Some builders chase volume. We don't. Fortem delivers a small number of architecturally designed renovations, extensions, heritage restorations and bespoke new homes across Melbourne's inner east — typically $2M–$7M, where the detailing, the coordination and the client experience genuinely matter.

A lot of our work involves period homes: clients who want to keep the character of a long-held family home while folding in modern living, basements, structural complexity and high-end finishes. It's demanding work. It's also some of the most rewarding building you can do.

We're after a Project Manager who can run that work with precision and calm.

About the role

You'll own your projects from pre-construction through to handover — programme, cost control, quality and stakeholder coordination, all of it. At Fortem you're in early, helping shape buildability before documentation is locked, so problems get solved on paper rather than on site.

You'll work directly alongside our directors, not three layers of management. We're a lean, hands-on team by design — Chris leads pre-construction, client relationships and commercial strategy; Stu runs construction and site delivery. You'll have a dedicated Site Manager on each job and the directors close at hand when client, design or commercial calls need backing. Expect to carry a small number of concurrent projects, not a churning pipeline of eight.

What you'll be doing

• Managing high-end residential renovations, extensions and new builds end to end

• Driving programme, cost control and procurement

• Coordinating architects, consultants and specialist trades

• Administering variations, approvals and budget tracking

• Engaging trades early to flag buildability and pricing risks before contract

• Supporting your Site Manager on sequencing and buildability

• Keeping communication with clients clear, proactive and ahead of the issues

• Spotting risk early and acting on it before it becomes a problem

• Delivering work to an exceptional standard of finish

What we're looking for

• Minimum 5 years as a Project Manager

• Proven delivery of high-end residential projects valued at $2M+

• Strong technical grasp of construction methods and detailing — heritage and structural experience is a real plus

• Excellent organisation and problem-solving

• Confident, genuine communicator with clients and consultants

• Sound knowledge of local regulations and OH&S/WHS

• Experience with Procore (or similar) highly regarded

• Relevant qualifications in Construction Management or similar (preferred)

• Full Australian working rights

You'll thrive here if you

• Are highly organised and detail-focused

• Communicate confidently and warmly with clients and consultants

• Get ahead of problems rather than reacting to them

• Can manage complexity without drama

• Genuinely care about build quality and finish

Why Fortem

• Architecturally designed, award-winning homes — the kind of work you'll be proud to put your name to

• A select number of quality projects, not volume churn

• Direct access to the directors and a genuine say in how projects run

• Real involvement in pre-construction and early builder decisions, not just delivery

• Field-ready systems that support you, without the corporate bureaucracy

• Melbourne inner-suburban projects

• Salary aligned with experience, $130,000 – $160,000

About us

Fortem Projects is a Melbourne-based builder specialising in architecturally designed renovations, extensions, heritage restorations and bespoke new homes. We're known for craftsmanship, attention to detail and a collaborative approach with architects, designers and clients. Our four pillars — craftsmanship, collaboration, communication and transparency — aren't a tagline; they're how we run every job.

Ready to build exceptional homes with us?

Send your CV and a short note telling us about a complex project you've delivered — what made it hard and how you handled it — to *********@fortemprojects.com.