Shaping Spaces.
Shaping Careers.
Be our first Design Manager in the ACT and help shape what comes next for the Canberra team.
We're a leading national fitout and construction services specialist, with a local team delivering spaces that support Australia's capital and its community across commercial, education, health and defence sectors.
You'll play a key role in:
As a Design Manager, you'll bring your design expertise into a collaborative team with strong local knowledge and national backing.
Working closely with clients, consultants and project teams, you'll guide design from brief through to delivery, turning ideas into practical, buildable solutions while protecting design intent and creating lasting value.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead design teams from briefing and concept through documentation and delivery
Coordinate architects, engineers and consultants across project phases
Facilitate client workshops and develop clear project briefs
Support bids and tender submissions with design strategy and input
Identify buildability improvements and value management opportunities
Monitor design quality through construction to minimise defects
What you'll bring
You're an experienced design professional who understands both design excellence and construction delivery.
You're confident working with clients and consultants,



translating ideas into solutions that work in the real world.
Tertiary qualifications in Design, Architecture, Engineering or Construction
5+ years' experience in commercial construction, design or architecture
Strong ability to interpret specifications and construction drawings
Experience managing consultants and coordinating design delivery
Demonstrated experience leading stakeholder engagement
Collaborative communicator who builds strong relationships
A proactive, solutions‐focused approach in fast‐paced environments
Why SHAPE is a great place to work:
We have the ambitious vision to be 'the place where everyone wants to work'.
That's why at SHAPE you'll enjoy:
A diverse and inclusive culture, recognised by Human Synergistics and Australian Financial Review
5 additional paid leave days every year
Personalised career development to quick-track your growth with regular check-ins
An 'Individual Flexibility Plan' to match your work/life needs
Competitive salary and profit-share potential (up to 15% of your salary)
Health and wellbeing benefits, including mental health support, fitness activities, annual flu vaccinations, and discounted health insurance
Personalised parental leave benefits for your growing family
Regular social events to connect with your colleagues, subcontractors, and clients

📌 Design Manager (Canberra)
🏢 SHAPE Australia
📍 Canberra