Closes: 21 May 2026
Classification: Infrastructure Manager/Specialist 1
Salary: $191,177 plus superannuation
Position No: 63457
Directorate: Suburban Land Agency
Advertised (Gazettal date): 07 May 2026
Contact Officer: David Dexter on ************@act.gov.au or (02) 6207 4***
Details: Do you want to help shape Canberra's future communities?
Suburban Land Agency is looking for an experienced Program Manager to lead the delivery of major civil infrastructure works across greenfield and urban development projects in the ACT. This is a senior leadership role where you'll have real influence — from early feasibility and investment decisions through to land release and settlement.
About the role:
Reporting to the Program Director, Infrastructure Services, Place Delivery, you'll take senior accountability for project governance, procurement, budgets, risk and reporting. You'll lead a small, highly skilled team and work closely with ACT Government colleagues, industry partners and community stakeholders to deliver great outcomes for the Territory.
This role suits someone who enjoys practical problem‐solving, building strong relationships, and seeing projects through from concept to delivery.
What you'll be doing
In this role, you will:
* Lead the planning, delivery and reporting of major civil infrastructure programs across land and urban developments.
* Manage and support a small, multi‐disciplinary team and create a positive, high‐performing working environment.
* Act as a Principal Authorised Person (PAP) under GC‐21 contracts.
* Deliver programs against key milestones such as land release, settlement, revenue targets and cost control.
* Oversee complex procurement activities, including engaging consultants and contractors for civil and landscape works.
* Review design and tender documentation to ensure quality, value for money and practical outcomes.
* Champion workplace health and safety, ensuring all projects meet legislative and Territory requirements.
* Identify, manage and regularly review project and program risks.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with approval authorities, asset owners, other ACT and Commonwealth agencies, industry groups, community organisations, and the SLA Executive and Board.
* Represent SLA at meetings and collaborate across government to get things done.
* Lead by example, modelling ACTPS values of respect, integrity, collaboration and innovation.
What we're looking for
You don't need to tick every box, but ideally you'll bring:
* Strong experience delivering large‐scale infrastructure or land development projects.
* Strong leadership skills to mentor and growth staff development.
* Confidence managing budgets, procurement and contracts in a government or similar environment.
* The ability to lead teams, consultants and contractors through complex delivery challenges.
* A collaborative, solutions‐focused approach and clear communication style.
* A genuine commitment to safety, good governance and public value.
Why join SLA?
* Help deliver the places where Canberrans live, work and connect.
* Work on projects that genuinely matter to the community.
* Be part of a supportive, values‐driven ACT Government organisation.
* Enjoy meaningful leadership, variety and influence in your work.
If you're ready to take on a senior role that combines strategy, delivery and collaboration — and you care about shaping great places for the ACT — we'd love to hear from you.
This process may also be used to fill similar temporary or permanent roles in the Place Delivery Group. If you're found suitable, you'll join a merit pool. This means we may contact you about other similar opportunities, and you can choose whether to accept—without having to apply again.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply
Eligibility/Other requirements
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—
o 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
o 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
o At least 10 years' relevant experience in project management.
Highly regarded knowledge and experience
The successful candidate will require extensive knowledge and experience in infrastructure project delivery, program and project team management, land development feasibility, high level procurement for design and civil, landscape or built form construction processes.
* Demonstrated strategic leadership that models ACTPS Values, actively fosters a positive and collaborative work environment, and intentionally mentors staff to support growth, wellbeing and the delivery of strategic commitments.
* General Construction Induction Card (White Card).
* Asbestos Awareness Card.
* Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention Card.
Note: A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months. Selection may be based on application and referee reports only. This position will be moving to a new workplace designed for activity-based working (ABW). Under ABW arrangements, officers will not have a designated workstation/desk.
How to Apply: Applicants should provide a pitch of not more than two A4 pages, outlining your skills and experience relevant to the role based on the Position Description. A copy of a current curriculum vitae and the contact details of at least two referees are to be provided.
You can find out more about how to provide a pitch here
Applications should be submitted via the Apply Now button below.
Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.
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