Manager, Land Acquisition - Forward Planning (Early Childhood)- Fixed Term/ Full Time until 30 June 2028. This Program Manager position is locally titled 'Manager, Land Acquisition - Forward Planning (Early Childhood)'. The role reports into the Senior Manager, Property (Early Childhood). The Program Manager provides leadership on the VSBA's strategies for acquiring land and managing site related issues in order to meet specified timeframes for the delivery of the Government's Best Start, Best Life early childhood reforms. A strong working knowledge of matters affecting land acquisition and development is necessary. The work by the land acquisition teams includes collaboration with other areas of the Department of Education on provision analysis for education and early childhood demand; liaison with local councils and land developers on timing for developments; supporting site identification for future acquisition; site suitability investigations and works; valuation; negotiation with landholders (which may include developers, private individuals, other government agencies and local government authorities); ensuring compliance with relevant policies and guidelines; and negotiating contracts of sale and other relevant legal agreements. The successful candidate will be required to contribute to the coordination of budget bids and the management of budgets related to the VSBA's Land Acquisition Program as well as developing and implementing strategies, including the development and implementation of the land acquisition program to support the Government's Best Start Best Life program. Key stakeholders include the Office of the Minister for Education, Office of the Minister for Children, the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive team of the VSBA, local government authorities, other government Departments and Government agencies such as the Valuer-General Victoria and the Victorian Government Land Monitor. VSBA staff have a shared responsibility to meet the same service standards outlined in the VSBA Customer Service Charter. Our goal is to make every interaction with the VSBA a positive one for our customers, colleagues and key partners regardless of our individual role or team. Required: * Understanding of the Victorian land and property legal system, including both freehold Crown land * Property (land) related advisory experience * Experience with compulsory acquisitions and the impacts to the land development process * Experience with negotiated acquisitions including a strong understanding of the market * Demonstrated experience leading teams and staff development Desirable: * Relevant tertiary qualification in Property or related construction field * For more details regarding this position please see attached position description. The Department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au. Applications close: 12 August 2025