Development Manager Resume Examples and How to Write
Breaking into development management or advancing your career in Australia’s competitive property and software sectors requires more than just project experience – your resume must demonstrate your ability to lead complex initiatives, manage stakeholder relationships, and deliver results that drive organisational growth. With development roles spanning property, software, business, and nonprofit sectors, each receiving hundreds of applications, your resume needs to immediately showcase your strategic thinking, project leadership, and track record of successful outcomes.
This comprehensive guide provides you with proven development manager resume examples, templates, and expert strategies tailored specifically for Australia’s diverse development landscape. Whether you’re transitioning from project management, seeking to move between sectors, or advancing from coordinator to manager level, you’ll learn how to craft a resume that demonstrates your capability to drive initiatives from conception to completion while managing budgets, timelines, and cross-functional teams.
We’ll cover everything from highlighting your project delivery achievements and stakeholder management experience to showcasing your strategic planning abilities, ensuring your resume aligns with Australian employer expectations and stands out on platforms like SEEK and industry-specific job boards.
This free sample resume for a development manager has an accompanying development manager sample cover letter to help you put together a winning job application.
Development Manager Resume (Text Version)
ALEXANDRA CHEN
Development Manager
Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: 0412 345 789
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrachen
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Development Manager with 8+ years experience leading multi-million dollar projects across property and software development sectors. Proven track record of delivering 15+ major initiatives on time and under budget, generating over $50M in revenue and cost savings. Expert in stakeholder management, strategic planning, and cross-functional team leadership with strong background in Agile methodologies and risk management. Committed to driving innovation and sustainable growth through data-driven decision making and collaborative leadership.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Development Manager | Lendlease | Sydney, NSW | March 2021 – Present
- Lead portfolio of 5 major residential developments worth $200M+, managing end-to-end delivery from feasibility through to completion and handover
- Oversee cross-functional teams of 25+ professionals including architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to ensure integrated project delivery
- Negotiate development agreements and manage stakeholder relationships with councils, government agencies, and community groups, achieving 100% approvals success rate
- Implement innovative construction methodologies and sustainable design principles, reducing project delivery times by 15% and achieving 5-star Green Star ratings
- Manage project budgets exceeding $40M per development, consistently delivering within 2% of approved budgets through rigorous cost control and risk management
Development Manager | Atlassian | Sydney, NSW | January 2019 – February 2021
- Led product development initiatives for Jira and Confluence platforms, managing feature releases serving 200,000+ global users
- Coordinated Agile development teams of 15+ engineers, designers, and product managers across multiple time zones and locations
- Drove user experience improvements and feature enhancements, resulting in 25% increase in user engagement and 20% reduction in customer churn
- Established development processes and quality assurance frameworks that reduced bug reports by 40% and improved release cycle efficiency by 30%
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to align product roadmap with business objectives, contributing to $15M annual recurring revenue growth
Project Manager | Mirvac | Sydney, NSW | June 2017 – December 2018
- Managed commercial development projects valued at $80M+, coordinating planning approvals, design development, and construction phases
- Led multidisciplinary project teams and external consultants, ensuring compliance with building codes, environmental regulations, and quality standards
- Developed comprehensive project schedules and risk management plans, achieving 95% on-time delivery rate across all assigned projects
- Facilitated weekly stakeholder meetings and progress reporting, maintaining strong relationships with investors, tenants, and regulatory authorities
- Implemented cost management strategies and value engineering initiatives, delivering average cost savings of 8% per project
Assistant Development Manager | Stockland | Melbourne, VIC | February 2016 – May 2017
- Supported senior managers in planning and execution of mixed-use developments, contributing to projects worth $120M+ in total value
- Conducted feasibility studies and market analysis for new development opportunities, identifying viable projects with projected IRR of 15%+
- Coordinated with legal, finance, and marketing teams during pre-development phases, ensuring all regulatory and commercial requirements were met
- Assisted in tender management and contractor selection processes, evaluating proposals and making recommendations for optimal project outcomes
- Maintained project documentation and reporting systems, providing regular updates to executive leadership and board committees
EDUCATION
Master of Project Management | University of Technology Sydney | 2015
Distinction average, specialisation in Construction and Development Management
