Assistant Development Manager

Housing Choices Australia; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Impactful work

Career growth

Flexible work

Salary packaging

Parental leave

Supportive culture

Job summary

Housing Choices Australia is seeking an Assistant Development Manager to drive growth through property development opportunities and deliverables in line with our mission.

You will support the Development Manager, coordinate tendering, design, and delivery, manage stakeholder relationships, and ensure projects meet scope, time, cost, and regulatory standards. Join a values-led, inclusive team delivering social impact across communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher in a property/engineering/construction/architectural field.
• Strong capability in planning, scheduling and delivering projects within scope, time and budget.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory standards in housing/construction.
• Proven track record leading property development in public/community or housing sectors.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to tender, design, construction, and delivery of development projects or turnkey purchases.
• Support the Development Manager to meet milestones, budgets, and quality standards.
• Foster relationships with external stakeholders: developers, builders, consultants, LGAs, philanthropy.
• Assist with consultant agreements and procurement for multi-residential developments.
• Contribute to development strategy and reporting in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Project management

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

OH&S knowledge

Written & verbal communication

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Property/Engineering/Construction/Architecture

Job description

Introduction

Make a difference where it matters most

At Housing Choices Australia, we believe everyone deserves a safe and affordable home. We are a leading not-for-profit housing provider committed to building inclusive and thriving communities. Our Five-Year Strategic Plan (2024–29) prioritises people and aims to deliver social impact, sustainable growth, and empowered teams.

Join us in building a better future, one home at a time.

Why you will love working with us

Join a passionate, purpose-driven team where your work creates lasting impact, and your wellbeing, growth, and individuality are genuinely valued.

• Purposeful impact – make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by supporting inclusive, safe, and affordable housing.
• Growth and development – enhance your skills and advance your career through tailored learning opportunities.
• Balance that works – enjoy 5 weeks annual leave and flexible working arrangements suited to your lifestyle.
• Valuable benefits – increase your income through salary packaging and 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Supportive culture – be recognised and celebrated in an inclusive, values-driven workplace.

Description

About the role

To provide specialist expertise and management within the Property Development Team and more broadly across Housing Choices Australia as appropriate.

The Assistant Development Manager is responsible for supporting the delivery of growth ambitions through securing and delivering new property development opportunities aligned with HCA mission and strategic plan as well as the successful delivery of HCA community housing projects of varying sizes and complexities.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the tender, design, construction and delivery of HCA-led property development projects or turnkey purchases from developers.
• Support the Development Manager to ensure development milestones and projects are delivered to a high quality, within scope, compliant with all regulatory standards (Building Codes, NDIS SDA standards, ISO standards, etc.), on time and within budget.
• Contribute to development opportunities from concept and tender submission through delivery and completion/handover to Housing Services.
• Assist and negotiate consultant agreements relating to the delivery of multi-residential property developments
• Contribute to the tender and appointment process ensuring the analysis and recommendation reports are fit for purpose and in line with HCA strategic objectives.
• Build and foster relationships with relevant external stakeholders for the purpose of new property development opportunities including developers, builders, consultants (i.e. architects, etc.), local government authorities (LGAs), philanthropy, etc.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of best practice for the Commercial Team.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a strategic approach to property development and management in line with HCA mission, business strategy and growth.
• Contribute to development and procurement of opportunities and acquisitions.
• Collaborate closely with relevant Development Manager and to implement business plans and manage development and project works.
• Develop effective internal relationships and collaborations to progress HCA’s strategic agenda and outcomes for residents, notably with the State-based Housing Services General Managers to facilitate each state’s pipeline of development projects.
• Work closely with Project Management Office to ensure project planning and robust monthly reporting is delivered.

Skills and Experiences

About you

Selection Attributes

• Tertiary qualifications in Property, Engineering, Construction, Architecture or relevant discipline.
• Sound knowledge of project management techniques and experience in the planning and delivery of projects to agreed scope, time and cost.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Substantial and proven experience and success leading the development and delivery of property services in the public/community, private housing sector (or transferable sector) at both an operational and strategic level.
• Proven experience in concept development, feasibility studies, planning and delivery of new developments and projects.
• Sound experience preparing comprehensive management reports and evaluations.
• Sound experience and knowledge of OH&S as it applies to the housing and construction industry.
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills
• Strong decision-making ability.

Our values in action

• People First - We build trust through empathy, kindness, integrity and active listening… we create meaningful relationships and deliver results that truly matter.
• Responsible - We follow through on our commitments and take ownership of our actions… with transparency, honesty and accountability.
• Purposeful - We aim high and take deliberate action… challenge the status quo, embrace change, and continuously improve to make a lasting impact.
• Collaborative - We work together with flexibility and shared purpose… through teamwork, innovation, strong strategic partnerships and listening to those we serve.
• Inclusive - We embed inclusion in everything we do… recognising and removing barriers and acting on diverse voices so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Belong at Housing Choices

We are an inclusive and values-led employer, proudly welcoming people of all identities and backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with lived experience of housing insecurity.

We support inclusive hiring practices. Please let us know your pronouns or if you require any adjustments during the application process, as we are here to assist you.