Manager Operations Support & Projects

WannonWater; Warrnambool; On-site; AUD 122,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Health & wellbeing program

Learning & development opportunities

Job summary

Wannon Water in Warrnambool is seeking a Manager Operations Support and Projects to lead strategic improvements across water and wastewater systems and drive operational excellence.

The role manages major customer relationships, trade waste and asset programs, with a focus on regulatory compliance and environmental outcomes. It is a temporary full-time appointment until February 2028, offering a competitive salary and superannuation.

Qualifications

• Tertiary degree in engineering, science, project management or related field with proven team leadership experience.
• Strong experience in water supply and wastewater sector including plant operations.
• Proven leadership and team development ability.
• Ability to provide timely advice and influence service delivery decisions.
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach with good judgement and prioritization.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder relationships, including regulators.
• Commitment to safety and high-quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives for water, wastewater and reuse treatment systems to support operational efficiency and compliance.
• Oversee minor operational capital works projects from investigation to delivery and identify asset improvement opportunities.
• Manage major customer and trade waste services, ensuring accurate billing data and strong relationships.
• Coordinate biodiversity, recycled water and biosolids programs for environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.
• Provide leadership to teams and contractors, promoting safety culture and staff development across the organization.

Skills

Engineering background

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Safety culture

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Job Category: Engineering,Farming, Animals and Conversation

Who we are looking for

We have a temporary full-time position for a Manager Operations Support and Projects, based in Warrnambool, contracted until February 2028. This position comes with a generous salary of $122,229 to $139,253 p.a. plus superannuation.

We're looking for someone to lead and deliver strategic improvements across our water and wastewater systems while driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction. This is a dynamic leadership role overseeing major customer relationships, trade waste and water supply services, as well as natural asset and recycling programs aligned to our strategic priorities.

Job Description

What you'll be doing

On a day-to-day basis, you'll:

• Lead strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives for water, wastewater and reuse treatment systems to support operational efficiency, compliance and long-term business outcomes.
• Managethe investigation, design and delivery of minor operational capital works projects, including identifying treatment asset improvement opportunities for future planning programs.
• Oversee major customer and trade waste services, ensuring accurate billing data, strong stakeholder relationships and high-quality customer service outcomes.
• Coordinate biodiversity, recycled water and biosolids programs to ensure environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance and effective management of natural assets.
• Provide leadership and support to teams and contractors by promoting a strong safety culture, developing staff capability and fostering collaborative relationships across the organisation and industry stakeholders.

Desired Skills and Experience

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone with

• A tertiary background in engineering, science, project management or a related discipline with proven experience in leading a diverse team.
• Strong experience within the water supplyand wastewater sector, including experience in processing and treatment plant operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and the ability to guide, support and develop a high-performing team.
• The ability to provide sound, timely adviceand influence decisions that shape our service delivery.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with sound judgement and the ability to managepriorities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with regulatorsand internal teams
• A strong commitment to safety, accountability and high-quality outcomes for our people, customers and the environment.

For further details, see the position description available here.

We look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, feel free to call Luke Dunlop (Branch Manager Water Quality & Environmental Services) on 5565 6781.

What we can offer

Putting people first comes naturally to us, and that includes the people we employ. You’ll have every opportunity to make the most of your talents, broaden your experiences and be rewarded for the great work you do.

You’ll be offered a range of great benefits including:

• Workplace flexibility with access to working arrangements such as hybrid work, flexible hours, purchased leave, monthly rostered days off and more.
• An inclusive workplace culture, which embraces diversity and the benefits it brings to the workplace and life.
• A leadership commitment to Zero Harm where the safety and wellbeing of our people and others is paramount.
• A Health & Wellbeing program, to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing, including our Employee Assistance Program for our people and their immediate families.
• Extensive learning and development opportunities and access to professional development through associations such as CPA, IWC, WSAA, VicWater, and more.

We're an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment to creating and supporting an inclusive culture is reflected in our diverse mix of talented people who are passionate about delivering their best.

We welcome applications from everyone including people with a disability, job seekers of all ages, carers, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, members of the LGBTI+ community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Ready to find out about our employee benefits? Visit Our Careers page and discover more about us.

Reasonable Adjustments

We're here to support you through life's ups and downs. Whether you need adjustments during the recruitment process or at work, like flexible hours or accommodation for disabilities, we're here to help. We understand it can be daunting to share your needs, so feel free to reach out with any questions at [e-mail]. Your information will be kept completely confidential.