About Us:

We create extraordinary experiences. We create memories, we take care of our shared heritage. This means careers where we have to innovate and always push for better, and where your perspective is always valued. This is a world where we bring together our love for the natural environment and our care for one another to make a real difference. This is a world where you’ll discover something new, every day.

As an organisation, you’ll also discover a culture that will challenge your expectations. We’re value driven, but also a $80m community based, purpose driven organisation that is innovative, modern and leads in our sector. With a focus on constant improvement, we’re providing an essential service, managing iconic locations, and always doing the right thing.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Design Manager to join SMCT's Property, Infrastructure & Facilities team. In this client-side project leadership role, you will manage the planning and design of capital projects across SMCT's portfolio of 11 cemeteries, helping shape spaces that serve the community for generations to come.

Working with a broad range of internal stakeholders, consultants, contractors and external authorities, you will lead the design phase of projects from concept development through to tender documentation. This role will suit a proactive and highly organised professional who enjoys managing complex projects, influencing outcomes and building robust relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Responsibilities:

- Lead the planning, scoping and design delivery of capital projects across multiple SMCT sites




- Manage external design consultants to deliver high-quality designs and tender documentation
- Develop and manage project budgets, programs, procurement plans and project management documentation
- Coordinate stakeholder consultation and facilitate project working groups and design meetings
- Oversee tender processes, including assessments, recommendations and contract documentation
- Monitor project scope, cost, quality and schedule to ensure successful project outcomes
- Prepare project reports, governance documentation and presentations for senior stakeholders
- Ensure all projects comply with safety, environmental, legislative and organisational requirements

Your Profile:

- Proven experience in a client-side Design Manager, Project Manager or similar infrastructure delivery role
- Experience managing the design and procurement phases of construction, civil or infrastructure projects
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage and influence at all levels
- Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills
- Strong financial, commercial and project management capabilities
- Degree or Diploma in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline
- Highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities within a complex environment




- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Project

What’s on Offer: We offer a fulfilling career with exceptional personal and professional growth opportunities, along with a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

- Leadership and Development programs
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Employee Health, Wellbeing and Assistance Programs including complimentary onsite physio services.
- A range of leave entitlements including;
- 16 weeks paid parental leave for primary carers and 6 weeks for secondary carers
- Reproductive Health and Wellbeing leave
- Gender Affirmation leave
- Cultural/Ceremonial leave
- The opportunity to purchase additional annual leave.

- Discounts available at our employee café and onsite florists.

Don’t meet every requirement? We still encourage you to apply – your unique strengths might be just what we need. We care for our colleagues and the community we serve. To protect one another it is a requirement that all successful candidates complete background checks.

If you have any access requirements which restrict you from fully participating in our recruitment process, please contact [email protected] so that we can discuss necessary adjustments.

We're reviewing applications as they come in and may remove this ad early once the position is filled, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

For more information on Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, please visit our website: www.smct.org.au.

SMCT is an equal opportunity employer and a Diversity Council Australia Member.

📌 Design Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 SMCT
📍 Melbourne