Development Manager

Ready to help deliver one of Australia's most ambitious lifestyle resort communities?

GemLife is seeking an experienced Development Manager to join our growing Development team and take ownership of a landmark precinct-scale project on the Sunshine Coast. This role will play a critical part in the planning, approvals, stakeholder management, and delivery of a major mixed-use development. Based on the Sunshine Coast, this role offers a January 2027 commencement and represents a rare opportunity to shape a high-profile development from concept through to delivery.

About Us

GemLife is one of Australia's fastest-growing developers of luxury over-50s lifestyle resorts. We're known for creating architecturally designed communities with premium facilities, vibrant social environments, and exceptional resident experiences.

As a vertically integrated business and ASX-listed company, we design, develop, build and operate our own resorts. This unique model gives our team the opportunity to influence projects from acquisition through to completion and long-term operation.

Our culture is built on accountability, respect, integrity and teamwork, and we're proud to be recognised as a Great Place to Work®.

About the Role

Reporting to the National Development Manager and Head of Multi Residential & Special Projects, you'll be responsible for managing a major precinct-wide development through planning, approvals, stakeholder engagement, pre-construction activities and project delivery. The role is based on the Sunshine Coast and involves regular engagement with key stakeholders, consultants, authorities, and project teams.

You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring development outcomes align with commercial objectives, planning requirements, construction delivery targets, and long-term operational success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a landmark mixed-use retirement living project.
• Manage consultant teams and coordinate planning, design, servicing and development approvals.
• Drive project budgets, programmes, reporting and risk management activities.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, consultants, authorities and delivery partners.
• Coordinate pre-construction activities to ensure project readiness.
• Manage tendering, procurement and consultant engagement processes.
• Prepare project recommendations and reports for executive and board-level review.
• Negotiate and oversee development agreements and service delivery arrangements.
• Work closely with internal construction and operational teams to achieve seamless project outcomes.

About You

To be successful, you'll bring a combination of development expertise, commercial acumen and the ability to manage complex stakeholder environments.

You'll ideally have:

• A degree in Property, Construction, Architecture, Engineering, Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale property or mixed-use developments.
• Strong knowledge of Queensland planning, development and approval processes.
• Experience managing consultants, contractors, utility providers and government stakeholders.
• Sound financial and commercial management skills, including budgeting and feasibility considerations.
• A strong understanding of development delivery from planning through construction.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Why Join GemLife?

• Join an ASX-listed organisation experiencing significant national growth.
• Work on a career-defining Sunshine Coast development project.
• Be part of a business that acts as developer, builder, owner and operator.
• Competitive salary package and permanent full-time employment.
• Flexible start and finish times.
• Flare retail discounts and Fitness Passport benefits.
• Corporate uniform allowance.
• Ongoing learning, development and career progression opportunities.
• Work within a collaborative and supportive team culture recognised as a Great Place to Work®.

Ready to Shape the Future of Retirement Living?

This is a unique opportunity to help deliver a landmark Sunshine Coast precinct development while building your career with one of Australia's most exciting property development businesses.

We're recruiting now for a January 2027 start. The successful candidate will be selected and appointed prior to the Christmas break, allowing for a seamless transition into the role in the new year.

Apply today with your CV and cover letter and tell us why you're the right fit for GemLife.

We only accept applications from Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents or candidates with unrestricted Australian work rights. Sponsorship is not available for this position