Program Manager, Campus Development

Overview:
RMIT Vietnam is seeking an experienced Program Manager, Campus Development to help shape the future of its campuses and learning environments. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead the delivery of major capital projects from feasibility and design through construction, commissioning and handover, bringing ambitious campus development plans to life. Working across senior leaders, academic and professional stakeholders, designers, consultants and contractors, the role will ensure projects are delivered safely, sustainably and to the highest standards — creating exceptional environments that enable students and staff to learn, work and thrive.
WHY JOIN RMIT VIETNAM?
At RMIT Vietnam, international exposure meets real-world impact through strong industry and government collaboration. Working at RMIT means building a meaningful career while creating impact in a high-performing environment.
Further insight into our mission, impact and global connections is available in the RMIT Vietnam Profile.
WHAT WE OFFER
Vietnamese candidates
Competitive remuneration VND package for Vietnamese candidates.
13th month bonus
Private Health insurance for you and your family, plus Personal Accident Insurance
Expatriates
Competitive remuneration package USD for expatriate candidates
Relocation allowance package of US$6,000
Relocation flights from home location to Vietnam for candidate and direct dependents (if applicable)
School tuition fees for children to attend the K-12 program in Vietnam, up to US$20,000 per child or US$40,000 for two children per year.
Premium private medical insurance for employee and immediate family, plus Personal Accident Insurance
Dedicated support from Global Mobility Team to support with immigration and relocation to Vietnam.
Other benefits
Generous annual leave, sick leave, volunteer leave and public holidays (Christmas and Tet Holidays)
Professional development and career advancement
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources
A vibrant and diverse campus life and more!
POSITION SUMMARY
The Program Manager, Campus Development plays a key project leadership role within the infrastructure program delivery function and leads the strategic planning and end‑to‑end delivery of assigned major capital projects across RMIT Vietnam. The role is the single point of accountability for project scope, schedule, budget, risk, safety, quality and stakeholder engagement at the project level, operating within the program governance, commercial and risk frameworks set by the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery.
Working closely with the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery, campus users, academic and professional stakeholders, PM consultants, designers and contractors, the Senior Project Manager ensures projects support campus masterplans, are delivered safely and sustainably, and are smoothly transitioned into operational use in alignment with program‑level objectives and delivery frameworks.
Key Accountabilities summary
Project Leadership and Governance
Define and control project scope, objectives, budgets, schedules and risk management plans for assigned campus development projects in line with the capital program and governance frameworks established by the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery.
Establish and maintain project governance structures and reporting processes that align with infrastructure program delivery requirements and RMIT's capital planning and investment frameworks.
Prepare and present project level business cases, feasibility and options analyses, progress reports and approval papers to internal governance forums and senior leadership, providing clear inputs to program level decision making led by the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery.
Act as the primary point of accountability for overall project outcomes, including the performance of external PM consultants, design teams and contractors, with escalation of strategic, commercial or program wide issues to the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery.
Planning, Design and Buildability
Lead planning activities across feasibility, concept and schematic design stages, ensuring alignment with campus masterplans, user requirements and budget constraints.
Review design documentation for buildability, operational and safety impacts, and lifecycle implications, ensuring designs are practical, maintainable and safe.
Ensure design processes incorporate resilience, flexibility and high‑quality workplace and learning environments for staff and students.
Ensure project level risks, constraints and opportunities are identified and fed into program level risk management and reporting processes.
Delivery and Performance Management
Plan, procure and manage consultants and contractors required to deliver assigned projects, following RMIT procurement policies and delegated authorities within the Infrastructure Program Delivery portfolio.
Monitor construction progress, quality, safety, risk and cost performance against approved baselines, and report variances, forecasts and mitigation plans to the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery.
Chair project meetings, manage interface issues and coordinate activities between internal stakeholders, external PM consultants, designers, contractors and authorities.
Prepare regular project status reports, dashboards and briefs to support program level reporting to executive leadership and governance forums.
Commercial and Contract Management
Manage project budgets, contingency and cashflow forecasts within approved limits and within the overall capital program parameters set by the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery.
Oversee the administration of project contracts, including variations, claims assessment, progress payments and commercial negotiations in accordance with RMIT policies and program level commercial strategies.
Identify and manage project specific commercial and contractual risks and escalate material issues that may impact the broader portfolio to the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery.
Operational Readiness and Handover
Plan and manage project level commissioning, testing, defects rectification and handover activities to ensure assets are ready for occupation and use.
Coordinate with Campus Operations, ICT, OH&S and other service units to ensure smooth transition from construction to operations and to align project handovers with program level campus activation plans.
Ensure all as built documentation, warranties, O&M manuals and asset data are compiled and handed over in accordance with RMIT requirements.
Sustainability and User Experience
Embed sustainability and environmental best practice into planning, design and delivery, consistent with RMIT’s sustainability commitments and rating tools where applicable.
Ensure campus developments provide safe, accessible and high quality environments that enhance student and staff experience.
Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting
Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (academic units, professional services, Campus Operations) and external stakeholders (authorities, landlords, consultants, contractors) for assigned projects.
Lead project level stakeholder engagement, including briefings, consultation sessions and issue resolution forums, ensuring stakeholder needs and constraints are incorporated into project plans.
Prepare and deliver clear project level communications (updates, notices of works and disruptions, briefing materials) in alignment with program level communication strategies set by the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery.
Escalate complex stakeholder issues and risks with broader program implications to the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery.
Leadership and Collaboration
Provide day to day leadership and mentoring to Project Coordinators and project team members, aligned with the direction, performance expectations and delivery culture set by the Associate Director, Infrastructure Program Delivery.
Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement within project teams.
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of project and program delivery processes, tools and templates across the Infrastructure Program Delivery function.
Key Selection Criteria
Relevant postgraduate qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Project Management, or a related discipline; or equivalent relevant experience.
Extensive experience (typically 8–10+ years) successfully delivering large scale and complex infrastructure projects from inception to completion in commercial or institutional environments.
Proven capability in procurement and commercial ma