

Dr Stephen Gardner PhD
Construction Project Management Professional
+61 405 226 074
Email:
Location:
Darwin NT Australia
Phone:
Welcome to the official site of Dr Stephen Gardner PhD, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. As a leading construction project manager and leadership expert, Stephen Gardner offers insights on project success, leadership development, WHS advocacy, and business coaching. Discover strategies to drive growth, enhance performance, and achieve sustainable success in the construction industry and beyond.
EDUCATION
2024
PhD in Construction Management
Griffith University
Technical and interpersonal skills and characteristics of successful construction project managers
2017
Grad Dip Research - Business
Griffith University
Award for Academic Excellence 2016
2004
Griffith University
Awards for Academic Excellence 2001 & 2003
Master of Business Administration
2004
Cert IV Real Estate
Cert IV Training & Assessment
REIQ (Real Estate Institute of Queensland)
TAFE Queensland
2003
Cert IV Building & Construction
TAFE Queensland
EXPERIENCE
May 2025 - Present
Chief Operating Officer
M&J Builders - Darwin NT
Leading day-to-day operations of a dynamic Tier 2 construction company based in the Northern Territory. My role focuses on driving operational excellence, improving project delivery outcomes, and aligning our people, processes, and systems to support sustainable growth. I work closely with the leadership team to embed a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance across all areas of the business.
Aug 2021 - Apr 2025
Senior Project Manager QLD & NSW
Heighton Group - Brisbane QLD
Overseeing on time and on budget completion of projects ranging from simple mezzanine floors, to large scale offices, clean rooms, cool rooms, bio-testing laboratories, secure bunker rooms and military facilities.
Jul 2020 - Jul 2021
Clipex Australia - Brisbane QLD
General Manager - Installations & Projects
Finalising tender negotiations then managing a multi-million dollar contract on the Carmichael Rail Network in the Galilee Basin, as well as creating systems and generating sub-contractor networks for rural fencing and animal handling solutions in remote locations.
Aug 2018 - Oct 2019
General Manager - Property Development
Consortium Group Australia - Brisbane QLD
Initially this role was created to troubleshoot two key projects; one that was behind schedule and another that had infrastructure issues. Thereafter the role was focused on building the property portfolio and identifying future opportunities
Jul 2017 - Jul 2018
General Manager
All Cover Constructions - Gold Coast QLD
Optimised project performance and supported company growth by implementing strategic planning and cost-saving measures. Drove business expansion across multiple sectors, managing end-to-end project lifecycles for industrial, residential, and commercial builds. Focused on building industry partnerships and fostering strong client and stakeholder relations.
Feb 2009 - Jun 2017
Property Development Manager
Vinmax Projects - Gold Coast QLD
Commenced operations as a project management firm then progressed to undertaking a diverse array of successful real estate ventures and projects in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. These included residential land subdivisions, construction of units, townhouses and factories, as well as refurbishing both residential and commercial properties.
SKILLS

Construction Project Management
Workplace Health and Safety
Strategic Planning
Innovative Technology Integration
Industry Speaking
Technical Writing
SERVICES
Unlock your team's potential with expert leadership development, dynamic public speaking, and proven project management strategies. With years of experience leading complex projects and mentoring professionals, I empower individuals and organisations to excel. Let's build stronger teams, drive results, and achieve your goals together. Reach out to discuss how I can bring value to your next project or event!
#Leadership #PublicSpeaking #ProjectManagement #ProfessionalGrowth
EXPERTISE
Construction Management Leadership
My expertise lies in steering construction projects towards success through effective leadership, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to excellence.
Safety Advocacy
I am dedicated to advocating for and implementing workplace health and safety measures, fostering a culture of care and well-being within construction organizations.
Project Management Innovation
I am passionate about driving innovation in project management, exploring cutting-edge methodologies to enhance project delivery and drive industry progress.