- Translate legislative and organisational requirements into practical, cost-efficient, and customer-centric architectural housing designs.
- Lead the development, maintenance, and application of K inga Ora's standardised design library to support scalable, efficient housing delivery.
- Permanent role at $112,375 + 5 weeks' annual leave and insurance benefits
Te whiwhinga mahi - Our opportunity
As Design Manager, you'll lead the development and continuous improvement of our architectural design library, with a focus on one- and two-level housing. You'll ensure that architectural planning aligns with the needs of the Housing Delivery System, helping to streamline construction processes and reduce build time and cost. You'll also manage relationships with external design consultants and internal stakeholders, ensuring that all design outputs meet K inga Ora's standards and broader policy requirements.
You'll provide architectural guidance to project teams, lead training sessions to promote the use of the design library, and mentor junior team members, including the Assistant Design Manager - Architect. Your leadership will help foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and innovation across the team.
You'll work closely with a wide range of internal teams-from Housing Delivery and Market Delivery to Procurement, Legal, and Planning-as well as external consultants and industry bodies such as the New Zealand Institute of Architects.
While we offer flexible working arrangements, we ask our people to be in the office at least four full days a week to support collaboration and team connection.
Ng pumanawatanga ou - What you will bring
If you have a strong understanding of architectural standards, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and a passion for delivering high-quality, repeatable housing solutions that support large-scale delivery, then we would love to hear from you.
Here's what you will bring to the role:
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture (or a related design/construction field) with professional registration in NZ, and bring 5-7 years' experience in building design.
- Contribute to the ongoing development, operation, and enhancement of the design library, with a focus on architectural standards and resources focussing predominately on one and two level housing.
- Ensure architectural planning and execution aligns with the strategic needs of the K inga Ora Housing Delivery System by treating it as a primary client and integrating its requirements into design processes.
- Support the development of standard designs, construction and maintenance cost efficiency savings, to develop repeatable, cost-effective architectural solutions that support large-scale housing delivery-making the process more efficient, consistent, and scalable.
- High level of competency and experience in Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite.
- The ability to prioritise cost-effective construction solutions over architectural design preferences.
- The ability to apply a disciplined and systematised approach to architectural practice, by being able to develop, deliver and promote frameworks that embrace Lean and Kaizen methodologies to optimise workflows, enhance team performance, and deliver design value.
Nou te rourou - What's in it for you?
We offer competitive salaries, five weeks' annual leave and a benefits package including a range of insurances, flexible working arrangements and career development. These benefits are described in more detail here https://careers.kaingaora.govt.nz/a-great-place-to-work/benefits
As a K inga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure that you have all the tools and support you need. We want to ensure you are healthy and have work-life balance. We also want to support and grow your personal and career development through on-the-job learning, training courses, secondments and study opportunities.
Mo m tou - Our Organisation
At K inga Ora, ours is the important responsibility of transforming New Zealand's housing choices, outcomes and the entire housing sector by creating homes and communities that allow New Zealanders to thrive.
What is exciting about working for K inga Ora is getting the chance to make a real and positive impact on New Zealanders' lives. With skills, planning and purposeful action, our people are creating the homes and neighbourhoods that will build the future of Aotearoa.
We are passionate about transforming New Zealand for the better. That includes being a trusted partner for M ori and iwi, protecting and enabling their rights, interests and aspirations under the guidance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
O t tou uara - Our values
Our values were developed by us, for us. They unite us as an organisation and guide how we work every day. Our values are:
- Manaakitanga - People at the Heart
- Mahi Tahi - Better Together
- Whanake - Be Bold
Tuhono mai - Join us
To view the position description and apply for this role, please follow the online process via https://careers.kaingaora.govt.nz. Please note: all applicants, including existing employees, need to follow this process. If you have any questions about this role, please contact Enna.Cecilio@kaingaora.govt.nz.
Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress suitable candidates prior to the closing date. This helps us ensure a timely and streamlined recruitment process and supports prompt feedback for all applicants including those impacted by organisational change.
Applications close on Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 11:55pm.
We value diversity and are committed to working with each other and our customers in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference brings to the organisation.