Senior Property Manager

Job no: 493861
Work type: Full Time, Part Time
Location: Head Office, Canberra
Classification: DHA Level 5

About us

DHA was established in 1988 following passage of the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987 (DHA Act) to provide adequate and suitable housing for, and housing related services to, members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families. We remain committed to our purpose of providing housing, and housing related services, to ADF members and their families to support Defence’s operational needs.  

DHA manages an expanding portfolio of housing solutions and provides housing for over 17,200 ADF members and their families and administers rent allowance for more than 16,000 ADF members and their families in private rental accommodation. DHA provides housing related services advising on eligibility, providing posting support, and managing bookings and allocation services for all DHA provisioned housing and on-base accommodation to approximately 60,000 ADF members. 

To find out more about DHA, please refer to our website or read our latest Annual Report.

About your team

The Service Delivery Group manages the housing portfolio for DHA, including housing allocations and administration, asset and tenancy management, heritage and upgrade projects, construction, and development activities. Within this Group, the Service Operations team is responsible for contributing to property management services, including inspections and maintenance, and housing benefits for ADF members and their families.

The Service Operations team deliver on DHA’s core services in tenancy, landlord and property management and are responsible for supporting DHA to meet its strategic outcomes through:

• Facilities, allocation and management of Defence Members and families occupying housing
• Provide specialised customer service and property management
• Provide high level contract management and tender support to a national panel of repairs and maintenance contractors
• Ensuring property repairs, maintenance and asset management are planned, co-ordinated and standardised
• Contributing to the development of long-term asset management strategies

About the role

The Senior Property Manager will manage a portfolio of service residences, which may have complexities to achieve contractual obligations and expected DHA standards. This includes management of occupant and landlord interactions, maintenance and other property related matters within DHA’s agreed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). You will conduct property inspections, identify occupant liability and coordinate the preparation of properties for incoming occupants. You will identify and arrange maintenance services to be undertaken in line with budgets, including raising work orders, monitoring progress, and authorising payment upon completion. You will manage and update DHA systems efficiently and effectively to ensure properties are returned for occupancy within set timeframes to meet key performance indicators (KPIs).

You will respond to internal and external customer enquiries and requests in a timely and professional manner, providing pro-active advice and solutions, and be the first point of contact for escalated matters of a more complex nature. You will also be responsible for contributing to the development, coaching and training of team members in partnership with other stakeholders.

Note: All successful applicants are required to hold a valid Driver Licence

Benefits for working at DHA include:

• 15.4% superannuation
• Generous leave entitlements, including 18 days personal leave and 20 days annual leave per year
• Work-life balance and flexible working options
• A positive workplace culture where you can bring your whole self to work
• Opportunities to broaden your industry knowledge and experience
• Career progression and opportunities
• A dedicated Employee Assistance Program for you and your family to access in times of need
• ADF partner employment conditions when posting to a new location

For information on DHA’s Employee Value Proposition, visit our website.

How to apply

Apply now with your current resume and a 500-word one page pitch, addressing the requirements of the role. We recommend you read the Australian Public Service Commission’s Cracking the Code guidance on how to write your response. Additionally, you should consider the expected behaviours described in the Australian Public Service Commission’s Integrated Leadership System at this role’s level.

For further information on the position, please refer to the Candidate Information Pack through the online careers site.

Applications close: 11:55pm AEST  07 May 2026. Any questions? Please contact Kamilla Legge, Assistant Regional Operations Manager T: 02 6268 3702 E: kamilla.legge@dha.gov.au

Order of Merit

A merit pool will be established from this process which will be valid for 18 months from the date of advertising. This merit pool may be used throughout this period to fill similar positions in the event positions become vacant.

Inclusion and Diversity

DHA is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, ex-defence members, mature aged employees and carers.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Eligibility

Employment with DHA is conditional on successful applicants demonstrating that they are an Australian citizen and can obtain and maintain a security clearance at the required level.

View Candidate Pack