Urban and Land Development Program Manager

 

 

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Agency: Suburban Land Agency Position Number:

Position Title: Development Manager Classification IO4 or IMS1

Last reviewed: June 2026

 

WHAT WE DO

Suburban Land Agency

The Suburban Land Agency (SLA) is the ACT Government’s land developer, shaping Canberra’s future through suburban development and urban renewal.

We are committed to creating great places where communities thrive. We build people-focussed residential estates and urban renewal projects for the people of Canberra.

The SLA is an ACT Government statutory authority that is governed by an independent Board. Sitting within the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, SLA operates under the City Renewal Authority and Suburban Land Agency Act 2017 (CRASLA Act) and contributes to the Territory’s economic growth and diversification, generating revenue to assist ACT Government to deliver on their priorities.

The objectives of SLA are set out in s38 of the CRASLA Act and include:

a) the encouragement and promotion of inclusive communities through the delivery of people-

focussed neighbourhoods.

b) the encouragement and promotion of suburban development that supports affordable living, a

safe and healthy population, social inclusion, housing choice, environmental sustainability, urban

renewal, growth and diversification of the Territory economy and social and environmental

sustainability.

c) operational effectiveness, delivering value for money using sound risk practices.

What Makes SLA Different?

What sets SLA apart is that the value we create flows directly back into the community. The profits from our projects are reinvested into public services, infrastructure, and future developments that benefit all Canberrans. Every project we deliver has a purpose beyond the bottom line - it helps shape a stronger, more connected city.

We also have the advantage of working closely with a wide range of agencies and teams. This collaboration allows us to share knowledge and resources, align on priorities, and move forward with a shared vision. Our work is informed by collective insight and delivered with community impact at its core.

On top of that, being part of Government brings additional benefits, including flexible work arrangements and a strong focus on work-life balance.

 

 

 

 

Group Overview

This Place Delivery Group is responsible for the end-to-end design and delivery of master-planned communities and strategic urban development projects across the ACT.

As the operational engine room of the SLA, the group is responsible for translating planning vision into tangible outcomes. This includes delivering to the Government’s Indicative Land Release Program, which includes affordable, community and public housing targets. With a strong focus on innovation and creating long-term value, we make sure our projects reflect government priorities and deliver real, lasting benefits for the people who live here.

The Group is made up of the following functions:

• Urban Development, including urban releases and urban estates

• Greenfield Development, including Molonglo, Gungahlin and greenfield infrastructure

• Molonglo Town Centre Program as a major infrastructure focus

• Commercial Ventures, including oversight of the Ginninderry Joint Venture and establishing new

commercial ventures across all development fronts

• Infrastructure Services delivering built-form projects

Together we deliver: Sustainable urban environments that bring people and businesses together and help our community and natural environments thrive.

We do this by collaborating across SLA. Find out more about our teams here.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Help shape Canberra’s future. As Program manager at SLA, you’ll Lead the delivery of complex land development projects primarily from the sales process to post-sale through to completion, ensuring all Delivery Deed, Territory and SLA requirements are met.

Operate with a high level of autonomy, providing strong technical, commercial and stakeholder leadership across multiple projects.

The Program Manager reports to the Program Director and is responsible for:

Program Accountability and Reporting

• Oversee the full lifecycle of assigned development projects for the sales process to site settlement through to delivery completion.

• Ensure compliance with Delivery Deeds, Project Delivery Agreements and SLA contractual obligations.

• Provide clear, accurate and timely reporting on project performance to the Executive, Board and Government stakeholders.

Program Director

Program Manager

 

 

 

 

• Apply consistent governance frameworks across all projects, ensuring performance against scope, budget, time and quality targets.

• Monitor and report on key metrics including in delivery requirements Project Planning and Delivery

• Plan and manage project timelines, milestones, budgets and resources to meet agreed KPIs. • Lead delivery of complex greenfield and urban development projects, ensuring alignment

with Government objectives and community expectations. • Coordinate feasibility, design development, approvals, procurement, construction and

handover. • Identify and implement opportunities to improve project delivery efficiency and outcomes. • Ensure projects are delivered in a sustainable, safe and commercially sound manner.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication • Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers, developers, contractors and key

stakeholders. • Engage effectively with ACT Government agencies, statutory authorities and utility providers. • Represent SLA at meetings, forums and community engagement activities. • Provide clear, concise and influential written and verbal advice to senior stakeholders. • Facilitate collaboration across government and industry to resolve issues and support

delivery outcomes. Governance, Risk and Compliance

• Apply high standards of probity, governance and contract management across all activities. • Manage procurement processes and administer contracts in accordance with Territory

requirements. • Identify, assess and manage project risks, maintaining active risk management plans and

mitigation strategies. • Ensure compliance with Workplace Health and Safety legislation and SLA policies.

