• Full Time Fixed Term / 10-day fortnight / 40 hours per week
• Salary: From $121,839 to $156,527 per annum, plus Superannuation
• Position Brief - Senior Project Manager

 About the role 

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the management and delivery of critical projects in the Strategic Portfolio. They support the Program Director in managing the Strategic Portfolio programs and projects, working closely with internal business areas and external stakeholders. ​

We're seeking a highly capable and dynamic professional who thrives in complex environments and can confidently influence, communicate and build partnerships at all levels.

This is not a traditional engineering, civil construction, water, transport or rail project management role. We are seeking a strategic project leader who excels at navigating complexity, building partnerships, influencing outcomes and turning ideas into tangible community benefits.

This position is fixed term until 29 October 2026. This position may be considered as 9-day fortnight (36 hours) with a salary range from $121,839per annum or 10-day fortnight (40 hours) from $138,896 per annum.

Responsibilities include:

• Initiate and facilitate the delivery of projects for assigned municipal infrastructure and services by managing complex projects from concept planning, detailed design and specification through to and including service delivery phase.
• Coordinate project / consultancy teams to meet multi-discipline project activities including external planning / design and engineering consultancies as required within specified timeframes.
• Support early market involvement phases for some projects to meet activities within the Strategic Portfolio.
• Provide high level, specialist technical advice and recommendations to various sections of planning and infrastructure projects within defined programs.
• Apply and oversee the provisions of all relevant legislation, regulations, agreements, standards, policies and processes are applied and adhered to in projects.
• Provide sound project management advice, options and recommendations to deliver required project outcomes.
• Investigate, analyse and problem solve project technical issues to arrive at fit for purpose solutions.
• Manage and mitigate risks in a complex project environment.
• Provide regular reports on projects including robust data analysis.
• Contribute to a culture focused on high safety and wellbeing.
• Ensure all activities undertaken reflect the organisations High-Performance Principles.

We’re looking for people who have: 

• Bachelor's degree of project management, Urban and Regional Planning, or equivalent knowledge coupled with experience in complex programs and projects of high value. 
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic projects, programs or initiatives within community infrastructure, tourism, regional development, policy, planning, economic development, environment, recreation or related fields.
• Strong understanding of policy development, governance frameworks and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively from operational teams through to executive leadership, government and community stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking combined with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Experience managing competing priorities, navigating ambiguity and delivering outcomes in complex organisational environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• The ability to influence without direct authority and build alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.

Be part of shaping the Gold Coast’s future 

The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.  

We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia. We have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:   

• 9-day or 10 day fortnight  
• Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations  

• Personal and professional development courses 

• Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport  

• 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member 

• 1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year 

We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community.  

How to apply

For more information, view the position brief by clicking the paperclip icon in the top right corner of this screen. 

To submit your application, please click apply now and complete the application form. You will be required to upload your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes will enable you to be successful in this role. Please note that you may also be asked to provide relevant qualifications, where applicable.

Contact Person: Michelle Field

Contact Email: mfield@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Closing Date: Wednesday 29th July 2026, 11:59pm AEDT   

Our selection process may include a one-way video interview via Criteria, a face-to-face or virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, reference checks via Xref and additional checks including police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews and drug and alcohol testing.  

We’re committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture. We take pride in people who align with our high-performance principles. We believe that the diverse makeup of our workforce reflects the community we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and encourage candidates to discuss any support or adjustments they may need throughout the recruitment process.