Senior Development Manager

Levande; South Australia; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retirement living organization in South Australia seeks a Senior Development Manager to lead significant development projects. This 18-month fixed-term contract involves managing multi-disciplinary teams, driving project performance, and ensuring quality delivery. Candidates should have extensive experience in property development, strong commercial acumen, and relevant tertiary qualifications.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering complex property developments, particularly in retirement or aged care.
• Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing large-scale projects.
• Strong commercial acumen to manage expenditure and mitigate risk.

Responsibilities

• Drive project profitability and delivery outcomes across the full lifecycle.
• Lead feasibility analysis and financial modelling.
• Manage approvals, risk assessment, and contract administration.

Skills

Project performance management

Feasibility analysis

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications in property, construction, or architecture

Tools

Estate Master

Job description

Deliver High-Quality, Purpose-Driven Retirement Living Projects

Deliver High-Quality, Purpose-Driven Retirement Living Projects

At Levande, we are redefining retirement living by creating vibrant, well-designed communities where people feel connected and at home. Inspired by the Swedish words for “vivid” and “full of life,” we’re committed to building sustainable, thriving environments that enhance the lives of our residents.

In 2024, Levande secured a record-breaking $1.5 billion Sustainability-Linked Loan, the largest in Australia’s retirement living sector, directly linking our financing terms to environmental and social targets. This supports one of the most ambitious development pipelines in the country, with major projects now underway.

We’re seeking an accomplished Senior Development Manager to lead high-profile retirement and mixed-use development projects across South Australia. This Adelaide-based position is offered as an 18-month fixed term contract, providing the opportunity to deliver at scale within a values-driven organisation, while shaping communities that make a genuine impact.

The Role: Lead with Purpose and Precision

Reporting to the Regional Development Manager, you will drive project profitability and delivery outcomes across the full lifecycle, from feasibility through to construction and sales. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, manage external partners, and ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive project performance to achieve cash flow and profit return benchmarks.
• Lead feasibility analysis and financial modelling using Estate Master.
• Manage approvals, risk assessment, budgeting, reporting, and contract administration.
• Support sales and marketing strategy to achieve commercial objectives.

Project Delivery & Construction Oversight

• Ensure developments are scoped, designed, and executed to meet profitability and sustainability goals.
• Oversee consultants and contractors, ensuring WHS, environmental, and design excellence standards.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to maintain competitiveness.

People & Stakeholder Leadership

• Mentor and develop Development Managers and Assistant Development Managers.
• Collaborate across operations, sales, marketing, and legal to ensure aligned delivery.
• Build strong, positive relationships with councils, delivery partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead with resilience and accountability, ensuring a culture of collaboration and high performance.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Extensive experience delivering complex property developments (retirement, seniors living, aged care, or multi-residential highly regarded).
• Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing large-scale projects through construction.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to manage expenditure, mitigate risk, and drive returns.
• Excellent stakeholder and interpersonal skills, including direct engagement with residents and communities.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in property, construction, architecture, or a related field.

Why Join Levande?

At Levande, you’ll be part of a values-led organisation shaping the future of retirement living in Australia. This fixed-term contract offers the opportunity to deliver significant projects at scale, contribute to a supportive and collaborative team, and gain exposure to one of the largest development pipelines in the sector.

Apply Now

Join us in delivering projects that have purpose, scale, and lasting impact. If you’re an experienced property professional ready to step into a high-impact role, we’d love to hear from you.