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 robust 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 discipline8–12+ years’ experience in design management within construction or major projects environmentsProven experience leading end‑to‑end design delivery from concept through construction and handover on large‑scale projectsDemonstrated ability to manage and coordinate complex, multi‑disciplinary design teams and consultantsStrong understanding of construction methodology, sequencing, procurement strategies, and commercial driversExpert knowledge of NCC/BCA, Australian Standards,
statutory approval processes, and authority requirementsConfident design leader with experience establishing and maintaining design management frameworks, plans, and review gatewaysHigh capability in coordinating architectural, structural, civil, and services designs into compliant, buildable, and construction‑ready outcomesCommercially astute, with a proactive approach to risk management, value engineering, cost alignment, and design‑related variationsHighly 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 handoverDefine and implement project‑specific Design Management Plans, clearly establishing scope, responsibilities, deliverables, and review gatewaysSet and maintain a consistent Design Management framework aligned with DCOH standards and project objectivesProvide strategic design leadership aligned with construction methodology, sequencing, procurement strategy, programme, and commercial outcomesCoordinate architectural, structural,
civil, and building services disciplines into fully integrated and buildable design solutionsDevelop, manage, and control design programmes to meet approval milestones, issue dates, and construction readiness requirementsReview and authorise design documentation to ensure technical accuracy, coordination, and contractual complianceIdentify, assess, and manage design‑related risks and opportunities to support constructability, safety, and delivery certaintyLead the resolution of design issues, RFIs, clashes, and inconsistencies to minimise downstream construction impactsEngage, brief, and manage design consultants, driving performance against scope, programme, quality, and fee agreementsAct as the central point of accountability for all design communications with consultants, project teams, authorities, subcontractors, and clientsManage statutory approval processes, including planning changes, staged permits, and occupancy certificationEnsure compliance with NCC/BCA, Australian Standards, authority requirements, and HSEQ‑in‑Design obligationsAlign design outcomes with budgets, cost plans, value engineering initiatives, and trade packaging strategiesOversee 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.
📌 Design Manager (Adelaide)
🏢 DCOH
📍 Adelaide