Connecting...
Denise Kostoulias is Promoted to Senior Consultant
Denise Kostoulias is Promoted to Senior Consultant
12 months ago By Karis McKenna
New desk set ups, 20 new clients in 1 year, 32 permanent placements, 96.2 Recruiter Insider score and a 100% can-do attitude – is it any surprise that we’re celebrating Denise Kostoulias’ promotion to Senior Consultant only 16 months after joining us.
Let’s hear about what Denise’s promotion to Senior Consultant means to her…
Congratulations Denise, tell us what does the promotion to Senior Consultant mean to you?
In short, I am over the moon. I joined Design & Build a year and a half ago, and I was challenged with growing a desk where we had no pre-existing clients. I was able to build my success from the ground up and since been promoted to a Senior Consultant, I’m stoked that my growth has been acknowledged and I’m stepping up in the right direction.
Last time we caught up with you, you were moving onto a new desk, how has your 1st quarter been on your commercial construction desk?
Excellent. I am loving Commercial Construction and it also helps that the majority of my family too work in the construction space. Prior to COVID-19 restrictions, I was able to catch up with majority of our clients and it has set up the foundations to continue assisting during an everchanging time. Now in Q4 whilst there have been astronomical changes, my clients are still hiring and seeing the benefit of keeping an eye and ear out in the market as they believe acting now will continue to set them up for future success.
Where do you want to take your career with Design & Build?
As much as I plan my goals for the future, I also enjoy riding the wave and seeing where each step takes me. As I’ve been enjoying Commercial Construction, I’d like to remain working in this sector and hopefully mentor future consultants of Design & Build. Only time will tell where I end up with D&B but maybe I’ll follow in Andy’s footsteps… I am on his original desk in the business so it could be a sign!
What advice can you give for people who are struggling with the job market just now?
Don’t undersell yourself. The market will pick back up and we’re seeing changes already. A lot of people are fearing the unknown and with the growing pressures of being unemployed, it has meant people are becoming flexible on basic salaries, job titles and overall their future goals. It’s important to keep your goals at the forefront of your career planning as you do not want to take too many steps back from where you’ve come. I would suggest for anyone struggling to find a role it’s worthwhile discussing potential salary cuts (not in your overall salary, but a percentage figure) so that it is a periodic change, not a long-term one.
“Since joining the business in December 2018 Denise has been an absolute superstar. She has not only set up a desk for us on Civil Construction, she has brought 20 new clients to the business. Made 32 permanent placements and recently joined the Commercial Construction desk where she achieved over $100k in her first full Q on the desk…. No surprises then that DK (as she is more fondly known about town!) is also currently leading the way on Recruiter Insider with 11 reviews and 5 testimonials, 69% response rate and 96.2 score so don’t just take my word for it!
Smashes the phone, builds relationships, keeps in touch, cares and I think everyone will agree with me on this one…. gives it 100% everyday! WELL DONE DK and truly deserved.”
- Kelly Harrison, NSW State Manager
If you're looking for a new role in the Commercial Construction space, why not reach out to Denise today on denise@designandbuild.com.au to see how she could help you.
Latest blogs
Denise Kostoulias's Jobs
View all-
Contracts Administrator
West SydneyEstablished 10 years ago, our client is a specialist in the Industrial Construction market delivering various builds such as Warehouses, Distribution Centres, Cold Storage Facilities and more. Originating in Melbourne, they have expanded into the NSW having successfully delivered a number of projects across Sydney. Due to organic growth and their continued success, there is an excellent opportunity for a Contracts Administrator to join their team and assist with ongoing and upcoming projects. This will be the first permanent office-based hire in the NSW division with several more upcoming roles to be added to the team. As the Contracts Administrator you will be responsible for: Preparing, collating and evaluating tender documentation (including award). Preparation of subcontractor packages, scopes, lettings, procurement schedules. Progress claim assistance and external variations. Review, negotiation and finalisation of subcontracts. Management and tracking of project expenditure, inclusive of subcontractor claim. Administration of RFIs to clients, architects and consultants. Administration of the project HSE system. To be considered for the position of Contracts Administrator you will require: Minimum 2 years' experience as a Contracts Administrator for a Head Contractor in Australia. Industrial experience preferable. Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or Construction Management. Demonstrated experience delivering Commercial projects across NSW. Knowledge of NSW construction market and subcontractors. Strong attention to detail and proven communication skills. Experience using Jobpac will be highly regarded. For any questions relating to this role please contact Denise Kostoulias on (02) 9376 8200 or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. #LI-DK1
-
Design Manager
Sydney CBDExclusive to Design & Build, our client has a rare opportunity for a Design Manager to join the business to deliver various High-Rise and Mixed-Use developments. This company is a National Tier 2 Builder that delivers projects ranging from Commercial, Industrial, Correctional and more. With a fantastic name in the industry, they pride themselves on delivering projects valued up to $200M. Their workplace culture offers collaboration within a flatline management structure. Staff retention is also a key offering of the business as they pride themselves on putting people first. As the Design Manager you will be responsible for managing the delivery of construction projects from inception to completion which will include: Preparation of feasibility sketches and the initial design brief. Overseeing the delivery of DA/CDC drawing documentation. Coordinating with consultants and managing/tracking the progress of state and local authority approvals. Collaborating with the construction delivery team to find solutions that will overcome design challenges. Consulting the delivery team to meet the successful completion of projects with Australian Codes and Standards knowledge. Liaising directly with local councils to achieve outcomes and also building rapport. To be considered for the position of Design Manager you will require: Tertiary qualifications in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or similar. Minimum 2 years experience in a Design Management role for a principal contractor. Experience working on high-rise and mixed-use projects is essential. For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with D&B and our clients please contact Denise Kostoulias on (02) 9376 8200 or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Thanks for your consideration. #LI-DK1F
-
Contracts Administrator
Sydney CBDLeading High-Rise Residential Builder seeks an experienced Contracts Administrator for a high-rise project located in Sydney. With a number of projects currently running, they are going through a growth phase and are awaiting their new projects to start in late September 2020. As the Contracts Administrator you will be responsible for: Preparation of subcontractor packages, scopes, lettings, procurement schedules Progress claim assistance and external variations Review, negotiation and finalisation of subcontracts Management and tracking of project expenditure, inclusive of subcontractor claim Administration of RFIs to clients, architects and consultants Administration of the project HSE system To be considered for the position of Contracts Administrator you will require: Minimum 3 years' experience as a Contracts Administrator for a high-rise builder or developer in Australia High Rise experience essential CHEOPS or Jobpac experience ideal Experience of working on Commercial/Residential projects in Australia Knowledge of NSW construction market and subcontractors Strong attention for detail and proven communication skills For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with D&B and our clients please contact Denise Kostoulias on (02) 9376 8200 or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Thanks for your consideration. #LI-DK1
-
Project Manager
West SydneyThis award-winning construction company has been operating for over 30 years within the Property and Construction market. They are now looking for an experienced Project Manager to join their team and work on an Industrial project located in Western-Sydney. The ideal candidate will have experience working on Industrial projects valued up to $50M. As the Project Manager you will be responsible for: Project Planning, scheduling, cost control and budgeting Writing of construction program and hands-on project management delivery of work Provide good technical knowledge and commercial awareness to the client High-level planning, teamwork, communication and negotiating skills Maintaining high standards of health and safety on site Playing a lead role in an ambitious company that has sustained growth through their years in Commercial Construction To be considered for the position of Project Manager you will require: Minimum 6 years' experience in Project Management on Commercial projects as a principal contractor Tertiary qualification in Construction/Engineering or a trade background Previously worked on Industrial (warehouse) or multi-storey commercial projects Travel across NSW and when necessary interstate travel Experience running projects up to $50M in value For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with D&B and our clients please contact Denise Kostoulias on (02) 9376 8200 or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. Thanks for your consideration. #LI-DK1
-
Estimating Manager
West SydneyThis successful and established organisation is considered a leader within their field and due to a solid portfolio of work and continuing growth they are looking to appoint an Estimating Manager. A prominent part of this role will be successfully managing major tenders for Commercial and Mixed-Use projects within the Sydney region. As the Estimating Manager you will be responsible for: Provide co-ordination between Architect Design and final Construction Team The preparation and costing variation documentations Deal with CC, DA and OC council requirements Develop and detail projects for Structural design and check for cost savings in designs and/or construction techniques Using industry and trade knowledge ascertain if drawn proposals can be built and determine most cost-effective construction methods Negotiation for the purchasing of all materials/ trade negotiations Advise on any impact of new building regulations & standards on the products they are using or the method of construction The updating and ordering of projects in Databuild including the creation of items and recipes To be considered for the position of Estimating Manager you will require: Minimum 5 years' of experience Senior Estimating experience A thorough understanding of construction processes, purchasing and pricing for residential/commercial projects Tier 2 experience desirable Software: Buildsoft and Cubic Excellent management skills and the ability to multi-task Experience using and maintaining estimating software and databases, Working knowledge of applicable building codes English language literacy and fluency Computer proficiency with Microsoft Offices programs For any questions relating to this role or other opportunities with D&B and our clients please contact Denise Kostoulias on (02) 9376 8200 or click apply. Your application will be treated as strictly confidential. #LI-DK1