Olivia Cootes
Development Manager
Port Melbourne
Summary
Accomplished and forward-thinking Assistant Development Manager, seeking a Development Manager role within the commercial and industrial property sector. With a foundation as a former Senior Town Planner and seven years industry experience, Olivia brings a specialised skill set that strengthens all phases of the development lifecycle — from due diligence, statutory planning and clearing conditions, to strategic advocacy, PSP and DCP project delivery.
Highly collaborative and relationship-driven, Olivia has demonstrated a consistent ability to manage complex stakeholder environments while maintaining strong client and tenant relationships. Over the past two years, she has successfully managed a diverse pipeline of 10 active projects, reporting directly to the owners and directors of AuOro Developments (Corplex).
Her strengths extend to design thinking and development marketing, having led numerous EOI submissions for pre-lease tenant requirements, managed the feasibility and played a key role in negotiating Heads of Agreements and lease documentation.
With a strategic mindset, planning expertise, and practical delivery experience, Olivia is well-positioned to step into a Development Manager role and drive high-quality, commercially successful outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Development Manager
AuOro Developments (Corplex)
10.2023 - Current
- Due Diligence for acquisitions local and interstate.
- Delivered all planning applications and related matters in-house.
- Participation in VCAT without legal counsel.
- Tenant pre-lease requirement submissions.
- Tenant facility design for operational demands.
- Feasibility analysis for turnkey, pre-lease, and speculative development.
- Functional and Detailed Design for a Melbourne Water drainage channel.
- Delivered a staged subdivision SOC (Evans Park Stage 5) including road, passive open space and landscaping (bonded works). Commenced the final stage of the subdivision (Evans Park Stage 6).
- Delivered a DCP-funded road (Missens Road) for Casey City Council, including Functional and Detailed Design, Tendering, Authority Offers etc.
- Collaborated with construction division (Corplex) to complete 4.5ha Vehicle Storage Yard, Service Station, Convenience Restaurant with Drive Thru, Mechanical Repairs Workshops, Large Warehouse under DMA.
- Conducted on-site construction activities one full day each week for 6 months on warehouse projects.
- Involved with Leases and Heads of Agreement to formalize agreements between parties. Worked under s Development Management Agreements with rental guarantee. Reviewed Section 173 Agreements with Council for Developers Interests. Orchestrated tripartite agreement involving DTP, Council, and Developer for Thompsons/Missens Road Intersection.
- Consulting for overseas investor including strategic planning advice, meetings at Invest Victoria and the preferred Bank for finance.
- Contract review with Contractors, Authorities etc.
- Contracts of Sale and deal structure for selling land.
Senior Town Planner
Niche Planning Studio
01.2023 - 10.2023
- Prepare and manage planning permit and development application submissions.
- Provide high-quality town planning advice to clients across the private and public sectors.
- Coordinate with local councils and approval authorities.
- Prepare planning assessments, due diligence reports, and planning justifications.
- Interpret and apply relevant planning legislation, policies, and controls (e.g., zoning, overlays, state planning policies).
- Strategic Planning Advocacy for upcoming PSPs.
- Lead multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and client expectations.
- Develop project scopes, timelines, and budgets.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders including architects, engineers, and legal advisors.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships.
- Represent clients in negotiations with local councils and state agencies.
- Attend council meetings, public hearings, VCAT/Land & Environment Court (if required).
- Contribute to structure plans, planning scheme amendments, rezoning proposals, or policy development.
- Guide and review the work of junior planning staff.
- Share knowledge of planning systems, legislative updates, and industry trends.
Town Planner
Niche Planning Studio
01.2021 - 12.2022
Graduate Planner
Niche Planning Studio
07.2020 - 12.2020
Student Planner
Therefor Group (Wolter Consulting Group)
08.2018 - 03.2020
Education
DF V5 Level 1
ARGUS Estate Master
09-2023
Bachelor of Urban Development - Urb. & Reg. Planning
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLD 04.2001 -
Skills
- Statutory and Strategic Town Planning
- Civil Detailed Design approval process
- Architectural design thinking
- Development marketing
- Pricing strategy and market analysis
- Project Feasibility
Accomplishments
- UDIA Outlook Young Professionals Committee Co-Chair June 2023 - June 2025
- UDIA Outlook Young Professionals Committee Committee Member June 2021 - June 2023
- PIA National Congress 2023 Program Committee Member
- PIA Young Professional Mentor
Timeline
Assistant Development Manager
AuOro Developments (Corplex)
10.2023 - Current
Senior Town Planner
Niche Planning Studio
01.2023 - 10.2023
Town Planner
Niche Planning Studio
01.2021 - 12.2022
Graduate Planner
Niche Planning Studio
07.2020 - 12.2020
Student Planner
Therefor Group (Wolter Consulting Group)
08.2018 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Urban Development - Urb. & Reg. Planning
Queensland University of Technology
04.2001 -
DF V5 Level 1
ARGUS Estate Master