Design Manager - Defense

Design Manager – Defence Perth, WA | Permanent | Defence & Major Projects

Core Talent are currently partnering with a leading engineering and design consultancy to identify an experienced Senior Design Manager / Design Lead to join their Buildings team, working across complex Defence and secure government projects.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of multidisciplinary design delivery on high-profile projects, working closely with Defence stakeholders, contractors, engineers, architects and specialist consultants from concept through to construction.

The Opportunity As Design Manager, you will lead the coordination and delivery of complex multidisciplinary building designs, ensuring projects are technically robust, commercially aligned and ready for construction.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading multidisciplinary design management across structural, civil, building services, architecture and specialist disciplines
• Managing the design process from concept through to construction
• Owning design management plans, scope, program, budget, risk and change
• Coordinating design teams across Australia and offshore to deliver integrated, clash-free and buildable solutions
• Driving BIM, digital engineering and model-based delivery across the project lifecycle
• Engaging directly with Defence clients and key stakeholders through design reviews, technical workshops and approvals
• Providing technical leadership, mentoring and guidance to design managers, engineers and drafters
• Ensuring safety, security, quality and sustainability are embedded throughout the design process
• Managing interfaces between consultants, contractors and client/user groups

What We're Looking For We're looking for an experienced design leader who has a strong background delivering complex building projects and is comfortable operating within highly regulated or secure environments.

Ideally, you will bring:

• A degree qualification in Structural, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering, or Architecture
• 10+ years' experience in the design and delivery of complex building projects
• Proven experience working as a Design Manager, Design Lead or equivalent
• Experience across Defence, government, secure facilities or similarly complex environments
• Strong knowledge of Australian building codes, standards and relevant Defence/secure-facility requirements
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and resolve complex design interfaces
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work directly with clients, contractors and specialist consultants
• Experience with BIM, digital engineering and common data environments
• A track record of managing design risk, change, program and delivery requirements

Defence Requirements

Due to the nature of the projects, Australian citizenship is essential.

Candidates with an existing NV1 or higher Defence security clearance are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates who are eligible and able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance will also be considered.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to work on high-profile Defence and secure government projects while playing a key role in shaping how complex facilities are designed and delivered.

You'll be joining a collaborative, technically strong environment where you can have genuine influence over project outcomes, digital delivery and the development of the wider Buildings team.

Apply now or contact Core Talent for a confidential discussion about the opportunity.

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