For any development project, partnering with a skilled project manager is a strategic investment that maximises success and minimises risks, ultimately delivering successful outcomes.
One of the most common questions we’re asked, by both established industry peers and those new to development, is whether we see a need for a dedicated project manager. We’ve found, in the area of large scale engineering, the role of project management cannot be overstated.
In most cases, the complexities of development projects require a dedicated, proactive, and insightful approach to ensure success. This article explores the critical role of project management in development projects and the number of benefits it brings.
Understanding Project Management
At Orion, our project managers not only run the project in line with the given direction but work in partnership with our clients to achieve superior outcomes.
We establish a foundation for project success at every stage. From the due diligence phase of acquisition, and concept development and optioneering of the site, to the refinements throughout the project lifecycle, we ensure optimal outcomes and yields that align with our clients’ vision.
The Key Roles of a Project Manager
Effective project management is the foundation that holds all aspects of the project together, from inception to completion. We always begin by thoroughly understanding our client’s projects and their unique commercial drivers. This insight allows us to work with the client to plan the best approach for project approval and delivery.
While we do everything required to effectively manage the day-to-day activities of a project – such as resource management, project planning and scheduling, risk management, monitoring budgets, facilitating stakeholder communication, and quality control measures – the biggest impact comes from going above and beyond for our clients.
Our specialised approach includes:
- Leading the project team to success by cultivating a positive, problem solving mindset.
- Chairing project control meetings to ensure both the team and the client are completely aligned throughout the project.
- Facilitating technical workshops when necessary, often bringing together different disciplines for complex problem solving.
- Leveraging our unique expertise, resourcefulness and creativity to solve problems, drive outcomes, and set the project up for success.
- Sharing knowledge, insights, ideas, and industry intelligence to give our clients, and their projects, a competitive edge.
By focusing on these areas, we ensure that every project is not just managed effectively, but delivered with excellence.
Project Management: The Key to Project Success or Failure
Orion was engaged by the client to oversee the subdivision development of two lots at 9 Kelly Street, a semi-rural residential area, into 84 lots.
Project management for the project included:
- Initial Council engagement.
- Preparing and lodging the Development Application.
- Subdivision Works Certificate (SWC) documentation.
Amid meticulous planning, Council released a new Development Control Plan after the Subdivision Works Certificate package had already been submitted, requiring critical adjustments that brought with them a host of challenges.
This is where Orion’s extensive experience with local Council greatly benefited the client. Our knowledge of local requirements and standards ensured effective communication and consistent design, ultimately leading to a successful outcome.
You can read the full case study here: 9 Kelly Street
What Our Team Has To Say
Project management is a dynamic, challenging, and incredibly rewarding field. I’ve had the privilege of working on a variety of fascinating projects recently. From master planning for large development agencies, to smaller subdivisions for homeowners, each project presents its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Whether it’s in NSW or now Queensland, there’s always a new area to explore and new problems to solve.
As a project manager, each day is an opportunity to make a real impact. No two days, projects, or teams are the same. Being actively involved on-site is just as crucial as the strategic planning done at the desk. This hands-on approach not only keeps projects on track but also adds significant value for our clients.
At Orion, the project management team is composed of individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge from various fields. I’ve had the chance to work alongside those who have years of experience working with different Councils, as developers, landscape architects, surveyors, and, of course, engineers. It’s easy for anyone to excel as a project manager at Orion; with our team’s diverse expertise, you’ll never be short of mentors or learning opportunities.
- Emelia S’Urso, Project Manager
Project Management: Improving Feasibility by Saving Time and Money
Orion was engaged by the client to oversee the subdivision development of 264 residential lots, over two stages.
Challenges faced on the project included the remediation of the chicken farm and monitoring of ground water conditions. The site’s elevation and existing topography introduced significant grading and earthworks challenges involving the export of material and working with rock.
It was Orion’s strong relationships with the contractor and Council, early risk identification, and cost savings that made the project feasible. Strict project management, prompt remediation, and adaptability ensured the project was completed and registered on time.
