Site Manager - Commercial Construction

Design & Build Recruitment; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Design & Build Recruitment is seeking an experienced Site Manager for a prominent $20m education project in Melbourne's western suburbs. You will lead day-to-day site operations, coordinate subcontractors and resources, and drive safety, quality and schedule adherence on a hands-on, busy commercial site.

Ideal candidates bring five-plus years in site management on large education or commercial builds, with a strong trade background and excellent planning and communication skills.

Qualifications

• At least five years in a Site Manager role on commercial builds.
• Proven track record delivering projects in the AUD 15m–20m+ range.
• Experience across education, government, healthcare, or community projects.
• Trade background in carpentry or related construction discipline with building qualifications.
• Strong knowledge of construction sequencing, subcontractor coordination and site logistics.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day site operations for a $20m education project.
• Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers, and site personnel to align with the programme.
• Develop lookahead programmes and mitigate delays.
• Oversee site establishment, logistics, and sequencing while ensuring safety.
• Maintain quality and compliance with drawings, specs and standards.
• Record daily reports, inductions, and site documentation.

Skills

Site management

Subcontractor coordination

Safety compliance

Programme management

Education

Carpentry trade qualification

Job description

Design & Build Recruitment - Melbourne VIC

$20M Education Project | Melbourne's Western Suburbs
Are you an experienced Site Manager looking for your next challenge with an established commercial builder?
We're partnering with a respected Melbourne commercial construction business to appoint a Site Manager for an upcoming $20 million education project in Melbourne's western suburbs.
With a strong pipeline of work across education, government, community and commercial construction, this is an opportunity to join a well-established builder delivering quality projects while taking ownership of a significant new build.
The project will involve the construction of a modern education facility incorporating a below-ground basement, a two-level gymnasium and classroom facilities. With an expected programme of approximately 18 months, you'll play a key role in driving site operations and ensuring the project is delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Project Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day site management of the project, coordinating subcontractors, managing site resources and maintaining control of programme, quality and safety.
You'll be joining a collaborative project team where your ability to lead from the front, plan ahead and maintain high construction standards will be essential to the project's success.
This role would suit a Site Manager who enjoys being hands-on, takes pride in delivering quality builds and can confidently manage a busy commercial construction site.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all day-to-day site operations on a $20m education construction project.
• Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers, site personnel and deliveries to ensure works progress in line with the construction programme.
• Develop and manage short-term lookahead programmes, identifying potential delays and implementing solutions.
• Oversee site establishment, logistics, access, materials handling and construction sequencing.
• Maintain high standards of site safety, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, company procedures and project requirements.
• Monitor workmanship and quality control, ensuring works are completed in accordance with specifications, drawings and relevant standards.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager, Contract Administrator, consultants and design team to resolve site issues and maintain progress.
• Manage inspections, hold points, defects and quality documentation throughout the project.
• Identify and resolve construction issues proactively, escalating risks where required.
• Maintain accurate site records, daily reports, inductions and site documentation.
• Build strong working relationships with subcontractors and the wider project team.
• Drive a positive site culture focused on safety, accountability, teamwork and quality delivery.

About the Project

This is an approximately $20 million new-build education project in Melbourne's western suburbs, featuring:

• A below-ground basement.
• A two-level gymnasium.
• New classroom and learning facilities.
• Complex construction sequencing and coordination requirements.
• An anticipated construction programme of approximately 18 months.

The project offers the opportunity to take ownership of a substantial education build within a structured commercial construction environment.

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll ideally have:

• At least five years' experience in a Site Manager role, with stronger candidates bringing eight to ten years or more.
• A proven track record delivering commercial construction projects valued at $15m-$20m+.
• Experience across education, government, healthcare, community, retail or similarly complex commercial projects.
• A trade background in carpentry or a related construction discipline, ideally supported by relevant building qualifications.
• Strong knowledge of construction sequencing, subcontractor coordination, programme management and site logistics.
• A thorough understanding of site safety, quality assurance and construction compliance.
• The ability to lead subcontractors, manage competing priorities and keep projects moving.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work closely with Project Managers, consultants and clients.
• A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach to site management.

Experience delivering education or other live-environment projects would be highly regarded.

What’s on Offer?

• A significant project: Take ownership of a $20m education build with a varied scope of works.
• Long-term project stability: An anticipated 18-month programme, with the potential for further opportunities as the business continues to grow.
• An established commercial builder: Join a business with a strong presence across education, government and community construction.
• A collaborative team: Work closely with an experienced Project Manager and wider delivery team.
• Career development: The opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities on a substantial project and position yourself for future opportunities.
• Competitive remuneration: Salary package negotiable depending on experience and capability.

Interested? We'd love to hear from you.