Manager Design Projects

As the Manager Design Projects, you will be responsible for leading and managing a team of professional staff who are accountable for the creation and management of capital projects up till the construction phase. This will involve project development, scoping, concept design approval, consultation, stakeholder management, design development and all approvals.

In this role you will:

Manage significant and highly political projects that are at times sensitive and involve multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Lead strategic and specialised advice on all aspects of design, scope and delivery of nominated projects.

Manage and lead team members to ensure a motivated, committed and customer focused approach to delivering innovative and effective project outcomes.

Preparation of effective Business Cases, comprehensive delivery plans and Council Reports to achieve project approvals.

Report on project process to senior management and Council’s Executive Team.

Apply knowledge, best practice, innovation and subject-matter expertise to promote continuous improvement.

What’s on offer

We offer a competitive salary from $160,067 to $177,439 plus 12% superannuation.

Participation in Council’s Motor Vehicle Scheme may be available for this role and will be discussed with the proffered candidate.

Your employee experience includes:

Job Stability & Flexibility: Flex time schedule, balance with early morning schedules, additional leave over the Christmas period.

Leave: 14 weeks paid parental leave, 15 days personal leave, Long Service Leave after 5 years.

Wellbeing: Fitness passport, Free Flu vaccinations, On site Gym, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee led networks (ERGs), Ongoing wellbeing initiatives, Health insurance discounts.

Location & Convenience: Central Rydalmere location, Free on-site parking and Novated leasing available.

Growth: Learning and training programs, leadership pathways, LinkedIn Learning.

About you

You will have significant experience managing a complex portfolio of projects, with a proven track record of achieving strategic objectives. You will also bring strong leadership experience, sound judgement and the ability to work effectively in complex and sensitive environments.

You will also bring:

Extensive experience managing diverse stakeholders in a highly political environment.

Demonstrated strategic planning skills, including the ability to develop long-term programs that respond to current and future needs.

High-level design management and project management skills.

Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the confidence to work with leaders to resolve high-priority, sensitive and complex issues.

Significant experience leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams and delivering services to a high standard.

To be considered for this role, you must also meet the essential requirements in the Position Description, including the below Qualifications/Licences:

Degree level qualification in landscape architecture or architecture, project management and/or considerable project management experience (Over 10 years) and/or relevant qualifications.

Want to know more?

Review our Values Flyer to learn more about the behaviours that guide how we work. Further details about this role can be found in the Position Description. For a confidential discussion, please contact James via email [email protected]

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by 9pm, Monday 9th November 2026. Applications submitted by other means will not be accepted. Please upload your resume and tickets or licences.

Please note: Candidates who do not meet the essential qualification and licence requirements may not progress through the recruitment process.

This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo the below pre-employment compliance checks: Criminal history check. A criminal history does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate from selection.

The City of Parramatta supports a drug and alcohol‐free working environment. Employees may be subject to random testing.

How we work: Inclusion & Belonging At the City of Parramatta, inclusion and belonging are central to how we work. We’re building a workforce that reflects our diverse community and value different perspectives and lived experiences. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people living with disability, people of all ages, women, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, ADF veterans, and others who bring unique perspectives.

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and accessible recruitment process and support reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment – contact [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

Eligibility: Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident in Australia to apply for this position. Applicants holding valid visas may be considered for Casual or Term contracts subject to their visa work conditions.