Manager Water Utilities | Central Highlands Regional Council | Emerald

• Lead a large, diverse water network with strategic and operational impact.
• Enjoy a thriving regional lifestyle with strong community and work-life balance.
• Base salary of $177K–$195K + super, housing allowance and relocation support.

Central Highlands Regional Council is seeking a strategic and operationally focused leader to take on the role of Manager Water Utilities. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee one of Queensland’s largest local government water networks, managing 15 water treatment plants and 7 wastewater treatment plants while driving service excellence, infrastructure investment and workforce development.

The Role

As Manager Water Utilities, you will be responsible for ensuring safe, sustainable and compliant water and wastewater services. Reporting to the General Manager Infrastructure and Utilities, you will lead a multi-skilled team, oversee significant capital works and balance both strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

Key focus areas include:

• Operational Excellence: Optimising service delivery, ensuring regulatory compliance and embedding best practices.
• Strategic Planning: Implementing long-term infrastructure and service delivery plans.
• Asset and Infrastructure Management: Overseeing major capital works, upgrades and proactive maintenance.
• Financial Management: Budget planning, cost control and financial modelling.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Building relationships with regulators, government agencies and the local community.
• Workforce Development: Supporting staff training and upskilling initiatives.

About You

Central Highlands Regional Council are looking for a driven and experienced leader with:

• Proven senior leadership experience in water utilities, infrastructure or local government.
• Strong technical knowledge of water and wastewater operations.
• Experience in project and financial management.
• A people-first approach, with the ability to mentor and develop teams.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, science or business (desirable but not essential).

Benefits

• Competitive base salary of: $177k - $195k (experience dependent)
• 14.25% superannuation + 17.5% leave loading
• Housing allowance + private use vehicle
• Relocation assistance available

Join a progressive council in a thriving regional community. Apply now or contact Leading Roles for a confidential discussion.

How to Apply

Please visit www.leadingroles.com.au to download the candidate information package to view the position description and selection criteria before submitting your application.
We encourage fast applications as advertising will close upon identification of suitable candidates.