Capstone Project: “Sustainable Development Practices in Australian Urban Projects”
Bachelor of Civil Engineering | University of New South Wales | 2013
First Class Honours, Dean’s List recipient
Relevant coursework: Structural Design, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Environmental Engineering
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute (Current)
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Scrum Alliance (2019)
- Graduate Member – Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM)
- Member – Property Council of Australia
- Member – Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA)
CORE COMPETENCIES
Project Leadership: Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Management, Team Leadership, Risk Management, Budget Management, Quality Assurance
Development Expertise: Feasibility Analysis, Planning Approvals, Design Coordination, Construction Management, Contract Negotiation, Regulatory Compliance
Technical Skills: Agile/Scrum Methodologies, MS Project, Primavera P6, AutoCAD, Revit, Jira, Confluence, Advanced Excel, Power BI
Business Acumen: Financial Modelling, Market Analysis, Business Case Development, Vendor Management, Process Improvement
ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION
- Excellence in Project Delivery Award – Lendlease (2023)
- Innovation in Sustainable Development – Property Council of Australia (2022)
- Outstanding Graduate Achievement – University of Technology Sydney (2015)
- Published Article: “Digital Transformation in Property Development” – Australian Property Journal (2020)
- Guest Speaker – UDIA NSW Young Professionals Network (2021, 2022)
What is The Best Format for a Development Manager Resume?
The reverse chronological format is ideal for development manager resumes as it clearly demonstrates your career progression and increasing responsibility in managing complex projects and teams. This format allows employers to quickly assess your experience with different project types, team sizes, and budgets – all critical factors for development management roles.
Font and Formatting Guidelines:
- Heading Font: 14-16pt for your name, 12-14pt for section headings
- Body Font: 10-12pt for content (11pt provides optimal readability)
- Font Style: Professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Margins: 2.5cm on all sides for clean, professional appearance
- File Type: Submit as PDF to maintain formatting consistency
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include full name, professional title, location, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile. For development managers, ensure your title reflects your current level and specialisation area.
Professional Summary: A powerful 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of experience, project portfolio value, key achievements, and management expertise. Focus on quantifiable results and leadership capabilities.
Professional Experience: Emphasise projects managed, budgets overseen, teams led, and outcomes achieved. Include specific metrics such as project values, timelines, cost savings, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Education: Include relevant qualifications, with particular emphasis on project management, business, engineering, or industry-specific degrees. Highlight academic achievements and relevant coursework.
Other Essential Sections: Certifications and professional memberships (PMP, industry associations), core competencies, and achievements that demonstrate excellence in development management.
What Experience Should Be on Your Development Manager Resume?
Your experience section should showcase your progression in managing increasingly complex projects and larger teams. Australian employers value candidates who can demonstrate experience across the full project lifecycle, from initial feasibility through to delivery and evaluation. Focus on leadership achievements, stakeholder management success, and measurable project outcomes.
Highlight your experience with budget management, regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration. Include specific examples of challenges overcome, innovations implemented, and value delivered to organisations and stakeholders.
Correct Example:
Development Manager | Goodman Group | Brisbane, QLD | January 2020 – Present
- Lead development of industrial and logistics facilities portfolio worth $300M+, managing 8 simultaneous projects across Queensland and NSW
- Direct cross-functional teams of 30+ professionals including design consultants, contractors, and project coordinators to deliver integrated solutions
- Negotiate complex development agreements with government agencies and private landowners, securing development rights for 15+ strategic sites
- Implement innovative prefabrication and modular construction techniques, reducing project delivery timelines by 20% while maintaining quality standards
- Achieve 98% tenant pre-commitment rate across completed developments through strategic market positioning and stakeholder engagement
- Establish ESG frameworks and sustainability initiatives, achieving 4+ star NABERS ratings across all new developments
Incorrect Example:
Development Manager | Goodman Group | Brisbane, QLD | January 2020 – Present
- Managed various development projects
- Worked with different teams and contractors
- Handled planning approvals and permits
- Made sure projects were completed on time
- Dealt with budgets and cost control
- Communicated with stakeholders and clients
Entry-Level Development Manager Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level development managers, focus on project coordination experience, team collaboration, and any leadership roles in previous positions. Highlight your involvement in project planning, stakeholder communication, and process improvement initiatives.
