Design Manager

About the role This one is for a Design Manager who enjoys working close to the action – collaborating with regional operations teams, gathering practical input from sites, and shaping designs that actually work on the ground. The role is in our regional Contracting division, where you will manage and coordinate design functions for a range of water and other infrastructure projects from tender to delivery. You will work across pre‑contracts and operations, supporting bid teams with buildable design solutions and ensuring we deliver fully compliant designs that meet programme, budget and client expectations. It is a flat, low‑ego environment where your ideas matter and you are empowered to make decisions, move quickly and collaborate directly with consultants, clients and site crews. Key role responsibilities Lead and coordinate design teams and consultants for design and construction of critical water and other infrastructure projects, defining scopes, temporary works and commercial arrangements within budgets and delegations. Oversee design programmes and deliverables in line with tender plans, ensuring constructability, methodology and staging are fully integrated with input from regional teams and partners. Manage peer review requirements across delivery models, ensuring reviews are completed on time, including internal/external reviews, approvals and stakeholder interfaces. Work closely with clients to support pre‑contract requirements and value engineering, ensuring customer requirements are understood and met. Deliver fully compliant final designs and IFC drawings to the team, aligned with programme and budget. Support the regional tender and operational teams in managing tender strategies, lessons‑learnt workshops and successful bid submissions. Qualifications Tertiary qualification in Engineering or a closely related discipline. Approximately 10+ years’ experience in design management and/or water, road and contracting project management. Proven experience coordinating multi‑disciplinary designs for civil infrastructure, ideally with both design and site exposure. Well‑developed analytical, negotiation and interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset. Ability to interpret and apply contracts, specifications and design requirements in a practical way and support commercial decision‑making. Working knowledge of current legislation, including health and safety and environmental legislation. A positive, enthusiastic approach – proactive, solutions‑focused and comfortable in a fast‑moving regional contracting environment. Benefits Medical insurance and life insurance after the eligibility period. KiwiSaver employer contributions after service milestones, up to 7%. Parental leave top‑up payment with additional return‑to‑work support. Ongoing training and development, with clear career growth and progression opportunities. Great discounts at a wide range of retailers. Employment Conditions All successful candidates must undergo and pass a pre‑employment medical and drug screen prior to employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr