Design Manager - Commercial Fit Out Business

We are partnering with a leading national Design & Construct specialist to appoint a National Design Manager, a pivotal strategic position overseeing design and documentation teams across Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.Renowned for delivering high-quality commercial workplace and healthcare fit-outs, this organisation is known for its people-first culture, collaborative environment and commitment to turning everyday spaces into meaningful experiences.This role does not require a design background. We are seeking an accomplished people leader with strengths in operational delivery, team capability, documentation quality and continuous improvement.The OpportunityLead, mentor and unify design and documentation teams across three states, fostering a collaborative, high-performing national culture.Oversee the quality of design and documentation from concept to delivery, ensuring consistency, clarity and alignment.Drive continuous improvement across standards, QA frameworks, documentation workflows and digital delivery.Manage national resourcing, recruitment, onboarding and succession planning.Strengthen communication between design, documentation and project delivery teams to enhance workflow efficiency and project outcomes.Provide strategic insight and reporting to senior leadership, representing the design discipline internally and with clients.Champion operational excellence while supporting the creative ambition of the studios.What We’re Looking ForA strategic, organised and people-centred leader.10+ years’ experience in project delivery, documentation, construction, consultancy or a related environment.Demonstrated experience leading leaders and uplifting capability at scale.Strong ability to refine processes, implement QA systems and manage competing workloads.Confident communicator who can translate strategy into actionable outcomes across multiple teams.Someone who thrives on improving systems, supporting teams and raising delivery standards.Highly AdvantageousLeadership within a creative and technical environment (design, architecture, engineering, project management or construction).Understanding of digital delivery, Revit/BIM workflows or structured documentation processes.Experience in Design & Construct or end-to-end project delivery models.Interest in innovation, automation and enhancing professional services delivery.If you’d like to learn more about this opportunity, please get in touch with Sophia at Design and Build Recruitment - sophia@designandbuild.com.au