Leadership and Team Management • Be a constructive member and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams, including staff,

consultants and contractors. • Provide direction and support to team members to ensure delivery outcomes are achieved. • Contribute to workforce planning, recruitment, capability development and performance

management. • Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture aligned with ACT Public Service

values. Performance and Delivery Focus

• Manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs within tight timeframes. • Provide strategic and operational advice to support decision-making. • Ensure delivery outcomes meet agreed commercial, community and Government objectives. • Maintain a strong focus on achieving settlement outcomes and performance targets.

Behavioural Capabilities

1. Communicates and Influences with Impact

 

 

 

 

Builds trusted relationships and communicates clearly with a wide range of stakeholders, including government, industry and community. Adapts messaging, provides clear advice and influences outcomes in complex environments.

2. Collaborates and Leads Across Business

Works effectively across teams, disciplines and agencies to achieve shared outcomes. Contributes positively to team culture, supports others and brings people together to resolve issues and progress delivery.

3. Demonstrates Drive, Integrity and Accountability

Shows personal responsibility for outcomes, acts with integrity and professionalism, and delivers results in complex and changing environments while balancing competing priorities.

Professional and Technical Knowledge

1. Project and Program Delivery Expertise

Applies strong project management capability to deliver complex development projects end-to-end, including planning, approvals, procurement, construction and handover, aligned to Government priorities.

2. Governance, Risk and Commercial Acumen

Demonstrates sound understanding of governance frameworks, contract management, procurement and risk management to ensure compliance and effective commercial outcomes.

3. Performance, Reporting and Resource Planning

Uses data and insight to monitor performance, manage delivery risks and inform decision-making, including developing resourcing approaches aligned to pipeline, delivery models and project gateways.

Pre-requisite Qualifications and/or Experience

This position requires the occupant to hold recognised qualifications and/or experience in one or more of the following fields:

• Engineering—a four-year degree or higher qualification accredited by Engineers Australia or Professionals Australia for recognition as a Professional Engineer (including recognition of equivalent overseas engineering qualifications) and a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in engineering.

• Architecture—a three-year degree or higher qualification accredited by an Australian state or territory architecture authority for recognition as a Professional Architect (including recognition of equivalent overseas qualifications) and a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in architecture.

• Project Management— I. A Diploma in Project Management accredited by an Australian state or territory tertiary

 

 

 

 

education institution (or an equivalent overseas qualification that is eligible for reciprocal recognition in Australia) and a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in project management, or

II. Certification by a professional body, such as the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), to the level of Certified Practicing Project Director (CPPD) or Certified Practicing Portfolio Executive (CPPE), in addition to a relevant degree or higher qualification issued by an Australian state or territory tertiary education institution (or an equivalent overseas qualification that is eligible for reciprocal recognition in Australia) and a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in project management, or

III. At least 10 years’ relevant experience in project management.

 

 

 

You will also need to have, or able to obtain:

• General Construction Induction Card (White Card).

• Asbestos Awareness Card.

• Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention Card.

Work Environment Description

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustment and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.

Below is an indication of the frequency of fundamental requirements of the position:

ADMINISTRATIVE FREQUENCY

Telephone use Frequently

General computer use Frequently

Extensive keying/data entry Frequently

Graphical/analytical based Frequently

Sitting at a desk Frequently

Standing for long periods Occasionally

Designated workstation

The position in an activity-based work environment Occasionally

STANDARD HOURS FREQUENCY

Flexible working hours (access to flex time) Occasionally

Fixed or specified start/finish times Never

 

 

 

 

Expected to work extensive hours over a significant period due to the nature of the duties

Occasionally

Access to Accrued Days Off (ADOs) Never

Peaks and troughs Occasionally

Frequent paid overtime Never

Rostered shift work Never

SOCIAL DEMANDS FREQUENCY

Work with others towards shared goals in a team environment Frequently

Work in isolation from other staff (remote supervision) Occasionally

Working in a call centre environment Never

Working directly with the public Occasionally

PHYSICAL DEMANDS FREQUENCY

Distance walking (large buildings or inter-building transit) Occasionally

Working outdoors Occasionally

MANUAL HANDLING FREQUENCY

Lifting 0 – 5kg Occasionally

Lifting 5 – 10kg Occasionally

Lifting 10kg+ Occasionally

Climbing Occasionally

Reaching Occasionally

Bending/squatting Occasionally

Push/pull Occasionally

Sequential repetitive movements in a short amount of time Never

TRAVEL FREQUENCY

Frequent travel – multiple work sites Occasionally

Frequent travel – driving Occasionally

Frequent travel – interstate Occasionally

SPECIFIC HAZARDS FREQUENCY

Working at heights Never

Exposure to extreme temperatures Never

Operation of heavy machinery (e.g. forklift) Never

 

 

 

 

Confined spaces Never

Excessive noise Never

Low lighting Never

Handling of dangerous goods/equipment Never

Working with asbestos Never

Potential to encounter agitated customers Occasionally

Exposure to potentially distressing case material Never

OTHER FREQUENCY

Uniform required Occasionally

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required Occasionally