Manager Design Projects

City of Parramatta; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 160,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Motor Vehicle Scheme

Free on-site parking

LinkedIn Learning

Learning and training programs

Job summary

The City of Parramatta is seeking a Manager Design Projects to lead a team responsible for capital projects from development through construction. You will oversee project scoping, design development, stakeholder engagement and approvals, delivering innovative outcomes.

You will guide business case preparation, delivery planning and senior-level reporting, ensuring alignment with Parramatta 2050. A strong track record in design management and strategy is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in landscape architecture or architecture, project management and/or over 10 years of experience.
• Experience managing complex, political project portfolios and delivering outcomes.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team delivering capital projects through development to construction.
• Develop and present business cases, delivery plans and council reports for approvals.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project alignment.
• Provide strategic design leadership and drive continuous improvement across design projects.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Design management

Project delivery

Education

Degree in landscape architecture or architecture

Job description

Work type: Indoor, 35 hrs per week, Hybrid options
Salary: $160,067 to $177,439 + 12% superannuation
Employment Type: Full Time
Closing date: 9pm, Wednesday 4th November 2026

The City of Parramatta is in the midst of significant growth and transformation. With a community that brings together many cultures, skills and stories, a changing skyline and new investments, this is an exciting time to be part of the journey. Parramatta 2050 gives us a clear picture of where we’re heading; a connected, creative and sustainable City with opportunities for everyone. Every role at City of Parramatta contributes to this next chapter, helping us build a strong, thriving Parramatta for the people who live, work and spend time here.

About the role

As the Manager Design Projects, you will be responsible for leading and managing a team of professional staff who are accountable for the creation and management of capital projects up till the construction phase. This will involve project development, scoping, concept design approval, consultation, stakeholder management, design development and all approvals.

In this role you will:

• Manage significant and highly political projects that are at times sensitive and involve multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead strategic and specialised advice on all aspects of design, scope and delivery of nominated projects.
• Manage and lead team members to ensure a motivated, committed and customer focused approach to delivering innovative and effective project outcomes.
• Preparation of effective Business Cases, comprehensive delivery plans and Council Reports to achieve project approvals.
• Report on project process to senior management and Council’s Executive Team.
• Apply knowledge, best practice, innovation and subject-matter expertise to promote continuous improvement.
  

What's on offer

We offer a competitive salary from $160,067 to $177,439 plus 12% superannuation.

Participation in Council’s Motor Vehicle Scheme may be available for this role and will be discussed with the proffered candidate.

Your employee experience includes:

• Job Stability & Flexibility: Flex time schedule, balance with early morning schedules, additional leave over the Christmas period.
• Leave: 14 weeks paid parental leave, 15 days personal leave, Long Service Leave after 5 years.
• Wellbeing: Fitness passport, Free Flu vaccinations, On site Gym, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee led networks (ERGs), Ongoing wellbeing initiatives, Health insurance discounts.
• Location & Convenience: Central Rydalmere location, Free on-site parking and Novated leasing available.
• Growth: Learning and training programs, leadership pathways, LinkedIn Learning.

About you

You will have significant experience managing a complex portfolio of projects, with a proven track record of achieving strategic objectives. You will also bring strong leadership experience, sound judgement and the ability to work effectively in complex and sensitive environments.

You will also bring:

• Extensive experience managing diverse stakeholders in a highly political environment.
• Demonstrated strategic planning skills, including the ability to develop long-term programs that respond to current and future needs.
• High-level design management and project management skills.
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the confidence to work with leaders to resolve high-priority, sensitive and complex issues.
• Significant experience leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams and delivering services to a high standard.
  

To be considered for this role, you must also meet the essential requirements in the Position Description, including the below Qualifications/Licences:

• Degree level qualification in landscape architecture or architecture, project management and/or considerable project management experience (Over 10 years) and/or relevant qualifications.

Want to know more?

Review our Values Flyer to learn more about the behaviours that guide how we work. Further details about this role can be found in the Position Description. For a confidential discussion, please contact James via email***********@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo the below pre-employment compliance checks:Criminal history check. A criminal history does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate from selection.

The City of Parramatta supports a drug and alcohol-free working environment. Employees may be subject to random testing.

How we work: Inclusion & Belonging

At the City of Parramatta, inclusion and belonging are central to how we work. We're building a workforce that reflects our diverse community and value different perspectives and lived experiences. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people living with disability, people of all ages, women, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, ADF veterans, and others who bring unique perspectives.

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and accessible recruitment process and support reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment - contact***********@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.aufor a confidential discussion.

Eligibility

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident in Australia to apply for this position. Applicants holding valid visas may be considered for Casual or Term contracts subject to their visa work conditions.