Defects & Handover Manager

Defects & Handover Manager Join to apply for the Defects & Handover Manager role at John Holland . John Holland transforms lives with everything we do. We believe that infrastructure is about people – our customers, employees, and the communities in which we work each day. Our experience and genuine care support better lives for people along the way. About the Role The Defects & Handover Manager will oversee the implementation of the overarching project handover strategy, ensuring a comprehensive and fully compliant handover process. The role collaborates with key stakeholders and Accredited Rail Operators to achieve a seamless and successful project acceptance. Responsibilities include managing defects, ensuring all works meet quality standards, and meeting contractual and regulatory obligations. This role is critical in facilitating a seamless transition from construction to operations and supporting successful acceptance of the project. Project Description Inland Rail is transforming how goods are moved across Australia, connecting Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. The Beveridge to Albury (B2A) project is the Victorian portion of the program, spanning approximately 305 km of existing north‑eastern rail corridor. Tranche 1 includes enhancement works across four sites and corridor‑wide works. Tranche 2 provides track alignment adjustments, new road overbridges, and station modifications to enable safe double‑stack freight train operation across eight B2A project sites between Wandong and Benalla. Responsibilities Handover Management Liaise with key project stakeholders to align and implement handover strategy. Develop and manage the project handover plan, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements and client expectations. Oversee preparation and submission of all handover documentation, including as‑built drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, warranties, and certifications. Manage inspections and walkthroughs with the client and relevant stakeholders to ensure all handover requirements are met. Manage the close‑out process, ensuring all outstanding works and defects are resolved prior to final handover. Defects Management Develop and implement a comprehensive defects management plan for the project. Coordinate the identification, logging, and tracking of defects during construction and post‑completion phases. Liaise with subcontractors and internal teams to ensure timely rectification of defects. Manage inspections to verify the quality of rectification works and ensure compliance with project specifications and standards. Oversee the development of an accurate, up‑to‑date defects register, ensuring all issues are tracked and resolved within agreed timeframes. Stakeholder Engagement Act as the primary point of contact for the client and other stakeholders regarding defects and handover matters. Build and maintain strong relationships with the client, subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure effective communication and collaboration. Provide regular updates to the Interface Manager and other key stakeholders on the status of defects and handover activities. Compliance and Quality Assurance Ensure all defects and handover activities comply with relevant standards, codes, and contractual obligations. Work closely with the quality team to ensure all rectification works meet the required quality standards. Identify and mitigate risks related to defects and handover to avoid delays or disputes. Continuous Improvement Implement best practices to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of defects management and handover processes. Key Skills and Competencies Strong understanding of construction processes, quality and completion standards, and defects management. Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders. Problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, focused on achieving practical and timely solutions. Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes. Proficiency in project management and defects tracking software. Requirements Demonstrated experience in overseeing the development and implementation of handover frameworks throughout the entire project lifecycle. Tertiary qualification in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field. Proven experience in defects management and project handover on large‑scale construction projects. Strong knowledge of construction contracts, standards, and compliance requirements. Experience working collaboratively with clients, subcontractors, and multidisciplinary teams. Familiarity with defects tracking systems and handover documentation processes. What’s in it for you We reward and support our people in many ways. Flexible working, generous leave policies, wellbeing and relationship support, and a focus on your overall well‑being are part of our benefits. We also offer learning and development opportunities, career progression on iconic projects, and a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity. Benefits Competitive remuneration with salary continuance and salary sacrifice options. Great leave benefits including 18 weeks paid parental leave with super and up to an extra 18 weeks of super paid on further periods of unpaid parental leave, multicultural leave exchange, and two extra days to prioritise wellbeing. Career progression with an exciting pipeline of work on iconic projects. Access to emerging talent programs, technical and leadership training, and development opportunities. Inclusive culture backed by a business‑wide inclusion strategy and active employee resource groups. Flexible working options (flexi‑hours, flexi‑parenting, flexi‑leave, flexi‑shifts, flexi‑work). Seniority level Not Applicable Employment type Full‑time Job function Other Construction #J-18808-Ljbffr