Project Foreman, Site Manager to Acreage Build (Owner-Builder)

Expert Management

Frenchs Forest, Sydney NSW

Foreperson/Supervisors (Construction)

Contract/Temp

70 to 100 per hour

Location: Frenchs Forest / Northern Beaches, NSW

Engagement: Contract (ABN preferred)

Rate: Competitive day rate, negotiable on experience

The Project

A bespoke high-end acreage residential build on the Northern Beaches, delivered under an Owner-Builder Permit. The owner is seeking an experienced Site Manager / Foreman to run the site day-to-day and act as the operational right hand to the owner-builder. This is not a cookie-cutter residential job — it's a long-lead, detail-driven custom build.

The Role

You'll run the site. The owner holds the permit and ultimate responsibility; you'll be the person who keeps trades moving, quality high, paperwork tight, and the program on track to ensure what is being built matches the construction plans. You'll bridge the gap between traditional Site Foreman and Assistant Project Manager — leading on the ground while supporting procurement, scheduling, and stakeholder coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Site Leadership: Coordinate all subcontractors, set the daily program, monitor quality, and hold trades to spec and standard.

WHS and Compliance: Maintain the site safety management system, verify SWMS, licences, and insurances for every trade on site, and uphold PCBU-equivalent duties under NSW WHS legislation.

Hands-On Supervision: Walk the site, identify issues early, and step in with practical problem-solving — coordinating fixes rather than performing licensed trade work yourself.

Programming and Scheduling: Maintain the construction program, manage critical path, and flag slippage before it bites.

Procurement Support: Assist with material take-offs, supplier liaison, and ensuring long-lead items are ordered on time.

Cost Control: Track committed costs against budget, review variations, and support the owner in keeping the build on budget.

Contract Administration: Manage subcontractor agreements, RFIs, and trade scope clarifications.

Compliance and Approvals: Ensure work aligns with the approved DA/CC, NCC, AS standards, BAL requirements, and any consent conditions; liaise with the certifier and council inspectors.

Stakeholder Liaison: Primary day-to-day contact for the owner, architect, structural and civil engineers, building designer, and consultants.

Essential

White Card (NSW general construction induction).

8+ years residential construction experience, with a meaningful portion in custom or high-end work.

Demonstrated experience supervising acreage, rural-residential, or large-block builds.

Strong working knowledge of the NCC, AS standards, and NSW Home Building Act framework.

Trade background (carpentry preferred) with proven progression into site management.

Must be an Australian permanent resident or citizen.

Public Liability insurance (10M+) and an ABN.

Excellent written and verbal communication — comfortable in builder, architect, and client conversations alike.

Highly Desirable

First Aid certificate.

Experience with onsite wastewater systems (AWTS/septic) and tank-based water supply.

Familiarity with construction management software (BBuildxact, Procore CoConstruct, or similar is an advantage.

Established network of high-quality Northern Beaches subcontractors and suppliers.

Local knowledge of Northern Beaches Council DA conditions and certifier expectations.

NSW Builder's Licence or Cert IV in Building and Construction.

About You

A genuine all-rounder — equally credible discussing flashing details, civil drainage, or a payment schedule.

Proactive: you anticipate problems three weeks out, not the morning they hit.

Calm, direct, and respected by trades. You set standards without theatrics.

Comfortable working closely with an engaged owner-builder and translating between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Carpentry on the Tools

Carpentry skills are highly preferred but not essential. While the primary function is site management, there will be opportunities — and at times a genuine need — to pick up the tools and perform carpentry work directly on site. This might mean handling formwork, framing tweaks, fixing carpentry, setting out, or knocking over small items that don't warrant pulling a subbie back. A foreman who can self-perform quality carpentry work adds significant value to this build and keeps the program moving when small items would otherwise create delays.

Hours: Flexible to suit the program. Some weeks will be full-time equivalent as trades ramp up; others will sit closer to 2–3 days a week. Suits someone who values variable workload over a rigid 5-day grind.

Why This Role

Autonomy and trust: A senior, hands-on role with real decision-making authority on the ground.

A build worth being proud of: A bespoke acreage project with quality-first specifications.

Local: Work close to home — no daily slog over the Spit.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short cover note (half a page is plenty) outlining your two most relevant acreage or custom-build projects — including scope, build value, and your role click the apply button. Shortlisted candidates will be asked for references and to confirm licenses and insurance details. A police check may be requested prior to engagement.

NOTE: Never make payment to any employer, person, company, contractor or agency to get hired for a Job.

Send to emgroup.aus@gmail.com