Head of Development and Construction

Job no: 493439
Work type: Full Time
Location: Head Office, Canberra, Parramatta, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne
Classification: Executive Level 2

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) was established in 1988, to meet the operational needs of the Australian Defence Force and the requirements of the Department of Defence by providing adequate and suitable housing for, and housing related services to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families.

DHA is currently looking for a Head of Development & Construction, to be employed on a contract for 12-18 months. This position can be based in any of the DHA major offices including Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide of Brisbane. Frequent travel to other locations nationally is expected.

DHA has approximately 650 staff, in 15 locations across every State and Territory in Australia and providing housing & related services for approximately 40,000 members of the ADF and their families each year.

DHA currently has a development pipeline that includes 11 major projects and plans for portfolio expansion over the next five years. This pipeline involves land acquisition, property development and construction, leasing as well as upgrading and constructing Defence-owned properties.

As Head of Development & Construction, you will be responsible for developing and implementing DHA’s Development program in support of business objectives as well as driving compliance, innovation, contributing to corporate vision and goal-setting and fostering an innovative culture within the organisation as part of the senior executive group.

Primary Objectives of the Role:

• Lead Development Program: Develop and implement DHA's comprehensive development program, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Manage End-to-End Process: Oversee the entire lifecycle of development projects, from feasibility studies through acquisition, delivery, and sale, while effectively managing market reputation and commercial risks.
• Strategic Contribution: Play a key role in shaping the future development and housing strategies of a nationally significant government-owned enterprise.
• Dual Operating Challenges: Navigate the unique challenges of operating within both commercial and public sector environments to achieve successful outcomes.
• Leadership Excellence: Provide strategic leadership to a geographically dispersed team, motivating and guiding them to deliver profitable land development, housing, and apartment construction projects.
• Commercial Outcomes: Drive complex development projects to achieve commercial success, supporting organisational sustainability and profitability.
• Stakeholder Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with DHA Senior Management, the DHA Board, senior Australian Defence Force representatives, government entities, industry representatives, and communities.
• Governance & Reporting: Implement and enhance systems for cost management, scheduling, risk identification and mitigation, compliance, quality assurance, and status reporting to ensure objectives and targets are met within set budgets and timeframes.

About you

• An outstanding leader with an impressive strategic perspective, high level communication skills and excellent interpersonal and representational skills.
• You will have experience managing complex development projects and the capacity to achieve commercial outcomes that support organisational sustainability
• You will possess business acumen with a focus on customer, knowledge of best practice methodologies and the ability to foster positive relationships with stakeholders
• A deep understanding of residential development, backed by a solid foundation in construction expertise

Eligibility

Applicants are required to have full Australian citizenship, whilst also obtaining and maintaining a security clearance at a level of Negative Vetting 1 (if not already held). For more details, please refer to the Position Description below.

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 

How to Apply

To access additional information including the full Position Description, please contact Capstone Recruitment to request the Applicant Briefing Pack.  You can do this by contacting Clive Brown or Tamara Lecky-Thompson via email. Alternatively, you may wish to call Clive Brown on 0424 177 331 for a confidential discussion.

View Position Description