Director Development

Job no: 493846
Work type: Full Time, Full Time / Part Time
Location: Head Office, Canberra, Parramatta, Brisbane, Perth
Classification: Executive Level 2

The Property Group ensures DHA maintains the right mix of properties to meet Defence requirements, through leasing, acquisition, and development.

The Development and Construction team delivers residential projects across Australia, overseeing all phases from planning to completion. The projects include a range of low, medium and high–density master planned communities and mixed–use precincts often in in environmentally and culturally sensitive locations and the team is committed to compliance, safety, and stakeholder engagement. Our mission is to provide high–quality, compliant housing solutions for Defence personnel and their families.

The Director Developments leads and manages development projects, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders – including Defence representatives, contractors, consultants and industry partners. The role is responsible for end–to–end project feasibility, planning, design, delivery and performance, ensuring DHA’s service, quality and financial objectives are achieved.

The key stakeholders associated with the role include:

• DHA Leadership Team
• DHA Development and Construction Team
• DHA Project Management Accounting Team
• External stakeholders including project managers, contractors, consultants and government agencies.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Reporting to the General Manager Development and Construction, and in line with DHA strategic objectives, the Director Developments has the following key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage development projects across strategic planning, design and marketing, sales and construction and client handover phases.
• Prepare feasibility assessments, develop designs and manage approval processes.
• Prepare environmental management plans and prepare divestment strategies for all non–developable areas.
• Oversee tendering, procurement and contract administration in line with DHA and government requirements.
• Deliver projects to agreed scope, schedule, budget and quality standards.
• Support marketing and sales activities associated with development projects.
• Manage audit and probity requirements to ensure compliance with DHA governance frameworks.
• Monitor and report on project performance, risks and financial outcomes, including development margins.
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) obligations including Heritage and promote a culture of respect for Country and the safety of all who work on our projects.
• Lead, mentor and support staff to build capability within the development and construction functions.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with community in which our projects are located, contractors, consultants, local government and relevant state and federal agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to ensure efficient and effective project delivery.
• Apply specialist technical knowledge to strengthen feasibility assessments, budgeting and commercial decision‑making.
• Promote collaboration across DHA to enhance service delivery, profitability and stakeholder satisfaction.

WHAT YOU REQUIRE

The following capabilities are required to deliver on the key responsibilities of the position.

• Demonstrated experience managing development projects—including feasibility, environmental planning approvals, stakeholder management, product design and marketing sales and construction delivery.
• Strong knowledge of tendering and procurement processes across public and private sectors.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities and deliver projects within time, budget and quality expectations.
• High‑level organisational, analytical and problem‑solving skills, with sound judgement and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain productive stakeholder relationships.
• Tertiary qualifications in a related discipline such as property, construction, engineering, project management or similar.
• Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and mentoring staff within development or construction environments.
• Experience managing consultants and overseeing complex rezoning, development approval and subdivision processes.
• Experience working with government agencies or other regulated sectors.
• Demonstrated understanding of WHS requirements and ability to promote safe work practices in a project environment.
• Ability to prepare high‑quality reports, briefs, feasibility assessments, monthly updates and written recommendations.

Mandatory Requirements

• Driving a DHA fleet vehicle may be part of the role, the successful applicant must hold a valid driver licence and maintain the licence throughout their employment.
• The successful applicant is required to hold a valid White Card or be able to obtain one, this is to remain valid throughout their employment.

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