Principal Project Manager

Cairns Regional Council; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 123,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Fitness Passport

Annual leave 5 weeks

Personal leave 3 weeks

Parental leave 14 weeks

Learning and development

Salary sacrifice

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Cairns Regional Council is seeking a skilled engineer to lead complex capital projects from planning to delivery at our Cairns council offices. Reporting to the Executive Manager Major Projects, you will drive procurement strategy and delivery outcomes with autonomy and accountability.

You will assemble internal specialists, consultants and contractors, manage tender and contract documentation, and ensure scope, cost, time and quality align with project goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering or relevant engineering qualification.
• Extensive engineering, project and contract management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex capital works from tender documentation to delivery.
• Coordinate approvals with utilities and government agencies.
• Manage scope, cost, time and quality with QA procedures.
• Provide clear reporting on progress, expenditure, claims and variations.

Skills

Lead multidisciplinary teams

Negotiation

Contract administration

Delivery planning

Education

Bachelor of Engineering

Job description

Salary Range: $122,578.71 - $153,700.84 per annum

Position Type: Full-Time Permanent

Location: Council Chambers, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns

Application Close Date: Sunday, 29 November 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Lead complex capital projects. Shape delivery decisions. Build lasting infrastructure for the Cairns community.

Join Council’s Major Projects branch in a permanent role combining engineering expertise, commercial judgement and team leadership. Reporting to the Executive Manager Major Projects, you will work with a high level of autonomy and accountability to lead complex capital works, with the opportunity to influence procurement, construction methodology and delivery outcomes.

What You'll Be Doing

• Bring together internal specialists, consultants and contractors to turn project requirements into delivered infrastructure. Your remit spans tender and contract documentation, delivery planning, approvals and contract administration, with responsibility for scope, cost, time and quality.
• You will:
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of Council staff, consultants and contractors, building collaboration and clear accountability for project outcomes.
• Lead the preparation of tender and contract documentation that establishes clear requirements for capital works delivery.
• Negotiate and coordinate project approvals with utilities, statutory authorities and government agencies, representing Council within delegated authority.
• Manage contract administration and provide clear reporting on progress, expenditure, claims and variations; act as Superintendent’s Representative when nominated.
• Identify and apply suitable contract and construction methods, coordinating delivery with other Council capital works.
• Control scope, cost, schedule and quality to deliver agreed project outcomes using appropriate quality assurance procedures.

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor of Engineering or other relevant Engineering qualification.
• Extensive engineering, project and contract management experience in a medium to large multi-disciplined organisation.
• Current Drivers Licence with the ability to independently drive between business locations to meet operational needs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams, negotiate effectively and build productive relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge and understanding of relevant Standards and Legislation.
• Working knowledge and understanding of project management frameworks, such as PMBOK, PRINCE2, and other industry standards.

Bring your delivery experience to Council’s Major Projects branch and help shape infrastructure for our region.

Some benefits we offer:

• Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
• Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks personal leave
• Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
• Salary sacrifice opportunities
• Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.

We are committed to:

• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
• Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support