Senior Project Manager

Hickory Group; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Parental leave

Novated leasing

H-Perks rewards

Employee wellbeing program

Diverse opportunities

Job summary

Hickory Group is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead one of Australia’s largest hyperscale data centre programs from initiation through to completion. You will drive programme outcomes, manage stakeholders and ensure delivery on time and within budget.

The role demands a strong background in complex commercial construction, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience, advanced financial oversight, and proven leadership abilities to mentor project teams and coordinate across multiple streams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in commercial construction, with large-scale projects.
• Bachelor degree or equivalent in CM, PM, or Engineering.
• Proven leadership and stakeholder engagement at senior level.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and cost control skills.
• Experience managing MEPT/ hyperscale data centre projects is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Resource allocation and management of labour, materials, equipment and subcontractors.
• Create comprehensive project plans with scope, schedule and budget.
• Negotiate construction contracts and terms to maintain solid foundations.
• Maintain financial control, reports, cash flow and budgets throughout the lifecycle.
• Ensure quality standards and implement safety plans and QC processes on site.
• Coach and develop project teams, providing hands-on learning opportunities.
• Develop health and safety plans and risk assessments for construction sites.
• Manage client communications and promptly address concerns or inquiries.
• Oversee industrial relations and labour relationships with unions and workers.
• Adhere to budgets and financial plans to maintain fiscal discipline.
• Communicate milestones and progress to all stakeholders.

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Client relationship management

Financial management

Scheduling & planning

Resource planning

Education

Bachelor of Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering, or equivalent

Job description

At Hickory, we don't believe in standing still, for over three decades we have continually invested in researching and developing systems and products to improve the way we build. Our philosophy is 'MADE for LIFE' - it's a commitment we honour, each day. Everything we do and everything we build is 'MADE for LIFE.' Whether it's refining our patented, prefabricated building products, developing more efficient and sustainable construction practices, or bringing expertise inhouse to supply critical components, we always believe there is a better way. As a result, Hickory have become one of the most diverse property companies in Australia.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Project Manager is a key leadership role responsible for the successful delivery of one of Australia's largest and most significant hyperscale data centre projects, driving programme outcomes, stakeholder management, and project execution from commencement through to completion.

WHAT HICKORY CAN OFFER

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a balanced work-life schedule with a standard 5-day work week.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Receive paid parental leave to support your family needs.
• Novated Leases: Take advantage of novated leasing options to maximize your salary and enjoy tax savings on vehicle expenses.
• H-Perks Employee Rewards: Access exclusive discounts, cashback and everyday savings through our internal benefits platform.
• Employee Wellbeing: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for valuable support and resources.
• Diverse Opportunities: Gain exposure to a wide range of roles and industry leaders in our leading market company.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Resource Allocation: Efficiently allocates and manages project resources, including labour, materials, equipment and subcontractors.
• Project Planning: Creates comprehensive project plan, including scope, schedule, budget and resource allocation, to ensure project success.
• Contract Management: Negotiates construction contracts effectively to secure favorable terms, such as cost control, payment schedules and performance expectations to help the project start on a solid foundation.
• Financial Management: Establishes and maintains financial control throughout the project lifecycle including producing financial reports, cash flow projections, accurate project budgets and cost saving initiatives.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures that the project meets or exceeds quality standards and specifications while monitoring and managing quality control processes.
• Leadership and Team Development: Coach and mentor direct reports, developing their skills and experience; provide opportunities for hands-on learning and challenges where appropriate.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Develops and implements comprehensive health and safety plans for construction sites that outline safety protocols, procedures and risk assessments.
• Risk Management: Conducts thorough risk assessments at various project stages, identifying and documenting potential risks in areas such as legal, safety, financial and operational aspects to ensure that all potential risks are considered.
• Client Relationship Management: Establishes open and transparent lines of communication with the client, providing regular project updates and promptly addressing any client concerns or inquiries.
• Industrial Relations Management: Manages labour relations, including employment laws and regulations, handles employment disputes and maintains positive relationships with unions and workers.
• Commercial Acumen: Strictly adheres to project budgets and financial plans, ensuring that costs are controlled and expenditures are in line with budgetary constraints to help maintain financial stability throughout the project.
• Communication: Communicates project information, updates and milestones to all stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is well-informed and aligned with project objectives.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE

• Demonstrated experience across complex large-scale MEP projects such as hyperscale data centres, hospitals, or similarly critical infrastructure environments.
• Bachelor of Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience within the commercial construction sector, with exposure to large-scale, technically complex projects.
• Strong client relationship management and stakeholder engagement capabilities, with the ability to influence outcomes at a senior level.
• Proven leadership experience in coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing project and services teams.
• Advanced financial management capability, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cost control across multiple streams.
• Strong project planning and programming expertise, with the ability to effectively manage scope, cost, and delivery timelines.
• Demonstrated capability in strategic resource planning and management across labour, materials, plant, and subcontractor workforces.