Correct Example:
Junior Development Manager | Frasers Property | Perth, WA | March 2023 – Present
- Support senior development team in managing residential projects valued at $150M+, contributing to planning, design coordination, and delivery phases
- Lead project coordination activities including consultant briefings, design reviews, and progress reporting for 3 active developments
- Manage stakeholder communication and community engagement processes, achieving 90%+ resident satisfaction in post-completion surveys
- Coordinate with local councils and regulatory authorities on DA submissions and compliance matters, securing approvals for 2 major projects
- Develop and maintain project documentation, schedules, and reporting systems using MS Project and company databases
- Assist in budget monitoring and cost reporting, identifying potential savings opportunities worth $2M+ across project portfolio
Incorrect Example:
Junior Development Manager | Frasers Property | Perth, WA | March 2023 – Present
- Learning about development projects and processes
- Helping senior managers with various tasks
- Attending meetings and taking notes
- Working on project documentation
- Communicating with different people involved in projects
- Trying to learn about budgets and timelines
How to Write the Education Section for Your Development Manager Resume
Education is important for development managers as it demonstrates your foundation in project management principles, technical knowledge, and business acumen. Australian employers often prefer candidates with relevant degrees in engineering, construction management, business, urban planning, or related fields, along with professional development in project management methodologies.
Include your highest qualifications, relevant coursework, academic achievements, and any research or capstone projects that demonstrate practical application of development management principles. Professional certifications like PMP or industry-specific qualifications should also be prominently featured.
Development Manager Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Australian Graduate School of Management | 2020
Specialisation: Real Estate and Infrastructure
GPA: 6.3/7.0, Dean’s List recipient
Capstone Project: “Public-Private Partnerships in Australian Infrastructure Development”
Bachelor of Construction Management | Queensland University of Technology | 2018
First Class Honours, University Medal recipient
Relevant coursework: Project Planning and Control, Construction Law, Sustainable Development, Cost Management
Honours Thesis: “Innovation in Modular Construction for Australian Housing Markets”
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Advanced Project Management Program | Australian Institute of Management | 2022
- Leadership in Construction Certificate | Master Builders Australia | 2021
- Sustainable Development Practices Workshop | Green Building Council Australia | 2023
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Development Manager Resume
The skills section is crucial for development managers as it demonstrates your technical competencies, leadership abilities, and business acumen required for successful project delivery. Include 8-12 highly relevant skills that showcase both your project management expertise and industry-specific knowledge. Balance technical skills with leadership and communication abilities that are essential for managing diverse stakeholder relationships.
Development Manager Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Project Planning and Scheduling
- Budget Management and Cost Control
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Stakeholder Engagement and Management
- Regulatory Compliance and Approvals
- Contract Negotiation and Administration
- Feasibility Analysis and Business Cases
- Quality Assurance and Control Systems
- Agile and Waterfall Methodologies
- Financial Modelling and Investment Analysis
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Vendor and Procurement Management
Development Manager Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Team Building and Management
- Communication and Presentation
- Problem-solving and Critical Thinking
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Adaptability and Change Management
- Decision-making Under Pressure
- Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
- Cultural Awareness and Inclusion
- Innovation and Creative Thinking
How to Pick the Best Development Manager Skills:
- Match industry requirements: Review job descriptions in your target sector (property, software, nonprofit) and prioritise skills that appear frequently in relevant roles.
- Emphasise leadership capabilities: Highlight skills that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage stakeholders, and drive strategic initiatives.
- Include technical competencies: Balance soft skills with technical abilities relevant to your development area, such as financial modelling or regulatory knowledge.
- Show project management expertise: Prioritise skills related to project lifecycle management, from planning through to delivery and evaluation.
