Development Manager - Retail & Place

University of Sydney; Takoma Park (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking an experienced Development Manager – Retail & Place to lead assessment, planning and delivery of property development projects across the university portfolio. This role sits within the University Infrastructure team and focuses on enhancing campus experiences through retail and place outcomes.

You will oversee feasibility, business case development, planning approvals, procurement, design and delivery, aligning with strategic priorities and governance

Qualifications

• Experience leading retail/place outcomes in university or mixed-use environments.
• Extensive program management experience with deadlines across complex programs.
• Strong financial planning skills and commercial acumen.
• Proven ability in consulting, strategy development and business case design.
• Demonstrated governance, safety and compliance management.

Responsibilities

• Lead development activities across feasibility, planning, approvals, procurement, design and delivery.
• Support preparation of business cases, investment proposals and strategic recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with governance, procurement, WHS and environmental requirements.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement to support project outcomes.
• Lead and mentor project teams and direct reports where applicable.
• Support Development Director with industry consultation and engagement.

Skills

Retail & Place

Program management

Financial planning

Strategic development

Governance

Education

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field

Job description

• Full time, 5-year fixed term position. Located at the Services Building (G12) on Camperdown Campus
• Lead the assessment, planning and delivery of property development projects and strategic initiatives across the University’s portfolio
• Offering a competitive salary package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is welcoming applications for an experienced and motivated Development Manager – Retail & Place to join the University Infrastructure team.

Property & Development within the University Infrastructure at the University of Sydney, oversees a diverse portfolio of commercial activities, including commercial farms, student accommodation, property management, retail, property acquisition and divestment. The department also play a key role in supporting the University’s broader strategic and commercial objectives. Within this division, the Retail & Place team is focused on enhancing campus, creating destinations that enrich student, staff and visitor experiences.

As Development Manager , you will lead the assessment, planning and delivery of property development projects and strategic initiatives across the University’s property portfolio. Drawing on your development, commercial and project management expertise, you will oversee activities spanning feasibility assessments, business case development, planning and approvals, procurement, design and delivery, ensuring projects achieve their intended outcomes and align with the University’s strategic priorities.

Working collaboratively with University stakeholders and external partners, you will drive project progress within established governance frameworks, exercising sound judgement in managing risks, budgets, resources and stakeholder relationships. You will make project-level decisions within approved delegations, provide informed recommendations on complex commercial and development matters, and work closely with Directors and senior leaders on significant strategic, financial and contractual decisions.

Through your leadership, you will help deliver commercially sound, well-governed development outcomes that support the University’s long‑term objectives.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• lead development activities across feasibility, planning, approvals, procurement, design and delivery phases

• support preparation of business cases, investment proposals and strategic recommendations

• ensure compliance with University governance, procurement, WHS and environmental requirements

• coordinate stakeholder engagement activities to support project outcomes

• lead and mentor project teams and direct reports where applicable

• support the Development Director with industry consultation activity, including relevant industry bodies.

About you

• strong experience in retail and place outcome in similar University, or complete mixed-use environments is highly desirable
• tertiary qualifications – in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training
• extensive program management experience – including time and project management, prioritisation & multitasking skills to be able to meet strict deadlines across a multitude of complex programs and projects
• highly advanced financial planning skills and commercial acumen
• highly advanced skills in consulting, strategy development, business case development and design of transformational strategies and projects
• strong understanding of program management, quality assurance, and risk management principles to ensure projects are delivered with minimal disruptions and that changes are effectively managed
• proven ability in governance, safety and compliance management
• strong understanding of program management, quality assurance, and risk management principles to ensure projects are delivered with minimal disruptions and that changes are effectively managed.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

Applications Close

Tuesday 03 November 2026 11:59 PM