Senior Design and Project Manager

Charter Diligence Pty Ltd; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 117,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Early cash advances on approved timesc

Hybrid office/work arrangement

Job summary

Charter Diligence Pty Ltd’s client, a NSW Government organisation, seeks a Senior Design and Project Manager to lead strategic and capital works across public spaces in Greater Sydney. Hybrid arrangement; 8-month contract; ASAP start; 35 hours per week; Parramatta and Centennial Park offices.

The role combines design leadership with hands-on project management across disciplines; manage budgets, timelines, governance and stakeholder engagement with government bodies and communities.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience delivering complex capital works and public-domain projects.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design inputs across disciplines.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, timelines and governance.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of government procurement and project assurance is advantageous.
• Australian working rights and driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and capital works from concept to handover.
• Coordinate consultants and external contractors.
• Develop scopes, programmes and budgets.
• Prepare tender documentation and evaluate tenders.
• Ensure design quality and governance throughout delivery.
• Engage with government stakeholders and community reps.

Skills

Senior PM

Public space design

Stakeholder engagement

Multidisciplinary coordination

Budget management

Tender documentation

Education

Architecture / Landscape Architecture / Project Management / Urban Design / Civil Engineering degree

Job description

Our Client

Our client is a NSW Government organisation responsible for the planning, management and enhancement of significant public open spaces and parklands across Greater Sydney.

The organisation oversees a diverse portfolio of metropolitan parklands, heritage landscapes, recreational assets, environmental areas and public infrastructure. It works closely with communities, councils, government agencies and other stakeholders to protect natural and cultural heritage while improving public access, recreation and the long-term quality of Sydney's open spaces.

With a strong pipeline of strategic planning, design and capital works initiatives, the organisation provides an opportunity to contribute to highly visible projects that positively impact communities across Greater Sydney.

Why Contract With Us

At Charter Diligence, we go beyond just placement - we support our contractors with practical benefits that reflect real-life needs. All contractors engaged through us have access to early cash advances on approved timesheets, offering flexibility in cases of unforeseen expenses or cash flow challenges. Unlike traditional labour hire providers, we understand that life doesn’t always align with a pay cycle - and we're here to help when it matters most. Well, ask around if they’re already a Charter Diligence Contractor - chances are, they’re already benefiting from the support we provide.

About the Role

This is a senior client-side design and project management opportunity supporting the planning and delivery of strategic and capital works across a diverse portfolio of public spaces.

You will manage projects throughout the full lifecycle, from early investigation, feasibility and project definition through design development, procurement, construction, commissioning and completion.

The position combines design leadership with hands‑on project management across disciplines such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, active transport, civil engineering, environment and heritage.

You will work with multidisciplinary consultants, contractors, government stakeholders, utilities and community representatives to achieve high‑quality project outcomes while maintaining strong control over programme, budget, risk, governance and stakeholder expectations.

Position: Senior Design and Project Manager
Rate: $85 to $95 per hour plus super
Location: Parramatta and Centennial Park offices
Working Arrangement: Hybrid - 3 days in office and 2 days WFH
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 8 months
Hours: 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and capital works projects from initial investigation and concept development through design, procurement, construction and completion.
• Develop project scopes, briefs, delivery strategies, programmes, budgets and project management documentation.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design inputs across architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, civil engineering, heritage, environment and related technical disciplines.
• Manage the procurement and appointment of consultants, contractors and external project management services.
• Prepare tender documentation, coordinate tender processes and contribute to tender assessments and recommendations.
• Monitor project budgets, expenditure, forecasts, schedules, risks, dependencies and key milestones.
• Champion high-quality and context-sensitive design outcomes throughout all stages of project delivery.
• Manage consultants and contractors to ensure scope, programme, quality, safety and commercial requirements are achieved.
• Coordinate the approvals required to progress projects, including engagement with government agencies, utilities and relevant authorities.
• Build productive relationships with internal stakeholders, community representatives, interest groups, councils and government agencies.
• Prepare project reports, executive briefings, recommendations and advice covering progress, risks, budgets and emerging issues.
• Identify sensitive, complex or high‑profile project matters and elevate issues through appropriate governance channels.
• Manage project variations, deliverables, defects and close‑out activities where applicable.
• Facilitate design reviews, technical coordination and constructability discussions throughout project development.
• Maintain project governance documentation, risk registers, financial controls and project records.
• Ensure projects comply with relevant legislation, policies, approvals, procurement requirements and organisational governance frameworks.
• Coordinate project commissioning, completion documentation, defects management and operational handover.
• Support continuous improvement across project delivery, design management, procurement, risk management and safety practices.
• Manage multiple concurrent priorities within a fast‑paced and highly scrutinised project environment.

About You

You are an experienced design and project management professional with a strong background delivering complex capital works, public domain, infrastructure, landscape or built‑environment projects.
You will be comfortable operating in a client‑side environment and coordinating designers, technical specialists, contractors, government stakeholders and community representatives.

• Tertiary qualification in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Project Management, Urban Design, Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated senior-level experience delivering projects across planning, design, procurement, construction and completion.
• Strong experience developing project briefs, scopes, programmes, budgets and project management plans.
• Demonstrated experience procuring and managing multidisciplinary consultants and contractors.
• Experience preparing tender documentation, assessing tenders and supporting contractor or consultant appointments.
• Strong understanding of design management and the ability to coordinate and challenge multidisciplinary design solutions.
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasts, programmes, risks, variations and competing priorities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, consultation and negotiation capabilities.
• Ability to communicate complex technical and project information clearly to executives, stakeholders and community audiences.
• Experience with public domain, parklands, landscape, civil infrastructure, heritage or community asset projects will be highly regarded.
• Previous NSW Government, local government or comparable public‑sector project experience will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of government procurement, governance and project assurance requirements will be highly regarded.
• Project management certification such as AIPM CPPP or CPPM, PMP or PRINCE2 would be advantageous.
• Strong written communication, reporting and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify project risks early and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure while managing multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Current Australian driver's licence with the ability to travel between project locations as required.
• Ability to work outside standard business hours or on weekends where project requirements necessitate.
• Valid Australian working rights are mandatory.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Applicants must hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency or a suitable long‑term Australian work visa.
• As a mandatory requirement for this contract role required by our client, applicants are kindly asked to complete a compliance check and upload their work rights verification at www.charterdiligence.com.au/portal. Incomplete submissions may not be considered. If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, please don’t hesitate to contact our team—we’re here to help.

Charter Diligence is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of their background. Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of the industry.

Additional information

• ASAP Start | 8 Months Contract
• Parramatta & Centennial Park, NSW | Hybrid
• $85-$95/hr + super