Design Manager

Overview

Design Manager (Childcare) – Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten, South Yarra, Melbourne VIC. Full Time position in Property & Design.

Shape the Future of Aspire Centres. Aspire has grown to 34 centres across Victoria and Western Australia, with another 80+ centres in the pipeline. This role helps shape the look, feel, and usability of our centres, ensuring they reflect our vision while remaining practical and commercially viable.

About the Role

As Design Manager, you will be the bridge between creative design and construction delivery. You'll review and refine plans to ensure centres meet Aspire's design standards, tenant and community expectations, and compliance requirements — all while balancing buildability and cost. This role would suit an Architect, Draftsperson, or Design Coordinator with strong technical skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to think practically about design outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Review concept and detailed design plans to ensure alignment with Aspire's brand and vision.
• Balance aesthetics, tenant experience, and cost outcomes specific to childcare design.
• Ensure spaces feel welcoming, safe, and functional for children, educators, and families.

Project Scale

• Influence the design of a large, fast-growing portfolio with 34 centres already operating and 80+ in the pipeline.
• Apply design standards consistently across multiple projects while adapting to site-specific needs.

Consultant Coordination

• Manage and coordinate inputs from external architects, engineers, planners, and other consultants.
• Ensure smooth design delivery by aligning consultant work with Aspire's objectives.
• Collaborate closely with Development Managers, builders, and suppliers.

Tender & Risk Management

• Provide design input to support feasibility studies and budgeting.
• Identify risks in design documentation and propose on-cost, practical solutions.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all designs meet childcare-specific regulations, BCA, and Australian Standards.
• Integrate compliance considerations early in the design process to avoid costly redesigns.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work directly with Aspire's teams to ensure centres meet operational needs.
• Engage with external stakeholders including consultants, authorities, and local communities.
• Advocate for tenant-focused design that supports long-term usability.

Design Excellence & Sustainability

• Deliver cost-conscious, functional, and practical design that enables rapid rollout.
• Seek opportunities to enhance design quality while balancing sustainability and budget outcomes.
• Champion Aspire's brand identity through thoughtful and consistent design across all centres.

About You

• Qualification in Architecture, Drafting, Design, or similar.
• Strong understanding of construction processes and cost implications of design choices.
• Experience reviewing and refining design drawings for commercial, educational, or childcare projects.
• Ability to liaise confidently with consultants, builders, and stakeholders.
• Commercially minded, with an eye for detail and passion for high-quality, practical design.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to deliver solutions that balance cost and outcomes.

Why Join Aspire?

• Be part of a fast-growing, values-driven organisation.
• Influence the design of 80+ upcoming centres nationwide.
• Competitive salary package with phone, laptop, and travel allowance.
• Based at our modern South Yarra head office.
• Up to 50% discount on childcare fees at Aspire centres.
• Additional benefits: EAP, paid birthday leave, staff recognition, and more.

Additional job details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
• Industries: Education Administration Programs

Note: This description focuses on the Design Manager role and the Aspire Centres expansion. Referrals and alerts are part of the platform experience.

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