About Flinders

Our bold vision, captured in our Strategic Plan: making a Difference: The 2025 Agenda, is to be internationally recognised as a world leader in research, an innovator in contemporary education, and the source of Australia’s most enterprising graduates.

To realise this ambition, we recently made a significant organisation change to a six College structure with a professional staff and services alignment.

We recognise the key to our success is exceptional people and we’re seeking an outstanding individual to join the team of our transformed university.

Employment Type:
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Position Summary
Fixed-term, full-time available for 3 years

Compensation Grade:
Senior Manager

Salary Range:
Attractive Remuneration Package

Reporting to:
Director, Properties, Facilities and Development

The Associate Director Strategic Projects (Village and HMRB) will play an integral role in the delivery of the University’s strategic projects, including Flinders Village – our bold vision for growth and future success. Centred around the new Flinders Railway Station, the development of Flinders Village will create a mixed-use community precinct to further support a great campus experience. This exciting development commences with the construction of a world-class Health Medical Research Building (HMRB).

The Associate Director Strategic Projects will effectively lead and manage the delivery of major projects within Flinders Village including the HMRB, as well as other associated strategic works relating to the construction and/or alteration of the built environment of the University as allocated by the Director, Buildings and Property.

Key Position Responsibilities

The Associate Director will lead and be responsible for all aspects of the delivery of major infrastructure projects from inception to project close out and ensuring the delivery fully complies with University policies and procedures.

The Associate Director works with autonomy and independence to;

• Lead and manage the successful end to end delivery of major strategic projects from initiation and feasibility, business case developments, funding mechanisms and approvals, design and documentation, construction, financial, stakeholder and defects management.
• Lead, mentor and coach the project team (both internal and external members) to ensure delivery of strategic capital projects within the approved budget, scope, program and quality set down by the Flinders University.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to understand and deliver business needs and objectives.
• Implement and manage appropriate project governance structures including Steering Committees and Project Control Groups to seek appropriate approvals and ensure key University stakeholders remain engaged and informed throughout the project.
• Ensure the development of appropriate project management documentation, including project briefs, procurement plans and project management plans.
• Lead and manage the development of the project risk register and the mitigation of all project risks.
• Lead all procurement processes, including the preparation and approval of procurement plans, development of tender documents, contractual negotiations and correspondence, contract execution and management.
• Identify cost and time savings by proposing alternatives to design, construction, procurement and other project tasks for consideration and action by the project team.
• Develop and deliver a comprehensive suite of reports for stakeholders including senior management and governance groups relating to project delivery, project value, finances and outcomes.
• Lead and manage the project completion, occupancy and handover process, including ensuring all relevant building certification and manuals are delivered.
• Assist in any change management activities associated with the project to ensure a successful business outcome.
• Ensure compliance with Flinders University policies and procedures.
• Other related responsibilities as directed by the Director Property Facilities and Development.

Key Position Capabilities

• Postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience in a related field and/or tertiary qualifications in project management or a related field and/or proven expertise in the management of all elements of project delivery for complex major projects.
• Extensive and successful experience and demonstrated technical capabilities as a project director leading, delivering and managing major, complex building projects in a university or similar environment.
• Proven stakeholder management skills including the ability to establish and maintain high levels of stakeholder trust, to positively influence stakeholders and demonstrated experience in working in a customer service focussed environment.
• A high level of business acumen - including the capability to develop a genuine understanding of business needs and play a consultative role to engage the appropriate people, processes and tools in the delivery of solutions to ensure the project outcome delivers business value.
• Experience in successfully implementing and managing various construction contracts including Novated Design and Construct, Managing Contractor, Early Contractor Involvement and Lump Sum contracts.
• Experience in various project delivery and development models including traditional contracting, alliances, and public-private-partnerships.
• A creative approach to problem-solving with the ability to focus on details while maintaining an appreciation of the ‘big picture’ view
• Proven leadership, team and people management skills including experience in mentoring, coaching, collaborating and team building and the ability to build high performing teams.
• High level written and verbal communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels.

For application enquiries please contact: Dr Shane Jennings

Information for Applicants:

You are required to provide a suitability statement of no more than three pages, addressing the key capabilities of the position as outlined above. In addition, you are required to upload your CV.

A valid National Police Certificate which is satisfactory to the University will also be required before the successful applicant can commence in this position.

We are seeking to increase the diversity to improve equal opportunity outcomes for employees, and therefore we encourage female applicants, people with a disability and/or from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders descent to apply.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

Applications Close 11:59 pm:

27 Apr 2021