Manager Construction

Port Macquarie Hastings Council; Port Macquarie; Hybrid; AUD 135,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Flexi-time

Gym membership

Welcome Experience

Career development

Annual salary review

Long service leave

Salary packaging

Awards and recognition

Job summary

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is seeking a Construction Manager to lead the Utilities Construction Section, delivering water and wastewater projects, maintenance, repair and renewal across the PMH region. This senior role combines operational leadership with asset planning and program delivery to ensure safety, service and continuous improvement.

The role requires a degree in engineering, extensive water/wastewater construction experience, and strong leadership with budget management.

Qualifications

• AQF level 7 or higher in an engineering discipline.
• Experience delivering water and wastewater construction projects.
• Strong leadership and budgeting capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead construction delivery for Utilities Operations with budget control.
• Oversee renewal programs and asset management planning.
• Review designs and ensure constructability.
• Deliver capital projects per PMHC framework.
• Prepare environmental and project documentation.
• Engage with stakeholders and provide expert guidance.
• Participate in after-hours on-call roster.

Skills

Engineering degree

Water/wastewater

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Safety/regulatory

Education

Engineering degree (AQF7+)

Job description

About The Opportunity

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, our Community Utilities team plays a critical role in delivering safe, reliable and sustainable water and wastewater services to our community. As our region continues to grow, maintaining, renewing and investing in this essential infrastructure is key to supporting our community now and into the future.

Construction Manager

We are looking for a Construction Manager to lead Council’s Utilities Construction Section, overseeing the delivery of water and wastewater construction, maintenance, repair and renewal activities across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. This senior leadership role will combine operational leadership, asset planning and project delivery while leading a high-performing team focused on safety, service delivery and continuous improvement.

On a Typical Day This Role Will

• Manage the delivery of construction services for Utilities Operations through effective operational leadership, resource planning, staff management, and budget control to achieve service objectives of section.
• Contribute to strategic, operational and asset management planning for the broader Community Utilities Division.
• Oversee the development and implementation of Council’s water and wastewater main renewal program, with regard to asset condition, criticality, value-for-money and other Council works.
• Oversee the delivery of operational maintenance and repair services for water and wastewater infrastructure across the Port Macquarie Hastings Council LGA within area of control and support other sections’ needs.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance and support to the construction team and engineering staff within the section.
• Review and approve engineering designs, drawings, specifications and associated technical documentation including the resolution of technical issues and consideration of constructability, operational requirements and whole-of-life outcomes.
• Deliver capital projects in accordance with PMHC’s adopted Project Management Framework.
• Prepare Review of Environmental Factors (REF) or other relevant documentation where required.
• Maintain appropriate documentation for all relevant policies, procedures, projects and activities, and prepare professional reports for Council and Committees.
• Provide expert and timely advice while effectively engaging with internal and external stakeholders, government agencies and the community to achieve positive outcomes
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, best practice and continuous improvement across the organisation to support the effective delivery of services.
• Ensure after hours and on call services of Council within position’s sphere of control are maintained and participate in after-hours on-call roster.

To Be Successful In The Role You Will Have

• Degree level qualifications (AQF level 7 or higher) in a relevant Engineering discipline or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
• Proven experience in water and wastewater construction.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the water and wastewater industry.
• Extensive project management experience, with the ability to deliver infrastructure projects and programs within operational and budget requirements.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to lead, coach and develop teams while driving operational performance and service outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing operational priorities, resources and budgets within a complex service delivery environment.
• Sound understanding of safety, environmental, risk and regulatory requirements relevant to infrastructure operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A current Class C Driver Licence and the ability to participate in an after-hours on-call roster.

Remuneration And Benefits

• Employment type: Permanent, full-time role (35 hours per week plus flex time)
• Salary: Starting from $134,858.70 to $150,948.83 per year depending on skills and experience plus 12% super
• Allowances: Civil liability and on call allowance
• This role also qualifies for a leaseback vehicle or allowance

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Candidates relocating to the region have access to The Welcome Experience
• Career development opportunities
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity or have any questions about the role please contact Brent Parker, Group Manager Utilities Operations on 0437 569 005.

Applications Close: Sunday 30th August 2026 at 11:30pm

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at [e-mail]. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Suitable candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future identical positions for 6 months or a talent pool for similar positions for a period of 12 months.

Preferred applicants are required to complete pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working with Children Check verification.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.