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Construction Manager - Defence - Building & Construction

  • Adelaide, SA, Australia
  • Full time
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McMahon Services is one of Australia's largest privately owned construction, industrial and environmental services organisations, employing over 1,300 people across Australia.

Our Building & Construction team delivers complex commercial, industrial and Defence infrastructure projects nationwide. We don't just deliver projects—we invest in our people, providing genuine opportunities to grow, lead and build long-term careers.

About the Role

McMahon Services is seeking an experienced Construction Manager – Defence Projects to join our Building & Construction team based in Adelaide.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced construction professional to take ownership of the successful delivery of complex Defence infrastructure projects from mobilisation through to commissioning and handover.

Working alongside experienced project leaders, you'll provide strategic leadership across construction delivery, mentor high-performing teams and build strong relationships with Defence stakeholders, consultants and subcontractors to deliver exceptional project outcomes.

Is This Your Next Career Move?

If you've built your career with a Tier 1 or leading Tier 2 contractor and are ready for greater ownership and leadership, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

This role could suit:

  • A Senior Project Engineer ready to step into a Construction Manager position.
  • An experienced Project Manager looking to lead larger and more complex Defence projects.
  • A construction professional seeking broader responsibility, direct access to decision-makers and genuine career progression.

At McMahon Services, you'll continue delivering nationally significant projects while accelerating your leadership career within a collaborative and supportive environment.

What You'll Do

  • Lead construction delivery from mobilisation through to project completion and handover.
  • Provide leadership, mentoring and direction to Site Managers, Project Engineers and Supervisors.
  • Manage construction methodology, programming, sequencing and site logistics.
  • Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers and internal project teams.
  • Drive project performance across safety, quality, programme and budget.
  • Support constructability reviews, tender development and delivery planning.
  • Build strong relationships with Defence representatives, consultants and key stakeholders.
  • Champion continuous improvement and best practice across project delivery.

What You'll Bring

  • Tertiary qualification in Construction Management, Building, Engineering or a related discipline, or extensive senior construction leadership experience.
  • 10+ years' experience delivering major commercial or Defence construction projects.
  • Experience managing projects valued at $20 million+.
  • Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary construction teams.
  • Strong planning, programming and stakeholder management skills.
  • Excellent communication and commercial awareness.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Defence Security Clearance.

What Will Set You Apart

  • Experience delivering Defence or Government infrastructure projects.
  • Experience with Design & Construct and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) delivery models.
  • Strong understanding of Defence compliance and project delivery requirements.
  • Ability to mentor and develop future construction leaders.

Why Join McMahon Services?

  • Deliver nationally significant Defence infrastructure projects.
  • Greater ownership and influence across project delivery.
  • Long-term leadership and career progression opportunities.
  • Work alongside experienced industry leaders on complex projects.
  • Strong pipeline of Defence and Building & Construction work.
  • Collaborative, values-driven and high-performing culture.
  • Ongoing professional development and continuous learning.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're looking for more than just your next project and are ready to step into a senior leadership role we'd love to hear from you.

McMahon Services operates across South Australia, the Northern Territory and nationally, creating opportunities throughout Australia. If this location isn't quite right, we still encourage you to apply and let us know your preferred location or willingness to travel

Apply today and join McMahon Services.

No recruitment agencies please.

At McMahon Services, we embrace diversity and inclusion as fundamental values. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation, creativity and a deeper understanding of the communities we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.

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