SARA BURSTON
Gold Coast
Summary
Accomplished Project Manager with a strong track record of successfully overseeing end-to-end project delivery in various sectors, including greenfield manufactured home estates, lifestyle resorts, aged care facilities, medical centers, and large-scale community infrastructure projects. Proficient in managing Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) initiatives and leading multidisciplinary teams comprising architects, engineers, estimators, construction managers, and external consultants. Demonstrated expertise in navigating intricate planning processes, including Development Applications (DA), Building Approvals (BA), Section 68 and 138 applications, and council approval procedures. Skilled in budget management, compliance oversight, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and project goals. Committed to achieving high-quality results within specified timelines and budgets throughout all project phases, from inception to finalization.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Resort Development Manager/Facilities Project Manager
Palm Lake Group
01.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: Experienced Development/Facilities Project Manager with a Strong Track Record in Large-Scale Greenfield Developments
- An accomplished Resort Development and Facilities Project Manager overseeing eight major greenfield developments comprising more than 2,000 dwellings, wellness and community centers and aged care facilities.
- Skilled in delivering end-to-end project solutions across all phases-from concept to completion-with a strong focus on budget control, consultant coordination, approvals, and stakeholder engagement.
- Core Competencies: Full project life-cycle management, including master planning, budgeting, scheduling, and delivery.
- Creation and management of detailed project budgets, with a strong focus on delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Coordination and leadership of multidisciplinary teams, including architects, town planners, and specialist consultants.
- Oversight and management of engineering services across civil, structural, hydraulic, electrical, acoustic, fire, access, and arboricultural disciplines.
- Comprehensive approvals management, including DA, BA, OPW, and CC submissions, as well as RFI responses and certification processes.
- Expertise in compliance management across design and construction phases.
- Management of interior design, furniture, fittings and equipment (FFE), signage, and final presentation for operational readiness.
- Strategic stakeholder communication and engagement, ensuring alignment across internal teams, councils, and external partners.
- High proficiency in project management platforms including On-site Companion, Build Better/Better Build, Microsoft Office Suite, Planner, Teams, and Therefore.
- Proven ability to manage project pipelines and deliver complex developments through clear direction, attention to detail, and collaborative leadership.
- Experienced Development/Facilities Project Manager with a Strong Track Record in Large-Scale Greenfield Developments
Project Manager
Ikonik
05.2017 - 07.2022
- Managed 30+ residential townhouse projects worth $10 million, Council Approvals spanning Queensland and New South Wales.
- Oversaw entire project lifecycle, from land acquisition to design, council approvals, construction tender, construction site management and handover/defect management.
- Led civil works coordination with Government departments, ensuring safe and timely infrastructure completion.
- Collaborated with architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors for successful project execution.
- Monitored project schedules, ensuring timely milestones and resource allocation.
- Conducted site inspections to maintain quality and mitigate risks.
- Implemented effective cost management strategies, approving project expenses and tracking budgets.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing teams for successful project marketing, sales, and occupancy.
Project Manager
AEG Consultants
03.2007 - 10.2017
- Company Overview: Australia Wide
- Successfully managed over 150+ purpose-built commercial projects nationwide, including government-funded 'super clinics' and Australia's largest government-funded medical facility.
- Oversaw full project lifecycle from conception to completion, ensuring scope, budget, and timeline adherence.
- Led cross-functional teams, collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, and healthcare professionals for high-quality project delivery.
- Managed project budgets totaling $300 million, implementing cost controls and optimizing resource allocation.
- Coordinated land acquisition, design, construction tendering phase, and handover/defect management.
- Led civil works coordination with Government departments, ensuring timely and budget-compliant infrastructure completion.
- Developed strong client, government, and regulatory relationships, ensuring compliance with codes and standards.
- Implemented proactive risk management strategies and led productive stakeholder meetings.
- Australia Wide
Education
Postgraduate Degree - Project Management
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLD05-2020
Master of Project Management - Construction Project Management
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLD10.2026
Skills
- Project Lifecycle management
- Development of greenfield projects
- Strategic project planning
- Project budgeting expertise
- Stakeholder communication and Management
- Project Governance and compliance management
- Project Pipeline Management
- Experienced in Procore software
- Skilled in Onsite Companion software
- Proficient Therefore & Build Better software
- Coordination of council application processes
- Management of external consultants
- Professional writing skills
- Ability to Work at A Fast Pace
- Project budget management
- Stakeholder Management
- Council administration
Timeline
Resort Development Manager/Facilities Project Manager
Palm Lake Group
01.2023 - Current
Project Manager
Ikonik
05.2017 - 07.2022
Project Manager
AEG Consultants
03.2007 - 10.2017
Postgraduate Degree - Project Management
Queensland University of Technology
Master of Project Management - Construction Project Management
Queensland University of Technology
Similar Profiles
Todd EhlefeldtTodd Ehlefeldt
Dogman/construction Labourer at Walter Iezzi Building GroupDogman/construction Labourer at Walter Iezzi Building Group
Betsy Pearl MadronaBetsy Pearl Madrona
Registered Nurse at Palm Lake Care - BargaraRegistered Nurse at Palm Lake Care - Bargara
Helen DicksonHelen Dickson
Registered Nurse at Palm Lake CareRegistered Nurse at Palm Lake Care
Thomas GrahamThomas Graham
Personal Trainer at MyselfPersonal Trainer at Myself
Mahmoud AlttanayebMahmoud Alttanayeb
Hospitality Consultant at Own BusinessHospitality Consultant at Own Business