Job Description
Development Manager | Design-led Developer | Sydney
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Assistant Development Manager or Development Manager | Independent property developer · Sydney Full-time | Permanent | Architecture degree required | Retail & Mixed-Use | $1B+ pipeline
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Salary: $90K - $140K + super (negotiable depending on the level of experience you are bringing)
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The chance
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A rare chance to step into genuine project ownership at a design-led, privately owned developer with a billion-dollar, multi-sector pipeline - and do it earlier in your career than most shops would allow.
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We're recruiting on behalf of a well-established, independent Sydney developer with over 15 years in the market, 80+ properties, and a live development pipeline exceeding $1 billion. Their work spans neighbourhood retail, mixed-use, childcare, residential and commercial - and they're known for competing on design as much as on returns.
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This role suits a strong Assistant Development Manager ready to make the jump, or a Development Manager earlier in their journey who wants genuine ownership of projects and a broader book than a single-asset-class operation can offer. Your architectural background will be put to real use here - design leadership is central to the role, not an afterthought.
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What you'll be doing
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Own projects end to end - feasibility, DA/planning, design, procurement, delivery and handover - under the direction of senior development leadership
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Lead design management: directing architects and consultants,



driving design through DA and CC, and protecting design intent through value management
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Manage the planning and approvals process with councils and authorities
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Build and interrogate development feasibilities and project budgets, and report on cost, program and risk
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Support procurement and oversee delivery alongside the project and construction team through to practical completion
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Coordinate across leasing, finance and asset management to keep projects on track
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What we're looking for
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Around 2-6+ years in property development, ideally with retail, mixed-use or town-centre exposure
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Solid feasibility skills - you can build and interrogate a development feasibility, not just read one
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Hands-on DA/planning experience and confidence managing consultants and authorities directly
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Commercially sharp and organised, comfortable owning project outcomes with senior oversight
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Australian working rights and Sydney-based
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Why this role is worth a look
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Real ownership, early - run your own projects with an experienced team behind you, not years of assisting first
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Design matters here - architectural judgment genuinely shapes outcomes at this developer
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Breadth and a clear path up - a multi-sector pipeline means variety now and a direct route to Senior DM
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Privately owned - decisions made in the building, minimal bureaucracy, and momentum you can actually feel
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📌 Development Manager | Design-Led Developer | Sydney
🏢 W Talent
📍 Sydney