About the Position The Team Leader Projects provides leadership and direction for Council’s major and strategic projects, overseeing a diverse portfolio of community infrastructure and non-capital projects and initiatives. The position leads the Projects team and works closely with management to ensure projects are effectively planned, governed and delivered, with robust oversight of scope, time, budget, quality, risk and stakeholder requirements.
The position plays an important role in shaping Council’s project delivery approach and ensuring significant community investments translate into sustainable, fit-for-purpose infrastructure. It provides strategic advice, monitors portfolio performance, drives consistent project management practices and builds strong relationships across Council and with external stakeholders. Through effective leadership, collaboration and continuous improvement, the role supports the successful delivery of projects that respond to community needs and contribute to the long-term future of the region.
About You
You are an experienced project and people leader with a strong background in delivering complex infrastructure projects and managing multidisciplinary teams. You bring sound project, financial and commercial management skills, with the ability to oversee competing priorities, manage risks and resources, and deliver successful outcomes across a diverse project portfolio. You are a confident communicator and collaborative leader who builds strong stakeholder relationships, provides strategic advice and drives accountability, continuous improvement and sustainable community outcomes.
Experience in local government, public sector governance and procurement will be highly regarded.
Key Selection Criteria
1.
Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams in project management, program delivery, infrastructure design or construction environment. This experience includes setting performance expectations, managing performance, coaching and mentoring staff, workforce planning, allocating resources, and building team capability and accountability.
2. Demonstrated experience managing the finances of complex projects, including forecasting, budget variances and contract variations. This also covers procurement and probity knowledge and managing consultants and contractors.
3. Detailed knowledge and practical application of project and portfolio management principles, systems and controls. This includes planning, programming, risk management and performance reporting, applied to achieve approved project and program outcomes within agreed scope, time and quality requirements.
4. Experience developing business cases, feasibility analysis and project briefs. The role also leads or contributes to non-capital initiatives involving complex problem-solving and strategic thinking, such as master planning and cost-benefit analysis.
5. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage Elected Members, senior leaders, government agencies and the community. This includes preparing presentations, briefing papers and Council reports.
Working for Council Some of the benefits of working with us include:
- Competitive salary
- Fun and energetic team
- Generous leave entitlements including 3 additional paid days over Christmas
- Flexible ways of working
- Free parking
- An expansive health & wellbeing program
- Career development opportunities
We encourage applicants to contact Emily Kenchington, Manager Construction and Projects on [0434 878 888](tel:0434 878 888) to discuss this opportunity in more detail.
Application Process:
To be considered for this position, all applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing how they meet each of the key selection criteria detailed within this advertisement. It is mandatory to provide detailed explanations of relevant experience and qualifications related to the criteria outlined above.
Applicants will be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate relevant experience for the position and alignment with the City of Onkaparinga’s Values and Behaviours.
The City of Onkaparinga is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals with disabilities. For any adjustments during the recruitment process or on the job, contact
[email protected].
The City of Onkaparinga advises that the recruitment process includes a medical assessment – including drug and alcohol testing, confirmation of experience and stated qualifications and may also include psychometric testing.
Applications close – 9am, 19 November 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
📌 Major Projects Team Leader (Noarlunga Centre)
🏢 City of Onkaparinga
📍 Noarlunga Centre