Director Operations

Dean & Ling Executive; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Highlands Regional Council is seeking a Director Operations to lead a diverse portfolio including infrastructure, water utilities, parks and disaster management. You will champion a safety-first culture and drive continuous improvement across the organisation.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will shape strategic direction, manage budgets, and lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality services for communities across a vast regional footprint in Queensland.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience managing large multidisciplinary teams across infrastructure, engineering, works, asset management or related services.
• Strong strategic planning and execution capability with ability to translate vision into measurable outcomes.
• Highly developed communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Council's strategic and operational plans, budgets, policies and programs.
• Contribute to enterprise strategy as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
• Oversee major projects ensuring delivery on time, within budget and to standards.
• Build relationships with government, industry, contractors and communities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Judgement & resilience

Education

Civil Engineering or related degree

Business/Project Management degree

Job description

• Progressive Regional Council and Diverse Portfolio / Emerald Location

At Central Highlands Regional Council, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine and lasting impact on the communities, infrastructure and services that support one of Queensland's most diverse and significant regions.

Central Highlands Regional Council spans approximately 60,000 square kilometres, from Arcadia Valley in the south to the Peak Ranges in the north, and from Boolburra in the east to Bogantungan in the west. Managing more than $1.1 billion in community assets, Council delivers a diverse range of services through libraries, aquatic centres, customer service centres, 4,632 kilometres of roads, and extensive parks and recreational facilities.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a progressive regional Council. Home to nationally significant coal and energy operations, a strong agricultural sector and diverse regional communities, the Central Highlands plays a vital role in Queensland's economy and future growth.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director Operations is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for shaping strategic direction, strengthening operational performance and driving organisational culture and excellence.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will lead a diverse portfolio encompassing infrastructure, project management, water utilities, parks and open spaces, and disaster management. You will champion a safety-first approach, fostering an accountable and high-performing culture, and driving continuous improvement in service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Council's strategic and operational plans, budgets, policies and programs.
• Contribute to enterprise strategy as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
• Develop long-term operational plans aligned with Council's vision and community objectives.
• Manage budgets and business plans that support Council's Corporate Plan and financial sustainability.
• Oversee major projects, ensuring delivery is achieved on time, within budget and to agreed standards.
• Build strong relationships with government, industry, contractors and community stakeholders.
• Provide visible leadership in workplace health, safety and risk management.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and customer service.
• Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams to achieve high performance and continuous improvement.

The successful applicant will be a technically experienced executive leader with a track record of delivering results and leading teams in complex operational environments. They will be a visible, agile and credible leader who builds capability, inspires confidence and focuses on strengthening safety performance.

You Will Bring

• Proven leadership experience managing large multidisciplinary teams across infrastructure, engineering, works, asset management or related services.
• Strong strategic planning and execution capability, with the ability to translate vision into measurable outcomes.
• Tertiary qualifications in Civil Engineering, Business, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Highly developed communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen, including budget, procurement and contract management experience.
• The judgement and resilience to manage competing priorities in a dynamic and politically sensitive environment.

This is more than an executive leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence the future of a region, deliver meaningful outcomes for communities, and lead large-scale projects and services that make a tangible difference every day.

Whether you're looking to grow your career, make a genuine impact, or achieve a better work-life balance, you'll find the opportunity at Central Highlands Regional Council. Join a team that supports your development, values your contribution, and helps you build the future you want.

For further information on Central Highlands Regional Council, visit www.chrc.qld.gov.au