You can read the full case study here: Albert Park
Orion Group Project Managers
At Orion, we have a highly experienced and well-rounded team of over sixteen exceptional project managers. Our project managers come from diverse professional backgrounds, including engineering, infrastructure, civil structures, finance, landscaping, sustainability, smart cities, and even marketing.
They possess extensive knowledge of local area sectors, markets, and the governing authorities for both greenfield and brownfield development sites.
Our full team is over 100 strong, and covers a wide range of disciplines such as civil engineering, urban design, construction, development, water management, planning, surveying, and digital and drone technology. This breadth of expertise within the organisation allows us to provide comprehensive services, insights and solutions.
In addition, we have an established presence throughout NSW, including the North West and South West Growth Centres, Greater Sydney, the Hunter, Wollongong, the South Coast, and the Central West. Excitingly, we are now expanding into Brisbane.
Meet Our Project Management Leadership Team
Aaron Gray, Project Director – PM Discipline Lead
Aaron is experienced in project management, planning and the delivery of residential, industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects. He has worked on the due diligence and master-planning of large residential and industrial projects, prepared infrastructure strategies for government agencies, and managed the delivery of many residential subdivisions.
Wayne Azzopardi, Head of Urban Projects
Wayne is a civil engineer experienced in NSW land development projects. He has a focus on all things construction with the ability to provide unique insights into projects. He’s had a hands on role delivering some of NSW’s most complex and celebrated land development projects.
Read an article by Wayne Azzopardi, 5 Tips for Managing Construction Projects During Wet Weather.
Ben Hawkins, Project Director
Ben is experienced in project management, development engineering, subdivision, planning, development certification, infrastructure delivery, planning, and traffic management. He has worked on residential, industrial, commercial, mixed use, rural, and infrastructure projects ranging from high density residential and mixed-use developments in established and emerging centres to greenfield subdivision.
Read an article by Natalie Galea from Ben’s team, Effective Stakeholder Management, Communication and Relationships.
Nathan Huon, Technical Director Development
Nathan is an experienced property professional with extensive experience in delivering significant residential master-planned communities, industrial estates, and other complex public infrastructure and building projects. He has a strong commercial background which includes an appreciation of key financial drivers, risk management, and an ability to identify opportunities and optimise project outcomes.
Nathan Taylor, Senior Project Manager
Nathan is a civil engineer experienced in the land development industry. Coming from a design background, he applies his technical knowledge and expertise to all elements of the project from master-planning to delivery and construction. Nathan has worked on a range of projects from small boutique developments to large master-planned communities providing him with a wide range of experience and capability.
Christian Rueda, Senior Project Manager | PM Operations Lead
Christian is an experienced civil engineer in the land development sector with a strong background in project management and delivery of projects residential, commercial and industrial in nature. He has worked on a diverse catalogue of projects in the urban landscape from master-planned residential subdivisions with integrated amenity and services, to complex infrastructure projects involving road upgrades and utility service coordination. His background in delivery as a civil contractor is reinforced by the forward planning and strategic direction required to achieve successful project outcomes.
Raul Cid, Acting Program Director
Raul is a chartered civil engineer with extensive experience in designing and managing civil engineering, infrastructure, and multi-disciplinary projects. His leadership is rooted in valuing people and fostering strong relationships with team members and stakeholders, enabling him to effectively motivate and guide projects toward the desired outcomes for clients. Raul’s portfolio spans a wide range of master-planned residential and industrial subdivisions, where he has successfully led the coordination of intricate engineering and utility designs, ensuring seamless integration and consistent project success.
Find out more about our senior leadership.
Our Answer…
When asked whether a dedicated project manager is necessary, our answer is unequivocally yes. The role of a project manager is indispensable in ensuring the success of development projects. The advantages of having a dedicated project manager extend far beyond simple task management.
At Orion, the expertise of our project managers ensures that projects are completed successfully, on time, and within budget. After reading our case studies and team’s expertise, the value of project management becomes undeniably clear.
If you are interested in a project manager role at Orion, please contact us at careers@theoriongroup.au
If you are looking for an experienced project manager for your next project, please contact Ben Hawkins at b.hawkins@theoriongroup.au.
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