Property Development Manager - Special Projects
At Wollongong City Council, we continuously strive to create an Extraordinary Wollongong. We focus on the delivery of exceptional services, infrastructure and facilities for our community.
Wollongong is a great place to work, live and play! Together, our responsibility is to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome, valued and belongs. Our strength is the diversity of our people.
We lead with courage, openness and curiosity and believe our employees are the key to our success. Learn more about us here.
The Opportunity
You'll drive high‑impact, city‑shaping special projects that unlock the highest and best use of Council‑owned land and assets. Reporting to the Manager Commercial Operations & Property, you'll contribute expert advice, robust feasibility assessments and investment strategies that advance an Extraordinary Wollongong.
This is not a traditional property development role - it is an independent, analysis‑led position where you apply commercial savviness to assess complex information, challenge assumptions and present clear, evidence‑based pathways that deliver better outcomes for the city. You will champion more sustainable approaches to Council land and assets, translating data and stakeholder insights into practical recommendations that are commercially sound, community‑minded and future‑focused.
This is a permanent full‑time position, 35 hours per week. Salary: Up to $123,385 per annum plus superannuation (salary package assessed on skills, experience and qualifications).
How you'll make a difference
- Lead strategic reviews for major development precincts, including the West Dapto future town centre precinct, and city transformation initiatives.
- Evaluate development opportunities with rigorous feasibility and cost‑benefit analysis, recommending retain/demolish/re‑purpose pathways.
- Shape Council's Property Strategy and portfolio direction to optimise financial returns and outcomes.
- Negotiate complex partnerships and development agreements with private and community stakeholders, working with Legal Services and specialist consultants.
- Prepare clear executive presentations and tender/EOI documentation to progress key projects.
- Tie property decisions to the city's long‑term asset planning approach and service‑delivery needs.
- Embed work within the Our Wollongong Our Future 2035 community goals.
About you
You thrive on complex, multi‑stakeholder development partnerships and bring:
- Degree‑level qualifications in Property Development, Planning, Finance or similar, with extensive industry experience.
- Experience and understanding of methodology for delivering large‑scale development projects and public-private partnerships.
- High‑level commercial, analytical and negotiation skills.
- Strength in feasibility, development economics and investment analysis.
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills across diverse stakeholders.
- Resilience, organisation and adaptability in a political environment.
- Commitment to Council values: Respect, Integrity, OneTeam, Sustainability and Courage.
- A current Class C driver's licence.
Why you'll love working at Wollongong City Council!
- True work-life balance
We know you work hard, and we make sure that effort is rewarded with real flexibility. Our hybrid work options, flex-time, and rostered days off mean you can maintain balance while delivering great outcomes. - Great working conditions
Enjoy a 35-hour work week or a 9-day fortnight with a regular rostered day off (RDO). - Career growth and recognition
We are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. Our initiatives include a reward and recognition program, corporate learning opportunities, study assistance, and leadership development programs to help you grow and succeed.
- Generous leave provisions
Benefit from five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata) and access long service leave after just five years. - Health, safety, and wellbeing
We prioritise a safe workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere. Our wellbeing programs support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our people to be at their best and include an Employee Assistance Program, skin and hearing checks, vaccinations, and discounted gym memberships. - A vibrant social culture
Join our Social Club for monthly activities, an annual trivia night, and fantastic Christmas events!
Participate and engage in meaningful work, and contribute to our extraordinary community, where together we make a difference.
For more information, click on 'Apply' to be redirected to Wollongong City Council's job vacancy page.
Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 8 February 2026.
We invite everyone to apply no matter your identity, you'll be welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), people with disability and veterans.
Wollongong Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community.
Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous employment screening process which will include Reference, Identity and Medical History Checks, and may also include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.