- Employment Type: Full-time, 3-year Fixed Term position.
- Remuneration: Competitive total package
- Location: Kensington, NSW
About UNSW
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. Estate Management (EM) provides a range of services and advice to all Faculties and Divisions on the Kensington campus as well as the sub-campuses.
Why your role matters
The Portfolio Delivery Manager (PDM) plays a critical role in leading the delivery of capital works projects across UNSW’s estate, from design and documentation through to tendering and construction. This includes managing strategic refurbishments, infrastructure and compliance upgrades, and engineering services works, ensuring all projects are delivered to the highest standards of quality, budget control, and risk management. The role works closely with internal stakeholders across faculties and divisions, as well as external consultants, contractors, and government bodies, and reports to the Senior Manager, Estate Improvement.
This position is particularly vital to the success of the upcoming Strategic Asset Management Program (SAMP), which will deliver an extensive program of building maintenance and services upgrades over the next three years. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in building services (HVAC, electrical, fire, etc.) and demonstrate capability in leading feasibility and early-stage planning, providing strategic input into project prioritisation, and managing complex capital works in dynamic environments.
About the Role
- Provide strategic leadership and advice to the Senior Manager, Estate Improvement, ensuring alignment with EM’s objectives and UNSW’s broader goals.
- Identify and implement opportunities within the Estate Improvement Program to enhance estate performance and outcomes.
- Deliver capital works projects from design to construction, managing briefs, estimates, documentation, tenders, and delivery.
- Lead and motivate multidisciplinary project teams, managing stakeholder engagement and contractor agreements.
- Oversee budgets, schedules, and project reporting, securing approvals and applying corrective measures when needed.
- Ensure strong governance, value optimisation, and risk management across all stages of project delivery.
- Drive continuous improvement in processes, systems, and service delivery aligned with UNSW policies.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships across faculties, divisions, and industry partners to support strategic planning and resource coordination.
About You
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, prioritisation, and delivery of infrastructure upgrades, particularly in building services (HVAC, electrical, fire).
- Strong capability in feasibility assessment and early-stage project development, including cost estimation, risk evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Proven record in delivering capital works projects across diverse asset types such as offices, laboratories, teaching spaces, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Extensive experience managing budgets, schedules, and multi-project programs within complex, high-volume environments.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and negotiation across internal divisions, faculties, contractors, and consultants.
- Solid understanding of contract management frameworks, with familiarity in GC21 and MW21 forms of contract considered advantageous.
- Proficient in project planning and reporting tools such as Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, and ARCHIBUS.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of reports and presentations for diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to lead teams through complex or unplanned situations with sound judgement and operational leadership.
- Commitment to UNSW’s values, with demonstrated adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management systems.
For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description
How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter (Cover Letter no longer than 2 pages) detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the job description) before Sunday 16 November by 11:55pm.
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.
UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:
- Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
- Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
- Career development opportunities
- Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
- Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)
Job queries contact: Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant
E: tai.james@unsw.edu.au (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
