Manager Water Services

Narrabri Shire Council; Narrabri; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Leaseback vehicle

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Narrabri Shire Council is seeking a Manager Water Services to lead a dedicated team, shape essential water and wastewater infrastructure, and drive continuous improvement across a critical regional function.

Reporting to the Director Infrastructure Delivery, you will develop strategies, manage budgets and contracts, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and build strong networks with government agencies and local communities.

Qualifications

• Experience leading water and wastewater services.
• Strong asset lifecycle and capital planning capability.
• Commercial and financial acumen with significant operating budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies for infrastructure development and continued service delivery.
• Provide high-level planning, monitoring, analysis and reporting of capital and other works.
• Make informed recommendations and provide professional advice on water quality and related matters.
• Manage budgets, procurement, contracts and contractor performance for water, sewage and urban stormwater infrastructure.
• Develop and implement policies and service improvements to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
• Represent Council on committees and boards and build networks with government agencies and local organisations.

Skills

Leadership

Asset lifecycle planning

Budget management

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Change management

Water/wastewater understanding

Education

Civil/Mechanical/Env Eng degree

Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment qualifications

Job description

Manager Water Services

• Lead essential services. Shape critical infrastructure. Make an impact you can see.
• Flexible working arrangements, leaseback vehicle and professional development opportunities.
• $139,807 - $154,702 per annum plus superannuation.

About Us

Narrabri Shire Council is responsible for delivering essential services and infrastructure across one of regional New South Wales' most productive and dynamic regional areas. Serving a diverse community across Narrabri, Wee Waa, Boggabri, Bellata, Gwabegar and Pilliga, Council is committed to supporting sustainable growth, economic development and a high quality of life for residents and businesses. Our Water Services team plays a critical role in safeguarding public health and supporting the region’s future by delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. Through strategic planning, operational excellence and investment in infrastructure, we work to ensure sustainable and compliant water services that meet the needs of a growing Shire. At Narrabri Shire Council, we offer a supportive and collaborative workplace, professional development opportunities, and the chance to enjoy the benefits of regional living while contributing to the prosperity and wellbeing of our communities.

About The Role

You will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team, influence long-term service delivery outcomes and drive continuous improvement across a critical community function. Reporting to the Director of Infrastructure Delivery, your key responsibilities include:

• Develop strategies for infrastructure development and the continued provision of services to our distributed and growing community.
• Provide high-level planning, programming, monitoring, analysis and reporting of capital works projects or operational works.
• Make informed decisions and recommendations and provide concise professional advice to internal and external stakeholders regarding water quality and related matters.
• Manage budgets, procurement, contracts and contractor performance for water, sewage and urban stormwater infrastructure.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and service improvements to enhance efficiency and customer experience, and support assessment teams with interpretation and application of required standards.
• Represent Council on committees and boards, at meetings and events, and establish and maintain a network of key contacts including government agencies, industry bodies and local community organisations in order to maintain awareness of developments in the Water Services industry.

For further information, please refer to the Position Description. Enquiries relating to this position should be directed to Warren Faulkner, Director Infrastructure Delivery, on [phone].

About You

As Manager Water Services, you understand treatment, infrastructure, compliance and the consequences of getting essential services wrong. This is a unique leadership role for an experienced water industry professional seeking to make a meaningful impact in a progressive regional council. You'll also bring:

• Leadership experience across water and wastewater services.
• Strong asset lifecycle, renewal and capital planning capability.
• Commercial and financial acumen, including responsibility for significant operating budgets and business cases.
• Sound knowledge of relevant regulatory and environmental requirements.
• Experience leading people through change and improving established ways of working.
• The ability to turn complex technical issues into clear recommendations and gain stakeholder support.
• Strong judgement, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A degree in Civil, Mechanical or Environmental Engineering and equivalent experience in water and wastewater infrastructure and project management.
• Qualifications in Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment or similar fields and demonstrated experience applying relevant skills in the Water Services industry.
• A current NSW Class C driver licence, and a General Construction Induction Card (or recognised equivalent), or the ability to obtain one.

Local Government experience and qualifications in management are not essential but will be highly regarded.

Why Work for Narrabri Shire Council

This is an opportunity to join Narrabri Shire Council at an exciting time of organisational development and regional growth. The work is visible, the impact is real, and your decisions will shape how essential services are delivered for years to come.

Closing Date

Closing date for applications is at 5:00pm on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.

Policies and Equal Opportunity

Narrabri Shire Council reserves the right to close or withdraw vacancies before the advertised closing date or extend without prior notice.

Narrabri Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We support difference and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and community and are committed to celebrating diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees.