Senior Project Manager

Be challenged and imagine with us

As a Senior Project Manager, you will lead complex and high-impact projects that support the University's strategic goals and enhance the experience of students, staff and the wider community. Working closely with College leaders, academics, professional staff and external partners, you'll navigate competing priorities, build consensus and drive successful outcomes in a dynamic environment. This is an opportunity to influence organisational change, solve complex challenges and deliver projects that make a lasting difference.

In this role you will:

• Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of complex projects from initiation through to completion.
• Partner with senior leaders, academics and professional staff to translate strategic priorities into successful project outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration.
• Manage project scope, timelines, budgets, risks and resources to achieve agreed objectives.
• Lead project teams and coordinate the work of consultants, contractors and specialist providers where required.
• Facilitate workshops, consultation activities and decision-making processes to achieve stakeholder alignment.
• Drive change management and communication activities that support the successful adoption of project outcomes.
• Provide high-quality reporting, advice and recommendations to executive stakeholders and governance groups.
• Promote continuous improvement and identify opportunities to enhance project delivery practices.

This is a full-time, permanent ongoing position, is at a HEW 9, and located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land). 

How will you inspire us?

You will:

• Bring significant experience delivering complex projects and programs in large and diverse organisations.
• Demonstrate exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.
• Have proven experience leading teams and influencing outcomes in environments with competing priorities.
• Be a highly effective communicator with strong facilitation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrate sound change management capability and experience supporting organisations through transformation.
• Apply a structured project management methodology such as PRINCE2, PMBOK or an equivalent framework.
• Use strong commercial, financial and risk management skills to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Think strategically, solve problems creatively and maintain focus on delivering outcomes and benefits.
• Thrive in collaborative environments and work effectively with academics, executives and external partners.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

About the Unit

Infrastructure and Facilities Services (IFS) is part of the Resources Division, and is responsible for the planning, development and operation of the University’s physical infrastructure and estate, including the management and upkeep of facilities to support the strategic objectives of the University and meet the needs of students, staff and the University community.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 9 ($140,791-$150,846) +17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• 17% super and salary packaging.
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing each of the essential criteria listed below, demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

 Essential Criteria

1. Demonstrated leadership capability, including the ability to lead, inspire and influence teams of professional and technical staff to achieve outstanding performance and outcomes.
2. Highly developed project management and organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, operate effectively under pressure and deliver successful outcomes within complex and sensitive environments.
3. Demonstrated experience leading complex projects using recognised project management methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2, PMBOK or equivalent), including governance, risk and benefits management.
4. Exceptional communication, consultation and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to influence decisions, build consensus and develop productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 4 pages (approx. 2000 words).

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au.

We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process.

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Janine Bertler, Program Manager - Capital Works, on email Janine.Bertler@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Sunday, 29 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

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