Role Summary
The Development Project Manager – Apartments is responsible for the client-side management and delivery of medium density residential developments across the Rent to Own program. The role leads projects through all phases of the development lifecycle, including site feasibility, planning and approvals, procurement, design management, stakeholder engagement, construction delivery and project close-out. Working within a multi-disciplinary development team, the incumbent will manage several projects simultaneously and be accountable for ensuring projects achieve commercial, program, quality, social and customer outcomes. The role requires strong development management capability, strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills to successfully deliver complex townhouse and apartment developments.
Primary Outcomes and Responsibilities
Development Management
- Lead the end-to-end delivery of medium density residential developments from project inception through to completion.
- Manage development feasibility, business case development and project establishment activities.
- Develop and maintain project delivery strategies, programs and budgets.
- Identify and manage project risks, opportunities and dependencies throughout the development lifecycle.
- Monitor project performance against approved scope, budget, quality and time objectives.
Design and Planning Leadership
- Manage consultant teams including architects, planners, engineers, surveyors and specialist advisers.
- Coordinate and oversee preparation of development concepts, design documentation and approval submissions.
- Ensure developments achieve planning, urban design, customer, sustainability and housing policy objectives.
- Lead resolution of design, planning and stakeholder issues to maintain project progress.
- Promote innovation and continuous improvement in project design and delivery outcomes.
Procurement and Commercial Management
- Manage procurement processes for consultants, development partners and builders in accordance with Government procurement requirements.
- Prepare procurement documentation, evaluation reports and approval briefings.
- Monitor project budgets, cost forecasts and financial performance.
- Assess variations, claims and commercial matters in accordance with contractual obligations and delegated authority.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of development delivery frameworks and procurement approaches.
Stakeholder and Partnership Management
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Engage effectively with local government, State Government agencies, industry representatives and community stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively with development partners, consultants and builders to support successful project outcomes.
- Prepare high-quality ministerial briefings, executive reports, presentations and project updates.
Construction and Delivery Oversight
- Monitor construction delivery activities to ensure projects achieve approved scope, quality, program and budget outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with appointed builders and consultants to address delivery issues and project risks.
- Review project performance reporting and support timely resolution of construction-related matters.
- Facilitate project handover, defects management and close-out activities.
Strategic Contribution
- Provide specialist development management advice to support the delivery of the Housing Trust's strategic objectives.
- Contribute to program planning, pipeline development and portfolio reporting activities.
- Support the identification and implementation of opportunities to improve housing delivery outcomes and value for money.
Selection Criteria
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Demonstrated experience managing residential development projects through planning, design and delivery phases.
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously within complex stakeholder environments.
- Strong understanding of South Australia's planning and development system.
- Experience managing project budgets, procurement processes, contracts and commercial risks.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, consultants, industry partners and community stakeholders.
- Experience preparing executive reports, briefing papers and recommendations.
Desirable Knowledge and Experience
- Experience delivering medium density residential developments including townhouses and apartment projects.
- Knowledge of affordable housing, social housing or build-to-rent development models.
- Experience working within government, urban renewal, residential development or client-side project management environments.
- Understanding of construction delivery, building contracts and project commissioning processes.
Capability Requirements
- Strong project and program management capability.
- Commercial and financial acumen.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- High-level negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to influence outcomes and drive projects to completion.
Qualifications (desirable)
Degree qualification in one or more of the following:
- Property Development
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Construction Management
- Project Management
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Property Economics
- Quantity Surveying
- Equivalent discipline
