Geocon reaches new heights and is now one of the ACT's largest private sector employers

With more than 400 employees across its development, construction and hospitality businesses, and supporting 2000 subcontracting jobs annually, Geocon is now one of Canberra’s largest employers outside the public service.

Established in 2007 and starting out building low-rise residential dwellings and townhouses in Canberra’s suburbs, Geocon has grown its portfolio to encompass large-scale, mixed-use precincts featuring residential and commercial offerings, and now boasts annual company turnover of $500 million.

Geocon general manager Damon Smith says as the company grows, it will continue to make a significant contribution to Canberra’s economy.

“Employing so many people means Geocon is organically a major contributor to the ACT economy, financially supporting hundreds of Canberra families from across the Territory,” he said.

“As well as direct employees, we also keep up to 2000 subcontractors in jobs each year, which has a huge flow-on effect for suppliers and professionals from across the ACT and surrounding regions.

“Keeping a large team such as ours motivated is not an easy task, but one we take seriously and is constantly evolving.”

Geocon provides a broad cross-section of job opportunities for Canberrans, from construction workers, interior designers and financiers, to corporate function coordinators and front-of-house staff in its Iconic Hotels.

The company’s human resources director Lucie Hood says Geocon is committed to attracting, retaining and developing staff across its diverse operating divisions.

“We realise the importance of a strong culture where staff are encouraged and supported to be their best,” she said.

“Our values encourage staff to think big, to take risks and be accountable, while our training and growth opportunities from graduate to executive level develop our talent pipeline.”

Lucie says the company aims to attract, retain and develop the very best talent.

“We strive to be an Employer of Choice and are continually innovating our employee value proposition to provide the very best work environment for our employees,” she said.

“Geocon understands that people are critical to our success and form the building blocks of our company.”

Geocon’s Employee Benefits range from discounted accommodation and food and beverage at any of the company’s 10 hotels across ACT and NSW, novated leasing, social events, corporate gym memberships and annual conferences.

Geocon’s Health and Wellbeing program is centred around a monthly theme ranging from community, environment and mental health awareness, supporting fundraising efforts from groups like the Cancer Council, and events like Movember and Menslink’s Great Walk 2021.

“Given the higher rates of suicide in the construction industry, we place a heavy focus on mental health awareness, running regular barbecue site talk and awareness campaigns with our partner Oz Help, which provides our employees with access to 24/7 confidential counselling support,” Lucie explained.

The company operates an eight-month Emerging Leaders program where key talent is identified and their learning fast-tracked via a mix of practical and theoretical learning modules.

It also runs a graduate program, exposing university graduates to a variety of construction methodologies and giving them practical onsite experience.

“This year we have had an intake of nine new graduates into the 2021/2022 program,” Lucie said.

“Some of our graduates are now in site management and leadership positions, which is testament to the success of the program and the high emphasis we place on succession and talent planning within the organisation.”

Geocon will soon launch its Executive Leadership program to provide key members across the organisation with business coaching opportunities and a variety of leadership learning and assessment opportunities.

The Hotels business also offers employees access to the Iconic Hotels Academy by partnering with a registered training organisation to deliver industry-recognised qualifications in Leadership Management and Hospitality.

“We have a big focus on investing in our people, and strive to provide a place of employment that helps people develop their careers and grow professionally,” Lucie said.

For more information on current and upcoming projects, and employment opportunities, visit Geocon.

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