Job Description
Development Manager
n Sydney, NSW | Eastern Suburbs Confidential Luxury Residential Developer
n About the Opportunity An exclusive opportunity exists for an accomplished Development Manager to join a privately owned property development group with a strong track record of delivering high-end residential projects throughout Sydney's most prestigious suburbs.
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Reporting directly to the Owner, this role will be responsible for leading the end-to-end development process across a portfolio of luxury residential and mixed-use projects. The successful candidate will play a critical role in identifying opportunities, driving planning outcomes, managing consultants, and delivering exceptional projects that set new benchmarks for quality, design excellence, and value creation.
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This position is suited to an experienced property professional with deep market knowledge, strong industry relationships, and an intimate understanding of the luxury residential landscape across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
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Key Responsibilities
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Manage projects through the entire development lifecycle from acquisition and feasibility through to completion and handover.
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Lead planning and development approval strategies, including engagement with councils, planning authorities, and key stakeholders.
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Drive project feasibility analysis, financial modelling, project budgeting, and risk management.
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Coordinate and manage consultant teams including architects, planners, engineers, quantity surveyors, lawyers, and project managers.
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Oversee design development to ensure projects align with market expectations and luxury positioning.
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Monitor project performance against key financial, programme, and delivery objectives.
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Acquisitions & Market Analysis
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Identify and assess development opportunities across Sydney's premium residential markets.
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Conduct detailed due diligence, site investigations, and market assessments.
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Prepare investment recommendations and acquisition strategies for review by the Owner.
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Maintain a network of agents, brokers, consultants, and industry stakeholders to uncover off-market opportunities.
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Stakeholder Management
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Act as the key interface between the Owner and external project teams.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with consultants, contractors, authorities, and local community stakeholders.
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Represent the business in planning discussions, negotiations, and industry forums where required.
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Commercial Leadership
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Assist in structuring development strategies that maximise project value and returns.
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Manage consultant and contractor procurement processes.
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Negotiate commercial agreements and consultant appointments.
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Provide regular reporting to the Owner on project status, risks, opportunities, and financial performance.
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Skills & Experience Essential
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8+ years' experience in property development, development management, or a related discipline.
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Demonstrated experience delivering premium or luxury residential developments in Sydney.
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Solid understanding of the Eastern Suburbs residential market, including purchaser profiles, pricing dynamics, planning controls, and emerging trends.
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Proven experience managing planning approvals and consultant teams.
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Strong financial acumen,



including feasibility modelling and project cashflow management.
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Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
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Excellent presentation, communication, and report writing abilities.
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Highly Desirable
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Existing relationships with leading architects, planners, agents, consultants, and contractors operating within Sydney's prestige residential market.
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Experience delivering boutique apartment, luxury residential, waterfront, or mixed-use developments.
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Relevant tertiary qualifications in Property, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
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Knowledge of NSW planning legislation and development approval processes.
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Personal Attributes
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Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong commercial focus.
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Highly motivated, accountable, and capable of operating autonomously.
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Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail.
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Passion for design excellence and luxury real estate.
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Strong leadership capability with the confidence to engage directly with senior decision-makers.
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Results-oriented with a proven ability to execute complex projects.
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What's On Offer
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Direct reporting line to the Owner with significant influence over key business decisions.
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Exposure to a pipeline of landmark luxury developments.
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Opportunity to shape projects from acquisition through to delivery.
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Collaborative and agile working environment.
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Highly competitive remuneration package, including performance incentives aligned to project outcomes.
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This is a rare opportunity for an experienced development professional to join a highly regarded private developer and play a pivotal role in the creation of some of Sydney's most prestigious residential projects.
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📌 Development Manager (New South Wales)
🏢 Gough Recruitment
📍 New South Wales