Head of Program Management - Lower Murray Water

W&Co Search; Mildura; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Lower Murray Water is seeking a Head of Program Management to lead the planning, scheduling and delivery of its capital works portfolio. The role reports to the Manager Infrastructure Planning and Delivery and will guide a team of 18 project managers, engineers and project officers, with three direct reports including two Program Managers and a Project Controls Lead.

The position is a hands‑on senior leadership role focused on delivering time, cost, quality and risk objectives, managing budgets

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, scheduling and delivery of Lower Murray Water’s capital works portfolio.
• Oversee budgets, forecasting and reporting, and strengthen contract and project management practices.
• Support effective procurement and project-bundling decisions with internal stakeholders, contractors and delivery partners.
• Provide clear direction, coaching and technical leadership to a high-performing delivery team and build portfolio-level governance.
• Shape systems and ways of working to mature delivery capability and resilience across the program.

Job description

Head of Program Management - Lower Murray Water

W&Co Search is proud to partner with Lower Murray Water in the appointment of its Head of Program Management.

Lower Murray Water is entering an important period of infrastructure delivery and organisational growth. Its current five-year capital portfolio is approximately $115 million and is expected to increase to around $280 million in the next regulatory period. This creates a substantial opportunity to strengthen delivery capability, establish the resourcing strategy and mature the frameworks needed to manage a larger and increasingly complex program.

Reporting to the Manager Infrastructure Planning and Delivery, the Head of Program Management will lead the planning, scheduling and delivery of Lower Murray Water’s capital works portfolio. The position has three direct reports, two Program Managers and a Project Controls Lead, and provides leadership to a broader team of 18 project managers, engineers and project officers.

This is a hands‑on senior leadership role with responsibility for program performance across time, cost, quality and risk. You will oversee budgets, forecasting and reporting, strengthen contract and project management practices and support effective procurement and project‑bundling decisions. You will also work closely with internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants and delivery partners to resolve emerging delivery risks and achieve sustainable outcomes for customers and communities.

A central part of the mandate is building capability. You will provide clear direction, coaching and technical leadership to a highly capable team while helping Lower Murray Water introduce stronger portfolio‑level thinking, governance and consistent delivery practices. The environment is evolving, with an opportunity to shape systems and ways of working.

The longer‑term infrastructure pipeline includes a proposed Swan Hill program of works, incorporating a new water treatment plant and associated pumping and pipeline infrastructure. Estimated at approximately $170 million from FY29 onwards, this future program provides further scope for the position to grow as the delivery model and project team are established.

You will bring substantial experience leading infrastructure projects, programs or portfolios, supported by strong commercial, contract management and stakeholder capability. A recognised engineering qualification, water‑sector experience and registration as a professional engineer in Victoria will each be highly regarded, but are not essential. Candidates from broader civil construction and infrastructure environments with significant portfolio or program leadership experience are also encouraged to apply. Equally important will be your ability to lead people, build trusted relationships and operate effectively in a developing delivery environment. You will be comfortable moving between strategic portfolio oversight and the practical detail required to address project, contract and resourcing challenges.