Design Manager (Newstead)

SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER Commercial & Residential Construction Newstead QLD Salary range $180- $200k neg Design isn’t just what a project looks like. It’s how it performs, how it gets built, and how people experience it long after completion. At Paynter Dixon, we believe great projects are shaped long before construction begins. They are driven by clear thinking, collaboration, technical leadership, and the ability to bring together clients, consultants, stakeholders, budgets, programmes, and ideas into one aligned vision. We are looking for a Senior Design Manager who thrives in that space. Someone who can lead complexity with confidence. Someone commercially minded, solutions-focused, and capable of balancing design intent with buildability, programme, authority requirements, and client outcomes. This is an opportunity to take ownership across commercial and residential projects while working within a business that genuinely values innovation, initiative, and strategic thinking. ABOUT US At Paynter Dixon, we believe in embracing prospect, owning outcomes, and turning ideas into action. We value the diverse perspectives, curiosity, and initiative our people bring, and we work together to create safer, smarter, and more effective ways of working in an ever-evolving industry. Progress drives us forward — we are constantly seeking new ways to improve, innovate, and raise the bar in everything we do. Established since 1914, Paynter Dixon has been shaping Australia's built environment as a proudly family-owned business. Our heritage is grounded in integrity, craftmanship and trusted partnerships, values that remain just as relevant today as they were a century ago. With reputation for quality and accountability, we now bring stability and trust to our new partnerships in the QLD market. Today, we deliver project management, design, construction, insurance, remedial, sustainability, and facilities management services across diverse sectors including:
- Commercial
- Residential
- Education
- Hospitality
- Health
- Community
- Insurance & Remedial ABOUT THE ROLE As Senior Design Manager, you will lead and manage the full pre-construction and design delivery process from project inception through to construction handover. You will work closely with clients, consultants, Business Development Managers, estimators, and operational teams to ensure projects are delivered in line with programme, budget, authority requirements, quality expectations, and client objectives. This is a pivotal leadership role requiring strong commercial acumen, technical capability, stakeholder management, and the ability to confidently navigate complex project environments. You will be responsible for:
- Leading and managing the design development process across multiple projects
- Establishing project briefs, managing consultant teams, and driving programme outcomes
- Coordinating design, authority approvals, documentation, and pre-construction activities
- Managing design budgets, consultant fees, forecasting, and reporting through CHEOPS
- Facilitating collaboration between clients, consultants, estimators, and construction teams
- Driving value engineering, buildability reviews, safety in design, and construction methodology input
- Managing project risks, resolving design challenges, and ensuring fit-for-purpose outcomes
- Leading consultant coordination meetings and maintaining project momentum
- Ensuring successful transition and handover from pre-construction into delivery You will play a critical role in shaping projects from concept to reality while influencing the strategic direction and success of each development. ABOUT YOU You are an experienced Senior Design Manager who understands that successful projects require more than technical coordination alone. You know how to bring people together, navigate competing priorities, and create clarity within complex environments. You are commercially aware, highly organised, and confident leading discussions with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders alike. You are someone who
- Thinks strategically while remaining delivery focused
- Understands both the design and construction sides of a project
- Can identify risks early and proactively drive solutions
- Communicates clearly and confidently across all levels
- Thrives in fast-paced project environments
- Brings leadership, accountability, and professionalism to every interaction
- Has a strong understanding of buildability, programming, authority approvals, and consultant management
- Is passionate about delivering quality outcomes and continuous improvement To be successful in this role, you will ideally bring:
- Degree qualifications in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline
- 5+ years’ experience in a similar Design Management role
- Experience across commercial and/or residential construction projects
- Strong stakeholder and consultant management capability
- Excellent programme, financial, and reporting skills
- The ability to lead projects from early concept through to construction handover WHY PAYNTER DIXON At Paynter Dixon, we empower our people to take ownership, contribute ideas, and make meaningful impact. You will join a collaborative and forward-thinking business where innovation is encouraged, relationships matter, and your experience will help shape the future of the projects we deliver. If you are looking for a role where you can influence outcomes, lead high-performing teams, and work on projects that genuinely challenge and inspire you — we would love to hear from you. Design. Construct. Deliver. Since 1914. To learn more about our projects, people and culture, visit our website, or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. Reach out to find out more. To apply send your resume via SEEK or you can call Tanya Waterworth People & Culture on 0425295939 for a confidential discussion. Let's catch up! Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3rhft8