Development Manager - Property

UPA is seeking a commercially minded Development Manager to turn strategic property opportunities into clear, deliverable and resident-focused project outcomes.

About UPA

UPA is a mission-based organisation providing accommodation, care and support across residential aged care, retirement living, home care and community services. Our philosophy is that every person has the right to live in peace and dignity, with respect and security, irrespective of age.

UPA’s Property Department is the custodian of a circa $350 million portfolio spanning 17 Residential Aged Care Facilities, 23 Retirement Villages and a range of other operational and non-operational assets. The team manages the full asset lifecycle, from strategy and development through to capital delivery, maintenance and facilities management.

The opportunity

Working within the Major Works team, you will lead front-end development activities including feasibility, planning pathways, design brief development, approvals coordination, stakeholder input and the transition from concept to an approved, deliverable project scope.

You will balance commercial performance with operational practicality, ensuring decisions are aligned to approved business cases and support safe, high-quality environments for residents, staff and communities. The role also provides development expertise to cross-functional teams, including UPA’s Strategy function.

What you will be responsible for

• Lead development and project governance frameworks, ensuring clear approval pathways, delivery strategies and risk management plans.
• Prepare and lead business cases, project initiation documents, feasibilities and procurement pathways for governance approval.
• Manage front-end project definition across feasibility, design, approvals and transition into delivery.
• Coordinate statutory approvals, planning pathways, consultants and design teams.
• Manage capital budgets, cost forecasts, cashflow, contingencies and project return assumptions.
• Assess commercial viability, including sales, leasing, occupancy and other revenue-related dependencies where relevant.
• Lead or support tender evaluations, commercial negotiations and contract recommendations.
• Manage consultant, contractor and specialist adviser performance to protect UPA’s interests.
• Partner with Operations, Asset Services, Finance, People & Culture, Risk and site leadership to support service continuity and operational readiness.
• Promote UPA’s values and resident-first principles in every development decision.

What you will bring

• A tertiary qualification in property, town planning, architecture, construction, engineering or a related built environment discipline.
• At least five years’ experience delivering complex capital works or property development projects.
• Strong capability across feasibility, planning approvals, consultant and design management, early-stage project definition and sale or lease-down processes.
• Demonstrated success achieving strong financial outcomes on capital projects.
• Commercial acumen across procurement, contract negotiation, cost forecasting, claims management and capital governance.
• A deep understanding of NSW planning, building, WHS and construction regulatory environments.
• The ability to prepare clear reports, briefs and recommendations for senior decision-makers.
• A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel across NSW.

Experience in aged care, retirement living, seniors housing, health, disability accommodation, residential development, education or community infrastructure will be highly regarded. Experience with Estate Master, Microsoft Project, RP Data or similar industry systems is also valuable.

Why join UPA?

• Contribute to projects that directly support residents, staff and communities across NSW.
• Work across a diverse property portfolio and a growing internal Projects function.
• Partner with operational leaders, technical specialists and experienced external advisers.
• Help create safe, practical and welcoming environments where people can live and work with dignity.

Pre-employment requirements

The successful applicant will be required to complete a National Police Check. A Working with Children Check or vulnerable persons check may also be required depending on the project context.

Ready to make a meaningful impact?

Apply now with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining the experience you would bring to UPA. We look forward to learning more about you.