Manager Road Construction and Maintenance

McArthur; St George; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Regional lifestyle

Housing options

Job summary

Balonne Shire Council in St George seeks an experienced Manager Road Construction and Maintenance to lead the roads function across a broad regional network. You will oversee construction, maintenance, renewal, drainage and external road contracts, working with a skilled team and key stakeholders.

The role requires a qualified engineer with strong leadership, procurement and budget management capabilities, plus the ability to deliver projects on time and within scope.

Qualifications

• Tertiary engineering qualification with EA membership eligibility.
• Experience leading roads construction and maintenance operations.
• Ability to manage contracts, procurement and budgets.
• Strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• RPEQ, asset management and traffic management design qualifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead road construction and maintenance programs across a regional network.
• Manage contracts, procurement and budgets.
• Provide technical advice on road construction, maintenance and drainage.
• Mentor engineering capability and lead Infrastructure Services team.
• Collaborate with stakeholders including the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
• Deliver operational and capital programs with focus on scope, cost, quality and schedule.

Skills

Leadership

Contract management

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Engineering knowledge

Education

Engineering degree

RPEQ

Engineers Australia membership

Traffic management design qualifications

Tools

Contract procurement experience

Asset management experience

Job description

Manager Road Construction and Maintenance

Balonne Shire Council is seeking an experienced roads, construction and maintenance leader to take on a pivotal role within its Infrastructure Services team. Based in St George, approximately 600 kilometres south-west of Brisbane, Balonne Shire covers more than 31,000 square kilometres and includes the communities of St George, Dirranbandi, Hebel, Bollon, Thallon, Nindigully and the Queensland side of Mungindi. With the Balonne River running through St George and a region known for its waterways, agriculture, outdoor lifestyle and strong community connections, this is an opportunity to combine meaningful professional impact with the advantages of regional living.

Reporting to the Director Infrastructure Services, the Manager Road Construction and Maintenance will lead Council's crucial roads function and provide direction across road construction, maintenance, renewal, drainage infrastructure, external road contracts and associated infrastructure programs. The position has responsibility for a team that includes engineering, RMPC, local roads, construction and administration capability, and will work closely with experienced supervisors and crews to deliver practical, high-quality outcomes across a broad regional network.

This is a role for someone who can bring both technical credibility and strong people leadership. Council is looking for a qualified engineer who understands road construction and maintenance operations, can manage contracts, procurement, budgets and project delivery, and is comfortable engaging with key stakeholders including the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Councillors, internal teams, customers and community groups. Experience with Main Roads works will be particularly valuable, given the importance of TMR-related projects and contracts to Council's works program.

The successful candidate will lead the delivery of operational and capital programs with a clear focus on scope, cost, quality and schedule. This will include providing technical advice on road construction, maintenance and drainage matters; supporting Council infrastructure projects and programs; implementing and maintaining relevant asset management plans; monitoring budgets and reporting on variances; preparing reports; and ensuring procurement and contract administration are undertaken in accordance with Council requirements. The role will have involvement in significant works including the upcoming Wallam Creek Main Roads project.

This is a key leadership role requiring someone who can bring stability, credibility and practical direction to an experienced team. Council is looking for a leader who is visible in the field, confident engaging with supervisors and crews, and able to balance firm decision-making with respect for existing operational knowledge. The successful candidate will mentor emerging engineering capability and contribute as part of the broader Infrastructure Services leadership team.

In a smaller regional council environment, the role offers a breadth of exposure that is difficult to replicate in larger organisations. You will have the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, contribute to decision-making, and influence service delivery in a visible, practical way. It will suit a leader who enjoys being close to the work, understands the realities of regional delivery, and can operate effectively within Council systems while keeping projects and teams moving forward.

To be successful, you will bring tertiary qualifications in engineering, with the ability to obtain full membership of Engineers Australia, together with extensive experience in managing road construction and maintenance operations. You will bring demonstrated project management capability, experience managing civil engineering contracts, procurement and budgets, and the communication skills to work constructively with internal and external stakeholders in a culturally diverse environment. RPEQ, asset management, project management and traffic management design qualifications will be highly regarded, as will local government experience.

For candidates considering relocation, Balonne Shire offers a welcoming regional lifestyle with affordable housing options, schooling in St George, access to tertiary education through the Country University Centre, strong sporting and community networks, and a wide range of outdoor activities including swimming, fishing, boating, waterskiing and camping. This is a chance to make a visible contribution to an essential regional service while enjoying the community, space and lifestyle benefits of south-west Queensland.

If you are a credible roads and infrastructure leader who can combine technical judgement with practical, relationship-based leadership, this role offers the opportunity to create stability, strengthen capability and leave a lasting impact across Balonne Shire Council's roads portfolio.