Technical Design Manager

About McKinna Group

With over 70 years of expertise in metalwork design and construction, McKinna Group has delivered thousands of projects across Australia. We are driven by a commitment to precision, innovation, and quality, raising industry standards through meticulous execution and practical manufacturing expertise.

As our business continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and driven Technical Design Manager to lead our Technical Design Team and help shape the next phase of our growth.

The Opportunity

This is a leadership role for an experienced design professional who combines strong technical capability with proven people leadership skills.

Leading a team of Technical Designers, you will be responsible for overseeing project delivery, allocating resources, mentoring team members, and ensuring designs are practical, buildable, and aligned with manufacturing best practice.

Working closely with Sales, Estimation, Production and Senior Leadership, you will drive technical excellence, improve team performance, and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and on schedule.

This role remains hands-on, with the successful candidate expected to provide technical direction, review complex designs, and support the team in delivering high-quality outcomes across a diverse range of architectural and custom metal fabrication projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of Technical Designers
• Manage design department workload, resource planning and project priorities
• Review and approve technical documentation, shop drawings and fabrication drawings
• Allocate projects and delegate tasks to ensure efficient utilisation of team resources
• Drive accountability, quality standards and continuous improvement within the department
• Collaborate with Sales, Estimation and Production teams to ensure seamless project delivery
• Assist the team in resolving complex technical and manufacturing challenges
• Establish and maintain design standards, revision control processes and technical procedures
• Monitor project progress and delivery schedules
• Support recruitment, onboarding and capability development of technical staff
• Apply practical manufacturing and fabrication knowledge to optimise project outcomes
• Contribute to strategic planning and departmental growth initiatives

About You

You are a highly capable technical professional who enjoys leading people and developing high-performing teams. You are confident making decisions, setting priorities and holding people accountable, while maintaining a collaborative and supportive leadership style.

You understand the realities of manufacturing and can balance technical detail, commercial outcomes and team performance.

You will also bring:

• Minimum 8-10 years' experience in design, drafting, engineering or architectural metalwork
• Previous experience leading, supervising or mentoring technical teams
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks is preferred)
• Extensive experience in sheet metal design and metal fabrication
• Strong understanding of design for manufacturability principles
• Knowledge of facade, cladding, architectural metalwork or building envelope systems highly regarded
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• Strong leadership, delegation and coaching skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Strong commercial awareness and project management experience
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Practical, hands-on mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Why Join McKinna Group?

• Lead a growing and capable design team
• Diverse and technically challenging projects
• Modern manufacturing facility with advanced technology
• Opportunity to influence systems, processes and team development
• Stable Australian manufacturing business with over 70 years of success
• Competitive salary package negotiated based on experience

Position Details

• Location: Braeside, VIC
• Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
• Salary: Negotiable based on experience

Applicants must have full working rights in Australia. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.