Senior Development Manager

Gough Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Gough Recruitment seeks a Senior Development Manager for a private property developer in Sydney. You will own the development process from acquisition through to delivery, guiding design, planning and development to meet commercial objectives.

The ideal candidate has an architectural background, proven ability to manage complex projects and strong stakeholder engagement to drive planning approvals and successful deliveries. This role offers a strong salary package and clear progression.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Architecture, Property, Planning or related discipline.
• Experience with development management and complex projects.
• Strong understanding of NSW planning framework.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary consultant teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development management of major residential and mixed-use projects.
• Coordinate architects, planners, engineers and consultants.
• Drive planning approvals and stakeholder engagement with councils and authorities.
• Perform feasibility analysis and provide input into acquisitions.
• Oversee project budgets, programmes and risk management.
• Collaborate with delivery, construction and finance teams to achieve outcomes.

Skills

Architectural background

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Architecture

Degree in Property/Planning

Job description

An established and highly regarded private property developer is seeking a Senior Development Manager to join its growing team. This position is ideally suited to a development professional with an Architectural background who has successfully transitioned into development and is looking to take ownership of complex mixed-use, residential and urban renewal projects from acquisition through to delivery.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will be responsible for driving the design, planning and development process, managing consultant teams, navigating planning approvals, and ensuring projects are delivered in line with the company's commercial and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development management of major residential and mixed-use projects.
• Manage design development and coordinate architects, planners, engineers and specialist consultants.
• Drive planning approvals and stakeholder engagement with councils and government authorities.
• Undertake feasibility analysis and provide strategic input into acquisition opportunities.
• Oversee project budgets, programmes and development risk management.
• Work collaboratively with internal delivery, construction and finance teams to achieve project outcomes.

Requirements

• Degree qualified in Architecture, Property, Planning or a related discipline.
• Previous experience within a property developer, development management consultancy, or architect-to-developer transition role.
• Strong understanding of the NSW planning and approvals framework.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex consultant teams and design outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management, commercial acumen and communication skills.
• Exposure to large-scale residential, mixed-use or urban regeneration projects will be highly regarded.

This is a rare opportunity to join a well-capitalised developer with a strong project pipeline, where design excellence, innovation and long-term value creation sit at the forefront of every development. A highly competitive salary package and genuine career progression are on offer for the right candidate.