Development & Design Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Development & Design Manager to join our integrated property development and construction team. In this pivotal role, you will take ownership of residential and mixed-use projects from initial feasibility and planning, through design management and pre-construction to delivery and handover. Working closely with HQ management, field construction, commercial, budget and sales teams, you will lead multidisciplinary consultant teams to ensure architectural excellence, buildability, commercial viability, and strict compliance with Australian building codes and planning frameworks.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end planning approval process, including DA (Development Application), S4.55 modifications, and VPA (Voluntary Planning Agreements) with local councils and state authorities.

• Coordinate with council, utility bureau, public consultations, community notifications, and negotiate council conditions of consent.

• Appoint and manage key consultants (Urban Planners, Traffic Engineers, Heritage Consultants, Environmental Specialists).

• Appoint and manage architectural and engineering teams from initial concept design through to Detailed Design / Construction Documentation.

• Drive value engineering (VE) initiatives to maximize efficiency, control build cost and optimize yield without sacrificing architectural quality.

• Work directly with internal Estimating and Construction teams to ensure design align with buildability, structural grids, construction methodology, and trade budget allowances.

• Ensure strict adherence to National Construction Code (NCC / BCA), Australian Standards (AS), and state-specific residential design guides.

• Ensure full compliance with statutory regulations, including the Design and Building Practitioners (D&BP) Act (for Class 2 projects in NSW) and regulated design declarations.

• Manage the issuance of CC (Construction Certificate) / Building Permit and coordinate regulatory approvals with Private Certifiers / Building Surveyors.

• Assist construction teams during active build phases with design clarification (RFIs), design variations, and site-based problem solving.

About you

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.

• Registration with relevant Australian professional bodies (e.g., API, AIA, AIQS) is highly regarded.

• Minimum 5–10 years' experience in property development or construction design management within Australia (Developer, Builder, or Client-Side PM Consultancy).

• Proven track record in managing medium-to-high density residential (Class 2) or high rise, mixed-use developments from DA phase to OC.

• Strong background in managing consultant teams (Architects, Structural/MEP Engineers, Certifiers).

• Deep understanding of local council planning schemes, BCA/NCC, and state planning frameworks (e.g., NSW D&BP Act).

• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, structural systems, and value engineering techniques.

• Exceptional negotiation, stakeholder management, and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary + Superannuation.

• Annual performance bonus tied to project milestones and profitability.

• Professional development allowance.

• Clear career progression pathways within an integrated developer-builder framework.