Design Manager

Our client is a leading Hospitality group with in house Development and Design Management team, servicing national portfolio of greenfield and brownfield sites.

The Design Manager is responsible for leading the design development and coordination of hospitality new build capital works program, including venue refurbishments, new acquisitions, conversions and greenfield developments.

Working across multiple projects simultaneously, you will manage external architects, interior designers, consultants and contractors to deliver commercially successful hospitality environments that reflect the brands while meeting programme, budget and operational objectives.

This role requires strong design leadership, stakeholder management and project coordination skills within a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership

• Manage the design process from concept through documentation and construction.
• Develop innovative hospitality design solutions that enhance customer experience and venue performance.
• Ensure designs align with the brand standards and operational requirements.
• Review layouts, customer flow, back-of-house functionality and venue efficiency.

Project Coordination

• Coordinate architects, interior designers, engineers and specialist consultants.
• Manage design programmes to meet acquisition and construction timelines.
• Review consultant documentation for quality, completeness and buildability.
• Resolve design issues throughout delivery.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with Property, Operations, Marketing and Venue Managers to define project briefs.
• Present concepts and design recommendations to senior leadership.
• Manage relationships with landlords, local authorities and external stakeholders where required.

Budget & Commercial Management

• Assist in establishing project budgets.
• Drive value engineering initiatives while maintaining design quality.
• Monitor consultant fees and design-related expenditure.
• Support procurement of fixtures, finishes and furniture.

Design Standards

• Maintain consistency across venue brands while allowing flexibility for unique venue identities.
• Develop and improve design standards, specifications and material palettes.
• Promote innovation and sustainability across projects.

Construction Support

• Provide design support during construction.
• Review shop drawings, samples and RFIs.
• Conduct site inspections to ensure design intent is achieved.
• Assist with defect resolution and project handover.

Skills & Experience

• Degree in Architecture, Interior Design or related discipline.
• 5+ years' experience delivering hospitality, retail or commercial projects.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of Australian construction and NCC requirements.
• Proven experience coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• High level of design, planning and organisational capability.
• Strong commercial awareness and cost-conscious decision making.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Hospitality, food & beverage or licensed venue projects.
• Refurbishment and live operational environment experience.
• Experience working client-side for developers, hospitality operators or property owners.
• Knowledge of liquor licensing and hospitality operational requirements.
• Familiarity with Revit, AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite.

Key Competencies

• Design leadership
• Commercial acumen
• Project planning
• Stakeholder management