- Demonstrate business acumen: Include skills that show your understanding of commercial drivers, market dynamics, and organisational objectives.
Development Manager Resume Examples [Skills]
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Project Portfolio Management: Successfully delivered 20+ development projects worth $400M+ across residential, commercial, and mixed-use sectors with 95% on-time completion rate
- Stakeholder Engagement: Built and maintained relationships with 100+ key stakeholders including government agencies, community groups, and investor partners, achieving 100% approval success rate
- Team Leadership: Led cross-functional teams of up to 40 professionals across multiple disciplines, achieving 25% improvement in project delivery efficiency through collaborative leadership approach
- Financial Management: Managed project budgets exceeding $50M annually, consistently delivering within 3% of approved budgets through rigorous cost control and value engineering
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Development Manager Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your development manager resume by demonstrating your professional standing, industry involvement, and commitment to ongoing development. These sections are particularly valuable in development management where professional networks, continuous learning, and industry recognition are highly valued.
Valuable Additional Sections Include:
Certifications & Professional Memberships: Industry certifications like PMP, Prince2, or sector-specific qualifications, along with memberships in professional bodies like AIPM, Property Council, or UDIA.
Publications & Speaking: Articles, research papers, conference presentations, or thought leadership content that demonstrates your expertise and industry standing.
Awards & Recognition: Project delivery awards, innovation recognition, or professional achievements that showcase excellence in development management.
Board Positions & Volunteering: Non-profit board roles, industry committee positions, or volunteer work that demonstrates leadership and community commitment.
Languages: Particularly valuable for international development projects or multicultural team environments.
Professional Development: Recent training, workshops, or executive education that shows commitment to staying current with best practices and emerging trends.
Development Manager Resume Examples [Other Sections]
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
- Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute (Current)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) – PMI (2019)
- Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) – Project Management Institute (2021)
- LEED Green Associate – US Green Building Council (2022)
INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
- Board Member – Urban Development Institute of Australia, NSW Chapter (2022-Present)
- Committee Member – Property Council of Australia Development Committee (2021-Present)
- Mentor – AIPM Graduate Development Program (2020-Present)
PUBLICATIONS & SPEAKING
- “Innovation in Mixed-Use Development” – Property Australia Magazine (2023)
- Keynote Speaker – Australian Property Development Summit (2022)
- “ESG Integration in Development Projects” – UDIA National Conference (2021)
PERSONAL INTERESTS
- Enjoys reading business books and magazines
- Likes playing golf on weekends
- Interested in property investment
- Travels when possible
Tip: Focus on professional activities that demonstrate leadership, industry expertise, or skills relevant to development management. Avoid generic hobbies unless they directly relate to professional competencies or demonstrate qualities like leadership, strategic thinking, or community involvement.
How to Write a Development Manager Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary immediately communicates your development management expertise, leadership capabilities, and track record of successful project delivery. This 3-4 line summary should highlight your years of experience, project portfolio value, key achievements, and management philosophy. Focus on quantifiable outcomes and leadership impact that align with the specific role you’re targeting.
Include metrics such as total project values managed, team sizes led, budgets overseen, or efficiency improvements achieved. Your summary should convey both your technical competence and your ability to drive strategic initiatives that deliver value for organisations and stakeholders.
Development Manager Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Strategic Development Manager with 10+ years experience leading complex projects across property and infrastructure sectors. Successfully delivered $800M+ in development projects, managing cross-functional teams of 50+ professionals while maintaining 96% on-time delivery rate. Expert in stakeholder engagement, regulatory approvals, and sustainable development practices with proven track record of securing planning permissions for challenging urban developments. PMP certified with strong commercial acumen and commitment to innovation-driven project solutions.
Incorrect Example:
Experienced Development Manager looking for new challenges in project management. Good with people and able to manage multiple projects at once. Have worked on various developments and understand construction processes. Strong communication skills and team player who works well under pressure.
For entry-level development managers, focus on your project involvement, leadership potential, relevant education, and enthusiasm for driving development initiatives with strong analytical and collaboration skills.
