Manager, Capital Projects

  • James Cook University
  • Australia, QLD
  • Jun 22, 2026
Full-time
  •  

    Job Description:

    James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

    We now have an exciting opportunity for a Manager, Capital Projects to join our Estate team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled project leader to play a pivotal role in shaping JCU’s built environment and delivering impactful capital works that support the University’s strategic priorities. The role will oversee the delivery of diverse capital projects across our campuses and sites, enhancing the facilities that support our students, staff, and communities.

    • Fulltime continuing role is based at our Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville in picturesque tropical North Queensland.
    • A competitive remuneration package of $181,000 is on offer comprised of an attractive base rate, generous superannuation contributions and leave loading.

    WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH IN THE ROLE

    Join us in an exciting role where your visionary leadership will shine by leading the way in delivering innovative, sustainable, and compliant capital projects that drive our University's strategic goals. Your key responsibilities will include forging strong collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external. You'll provide expert insights into strategic procurement strategies across the entire project lifecycle, ensuring resource efficiency. As a guiding force for the Capital Projects team, you'll foster accountability and direction throughout every project phase.

    You'll contribute your subject matter expertise to influential papers, reports, and presentations for project-related committees, utilising the support of internal and external partners. Your strategic input will play a vital role in securing major external funding bids by shaping project briefs, budgets, and procurement strategies. Additionally, you'll champion service excellence, team culture, and employee wellbeing, fostering a positive and innovative environment.

    WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

    The ideal candidate will possess degree or postgraduate qualifications coupled with extensive management experience in a large and complex organisation. You will have a wealth of expertise in overseeing the comprehensive life cycle of capital projects, encompassing aspects such as conceptualization, design brief formulation, contract administration, resource management, and financial oversight. A deep understanding of procurement principles relevant to the public sector and familiarity with diverse construction contracts specific to the region is essential. Your aptitude for formulating policies, procedures, and optimal systems is proven, as is your extensive grasp of building technology, codes, and standards.

    Your advanced problem-solving abilities shine, evidenced by your capacity to navigate intricate and sensitive matters with sound judgement to achieve program objectives. Your leadership acumen stands out, demonstrated by effective management of extensive teams, including adept management of human, financial, and physical resources. Exceptional interpersonal skills underline your ability to nurture productive relationships at all organizational tiers and external interfaces, showcasing adept negotiation, consultation, and communication skills.

    Position requirement: Travel to various campuses and sites will be required from time to time.

    WHY JCU?

    JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth – working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect. We support our people through the provision of;

    • A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
    • 5 weeks of annual recreation leave
    • 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
    • Up to 6 months paid parental leave
    • 36.25-hour full-time working week
    • Flexible working options
    • Attractive options for salary packaging
    • Staff study assistance and paid study leave
    • Ongoing professional development support
    • Well-equipped facilities including an on-campus childcare centre, cafes, hairdresser, post office, medical centre and gym.

    HOW TO APPLY

    Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

    Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page, create an applicant account and follow the steps below:

    1. Complete the application form

    2. Upload your current resume

    3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success.

    Applications close Sunday, 19th July at 11.55pm.

    ABOUT OUR PROCESS

    At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

    Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.


    WHAT MATTERS TO US AT JCU

    • Our People - Our staff, students, and the communities we serve
    • Our Education - Knowledge has the power to change lives
    • Our Place – the Tropics and beyond
    • Our Research – a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation


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