Manager Major Projects

City of Unley; City of Unley; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5-year negotiated contract

Newly created role with clear project-

Visible, well-funded infrastructure d

Collaborative leadership team

Job summary

The City of Unley invites applications for a hands-on Manager City Projects. You will own the portfolio from detailed design to handover, guiding a diverse team and reporting to the General Manager City Infrastructure.

This is a senior leadership role focused on large, complex infrastructure programs across civil, buildings and open space assets. You will work with a collaborative leadership team to drive high-profile projects, ensure value for money, and deliver outcomes that benefit the Unley

Qualifications

• Proven experience in construction or engineering management, with around 10-years in senior management roles.
• Strong technical knowledge that earns the respect of Council, team, consultants and contractors.
• Sound financial and contract management skills, including large budgets and capital programs.
• Confidence managing the financial and operational risk of complex, high-profile projects.
• Skilled communicator who engages well with Elected Members, community and external stakeholders.
• A degree in engineering, project management, construction management, business administration or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead the City Projects portfolio, delivering civil infrastructure, drainage, buildings, open space and recreational assets.
• Lead a dynamic team of project managers, civil engineering and building specialists, with admin support.
• Take responsibility for large, high-profile projects including precinct upgrades and major streetscapes.
• Manage projects from concept through design, development and handover, with engineering analysis and tendering.
• Work with City Shaping to assess design options, materials and stakeholder needs early.
• Manage consultants, contractors and subcontractors; minimise variations through strong contract management.
• Prepare and present quarterly project status reports to Council; manage portfolio budget and grant funding.

Skills

Construction/engineering management

Stakeholder engagement

Financial & contract management

Risk management

Communication with elected members

Leadership and team management

Education

Engineering or related degree

Job description

The City of Unley is a vibrant and diverse community in Adelaide’s inner southern suburbs, with a population of 37,901. Known for its leafy streets and heritage architecture, and close to the city centre, Unley is a well-established residential area with a strong sense of civic pride and community engagement.

The City spans 14 square kilometres and is predominantly residential, with pockets of commercial and industrial activity.

Build the projects the Unley community will use for decades.

The City of Unley is creating a new Manager City Projects role. This ensures the continued delivery of high-profile infrastructure projects to a high standard, and it gives project delivery its own dedicated leader. You will own the portfolio from detailed design to handover.

This is a hands-on leadership position. You will guide a diverse and highly capable team, taking direct responsibility for the largest and most complex projects, and report to the General Manager City Infrastructure.

The opportunity

• Lead the City Projects portfolio, covering the delivery of projects and programs for civil infrastructure, drainage, buildings, open space and recreational assets
• Lead a dynamic team of project managers, civil engineering and building specialists, with dedicated administration support
• Take responsibility for the larger, high-profile projects, including business precinct upgrades, major streetscapes, sporting and community facility works
• Manage projects from approved concept through design development and documentation, engineering analysis, tender, contract delivery and handover
• Work with the City Shaping team to assess concept design options, materials and stakeholder needs early
• Manage consultants, contractors and subcontractors, and minimise variations through strong contract management
• Prepare and present quarterly project status reports to Council
• Develop, manage and report on the portfolio budget and grant funding programs, working closely with the Finance team
• Oversee Council’s building maintenance and service contracts
• Be part of the City Infrastructure Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team

About you

• Proven experience in construction or engineering management, with around 10-years in senior management roles
• Strong technical knowledge that earns the respect of Council, your team, consultants and contractors
• Sound financial and contract management skills, including large budgets and capital programs
• Confidence managing the financial and operational risk of complex, high-profile projects
• Skilled communicator who engages well with Elected Members, community and external stakeholders
• A degree in engineering, project management, construction management, business administration or a related discipline

Local government experience is an advantage, but it is not essential. If you have led major capital infrastructure projects in the private sector or elsewhere and want to apply that experience for a community, we want to hear from you.

What’s on offer

• A 5-year negotiated contract with an attractive package
• A newly created role with clear ownership of the project portfolio
• Infrastructure projects that are visible, valued and well-funded
• A collaborative leadership team and values-driven culture

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Friday 27/11/2026.