Head of Design

About Akura

Akura is a leading construction and property development company providing industrial property solutions to owner-occupiers, developers, and investors. Operating for over 45 years, we've built our reputation on quality, on-time delivery, and innovative design.

We are a family-owned company with a progressive values-based culture, a healthy pipeline of work and big plans for future growth. Our unique product offering supports our clients across the full construction cycle, from architectural and structural design, in-house manufacturing of structural steel and precast concrete panels, through to on-site teams and project management.

The result? Top-shelf Industrial Space.

About The Role

We are seeking a Head of Design with a strong preconstruction background to lead our Rhodes-based team. You’ll oversee design strategy, ensuring efficient, cost-effective project delivery focused on buildability and value engineering. In this role, you'll collaborate with clients and internal teams on high-profile industrial projects, fostering strong relationships and resolving issues for lasting partnerships. While based in Rhodes, regular travel to our Bathurst head office is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the pre-construction design activities across multiple construction projects, including architectural design, DA, CC or CDC approval
• Lead and grow a high-performing design and preconstruction team that consistently exceeds client expectations
• Ensure all projects are managed through Akura’s unique and proved preconstruction process
• Collaborate with clients, project managers, architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure cost effective and efficient project outcomes
• Advise on project design schedules, budgets, buildability and methodology
• Review project specifications and contracts to identify design requirements and constraints, ensuring smooth, hassle-free installation
• Identify and resolve design-related issues in partnership with relevant parties, ensuring best for business outcomes
• Provide regular updates to senior management on project design status, including potential risks and opportunities
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, contracts, and applicable regulations
• Manage client relations, including issues resolution, ensuring positive outcomes for both parties
• Model Akura’s values of Team Player, We Get It Done, Reliable, Driven to Improve and Quality

About You

As Head of Design, you should bring strong preconstruction experience and a proven ability to lead high-performing design teams. You excel at managing stakeholders and driving successful outcomes. You can demonstrate:

• 10-15 years' design management experience in construction
• At least 5 years leading design teams with proven accountability
• Industrial project experience ranging from $10M to $50M
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and high initiative
• Proficient in project management tools/software like CAD and BlueBeam
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, regulations, and standards

What We Offer You

• An exciting opportunity in a market-leading business experiencing rapid growth
• Opportunity to grow your career – we invest in our people
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Competitive remuneration
• Inclusion in the Akura Incentive Program (Bonus) Scheme, paid quarterly
• Phone allowance

Interested?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the Akura team.

Alignment with our core values is key so if you’ve got the right skills and you’re reliable, a team player with a can-do attitude, driven to deliver quality outputs and willing to innovate/challenge the status quo, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to start your Akura journey.

_________________

Want to know more?

Visit our website: https://akura.com.au/

Visit our Careers Page: https://akura.com.au/careers/

Visit our YouTube channel to check out our manufacturing facilities and what our Clients and Employees have to say about working with Akura: https://www.youtube.com/@AkuraConstruction/videos