Project Manager in Melbourne

A well-established and rapidly growing crane hire and project services business is seeking to appoint a Senior Project Manager. The business supports major infrastructure, civil construction and commercial projects across Victoria and has built its reputation through strong operational delivery, responsiveness and long-term client relationships.

This is not a traditional Project Manager role where projects are simply handed over for delivery. We are looking for someone who can identify opportunities, build genuine client relationships, secure work and then take full ownership of those projects from initial planning through to completion. The successful candidate will play a key role in expanding the business, strengthening existing client relationships and developing a portfolio of projects they are responsible for both commercially and operationally.

As a Senior Project Manager, you will be responsible for building and managing your own portfolio of clients and projects. You will work closely with clients from early planning and tendering through to mobilisation, project delivery, commercial management and completion. Your responsibilities will include:

• Building relationships with tier-one contractors, civil contractors, builders and infrastructure clients
• Identifying upcoming projects and crane hire opportunities
• Developing scopes, budgets, proposals and commercial submissions
• Converting opportunities into secured work
• Taking full ownership of the projects you bring into the business
• Coordinating crane requirements, labour, engineering, logistics and project resources
• Managing client expectations, project performance and commercial outcomes
• Monitoring budgets, variations, utilisation and profitability
• Working closely with operations, allocations, safety, engineering and commercial teams
• Maintaining regular communication with clients and resolving issues before they escape
• Supporting the continued growth and development of the business

You will have significant autonomy, direct access to senior decision-makers and the backing of an experienced operational team and substantial crane fleet.

We are looking for a high-level Project Manager, Construction Manager or commercially focused industry professional who understands how major construction projects operate and knows how to build strong, long-term client relationships. Ideally, you will have:

• Extensive project management experience within cranes, heavy lift, construction, civil infrastructure, plant hire, logistics or a related industry
• Strong relationships within the Victorian construction or infrastructure market
• A proven ability to identify, secure and commercially manage new work
• Experience managing large or complex projects from tender through to completion
• Strong commercial awareness, including budgets, contracts, variations and project profitability
• The confidence to deal directly with project directors, construction managers, engineers and senior client representatives
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills
• The ability to operate independently while working closely with the broader management team
• A practical understanding of site operations and the pressures involved in delivering major projects

Direct crane industry experience would be highly regarded, but it is not essential for someone with strong construction relationships, commercial capability and a willingness to learn the technical side of the business.

The right person will be commercially driven but relationship-focused. You will understand that winning the first job is only part of the role. The real objective is to deliver the project properly, build trust and turn that client into a long-term customer. This position would suit someone who has reached a senior level within a larger organisation and is looking for greater autonomy, influence and direct involvement in growing a business. The business is open to appointing more than one person where candidates bring different industry relationships, project experience or market coverage.

A senior and influential position within a growing business awaits you, along with the opportunity to build and manage your own client and project portfolio, direct access to company decision-makers, strong operational, engineering, safety and commercial support, a large and diverse crane fleet, genuine autonomy without unnecessary corporate layers, a highly competitive salary package based on experience, vehicle or vehicle allowance, performance incentives linked to work secured, project performance and profitability, and long-term career progression as the business continues to expand.