Ability to coordinate architectural, structural, civil and services inputs into coordinated, practical and buildable outcomes.
• A commercially aware approach to risk, value engineering, cost alignment and design-related changes.
• Well-developed leadership, stakeholder management, documentation control and QA skills, with experience using platforms such as Aconex, Revizto and Bluebeam.

Key responsibilities

• Direct the design process through all stages, from concept planning to construction and final handover.
• Create and manage project-specific Design Management Plans that define scope, duties, deliverables and review points.
• Maintain a consistent design management structure aligned with DCOH standards and the goals of each project.
• Provide design leadership that supports the construction approach, work sequencing, procurement plan, programme and financial targets.
• Bring together architectural, structural, civil and services disciplines into integrated, workable design solutions.
• Build and control design programmes so approvals, issue dates and construction-readiness milestones are achieved.
• Check and approve design documents for technical correctness, coordination and contractual alignment.
• Spot, evaluate and manage design risks and opportunities to improve buildability, safety and delivery certainty.
• Lead the resolution of design clashes, RFIs, inconsistencies and other design issues to limit disruption during construction.
• Brief, coordinate and oversee consultants, ensuring delivery against scope, timeframes, quality standards and fee arrangements.
• Serve as the main point of contact for design-related communication with consultants, project teams, authorities, subcontractors and clients.
• Handle statutory approvals, including planning amendments, staged permits and occupancy certification.
• Ensure all design work aligns with NCC/BCA, Australian Standards, regulatory requirements and HSEQ-in-Design obligations.
• Keep design outputs aligned with budgets, cost plans, value engineering efforts and trade packaging strategies.
• Oversee document control, quality assurance and continuous improvement, while also coaching and building the capability of the design team in line with DCOH values.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter that explains their background and addresses the criteria listed above.

Additional information

This position is based in Darwin, but the job listing also references Adelaide, South Australia, Australia as the location details provided in the source.