For Jules, it started on the Tools
When Julian Sanfillipo first stepped onto a Figurehead site, he was a contracted carpenter, working on flux projects like Hawthorn House, Kew RSL, and Canning Street (Private Residence). His focus was clear—deliver high-quality work, problem-solving on-site, and ensure each detail was built to last.
But Figurehead saw something more—an ability to lead, coordinate, and think beyond the tools.
Julian wasn’t just building; he was managing. He was already making on-the-ground decisions, working closely with trades, and driving site productivity. Six years ago, Figurehead offered him a full-time role as a Site Supervisor, recognising his ability to balance technical expertise with leadership and communication.
"I was running sites, making decisions, and before I knew it, I was stepping into site management," Julian recalls. "It all just evolved pretty naturally."
From Carpenter to Site Manager: Growth at Figurehead
Julian’s builder’s mindset has always shaped his approach.
"If I’m on-site, there’s a tape measure clipped to my waist—it’s a habit I’ve never shaken."
Attention to detail, a deep understanding of materials, and a practical way of thinking set him apart early on. But transitioning from working with the tools to managing full-scale builds required a broader perspective.
"I always looked at things through a builder’s lens. Now, I’ve had to widen that perspective—seeing not just the structure, but the sequencing, the teams, and the process of bringing everything together."
Now, Julian is a key player in the delivery of Lyons Place in Ballarat, working alongside Project Manager Caleb McGrath to bring the city’s soon-to-be tallest residential building to life.
Delivering a Landmark Project in Ballarat
As Site Manager, Julian is responsible for the on-site execution of Lyons Place, a landmark development that will redefine Ballarat’s skyline.
The project has presented unique challenges, requiring careful planning, adaptability, and strong coordination between teams, trades, and consultants.
"Without a tower crane, we’ve had to rethink everything—mobile cranes, multiple setup locations, constant recalibration. You’ve got to be adaptable and think ahead."
Just as he did from the beginning, Julian approaches every challenge with a grounded, solutions-focused mindset—one that Figurehead recognised early on. His ability to work closely with consultants, contractors, and clients has made him a key part of the project’s success.
A strong working relationship with Hygge, the developer behind Lyons Place, has ensured a collaborative approach, clear communication, and shared focus on quality.
"The people here are proud, and word spreads fast. I’d like this project to feel like it’s always been here, a natural part of the streetscape."
Investing in People, Building Stronger Teams
Julian’s story is a testament to Figurehead’s belief in recognising and fostering internal talent.
At Figurehead, site managers aren’t just hired—they’re developed. The company’s approach to investing in people, providing opportunities, and trusting emerging leaders has created a team where people like Julian can step up, take ownership, and evolve alongside the projects they deliver.
As Figurehead continues to grow its presence in Ballarat and beyond, Julian is a key part of that expansion—ensuring that every project is built with precision, efficiency, and a long-term vision.
While the tools may still be close by, his role today is about something bigger—bringing teams together, driving projects forward, and shaping the future of Figurehead’s construction leadership.
Empowering Women in Construction: Figurehead’s Trip to Ballarat
In Victoria’s construction industry, women make up just 14% of the workforce, with only 2% in onsite roles. At Figurehead, we’re working hard to change those statistics. With 24% of our team being women—including 12% in onsite roles—we’re proud to be setting a higher standard for inclusivity and opportunity in construction.
Our recent overnight trip to Ballarat exemplified this commitment, bringing together women from across the business for an inspiring day of connection, learning, and empowerment. The trip offered a unique chance to gain firsthand insights into our projects while continuing to strengthen the inclusive culture we’re building at Figurehead.
"Being surrounded by like-minded women who support, share experiences, and inspire each other was refreshing. The support from the women at Figurehead has deepened my dedication to advancing in this field." —Ramya Alamuri, Project Coordinator
The journey began with a visit to Bradmill Yarraville, where Site Manager Richard Herbert shared the progress of the exciting townhouse Development, where Figurehead are responsible for delivering the very first stage of a landmark infill Project in Melbourne's inner west.
Day 2 featured a site visit to Lyons Place, a residential project developed for Hygge in Ballarat. Site Manager Julian Sanfilippo led an in-depth walkthrough of the site, offering an engaging and detailed overview of the project. The tour highlighted the intricacies of delivering Figurehead’s first project in Ballarat, showcasing not only the architectural and construction details but also the critical learnings gained from navigating the unique challenges of working in a regional area. Julian shared insights into the logistics of managing local supply chains, fostering relationships with regional subcontractors, and maintaining Figurehead’s high standards of quality and efficiency in a new geographic market.
Our women learned how adapting to the dynamics of a regional environment—such as material availability, workforce coordination, and community engagement—plays a pivotal role in the project’s success.
The site tours highlighted not just the technical complexities of these projects, but also the opportunities for women to contribute to every aspect of the construction process. For many of our team, seeing these projects up close reinforced the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and achieving excellence.
"I returned from the trip with a deep sense of unity and belonging, having spent purposeful, enriching time with the incredible women of Figurehead. I felt proud, inspired, and more committed than ever to my role in this industry." —Tilly Field, New Business Coordinator
But this trip was about more than just buildings. It was about empowering our female employees with real-world insights and fostering a sense of belonging in an industry where they remain underrepresented. Sharing experiences, learning from each other, and seeing the tangible outcomes of their contributions helped build both confidence and camaraderie.
At Figurehead, we believe that diverse teams drive better outcomes, and we’re proud to be creating pathways for women to lead and succeed in construction. The Ballarat trip was another step forward in that mission—a chance to celebrate our progress while looking ahead to an even more inclusive future.
Together, we’re not just building projects; we’re building a stronger, more equitable industry.