General Manager

We are seeking the expertise of a General Manager, drawing on extensive industry experience leading teams and directing pre-construction activities for large scale infrastructure operations. You will demonstrate excellent leadership skills and thrive in guiding a dynamic team of Designers & Approvals Specialists. Collaborating closely with the GM, Project Delivery, you will connect day-to-day pre-construction objectives with broader delivery goals for AARNet’s infrastructure projects. In this role, you will exhibit a strong ability to resolve complex challenges faced in the pre-construction phase of projects, propelling resolutions and networking positive outcomes with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. The individual in this role is articulate and perceptive, with an ability to effectively listen and understand key project requirements and highly skilled at communicating complex information in a clear and concise manner and possesses a meaningful capability to effect influence.

About AARNet

Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet) was established in 1989 and is widely regarded as the founder of the Internet in Australia and renowned as the architect, builder and operator of world-class network infrastructure for research and education.

As Australia’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). We connect over one million users — researchers, faculty, staff, students, hospitals, vocational training providers, schools and museums — across Australia.

We are an organisation of innovators, doers, and courageous thinkers. We don’t settle for the status quo; instead, we anticipate the future needs of our customers and build solutions today. If you share our imagination, foresight, and drive to shape the future, why not come and join us?

About the role: General Manager - Pre construction.

The GM, Pre Construction will oversee all aspects of Design, Planning, Land Access & Site Acquisition for AARNet’s large-scale telecommunications projects across Australia.

Responsibilities include overseeing preconstruction planning; managing scheduling, budgeting, and resources to ensure projects launch smoothly and stay on track; driving design & innovation; translating briefs into practical, cost-effective designs that align with project constraints and regulations; applying technical & commercial expertise ensuring construction methods, materials, and budgets meet quality standards while optimising costs; and leading communication & problem-solving, acting as the key link between stakeholders, proactively addressing challenges to keep projects moving.

Drawing on extensive industry experience leading teams and directing pre-construction activities for large scale infrastructure operations, you will demonstrate excellent leadership skills and thrive in guiding a dynamic team of Designers & Approvals Specialists. Collaborating closely with the GM, Project Delivery, connecting day-to-day pre-construction objectives with broader delivery goals for AARNet’s infrastructure projects. In this role, you will exhibit a strong ability to resolve complex challenges faced in the pre-construction phase of projects, propelling resolutions and networking positive outcomes with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. The individual in this role is articulate and perceptive, with an ability to effectively listen and understand key project requirements and highly skilled at communicating complex information in a clear and concise manner and possesses a meaningful capability to effect influence.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Major Construction, Infrastructure (M.I.C) this role is accountable for the successful execution of pre-construction activities for Major Construction projects and has a direct impact on the delivery of AARNet’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Design

- Oversee pre-construction activities across multiple telecommunications construction projects including the successful execution of feasibility, planning, field design as well as Land Access, statutory approvals and Site acquisition activities.
- Collaborate with other team Managers and group Directors to consistently maintain a comprehensive understanding of project design requirements, objectives, interdependencies & priorities both within specific projects & across the broader infrastructure works program.
- Manage the investigation and design for potential projects identifying risks within options and develop commercial proposals evaluating financial & delivery implications of design options.
- Identify and address design issues in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure optimal business results.
- Provide guidance on project design schedules, budget planning, buildability, and construction methodology.

Land Access & Site Acquisition

- Lead & conduct engagement & negotiations with land access & site acquisition stakeholders (both internal & external), ensuring viable commercial outcomes for AARNet and the successful execution of land tenure arrangements
- Build and maintain productive internal and external relationships, empathising and engaging meaningfully with stakeholders (including landowners, contractors, environmental & cultural heritage groups etc)
- Planning & both environmental and cultural approvals activities to ensure required statutory approvals are obtained on time and within budget. This will involve obtaining a comprehensive understanding of project requirements and its risk framework.
- Act as a point of escalation for Land Access & Site Acquisition issues & roadblocks. Providing technical & commercial direction to review, analyse & resolve challenges in obtaining statutory approvals in accordance with the project’s risk framework.
- Manage interdependencies and competing priorities across pre-construction activities, drawing on strong interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate the resolution of delivery tensions.
- Where required, provide field-based support to operatives in managing and resolving conflict and networking positive delivery outcomes for impacted parties

Management, Mentorship and Development

- Manage, mentor & lead AARNet’s Design, Planning & Approvals staff including to meet project and operational objectives including productivity, efficiency & safety.
- Proactively analyse strategic delivery objectives against resource capabilities to optimise the team’s skill mix and maximise efficiency.
- Fostering an environment that facilitates productive working relationships with stakeholders, both internal and external to build a shared commitment to project goals
- Developing & implementing progress initiatives within the team and across Major Infrastructure Construction and to drive continuous improvement
- Collaborating with group senior management to provide technical expertise for strategic planning activities and improvement recommendations.

Expertise, Experience & Qualifications

- Tertiary level qualification in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Town Planning or equivalent, or substantial experience in a similar role is essential
- Robust knowledge of/experience within infrastructure. This may include (though not limited to) Telco, rail, energy or construction projects in different regions and demographics
- WHS knowledge and experience in similar sized infrastructure projects
- Formal Project Management Certification(s) or extensive demonstrated experience
- Competent using a broad range of office software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel & Project and are comfortable using scheduling software applications
- Confident leading teams and can multi-task against competing priorities
- Excellent time management skills as well as Strong planning and organisational skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management ability
- Experience using project management methodologies
- Career of acquired business and commercial knowledge including a comprehensive understanding of business economics, financial fundamentals as well as legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Robust understanding of commercial agreements and experience in contract negotiation, being comfortable with terms, definitions, implications, and common commercial lingo.

Benefits at AARNet

AARNet is committed to diversity and providing equal opportunity to all. We’re a great place to work if you want to make a difference. AARNet provides a host of other benefits in line with our HR policies which include:

- Competitive remuneration;
- 17% superannuation;
- Flexible work options including a hybrid work model;
- Focus on wellbeing – year-round initiatives and social engagement activities;
- Ethical Leadership: A sector leader in cyber security, social responsibility, and equal opportunity;
- Options to purchase additional Annual Leave;
- 2 days paid Women’s Wellness Leave per month;
- 24 weeks paid Parental Leave – Primary Carer;
- Welcome back to AARNet superannuation payment – on unpaid Parental Leave for Primary Carer;
- 4 weeks paid Birth Trauma Leave;
- 24 weeks paid - Adoption Leave;
- 16 weeks paid Parental Leave – Secondary Carer;
- 5 days paid – First Nations Cultural Leave;
- 2 days paid Family Wedding Leave;
- 24 weeks paid – Foster Carer Leave;
- 5 days paid – Fertility Leave;
- 8 weeks paid – Gender Affirmation Leave;
- Strong Equal Opportunity focus;
- Modern office environment: Hotdesking system and new facilities;
- Support your success: A culture and company structure that allows your career to grow with access to leading edge technologies;
- An opportunity to give back to the academic and research sector.

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