Company
Our client is a leading Tier 1 main contractor with an established reputation for delivering some of New Zealand’s most complex and high-profile commercial projects. With a strong forward pipeline, they are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join their Christchurch team.
This is a key role within the project delivery function, working across the full design lifecycle and acting as the critical link between the client, consultants and construction team.
The Opportunity
- Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to delivery
- Coordinate architects, engineers, specialist consultants and subcontractors
- Drive design programmes, deliverables and approvals to ensure projects remain on track
- Review design documentation with a strong focus on buildability, compliance and quality
- Identify design risks and opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation
- Manage the consenting process and ensure statutory requirements are met
- Work closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and site teams to ensure a seamless transition from design into construction
- Provide technical input and support during construction, resolving design queries and challenges
- Lead design meetings and maintain strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders
- Contribute to tendering, procurement and early contractor involvement where required
Requirements
- 5+ years’ experience in Design Management, ideally within a main contractor environment
- Architectural, engineering or construction management background
- Strong understanding of NZ Building Code, consenting and construction methodologies
- Experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams on large-scale projects
- Strong knowledge of design coordination, documentation and buildability
- Commercially aware with an understanding of programme, cost and risk
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Confident challenging design solutions and driving outcomes
- Highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused
What’s on Offer
- Join a Tier 1 contractor with a strong national project pipeline
- Opportunity to work on significant, complex and high-profile projects
- Genuine career progression and leadership opportunities
- Work alongside highly experienced construction and technical teams
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- A business that invests in its people, capability and long-term development
If you're an Architect, Senior Architectural Technician, Design Manager or construction professional looking to make the move client/contractor-side, this could be an excellent next step. Current NZ Design Manager roles commonly emphasise consultant leadership, buildability, consenting, value engineering and close integration with site delivery.
