Project Director - Property

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced capital works professional who can bring commercial discipline, strong governance and a clear resident-first mindset to UPA’s Major Works programme.

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.

Based at UPA’s Corporate Head Office in Sydney, the Project Director leads the Major Works team and is accountable for the delivery and financial performance of approved strategic capital projects. You will provide executive-level governance from business case and procurement through construction, commissioning, handover and defects close-out.

The role brings together programme leadership, commercial oversight and stakeholder partnership. You will work closely with the Director of Property, senior executives, operational leaders, consultants and contractors to make sure projects are delivered safely, transparently and with minimal disruption to residents, families, staff and service continuity.

• Lead, coach and develop the Major Works team, setting clear priorities, accountabilities and delivery standards.
• Own programme governance across scope, cost, programme, quality, risk, safety and benefits realisation.
• Provide clear and timely advice to executives, the Board and project governance forums on performance, critical risks, approvals and escalations.
• Oversee the full Major Works lifecycle, including business cases, design, approvals, procurement, construction, commissioning, handover and defects close-out.
• Lead the financial and commercial performance of the programme, including capital budgets, forecast final cost, cashflow, contingencies, funding assumptions and project returns.
• Guide procurement strategy, tender evaluations, negotiations, contract recommendations, claims, variations and disputes.
• Build strong relationships with operational leaders, consultants, contractors, authorities, financiers and community stakeholders.
• Ensure every project decision supports safe, high-quality care environments and UPA’s resident-first principles.

• A tertiary qualification in construction management, project management, engineering, architecture, property, planning or a related built environment discipline.
• Significant senior project or programme leadership experience delivering complex capital works in operationally sensitive environments.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams, consultants and head contractors across the full project lifecycle.
• Strong commercial acumen across procurement strategy, contract negotiation, cost forecasting, claims management and capital governance.
• Demonstrated accountability for capital project financial outcomes and a deep understanding of NSW planning, building, WHS and construction regulation.
• Executive-level stakeholder management, reporting and communication skills.
• A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel across NSW.

Experience in residential aged care, retirement living, seniors housing, disability accommodation, health infrastructure or another operationally sensitive environment will be highly regarded, as will experience reporting to boards or capital investment committees.

• 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.

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.

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.