Senior Project Manager - Defence Construction | Canberra

Eastern Property Services Inc; Canberra; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary $200k–$230k

Fully maintained company vehicle

Phone and laptop

Performance bonus

Career progression in ACT

Established 25+ years in industry

Job summary

Eastern in Canberra is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead defence construction projects, oversee delivery, commercial performance and growth of the ACT team. The role involves coordinating with the General Manager, driving project success and shaping how we pursue opportunities in Canberra.

You’ll manage budgets, procurement, scheduling and stakeholder relationships, with potential progression to ACT Manager as the business expands.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience as a Project Manager in commercial construction.
• Experience delivering new builds, refurbishments or fitouts as head contractor.
• Strong commercial management including procurement, forecasting, variations and contract administration.
• Experience delivering staged works in occupied or operational facilities.
• Good knowledge of the Canberra construction market and local subcontractors.
• Proven ability to manage project teams, clients and consultants.
• Australian citizenship and ability to obtain Commonwealth security clearance.
• Based in Canberra or willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• Manage construction projects from preconstruction through to practical completion and defects.
• Take responsibility for project budgets, cost forecasting, cash flow and financial performance.
• Manage subcontractor procurement, contract administration, variations, extensions of time and claims.
• Develop and manage construction programmes, including staging, shutdowns and works within operational facilities.
• Coordinate design, consultants and subcontractors to resolve technical and construction issues.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors.
• Manage project teams to ensure safety, quality, programme and contractual requirements are met.
• Assist with tender submissions, construction methodologies, programming and pricing.
• Recruit, manage and develop the Canberra project team as the business grows.

Skills

Project management

Commercial management

Procurement

Forecasting

Contract administration

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Canberra market knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Job description

Senior Project Manager - Defence Construction | Canberra

Established in 2001, Eastern is a construction contractor specialising in Defence and government projects.

We deliver new builds, refurbishments and upgrades, including complex projects in operational and secure environments.

We're currently delivering a major project in Canberra and are tendering further work across the ACT. We're looking to build on our existing presence and establish a permanent local team.

About Eastern

Established in 2001, Eastern is a construction contractor specialising in Defence and government projects.

We deliver new builds, refurbishments and upgrades, including complex projects in operational and secure environments.

We're currently delivering a major project in Canberra and are tendering further work across the ACT. We're looking to build on our existing presence and establish a permanent local team.

The Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead upcoming construction projects in Canberra and help grow our ACT operations.

You’ll work directly with the General Manager, taking responsibility for project delivery, commercial performance and developing the local team.

You’ll have input into the projects we pursue, the people we employ and how we grow the business in Canberra.

For the right person, there is an opportunity to progress into the ACT Manager role as the business grows.

What You’ll Do

• Manage construction projects from preconstruction through to practical completion and defects.

• Take responsibility for project budgets, cost forecasting, cash flow and financial performance.

• Manage subcontractor procurement, contract administration, variations, extensions of time and claims.

• Develop and manage construction programmes, including staging, shutdowns and works within operational facilities.

• Coordinate design, consultants and subcontractors to resolve technical and construction issues.

• Maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors.

• Manage project teams to ensure safety, quality, programme and contractual requirements are met.

• Assist with tender submissions, construction methodologies, programming and pricing.

• Recruit, manage and develop the Canberra project team as the business grows.

About You

We're looking for someone with a strong background in commercial construction who can manage projects independently and understands the commercial responsibilities that come with the role.

Essential:

• Minimum 8 years' experience as a Project Manager in commercial construction.

• Demonstrated experience delivering new builds, refurbishments or fitouts as a head contractor.

• Strong commercial management skills, including procurement, forecasting, variations, claims and contract administration.

• Experience delivering staged works in occupied or operational facilities.

• Good knowledge of the Canberra construction market and local subcontractors.

• Proven ability to manage project teams, clients and consultants.

• Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Commonwealth security clearance.

• Based in Canberra or willing to relocate.

Desirable:

• Experience delivering Defence or other Commonwealth construction projects.

• Existing Baseline security clearance or higher.

• Experience with managing contractor or construction management contracts.

• Qualifications in construction management, engineering or a related discipline.

What We Offer

• $200,000 to $230,000 base salary plus superannuation.

• Fully maintained company vehicle, phone and laptop.

• Performance bonus based on project delivery.

• Opportunity to progress into the ACT Manager role.

• Involvement in establishing and growing our Canberra operations.

• Direct access to senior management and involvement in business decisions.

• The support of an established construction business with 25 years of experience.

Applications close Monday 26 October 2026. Applications will be reviewed as received.

Eastern is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and candidates from diverse backgrounds.