Entry-Level Development Manager Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Emerging Development Manager with strong foundation in project coordination and team leadership gained through 3+ years supporting $200M+ development portfolio. MBA in Real Estate Development with practical experience in feasibility analysis, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory coordination. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver results in fast-paced development environments. Eager to leverage analytical skills and collaborative approach to drive successful project outcomes in senior development management role.
Incorrect Example:
Recent graduate seeking development manager position to start career in project management. Have some experience working on development projects during university. Good organisational skills and eager to learn about development processes. Looking for opportunity to grow and develop management skills.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Development Manager Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is essential for development managers, as recruiters and potential employers extensively use LinkedIn for executive searches and industry networking. Your LinkedIn profile should expand on your resume while optimising for search visibility and professional networking within Australia’s development community.
Key considerations include showcasing thought leadership through industry insights, highlighting project successes with appropriate confidentiality, and demonstrating your strategic thinking about development trends and challenges facing the Australian market.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Development Managers
Your LinkedIn headline should go beyond your current job title to include your specialisation, experience level, and key value propositions that attract the right opportunities and professional connections.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Senior Development Manager | Property & Infrastructure | $500M+ Portfolio | Sustainable Development Specialist”
- “Development Manager | Software & Digital Products | Agile Leadership | Team Builder | Innovation Driver”
- “Development Manager | Mixed-Use Projects | Stakeholder Engagement Expert | PMP Certified | Sydney”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Development Manager at ABC Company”
- “Project Manager seeking new opportunities”
- “Development professional with experience”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be more expansive and conversational than your resume summary, allowing you to share your development philosophy, career journey, and vision for the industry. Use first person and explain what drives your approach to development management and how you create value for organisations and communities.
Include your thoughts on industry trends, sustainability, innovation, or community development that resonate with your professional network. Your LinkedIn summary should position you as a thought leader while remaining authentic and approachable to potential connections and collaborators.
Showcasing Development Manager Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for richer descriptions of your development projects and leadership approach. Include context about market conditions, project challenges overcome, and innovative solutions implemented while maintaining appropriate confidentiality about commercially sensitive information.
Use LinkedIn’s media feature to showcase relevant content such as project completions, industry articles you’ve written, speaking engagements, or professional certifications. This additional content helps demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the development profession.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Development Managers
Prioritise skills that reflect your development expertise and leadership capabilities such as “Project Management,” “Real Estate Development,” “Strategic Planning,” and “Team Leadership.” Encourage colleagues, clients, and industry partners to endorse your key competencies.
Consider taking LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant areas such as “Project Management” or “Business Analysis” to earn skill badges that enhance your profile’s credibility. Regularly review and update your skills to reflect your current expertise and career focus areas.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Development Managers
Build a strategic network by connecting with other development professionals, industry suppliers, government officials, and potential clients across Australia. Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as Property Council of Australia, UDIA, or AIPM to engage with industry discussions and stay current with market developments.
Share insights about development trends, project successes (with appropriate discretion), or industry commentary to establish thought leadership and increase visibility among your professional network. Engage with content from industry associations, development companies, and government agencies to demonstrate your ongoing industry involvement.
Follow development companies, industry publications, and professional associations to stay informed about market trends, regulatory changes, and career opportunities. Regular engagement with industry content helps maintain your professional visibility and demonstrates your commitment to staying current with development industry developments.
Creating an effective development manager resume requires demonstrating your ability to lead complex projects, manage diverse stakeholders, and deliver measurable results that drive organisational success. By following this guide’s proven examples and strategies, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews with leading development companies, government agencies, and organisations across Australia’s diverse development sectors.
Remember that development management roles often require demonstrable experience with budget management, regulatory compliance, and team leadership, so ensure your achievements and qualifications are clearly quantified and relevant to your target sector. For current development manager opportunities across Australia, explore positions on SEEK, industry job boards, and connect with development professionals through LinkedIn. Consider joining professional associations like the Australian Institute of Project Management or Property Council of Australia to stay informed about industry developments and expand your professional network within Australia’s development community.
