Ventia is seeking an experienced Project Development Manager to lead our Environmental Services project development function. This senior leadership role requires deep, hands on experience in delivering environmental and contaminated land remediation projects and is responsible for shaping solution development for complex environmental, remediation and infrastructure works.
Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead the development of technically robust, commercially competitive and constructible solutions across tenders and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phases. You will also provide functional leadership to the Project Development team, including Project Development Engineers, ensuring all solutions are grounded in proven delivery methodologies, risk management and operational capability.
Why join Ventia?
- Competitive senior remuneration package with flexible working arrangements.
- High level of autonomy and accountability in solution and pricing development.
- Opportunity to influence how complex environmental projects are shaped and delivered.
- Work with a large, reputable organisation delivering essential infrastructure and services across Australia and New Zealand.
- Work alongside senior technical, commercial and operational leaders.
- A range of Employee perks, as well as health & wellness initiatives such as Fitness Passport.
- Opportunity for ad hoc national travel.
About the role
As Project Development Manager, you will provide end‑to‑end leadership and accountability for the project development function, operating at the intersection of strategy, engineering, commercial outcomes and operational delivery. You will oversee solution development for high‑value and complex opportunities, ensuring consistency, quality, governance and alignment with business strategy and risk appetite. Furthermore, you’ll:
- Lead and govern the Project Development function across tendering and ECI activities.
- Provide senior oversight of engineering solutions, methodologies, pricing strategies and programmes.
- Ensure solutions are commercially competitive, technically sound, risk‑managed and deliverable.
- Lead, mentor and develop the Project Development team, including Project Development Engineers.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex technical, commercial and stakeholder issues.
- Partner with Strategy, Commercial and Operations leaders to shape robust, value‑based solutions.
What we’re looking for
- Significant experience in project development, tendering and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) delivery, with a strong background in practical delivery of environmental, remediation or civil infrastructure projects, gained within contracting, specialist remediation or delivery focused environments.
- Demonstrated, hands on experience delivering contaminated land and environmental remediation projects, including direct involvement in the planning and execution of works such as:
- Contaminated soil treatment (ex situ and in situ treatment methodologies)
- On site containment, capping and isolation solutions
- Groundwater and surface water treatment systems
- Remediation of legacy industrial or complex contaminated sites
This experience must extend beyond regulatory compliance or advisory roles and include a clear understanding of constructability, sequencing, risk, production rates and delivery constraints in live project environments. - Proven ability to lead complex, high value opportunities from solution development through to tender submission, including responsibility for technical strategy, methodology, pricing inputs and programme development.
- Strong commercial acumen, with a deep understanding of constructability, risk allocation, pricing strategies and programme development, grounded in experience delivering works in real world site conditions.
- Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary technical teams, including engineering, commercial, planning, site and specialist subcontractor inputs, with accountability for producing coordinated, deliverable solutions.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, engage credibly with clients and internal leaders, and drive high quality, value for money outcomes that align with business strategy and delivery capability.
About Ventia
Ventia is a leading infrastructure services company, operating across Australia and New Zealand. Our clients are the owners and operators of assets that are critical to our local communities. We pride ourselves on working smart, safely and sustainably, harnessing the latest technologies and brightest minds. With a diverse and proud heritage, we have a track record of delivering essential services to the communities in which we operate.
Diversity
Ventia is enriched by the diverse experiences, talents and cultures that our people bring to the organisation, while celebrating and respecting the communities we operate in. We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment that provides equal opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, Women, Veterans and spouses and people with disabilities.
How to apply
If you are looking to expand your career with a business that rewards and values its employees, please apply below by clicking on the apply now button.
Position Reference Number: 166791