Senior Project Manager | Commercial Construction

Construction; Canberra; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$200,000–$230,000 base salary plus car

Fully maintained company vehicle

Bonus based on project delivery

Growth into ACT Manager role

Direct input into business strategy

Defence/government sector exposure

Job summary

Construction in Canberra is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to take the lead on upcoming Defence and government construction projects. You will work closely with the General Manager to drive delivery, manage commercial outcomes and help build a strong local team.

This role offers influence over project selections, team development and long-term growth as the business expands in the ACT, with a clear path to ACT Manager and a direct impact on strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years’ experience managing commercial construction projects.
• Head contractor experience on new builds, refurbishments or fitouts.
• Strong budgeting, procurement, forecasting and contract administration skills.
• Experience delivering works in occupied or live environments.
• Solid understanding of the Canberra market and local subcontractors.
• Excellent leadership and communication to manage teams, clients and consultants.
• Australian citizenship and eligibility for Commonwealth security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from preconstruction to completion, ensuring safety, on-time delivery and high quality.
• Own budgets, forecasts, cash flow and overall commercial performance.
• Manage subcontractor procurement, contracts, variations, claims and EOT.
• Oversee programs, coordinate consultants and resolve problems along the way.
• Build relationships with clients and stakeholders while guiding teams to meet requirements.
• Contribute to tenders and help recruit and develop the Canberra team as the business grows.

Skills

Project leadership

Commercial construction

Budgeting

Procurement

Forecasting

Contract administration

Variations & claims

Team management

Stakeholder communication

Security clearance

Job description

• Join an established construction contractor delivering Defence & gov't projects
• Help grow the business and establish a strong Canberra team.

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to take the lead on upcoming construction projects in Canberra and play a key role in growing their presence in the ACT.
Working closely with the General Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to drive project delivery, manage commercial outcomes and help build a strong local team.
This is more than just a project delivery role. You’ll have a say in the projects they take on, the people they bring into the business and the direction they take as they grow in Canberra.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Lead construction projects from preconstruction through to completion, ensuring they’re delivered safely, on time and to a high standard.
• Take ownership of project budgets, cost forecasting, cash flow and overall commercial performance.
• Manage subcontractor procurement, contracts, variations, claims and extensions of time.
• Oversee construction programmes, coordinate consultants and subcontractors, and resolve technical challenges along the way.
• Build strong relationships with clients and project stakeholders while leading teams to meet programme, quality and contractual requirements.
• Contribute to tenders and help recruit, lead and develop the Canberra team as the business grows.

Skills and Experience

• At least 7-10 years’ experience managing commercial construction projects.
• A strong track record delivering new builds, refurbishments or fitouts as a head contractor.
• Solid commercial skills across budgeting, procurement, forecasting, contract administration, variations and claims.
• Experience managing staged construction works in occupied buildings or live environments.
• Good understanding of the Canberra construction market and established local subcontractor networks.
• Confident managing project teams, clients and consultants, with strong communication and leadership skills.
• Australian citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a Commonwealth security clearance.

Benefits and Perks

• $200,000–$230,000 base salary plus super.
• Fully maintained company vehicle, phone and laptop.
• Performance-based bonus linked to project delivery.
• Clear opportunity to step into an ACT Manager role as the business grows.
• A chance to help shape and grow the Canberra operation, with real input into how the business develops.
• Work directly with senior management and have a genuine say in key business decisions.
• Join an established construction business with 25 years of industry experience behind it.

About the Company

Our client is a leading construction contractor and has built a strong track record delivering projects across the Defence and government sectors.
Its work spans new builds, refurbishments and upgrades, including complex projects in secure and operational environments.
With a major project underway in Canberra and further opportunities being pursued across the ACT, the business is focused on growing its local presence and building a permanent team to support its continued expansion.