Executive Group Manager, Complex Development Projects
Contract type
Full Time
Location
Canberra
Industry
Public Sector & Government
Contact name
Adam Dent
Contact email
cra@orchardtalent.com.au
Contact phone
03 5135 6800
Date published
18.05.2026
Shape the future of Canberra through city-shaping development and precinct renewal.
The organisation
The City Renewal Authority (CRA) is responsible for revitalising central Canberra to create a thriving, connected and sustainable city heart. Through design-led and people-focused urban renewal, the CRA delivers projects and partnerships that strengthen the social, cultural, environmental and economic life of the city.
Working collaboratively across government, industry and the community, the CRA leads the planning, development and activation of some of Canberra’s most significant urban precincts, including Civic, Braddon, Dickson and the Acton Waterfront. The organisation takes a place-led approach to renewal, delivering long-term public value through high-quality development, infrastructure and community outcomes, including the landmark Acton Waterfront Neighbourhood project which will help shape Canberra’s future waterfront and city centre experience.
The opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and operating as a key member of the Senior Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Group Manager, Complex Development Projects will lead the Authority’s portfolio of complex development projects, including major urban renewal initiatives, land development, commercial ventures and significant infrastructure programs.
This newly created executive role will provide strategic leadership across the end-to-end lifecycle of major projects, from due diligence, master planning and approvals through to procurement, construction, sales and post-sale obligations. The role will integrate development and sales functions to support the ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program while delivering strong commercial outcomes, affordable and community housing targets, and design excellence across Canberra’s evolving urban landscape.
A key focus of the role will include leadership of transformative precinct initiatives such as the Acton Waterfront Neighbourhood project, one of the Territory’s most significant mixed-use urban renewal opportunities adjacent to Lake Burley Griffin and Canberra’s cultural institutions. More information can be found at: https://www.act.gov.au/cityrenewal/places/acton-waterfront-project
Leading multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments, you will oversee high-value and high-risk programs that require strong governance, commercial acumen and delivery discipline. You will work closely with government, regulators, industry, community stakeholders and traditional owners to deliver projects that create lasting economic, environmental and social value.
About you
You are an accomplished executive leader with substantial experience delivering large-scale urban renewal, land development, infrastructure or built-form projects within complex commercial or government environments.
You bring:
The opportunity offers the chance to play a defining leadership role in shaping Canberra’s city precincts and delivering projects of enduring significance to the Territory and its communities.
Remuneration
The position attracts a remuneration package of $330,580 or $340,787 depending on the current superannuation arrangements of the successful applicant. This includes a cash component of $291,627.
Contract
The successful applicant will be engaged under a performance-based long-term contract for a period of up to five years. Prospective applicants should be aware that long-term engagements are tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or to request further information, contact Adam Dent, Partner, Orchard Talent Group at cra@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
Applications close 12 June 2026 at 11:55pm
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The organisation
The City Renewal Authority (CRA) is responsible for revitalising central Canberra to create a thriving, connected and sustainable city heart. Through design-led and people-focused urban renewal, the CRA delivers projects and partnerships that strengthen the social, cultural, environmental and economic life of the city.
Working collaboratively across government, industry and the community, the CRA leads the planning, development and activation of some of Canberra’s most significant urban precincts, including Civic, Braddon, Dickson and the Acton Waterfront. The organisation takes a place-led approach to renewal, delivering long-term public value through high-quality development, infrastructure and community outcomes, including the landmark Acton Waterfront Neighbourhood project which will help shape Canberra’s future waterfront and city centre experience.
The opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and operating as a key member of the Senior Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Group Manager, Complex Development Projects will lead the Authority’s portfolio of complex development projects, including major urban renewal initiatives, land development, commercial ventures and significant infrastructure programs.
This newly created executive role will provide strategic leadership across the end-to-end lifecycle of major projects, from due diligence, master planning and approvals through to procurement, construction, sales and post-sale obligations. The role will integrate development and sales functions to support the ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program while delivering strong commercial outcomes, affordable and community housing targets, and design excellence across Canberra’s evolving urban landscape.
A key focus of the role will include leadership of transformative precinct initiatives such as the Acton Waterfront Neighbourhood project, one of the Territory’s most significant mixed-use urban renewal opportunities adjacent to Lake Burley Griffin and Canberra’s cultural institutions. More information can be found at: https://www.act.gov.au/cityrenewal/places/acton-waterfront-project
Leading multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments, you will oversee high-value and high-risk programs that require strong governance, commercial acumen and delivery discipline. You will work closely with government, regulators, industry, community stakeholders and traditional owners to deliver projects that create lasting economic, environmental and social value.
About you
You are an accomplished executive leader with substantial experience delivering large-scale urban renewal, land development, infrastructure or built-form projects within complex commercial or government environments.
You bring:
- Extensive expertise across development delivery, statutory planning, procurement, commercial negotiations and program governance
- A strong track record leading multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder partnerships
- Demonstrated capability operating in high-risk and high-profile delivery environments
- Strong commercial, financial and strategic acumen, including feasibility, business case development and contract management
- A deep appreciation for design excellence, placemaking and environmentally sustainable development
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience engaging with Boards, Ministers, regulators, industry and community groups
- A leadership style that builds accountability, collaboration, capability and high performance
The opportunity offers the chance to play a defining leadership role in shaping Canberra’s city precincts and delivering projects of enduring significance to the Territory and its communities.
Remuneration
The position attracts a remuneration package of $330,580 or $340,787 depending on the current superannuation arrangements of the successful applicant. This includes a cash component of $291,627.
Contract
The successful applicant will be engaged under a performance-based long-term contract for a period of up to five years. Prospective applicants should be aware that long-term engagements are tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or to request further information, contact Adam Dent, Partner, Orchard Talent Group at cra@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
Applications close 12 June 2026 at 11:55pm
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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