# Design Manager

> DCOH · Darwin, Australia · Full-time · Posted 2026-05-06

**Workplace:** on_site

**Department:** CLV

## Description

**WHO WE ARE**

Established in 1987, DCOH is an experienced construction and development company operating across residential, commercial, hospitality and real estate sectors.

We have a strong track record delivering complex projects, including award winning work such as the Charles Darwin University Danala Education and Community Precinct, recognised with a 2025 National Master Builders Award of Excellence.

With operations in both the Northern Territory and Victoria, we deliver high quality projects with a clear focus on buildability, programme certainty and strong on-site execution.

Driven by a commitment to _Building Better_, DCOH combines experience, innovation and disciplined execution creating lasting value for our clients, partners and the communities we serve.

**WHO YOU ARE**

This Darwin-based role will suit a highly capable Design Manager who brings strategic leadership, technical excellence, and commercial awareness to the delivery of complex construction projects across all phases.

-   Tertiary qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline
-   8–12+ years’ experience in design management within construction or major projects environments
-   Proven experience leading end‑to‑end design delivery from concept through construction and handover on large‑scale projects
-   Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate complex, multi‑disciplinary design teams and consultants
-   Strong understanding of construction methodology, sequencing, procurement strategies, and commercial drivers
-   Expert knowledge of NCC/BCA, Australian Standards, statutory approval processes, and authority requirements
-   Confident design leader with experience establishing and maintaining design management frameworks, plans, and review gateways
-   High capability in coordinating architectural, structural, civil, and services designs into compliant, buildable, and construction‑ready outcomes
-   Commercially astute, with a proactive approach to risk management, value engineering, cost alignment, and design‑related variations
-   Highly organised people leader with strong stakeholder engagement skills, disciplined documentation and QA practices, and proficiency in industry‑standard document control platforms (e.g. Aconex, Revizto, Bluebeam)

**WHAT YOU’LL DO**

-   Lead the design process across all project phases, from concept development through construction and handover
-   Define and implement project‑specific Design Management Plans, clearly establishing scope, responsibilities, deliverables, and review gateways
-   Set and maintain a consistent Design Management framework aligned with DCOH standards and project objectives
-   Provide strategic design leadership aligned with construction methodology, sequencing, procurement strategy, programme, and commercial outcomes
-   Coordinate architectural, structural, civil, and building services disciplines into fully integrated and buildable design solutions
-   Develop, manage, and control design programmes to meet approval milestones, issue dates, and construction readiness requirements
-   Review and authorise design documentation to ensure technical accuracy, coordination, and contractual compliance
-   Identify, assess, and manage design‑related risks and opportunities to support constructability, safety, and delivery certainty
-   Lead the resolution of design issues, RFIs, clashes, and inconsistencies to minimise downstream construction impacts
-   Engage, brief, and manage design consultants, driving performance against scope, programme, quality, and fee agreements
-   Act as the central point of accountability for all design communications with consultants, project teams, authorities, subcontractors, and clients
-   Manage statutory approval processes, including planning changes, staged permits, and occupancy certification
-   Ensure compliance with NCC/BCA, Australian Standards, authority requirements, and HSEQ‑in‑Design obligations
-   Align design outcomes with budgets, cost plans, value engineering initiatives, and trade packaging strategies
-   Oversee design documentation control, quality assurance, and continuous improvement while mentoring and developing design team capability in line with DCOH values

**WHAT’S NEXT**

If you are interested in this position, please submit your CV and cover letter which describes who you are and addresses the criteria detailed above.

## Apply

[Apply at DCOH](https://apply.workable.com/dcoh/j/4A51CC89BE/apply)

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