Major Projects Team Leader

City of Onkaparinga; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Fun and energetic team

Generous leave entitlements including

Flexible ways of working

Free parking

An expansive health & wellbeing 프로그램

Career development opportunities

Job summary

City of Onkaparinga is seeking a Team Leader Projects to lead a portfolio of major and strategic projects, ensuring delivery of community infrastructure and non-capital initiatives. You will provide strategic advice, oversee governance, and drive improvements across project management practices while collaborating with management and external stakeholders.

The role requires strong leadership, financial and commercial management skills, and experience in local government governance and

Qualifications

• Experience leading project teams and program delivery in infrastructure or multi-disciplinary environments.
• Strong governance, financial forecasting and contract management capabilities.
• Proven ability to develop business cases, briefs and feasibility analyses.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for Council’s major and strategic projects.
• Oversee scope, time, budget, quality, risk and stakeholder requirements.
• Shape delivery approach, monitor portfolio performance, and ensure governance.
• Build relationships across Council and external partners and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Financial management

Procurement

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Communication

Job description

The Team Leader Projects provides leadership and direction for Council’s major and strategic projects, overseeing a diverse portfolio of community infrastructure and non-capital projects and initiatives. The position leads the Projects team and works closely with management to ensure projects are effectively planned, governed and delivered, with strong oversight of scope, time, budget, quality, risk and stakeholder requirements.

The position plays an important role in shaping Council’s project delivery approach and ensuring significant community investments translate into sustainable, fit-for-purpose infrastructure. It provides strategic advice, monitors portfolio performance, drives consistent project management practices and builds strong relationships across Council and with external stakeholders. Through effective leadership, collaboration and continuous improvement, the role supports the successful delivery of projects that respond to community needs and contribute to the long‑term future of the region.

About You

You are an experienced project and people leader with a strong background in delivering complex infrastructure projects and managing multidisciplinary teams. You bring sound project, financial and commercial management skills, with the ability to oversee competing priorities, manage risks and resources, and deliver successful outcomes across a diverse project portfolio. You are a confident communicator and collaborative leader who builds strong stakeholder relationships, provides strategic advice and drives accountability, continuous improvement and sustainable community outcomes. Experience in local government, public sector governance and procurement will be highly regarded.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams in project management, program delivery, infrastructure design or construction environment. This experience includes setting performance expectations, managing performance, coaching and mentoring staff, workforce planning, allocating resources, and building team capability and accountability.
• Demonstrated experience managing the finances of complex projects, including forecasting, budget variances and contract variations. This also covers procurement and probity knowledge and managing consultants and contractors.
• Detailed knowledge and practical application of project and portfolio management principles, systems and controls. This includes planning, programming, risk management and performance reporting, applied to achieve approved project and program outcomes within agreed scope, time and quality requirements.
• Experience developing business cases, feasibility analysis and project briefs. The role also leads or contributes to non-capital initiatives involving complex problem-solving and strategic thinking, such as master planning and cost-benefit analysis.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage Elected Members, senior leaders, government agencies and the community. This includes preparing presentations, briefing papers and Council reports.

Working for Council

• Competitive salary
• Fun and energetic team
• Generous leave entitlements including 3 additional paid days over Christmas
• Flexible ways of working
• Free parking
• An expansive health & wellbeing program
• Career development opportunities

Applicants will be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate relevant experience for the position and alignment with the City of Onkaparinga’s Values and Behaviours.

The City of Onkaparinga is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals with disabilities. For any adjustments during the recruitment process or on the job, contact [e-mail].

Applications close – 9am, 19 November 2026

Welcome to the City of Onkaparinga, South Australia's largest metropolitan council, and a rapidly growing community nestled in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. Our region is characterised by picturesque beaches, rolling hills, and renowned wineries, providing a unique backdrop for an exceptional lifestyle.

We are committed to excellence, innovation, and community collaboration. With over 800 dedicated employees, we work together to uphold Onkaparinga as the leading destination in South Australia for living, working, visiting, and investing.

Explore opportunities to be a part of an organisation creating a resilient and vibrant city for today, and generations to come.