Senior Manager Works and Parks - Warwick Region

Precruitment; Warwick; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% employer superannuation

Full private use vehicle

Relocation assistance

4 weeks annual leave

Salary packaging options

Health assessments

Private health insurance

Job summary

Southern Downs Regional Council in Warwick is seeking a Senior Manager Works & Parks to lead roads, bridges, drainage, parks, fleet and workshops. You will manage a team of ~160 staff and oversee a $20M operating budget and a $25M capital works program, delivering safe, reliable infrastructure for the community.

The role reports to the General Manager Infrastructure, Assets & Projects and requires strategic leadership, strong financial acumen and a track record of delivering major programs

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in large infrastructure or civil construction teams within Local Government.
• Proven capability managing large budgets and delivering complex infrastructure programs.
• Strong relationships with stakeholders across executive leadership, government agencies and community groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across roads, bridges, drainage, parks, fleet and workshop operations.
• Develop high-performing leaders and foster accountability, safety and continuous improvement.
• Direct planning and delivery of major capital infrastructure programs with sound financial control.
• Lead RMPC and partnerships with transport authorities to deliver safe, cost-effective road maintenance.
• Represent Council in regional transport planning and funding discussions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

People leadership

Safety leadership

Contract delivery

Project management

Communication

Asset management

Governance

Education

Engineering degree

RPEQ registration (preferred)

Job description

Senior Manager Works and Parks - Warwick Region

Senior Manager Works & Parks - Southern Downs Regional Council - Located in Warwick

Southern Downs Region

Nestled in Queensland's picturesque Southern Downs, the thriving regional centres of Warwick and Stanthorpe offer an exceptional lifestyle where vibrant country living meets outstanding career opportunities. Renowned for its cool-climate wineries, spectacular national parks, granite landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, the region also boasts excellent schools, quality healthcare, boutique shopping, cafés, sporting facilities and a welcoming community. With affordable housing, minimal commute times and Brisbane and the Gold Coast just an easy drive away, the Southern Downs provides the perfect setting to enjoy genuine work-life balance while building a rewarding career and embracing an outstanding regional lifestyle.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the General Manager Infrastructure, Assets & Projects, the Senior Manager Works & Parks is a senior leadership role that oversees one of Southern Downs Regional Council's largest operational portfolios. Leading five direct reports and a workforce of approximately 160 employees, you will provide strategic leadership across roads, bridges, drainage, parks, fleet, workshops, civil construction and maintenance services while delivering a $25 million Capital Works Program and managing an Operational Budget of approximately $20 million. This is an outstanding opportunity to influence the region's future infrastructure, lead and mentor high-performing teams and deliver lasting outcomes for the community.

• Generous base salary - negotiable depending on the successful candidates skills and experience
• 12% employer superannuation
• Full private use vehicle
• Relocation assistance available
• 4 weeks annual leave
• 17.5% annual leave loading which is included in the base salary
• 15 days personal leave
• Some flexible work arrangements by agreement
• Salary packaging options available
• Annual professional skin checks valued at $135
• Comprehensive bi-annual health assessments
• Discounted gym memberships
• Extensive Employee Assistance Program including counselling plus financial, legal or nutritional support
• Corporate private health insurance packages through Medibank and Bupa
• Banking benefits with Heritage Bank
• Active and social workplace culture with Council's Social Club

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Council's roads, civil construction, parks, drainage, fleet and workshop operations, ensuring services meet community expectations and long-term infrastructure objectives
• Lead a large multidisciplinary workforce by developing high-performing leaders, strengthening capability and fostering a culture built around accountability, safety and continuous improvement
• Direct the planning, prioritisation and successful delivery of major capital infrastructure programs while maintaining effective financial control across substantial operational and capital budgets
• Provide strategic leadership of Council's Road Maintenance Performance Contract (RMPC), fostering strong partnerships with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to deliver safe, compliant and cost-effective road maintenance services while driving continuous improvement and achieving contractual, operational and budget outcomes
• Represent Council in the Regional Roads and Transport Group (RRTG), advocating for regional infrastructure priorities, securing funding opportunities and contributing to collaborative transport planning across the region
• Drive the effective management of Council's transport infrastructure, parks and public spaces through sound asset management, maintenance planning and service optimisation
• Oversee fleet and workshop operations to maximise the performance, lifecycle and utilisation of Council's yellow plant, heavy vehicles and equipment
• Lead disaster recovery programs, external funding initiatives and regional infrastructure projects while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, funding agreements and governance requirements
• Champion workplace health and safety by embedding safe work practices, proactive risk management and strong operational leadership across all business units
• Support the Executive Leadership Team by providing informed strategic advice on infrastructure planning, resource allocation and organisational priorities
• Identify opportunities for innovation, operational efficiencies and service improvements that enhance value for the community while supporting Council's long-term vision

Qualifications and Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience managing large operational infrastructure or civil construction teams within Local Government
• Demonstrated success overseeing substantial operational and capital budgets together with the delivery of complex infrastructure programs
• Proven capability leading multiple business units while mentoring and developing leaders, improving organisational performance and achieving measurable operational outcomes
• Strong understanding of road construction, maintenance, parks operations, fleet management and civil infrastructure delivery
• Well-developed commercial, financial and project management skills with the ability to balance strategic priorities alongside day-to-day operational demands
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, with experience building productive relationships across executive leadership, government agencies, contractors, senior leaders, team members and community groups
• Highly developed analytical and decision‑making skills with the confidence to manage complex operational challenges and competing priorities
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in engineering, civil infrastructure, construction, asset management or equivalent strong relevant local council experience
• Registration as a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ), or the ability to obtain registration within the required time frame will be highly regarded

Learn More About Southern Downs Regional Council

\"Please copy and paste the following into the search bar on the Southern Downs Regional Council website which is - https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/

2026 - 2027 Budget and Operational Plan Summary - SDRC - Adopted 24 June 2026.pdf

Closing Date

Friday 24th July 2026 - If you need more time, please let me know?

Applications for this position will be assessed as they are submitted.