Job Description
Design Manager
n
Australian Venue Co is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our development team and help deliver the next generation of venues across our Australian portfolio.
n
Working across hospitality refurbishments, redevelopments and expansion projects, you'll lead projects through the front-end development lifecycle, from initial briefing and due diligence through to concept, planning, design development, tender and construction readiness.
n
This is a client-side design management role for someone who takes ownership, solves problems and keeps complex projects moving.
n
The Role
n
You'll lead multidisciplinary consultant teams and manage the design, commercial and technical development of multiple projects. Your responsibilities will include:
n
n
Managing project budgets, cost plans, quotes, procurement and value engineering.
n
Owning project programmes, milestones, consultant deliverables and recovery actions.
n
Leading briefing, scope definition, design development and consultant coordination.
n
Ensuring design decisions align with the project's business case, customer experience and operational requirements.
n
Identifying and managing project risks, approvals, investigations and statutory requirements.
n
Reviewing documentation for coordination, completeness, buildability and commercial alignment.
n
Working closely with Operations, Brand, Interiors, Finance, Property and Delivery.
n
Supporting tender and procurement processes to ensure projects are commercially viable and construction-ready.
n
n
What We're Looking For
n
We're looking for someone who combines strong design and technical capability with commercial judgement, ownership and drive.
n
You'll be:
n
n
A problem solver who assesses issues, develops options and recommends practical solutions.
n
A driver of momentum who keeps consultants, decisions and milestones moving.
n
Commercially astute with the ability to balance design quality, customer experience,



programme and capital investment.
n
Proactive and disciplined in identifying cost pressures, risks and programme constraints early.
n
A strong communicator who can lead consultants, challenge advice and influence stakeholders.
n
Curious and pragmatic with the judgement to investigate when required and make decisions when it's time to move forward.
n
n
Your Experience
n
You'll ideally bring:
n
n
Experience managing design and development projects in hospitality, hotels, retail or other complex customer-facing environments.
n
Experience with adaptive reuse, major refurbishment or greenfield development.
n
Relevant qualifications in architecture, design, project management, construction management or a related discipline.
n
Demonstrated accountability for budget, programme, risk and project outcomes.
n
Experience leading multidisciplinary consultant teams.
n
Strong construction, buildability, procurement and cost management knowledge.
n
n
We welcome candidates from client-side development, architectural and design practices, and contractor-side design management roles. Contractor-side Design Managers will be well regarded where they can demonstrate robust consultant leadership and commercial accountability.
n
What Success Looks Like
n
Success means progressing projects into Delivery with the approved business proposition intact: the right scope, controlled budget and programme, resolved risks and a coordinated design capable of delivering the intended outcome.
n
If you enjoy complexity, take ownership and get satisfaction from moving projects forward, we'd love to hear from you.
n
Desired Skills and Experience
n
n
Design Management
n
Project Management
n
Construction Management
n
Design Development
n
Consultant Management
n
Cost Management
n
Budget Control
n
Programme Management
n
Risk Management
n
Value Engineering
n
Tender Management
n
Procurement
n
Buildability
n
Stakeholder Engagement
n
Hospitality Development
n

📌 Design Manager (Victoria)
🏢 Australian Venue
📍 Victoria