Project Manager – Strategic / Commercial

Darebin City Council; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive team environment

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative and respectful workplace

Meaningful community impact

Job summary

Darebin City Council is seeking a Project Manager – Strategic / Commercial to lead high-impact, strategic initiatives from concept to delivery readiness in Melbourne's northern suburbs. You will drive business case development, commercial analysis and implementation planning to support informed investment decisions and better community outcomes.

You will work closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Councillors and senior stakeholders to assess opportunities, manage risks and influence

Qualifications

• Experience developing business cases, implementation plans and investment proposals for complex projects.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including options analysis and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of business cases, feasibility assessments and implementation plans for Council projects.
• Undertake commercial analysis, financial modelling and options assessments.
• Provide high-quality reports and recommendations to executives and Councillors.
• Collaborate across Council to coordinate project planning and manage dependencies.
• Explore innovative solutions and AI-enabled opportunities for service delivery.

Skills

Business case development

Financial modelling

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Job description

Project Manager – Strategic / Commercial

• 2-year Temporary Full-Time Role (Band 7).
• Lead high-impact strategic and commercial projects across Council.
• Influence key investment decisions through robust business cases and financial analysis.
• Work closely with Executive Leadership Team, Councillors and senior stakeholders.
• Convenient Preston location with flexible work practices and professional development opportunities.

Lead the development of high-impact strategic projects that shape Darebin's future. As Project Manager (Strategic / Commercial), you will drive business case development, commercial analysis and implementation planning for complex initiatives, helping Council make informed investment decisions and deliver better outcomes for the community. Working closely with Executive leaders and stakeholders across the organisation, you'll assess opportunities, explore innovative solutions, and guide projects from concept through to delivery readiness. This is an ideal opportunity for a commercially astute and strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex problems and influencing decisions that make a lasting impact

About the role

• As the Project Manager (Strategic / Commercial), you will lead the development, assessment and early-stage planning of complex Council projects, with a strong focus on business case development, commercial analysis and implementation planning.
• You will undertake financial modelling, options analysis and strategic assessments to support investment decisions and ensure projects are aligned with Council priorities, community expectations and long-term financial sustainability.
• Working across multiple service areas, you will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities, manage risks, assess delivery pathways and support the transition of approved initiatives into successful delivery.
• You will also play a key role in evaluating emerging technologies, innovation opportunities and AI-enabled solutions that improve Council services and community outcomes.

You will

• Lead the development of business cases, feasibility assessments and implementation plans that support strategic investment and go/no-go decisions for Council projects.
• Undertake commercial analysis, financial modelling and options assessments to evaluate project viability, value for money and long-term outcomes.
• Provide high-quality advice, reports and recommendations to Executive leaders and Councillors on project opportunities, risks and delivery pathways.
• Work collaboratively across Council to coordinate project planning, manage dependencies and ensure projects are ready to progress to delivery.
• Explore innovative solutions, technologies and service improvements that enhance community outcomes and organisational performance.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to build support, manage reputational considerations and help achieve successful project outcomes.

About you

You are a strategic and commercially minded project professional who enjoys turning complex ideas into well‑defined, delivery‑ready projects. You bring strong analytical skills, sound judgement and the ability to provide clear advice that supports informed decision‑making.

You will bring

• Experience developing business cases, implementation plans and investment proposals for complex projects or programs.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including options analysis, financial modelling, budgeting and risk assessment.
• The ability to evaluate innovative solutions, technologies and delivery approaches to improve outcomes and create value.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with experience preparing reports, briefings and recommendations for senior leaders.
• A collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Most importantly, you are curious, outcomes‑focused and committed to delivering projects that create lasting value for the Darebin community

Why Darebin?

Darebin City Council is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We proudly serve one of the most diverse communities in Victoria, and we know that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.

We offer

• A supportive team environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• A workplace that values collaboration, integrity, respect and creativity
• The chance to make a real difference

Applications close on Thursday 29th October 2026 at 12noon.

Applications will be reviewed during the advertising period so if you're interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to get your application in as early as possible.

Pre-employment Checks

Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough 'Safety Screening' processes apply.

To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards. All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment.