Development Manager

University of New South Wales; Penrith City Council; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Options

3 extra leave days in December

Discount on UNSW courses

Flexible superannuation contributions

Retail and fitness discounts

Job summary

University of New South Wales is seeking a Development Manager to identify, plan and deliver major projects across the university's estate, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and EM priorities. You will lead multidisciplinary teams through design, tender, construction and defects liability phases, managing finances, risks and stakeholder communications to maximise value for UNSW.

The role reports to the Senior Manager, Development – Major Projects and has no direct reports, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Tertiary degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Project Management, Property Economics or a related field, or equivalent major project experience in complex environments.
• Proven track record in planning and delivering major projects with cost, time, quality and value objectives.
• Specialised sector experience in student accommodation and/or residential, with education, research, or health environments desirable.
• Strong expertise in strategic planning, contract administration, financial claims, risk management, and site safety management systems.
• Experience in property transactions, agreements and legal instruments.
• Advanced stakeholder management, negotiation, networking, and conflict resolution in a complex institutional setting.

Responsibilities

• Identify project scope, procurement strategies and feasibility models for governance approvals.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams through design, tender, construction and defects liability phases.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to drive value-add opportunities and maintain clear communication.
• Manage project finances, cash flows and risk mitigation to optimise returns for the University.
• Resolve issues promptly while delivering high-standard reporting and customer service.
• Conduct post-occupancy evaluations to capture lessons learned and ensure WHS and UNSW standards compliance.

Skills

Stakeholder mgmt

Negotiation

Risk mgmt

Contract admin

Financial management

Site safety

Education

Tertiary degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, PM, Property Economics or related field

Job description

At UNSW, we take pride in the broad range and high quality of our teaching programs. Our teaching gains strength and currency from our research activities, strong industry links and our international nature; UNSW has strong regional and...

• Location: Kensington, NSW

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. Estate Management (EM) provides a range of services and advice to all Faculties and Divisions on the Kensington campus as well as the sub-campuses.

Why your role matters

The Development Manager identifies, plans, and delivers building and strategic assets across the University’s estate, ensuring alignment with UNSW and Estate Management (EM) strategic goals.

This role manages detailed project reporting and engages with internal and external stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and government authorities across planning, utilities, roads, transport, and health.

As part of the Division of Operations, EM delivers services to UNSW campuses, including master planning, infrastructure development, construction, engineering, maintenance, and facility operations to ensure a clean, safe, and secure environment.

The position reports to the Senior Manager, Development – Major Projects and has no direct reports.

About the Role

• Identify project scope, establish procurement strategies, and prepare feasibility models to secure governance approvals.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across design, tender, construction, and defects liability phases to deliver innovative project outcomes.
• Engage and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders to drive value-add opportunities and maintain clear communication.
• Manage ongoing project finances, cash flows, and risk mitigation strategies to optimize returns for the University.
• Resolve project issues promptly while delivering high-standard reporting and customer service.
• Conduct post-occupancy evaluations to capture lessons learned while ensuring full compliance with WHS, legislative, and UNSW standards.

About You

• Tertiary degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Project Management, Property Economics or a related field, or equivalent major project experience in complex operational environments.
• Proven track record in planning and delivering major projects to achieve strict cost, time, quality, and value objectives.
• Specialised sector experience in student accommodation and/or residential required, with experience in education, research, or health environments desirable.
• Strong expertise in strategic planning, contract administration, financial claims, risk management, and site safety management systems.
• Experience in property transactions, agreements and legal instruments.
• Advanced stakeholder management, negotiation, networking, and conflict resolution skills within a complex institutional setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and reporting abilities aligned with UNSW aims, values, and compliance guidelines.

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

UNSW Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:-

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.