Architecture jobs in Christchurch, Canterbury

Project Overview

This role supports one of New Zealand’s most significant and technically complex vertical infrastructure developments. The project is a large-scale, secure operational facility being delivered through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and joint venture model, bringing together some of the country’s most experienced construction, engineering and service delivery organisations. Designed to operate around the clock once complete, the facility incorporates high-security environments, complex building systems, and long-term asset management requirements. The project environment is fast-paced, highly collaborative and governance-led, with strong interface management across public and private sector stakeholders.

About the Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the delivery of a high-profile, nationally significant infrastructure project. As Design Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating multidisciplinary design activities, ensuring design information is complete, compliant and aligned with project objectives. Working closely with consultants, engineers, project teams and external stakeholders, you will help drive the successful integration of design, construction and operational requirements from concept through to project completion.

About the Role

Based in Christchurch, the Design Coordinator is responsible for coordinating project design activities, managing design interfaces and supporting the timely delivery of high-quality design documentation. Working closely with project leadership, consultants, contractors and regulatory stakeholders, you will ensure design deliverables are appropriately coordinated, reviewed and aligned with project requirements, programme, budget and quality expectations. The role provides critical support across all phases of project delivery, from design development through construction and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams and design deliverables.
• Manage design information between project stakeholders.
• Support design programmes and monitor key milestones.
• Facilitate design meetings, workshops and reviews.
• Review design documentation for risks and inconsistencies.
• Ensure compliance with codes, standards and specifications.
• Coordinate resolution of technical and design issues.
• Support consultant engagement and deliverable management.
• Track design changes and assess project impacts.
• Support procurement through design documentation readiness.
• Coordinate authority approvals, consents and permits.
• Maintain design document control and information management.
• Participate in constructability and value engineering reviews.
• Support Safety in Design requirements and registers.
• Prepare design status reports and risk updates.
• Provide design support during construction and commissioning.
• Foster collaboration across project teams and stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement of design management processes.

About You

• Experience in design coordination within construction, engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design processes.
• Ability to coordinate consultants, designers and project teams.
• Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing design documentation and workflows.
• Ability to identify and resolve design-related issues.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building capability.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on project delivery outcomes.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Design Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in design, engineering or construction environments.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and consultant interfaces.
• Understanding of design and construction processes from concept through completion.
• Experience managing design documentation, programmes and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of consent, regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supporting major infrastructure or construction projects preferred.
• Experience within Alliance, Joint Venture, Design-Build or ECI environments preferred.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution preferred.
• Understanding of New Zealand construction and design standards.

What We Offer

This role offers a genuinely unique opportunity to work within a joint-venture environment, combining the strength and capability of a highly respected New Zealand constructor with the scale, systems, and global experience of a leading international infrastructure organisation.

We offer:

• The opportunity to be embedded in a large-scale, high-profile project from early stages through delivery
• Exposure to both local best practice and world-class global systems and processes, providing invaluable professional development
• A collaborative, inclusive project team environment that values expertise, partnership and shared success
• Strong leadership, structure and support within a well-resourced organisation
• Competitive remuneration aligned to skills and experience

The employment relationship will be governed by Australia or New Zealand Employment Law.