Senior Project Manager HATRIC

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. 

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. 

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. 

About the role

The role is responsible for leading the delivery of the HATRIC project, ensuring successful outcomes are achieved within approved scope, time, budget, quality and risk parameters. The position will provide strategic leadership across all phases of project planning, design, procurement and delivery, while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement and governance.

Given the highly specialised nature of the HATRIC facility, which includes PC2 laboratories, clean rooms and other complex technical environments, the successful candidate will possess demonstrated experience delivering comparable projects. A strong understanding of laboratory and clean room design, commissioning, certification and regulatory compliance requirements is essential to ensure the facility meets all operational, safety and accreditation standards.

The position provides strategic leadership across project delivery, stakeholder management, contract administration, systems integration, commissioning, handover and governance reporting.

Acting as the Principal’s Representative, the Senior Project Manager will oversee contractor performance, manage commercial and contractual matters, coordinate internal and external stakeholders, and ensure alignment between design intent and project outcomes.

The role also ensures compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, University standards, laboratory and environmental requirements, workplace health and safety obligations, and governance frameworks associated with major public sector projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery of the HATRIC project, ensuring outcomes are achieved within agreed time, budget, quality and risk parameters.
• Act as the Principal’s Representative, overseeing contract administration, contractor performance, commercial matters and key stakeholder relationships.
• Manage project programs, budgets, risks, design coordination and change control, ensuring compliance with governance, safety, regulatory and quality requirements.
• Coordinate complex building systems, commissioning, operational readiness, handover and project close-out to support a seamless transition into operations.
• Build strong relationships with researchers, end users, consultants, contractors and University stakeholders, providing clear communication and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

About You

• Tertiary qualifications in project management, construction management, engineering, architecture, building, or a related discipline, with significant experience delivering and administering technically complex construction projects.

• Proven client-side project leadership experience, including construction contract administration, management of contractor performance, progress claims, variations, extensions of time, and contractual matters. Extensive experience overseeing complex building services, specialist research infrastructure, commissioning, and operational readiness.
• Demonstrated ability to operate within robust governance frameworks, with experience in risk management, reporting, audit and assurance processes, document control, and compliance requirements typical of large-scale or public sector projects.
• Proven experience delivering major health, education and/or commercial building projects, including complex technical facilities. Applications without this experience will not be considered.

What we can offer

This is a fixed term opportunity for two years based at the Gold Coast campus. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations

Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

A competitive salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate.

Why join Griffith? 

 

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities 

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 

• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme 

• Opportunities for internal mobility 

• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities 

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. 

How to apply 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.

• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

Closing date: Open until filled, please note all applications will be reviewed as they are received so we encourage applications to be submitted at your earliest convenience. All applications must be submitted online.