Design Manager

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.

The Role:
The Design Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, cost-effective, and timely preparation of project designs and tender documentation in compliance with the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust's policies and procedures, as well as relevant specifications and quality standards. They will oversee the procurement and management of external design consultants to deliver project designs and tender documentation, while also managing stakeholder relationships both internally and externally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop planning and design programs and management plans.
• Lead scoping and briefing development in consultation with internal stakeholder groups.
• Prepare design and construction budgets for future projects and manage project procurement plans.
• Procure design consultants, prepare scopes and briefing information, and lead tender assessment processes.
• Oversee all aspects of design management including contract administration, design development, and internal approvals.
• Liaise with external authorities as required and ensure adherence to safety, quality, cost, and schedule standards.
• Monitor project costs and formulate alternative solutions as needed.
• Initiate and chair project design meetings and stakeholder consultation sessions.
• Prepare project status reports and conduct periodic reviews to ensure objectives are met.

About You:
We are seeking an experienced individual with comprehensive experience as a client-side Design Manager, ideally with a background in delivering physical infrastructure projects. You should have a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects, particularly in construction and civil works, and be adept at building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a diverse environment with changing demands and priorities. A degree or diploma in Project Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline is required, along with proficiency in MS Office programs and strong financial and project management skills.

Key Competencies:

• Comprehensive experience as a client-side Design Manager.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects and producing procurement documentation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Strong capabilities in problem-solving and negotiation.
• Degree/Diploma in Project Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline.
• Proficiency in MS Office programs and strong financial and project management skills.
• Full Australian driver's license.
• Previous experience working with relevant legislation and government policies, such as the Cemeteries Act would be an desirable.

What's on offer?

We offer a fulfilling career with exceptional personal and professional growth opportunities, along with a comprehensive range of benefits:

• Access to Leadership and Development Programs to foster professional growth and advancement.
• Employee Health, Wellbeing, and Assistance Programs, including complimentary onsite Osteopath services.
• A supportive and people-centric culture within a purpose-driven organization.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Immediate access to unpaid parental leave and a short waiting period of only three months for paid parental leave, applicable to both full-time and part-time employees.
• The opportunity to purchase additional annual leave.
• Discounts available at our employee café and onsite florists.

SMCT is an equal opportunity employer, a Diversity Council Australia Member and are proudly endorsed by WORK180, in our ongoing commitment to raising workplace standards for all.

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, including proof of COVID vaccinations.

If you have any access requirements to fully participate in our recruitment process, please contact ***********@smct.org.au.

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