The Opportunity

A leading property developer is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the delivery of large-scale commercial high-rise projects on the Gold Coast.

This role is suited to a technically strong and commercially astute design professional with proven experience in complex vertical developments. You will take ownership of the design process from concept through construction, ensuring design excellence, buildability, statutory compliance, and alignment with commercial objectives.

The Role
1. Commercial High-Rise Design Leadership

• Lead the full design lifecycle of commercial office and mixed-use towers.

• Establish and manage detailed design programmes aligned with procurement and construction sequencing.

• Drive coordination across structure, façade, vertical transport, fire engineering, and MEP services.

• Ensure floorplate efficiency, core optimisation, and NLA maximisation.

• Oversee façade development including performance compliance (wind, acoustic, thermal, and coastal durability).

2. Consultant & Technical Coordination

• Appoint, brief, and manage architects, structural engineers, façade consultants, services engineers, and specialist consultants.

• Chair design coordination workshops and manage multidisciplinary interfaces.

• Identify and mitigate design clashes prior to IFC documentation.

• Oversee BIM coordination and consultant deliverables.

• Maintain and manage design risk registers.

3. Planning & Statutory Approvals

• Lead Development Application and approval processes with the City of Gold Coast and relevant authorities.

• Coordinate planning submissions, urban design responses, and technical documentation.

• Ensure compliance with the NCC, Queensland Development Code, and Australian Standards.

• Manage performance solutions in collaboration with fire engineers and certifiers.

4. Commercial & Programme Management

• Monitor consultant fees and design budgets.

• Align design outcomes with feasibility and cost plans.

• Lead value engineering initiatives while maintaining design integrity.

• Identify construction risk and resolve pre-tender.

• Ensure documentation supports efficient procurement and construction delivery.

5. Construction Phase Governance

• Provide design oversight throughout construction.

• Review RFIs, shop drawings, and contractor design submissions.

• Protect design intent during procurement substitutions.

• Conduct regular site inspections and resolve design-related issues.

• Manage façade, structure, and services integration challenges onsite.

Candidate Profile

• Degree qualified in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.

• 5+ years' experience delivering commercial high-rise or mixed-use tower projects.

• Demonstrated experience within South East Queensland.

• Strong technical knowledge of façade systems, services coordination, and vertical construction.

• Commercially driven with strong stakeholder management capability.

• Experience managing complex consultant teams through full project lifecycle.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to deliver skyline-defining commercial towers.

• Long-term project pipeline on the Gold Coast.

• Strong executive leadership and development backing.

• Competitive remuneration aligned with experience.

For a Confidential Discussion

Contact:***************@zenithsearch.com
0468 055 ***

All enquiries will be handled in strict confidence.