Development Manager

DCOH; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

DCOH is seeking a senior development professional to lead major residential subdivision projects from feasibility through to construction and completion. You will drive budgets, delivery programmes, cashflow forecasting and risk management, coordinating with planners, engineers, and legal teams to achieve successful outcomes.

This Darwin-based role requires strong leadership across multidisciplinary teams, expert knowledge of planning approvals and contract management, and a proven track record

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in property development or related discipline.
• 5+ years delivering medium to large residential developments from feasibility to completion.
• Strong budgeting, cashflow forecasting and commercial performance knowledge.
• Experience with planning approvals, DAs, contracts and delivery.
• Leadership of multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead development lifecycles from concept to delivery.
• Strong commercial acumen and risk management.
• Excellent communication and negotiation with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and drive outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development projects from feasibility to construction and delivery.
• Prepare budgets, delivery programmes, cashflow forecasts and cost controls.
• Identify, assess and mitigate project risks across the lifecycle.
• Coordinate with legal, finance, planners and authorities for approvals.
• Oversee consultants and authorities, ensuring timely outputs.
• Drive design reviews to optimise cost, quality and constructability.
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and contractors.
• Monitor budgets, claims, programme performance and delivery outcomes.
• Present status updates and risk assessments to senior management.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement value engineering.
• Foster accountability, collaboration and professional development.

Skills

5+ years experience

Residential development

Budgeting & cashflow

Planning approvals

Contract management

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Communication & negotiation

Organisational skills

Education

Property Development

Construction Management

Civil Engineering

Urban Planning

Project Management

Job description

Who We Are

Established in 1987, DCOH is an experienced construction and development company operating across residential, commercial, hospitality and real estate sectors.

We have a strong track record delivering complex projects, including award winning work such as the Charles Darwin University Danala Education and Community Precinct, recognised with a 2025 National Master Builders Award of Excellence.

With operations in both the Northern Territory and Victoria, we deliver high quality projects with a clear focus on buildability, programme certainty and strong on-site execution.

Driven by a commitment to Building Better, DCOH combines experience, innovation and disciplined execution creating lasting value for our clients, partners and the communities we serve.

Who You Are

This Darwin-based role will lead the successful delivery of major residential subdivision projects from feasibility through to construction and completion.

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Demonstrate

• Tertiary qualifications in Property Development, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Project Management, or a related discipline
• Proven experience (5+ years) delivering medium to large-scale residential development projects from feasibility through to construction and completion
• Strong understanding of development feasibilities, financial modelling, budgeting, cashflow forecasting, and commercial performance
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning approvals, Development Applications (DAs), contract management, and construction delivery
• Experience managing multidisciplinary consultant teams, contractors, authorities, and key project stakeholders
• Proven ability to lead projects through all phases of the development lifecycle, from concept and approvals through to delivery
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify, assess, and manage project risks and opportunities
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across development, construction, sales, marketing, finance, and legal stakeholders
• Excellent communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and drive project outcomes

What You'll Do

• Lead development projects from feasibility, planning, and approvals through to construction and final delivery
• Prepare, monitor, and manage project feasibilities, budgets, delivery programmes, cashflow forecasts, and cost controls
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks throughout the development lifecycle, implementing mitigation strategies where required
• Liaise with legal and finance teams to support project negotiations, contracts, and commercial outcomes
• Oversee the preparation and submission of Development Applications and other regulatory approvals
• Manage and coordinate external consultants including planners, engineers, surveyors, landscape architects, and relevant authorities
• Drive design review processes to optimise cost, quality, and constructability outcomes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, authorities, community groups, and internal stakeholders
• Manage civil contractors and consultants through construction delivery, programming, and project execution
• Monitor project budgets, contractor claims, programme performance, and delivery outcomes to ensure successful project execution
• Proactively resolve project issues to minimise delays, cost overruns, and delivery risks
• Coordinate contractors, consultants, and internal teams to ensure effective project delivery during construction
• Prepare and present project status updates, financial reports, and risk assessments to senior management and stakeholders
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement value engineering initiatives where appropriate
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional development across project teams