Assistant Development Manager

Why this role is different

You’ll be joining a not-for-profit organisation with a $1.3B development pipeline, but the pace, complexity and expectations are the same as a high-performing for-profit developer.

The difference? Your work directly improves the lives of older Australians every day, and you get the kind of flexibility and salary packaging benefits you rarely see in the private sector.

And you’re not entering a massive, layered hierarchy. The property team is lean, high-performing and growing. You’ll sit close to senior leadership, and even closer to the projects that matter.

You’ll support a Development Manager who has just stepped up into a larger portfolio, which means you’re stepping into a role with real runway — the kind that lets you grow quickly rather than wait for a gap in the org chart.

What You’ll Be Doing (and Why You’ll Enjoy It)

You’ll work across a diverse and meaningful portfolio, including aged care redevelopments, independent living communities, infrastructure upgrades and compliance-driven improvements across NSW, QLD and the ACT.

Your work will span the full lifecycle — concept, design, delivery and handover — giving you the kind of exposure that normally takes years to accumulate.

Day-to-day, you’ll:

• Support the delivery of multiple concurrent projects, including a $130M development already progressing and a $350M masterplan entering planning

• Handle cost management, budget tracking, invoice assessment and reporting — core skills that set you up for rapid progression

• Conduct site visits, assess progress and contribute to programming and planning

• Draft briefs, assist with tender documentation and help keep consultants, contractors and internal stakeholders aligned

• Collaborate with operational teams in live environments — perfect for strengthening your stakeholder communication skills

• Act as the “eyes and ears” on the ground, escalating issues early and helping keep projects moving smoothly

If you’re someone who enjoys variety, responsibility and being trusted to figure things out (with support), you’ll thrive here.

This is perfect for you if…

• You’ve got 2–5 years’ experience in property development, construction or project management in the Built Environment

• You’re comfortable talking to contractors one minute and internal teams the next — strong interpersonal communication is the No.1 priority

• You like being trusted rather than micromanaged — but still value hands-on learning

• You want exposure to large, complex projects you can be proud to put on your CV

• You’re motivated by meaningful work and by becoming a stronger, more well-rounded Development Manager

A degree helps, but it’s not a deal breaker

If you’ve got the experience, attitude and property exposure, they’re open. The hiring manager is far more interested in your potential to grow than whether your pathway was traditional.

What You’ll Get

• $100K–$145K package + super, depending on experience

• Not-for-profit salary packaging — up to ~$18K tax free each year, which means more money in your pocket than a comparable private-sector role

• True flexibility — typically 3 days in the office (Wollongong), but open to 2 for the right person

• Autonomy without isolation — leadership that gives you space but is always there when things get tricky

• Birthday leave (yes, an actual day off)

• Clear pathways for internal progression — the team consistently promotes from within

• Wellness programs, EAP access, discounted gyms, and a supportive culture where speaking up is encouraged

And if you’re commuting from Sydney or the wider region? Many do. The role offers flexibility to make it manageable.

Interested? Let’s make this easy.

You don’t need a polished CV.
Just reach out to Natahsa at natasha@connexusrecruitment.com