Civil Operations Manager

Ready to take ownership of civil infrastructure delivery across one of Australia's fastest-growing residential developers?

GemLife is seeking an experienced Civil Operations Manager to lead the performance, value management and delivery of civil infrastructure across our expanding national development portfolio. This is a rare opportunity for a senior civil construction professional who understands how projects are built from the ground up and can identify smarter, more efficient ways to deliver exceptional outcomes.

About Us

GemLife is one of Australia’s fastest-growing developers of luxury over-50s residential resorts. Known for architecturally designed communities, premium facilities, and exceptional lifestyle experiences, we are proud to be a newly ASX-listed business built on passion, integrity, and respect.

As a fully vertically integrated company, we deliver everything end-to-end from land acquisition and approvals to development, construction, and operations. Behind it all is a high-performing team of civil experts, architects, engineers, designers, and construction professionals working together to create communities of the highest standard.

Joining GemLife now means being part of an exciting growth journey where your expertise will directly influence how our communities are designed, delivered and developed. 

The opportunity

Reporting to the National Civil Construction Manager, you'll play a pivotal leadership role influencing contractors, consultants and internal stakeholders while driving quality, value and performance across multiple large-scale developments.

This is a hands-on role for a seasoned civil professional who can read beyond the drawings, challenge assumptions and identify opportunities to improve project outcomes before issues arise.

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to shape how civil works are delivered across the business while contributing directly to GemLife's continued growth and success. 

Key responsibilities

• Overseeing and mentor Area Managers delivering external contractor projects.
• Oversee coordination of Civil, Electrical, Structural, and Landscape contractors with consulting teams and development managers.
• Oversee self-performed project delivery of ready to build serviced lots across multiple SEQ resort sites.
• Lead regular site inspections and civil coordination meetings.
• Review civil design documentation and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, constructability and value through alternative design solutions and delivery methodologies.
• Provide expert input on bulk earthworks, roads, stormwater, sewer, water reticulation, electrical and comms trenching, retaining and other civil elements.
• Assess flood modelling, site levels and ground conditions to identify and mitigate potential construction risks.
• Review civil drawings, tender packages and specifications for accuracy, efficiency and compliance.
• Partner with internal design, development and construction teams to ensure successful project outcomes and alignment across all stages of delivery.
• Support a culture of safety by promoting awareness and compliance with Gemlife Groups Work Health and Safety Management system.

 The successful applicant will bring:

• 10+ years' experience in civil construction and infrastructure delivery, ideally across both contractor and client-side environments
• Proven success managing civil contractors and large-scale infrastructure packages
• Strong experience reviewing, interrogating and improving civil designs and documentation
• Demonstrated expertise in value engineering, cost optimisation and risk mitigation
• Extensive knowledge of earthworks, stormwater, roads, sewer, water reticulation and associated civil infrastructure
• Strong understanding of Queensland development and compliance requirements
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge assumptions and drive better project outcomes
• Degree or Diploma qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline (or equivalent industry experience)
• Current drivers licence and Construction White Card 

Why Join GemLife?

• Influence the delivery of civil infrastructure across a growing national development portfolio
• Join a high-growth, ASX-listed organisation entering an exciting new chapter
• Work closely with senior leaders and play a key role in shaping civil delivery outcomes
• Flexible start and finish times
• Competitive remuneration package + company vehicle provided
• Access to Flare retail discounts, Fitness Passport subsidies, and corporate uniform allowance
• Be part of a certified Great Place to Work® organisation

Apply Now

If you're ready to play a key role in delivering high-quality communities and driving success across the department, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining why you’re the right fit.

We only accept applications from Australian Citizens, Residents or candidates with full Australian work rights, we are unable to offer sponsorship.