Service Manager - Tunnelling, Drilling & Mining Projects

Herrenknecht; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Herrenknecht Australia seeks an experienced Service Manager – Tunnelling, Drilling & Mining Projects to lead strategic planning and delivery of projects across Australia and New Zealand from Brisbane. You will oversee workforce planning, budgeting, technical coordination, logistics, and site operations to meet safety, schedule and cost targets.

The role requires strong leadership, commercial awareness, and a hands-on understanding of tunnelling, drilling, mining and heavy equipment operations,

Qualifications

• Extensive tunnelling, HDD, mining and underground construction experience.
• Proven leadership of field supervisors, technicians and specialists.
• Experience managing TBM projects, heavy equipment mobilisation, commissioning and maintenance.
• Strong track record in project budgets, contracts and commercial performance.
• Solid understanding of Australian WHS legislation and standards.

Responsibilities

• Strategically manage workforce forecasting and labour logistics for tunnelling, drilling and mining projects across Australia and NZ.
• Coordinate deployment of field supervisors, technicians and specialist personnel.
• Oversee TBM assembly, commissioning, operation, maintenance and project execution.
• Monitor project costs, schedules, and quality, ensuring compliance with contracts and safety requirements.
• Lead cross-functional teams, manage stakeholder relationships and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Tunnelling operations

Leadership

Contract management

Budgeting

Safety & QA

Project delivery

Education

Mechanical or Electrical Trade Certificate

Engineering/Project Management Degree

Job description

Herrenknecht is a world-leading supplier of mechanized tunnelling and mining technology and equipment, delivering innovative solutions for the construction of tunnels and underground infrastructure projects worldwide.

As the Australian subsidiary of the global Herrenknecht Group, Herrenknecht Australia provides specialist technical, operational, and engineering support to tunnelling and mining projects across Australia and New Zealand. Our experienced team works closely with clients throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and machine delivery, site assembly, commissioning, operation, maintenance through to project completion and demobilization. Our in-house engineering expertise enables us to develop practical solutions to complex challenges associated with tunnel construction and underground works.

We are currently seeking an experienced and motivated Service Manager - Tunnelling, Drilling & Mining Projects to join our Australian team, based at our Brisbane Head Office.

About the role

The Service Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and delivery of tunnelling, pipe jacking, horizontal directional drilling and mining projects across Australia & New Zealand. This role oversees workforce planning, project execution, technical coordination, logistics, budgeting, and site operations associated with tunnelling, drilling and mining equipment.

Working closely with clients, project teams, and Herrenknecht Headquarters, the Service Manager will ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence.

This role requires strong leadership, commercial awareness, and a hands-on understanding of tunnelling, drilling, mining, and heavy equipment operations.

Responsibilities

Operational Management

Strategically manage workforce forecasting and labour logistics to support tunnelling, drilling and mining projects across Australia

Plan, coordinate, and oversee the deployment of Herrenknecht field supervisors, technicians, and specialist personnel

Ensure adequate manpower resources are available to support TBM assembly, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and project execution

Develop and implement operational plans to optimise resource allocation and project performance

Support multiple project sites simultaneously while maintaining operational efficiency and service excellence

Project Delivery & Management

Support the delivery of tunnelling, drilling and mining equipment from initial planning through commissioning, handover, and operational support

Oversee project execution, ensuring compliance with contractual, technical, safety, and operational requirements

Monitor project schedules, coordinate project activities, and resolve operational and technical issues.

Ensure project milestones and deliverables are achieved safely, efficiently, and in accordance with client expectations

Collaborate closely with customers, contractors, and project stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes

Monitor project costs, track expenditures, and implement corrective actions where required

Support project budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes

Assist with contract administration and commercial project management activities

Identify opportunities to improve project profitability, operational efficiency, and resource utilisation

Leadership & Workforce Management

Lead, mentor, and supervise project personnel, field supervisors, and technical teams

Coordinate recruitment, mobilisation, and workforce planning requirements

Develop employee capabilities through training, coaching, and performance management initiatives

Foster a high-performance culture focused on safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement

Support succession planning and capability development across operational teams

Quality, Safety & Environmental Management

Participate in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) management systems

Ensure all project activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, legislative requirements, and industry best practices

Promote a proactive safety culture and support incident prevention initiatives

Conduct project reviews, risk assessments, and corrective action follow-up activities

Ensure compliance with applicable workplace health and safety legislation, regulations, and client requirements

Qualifications

Mechanical or Electrical Trade Certificate, or

Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline

Skills & Experience

Extensive experience in tunnelling, pipe jacking, HDD, mining, underground construction, heavy industry, or major infrastructure projects

Proven experience managing field supervisors, technicians, and specialist personnel

Demonstrated experience managing TBM projects, heavy equipment mobilisation, commissioning, maintenance, and field service operations

Experience managing project budgets, contracts, and commercial performance

Strong understanding of Australian workplace health and safety legislation and industry standards

Strong project and operations management capability within tunnelling, mining, construction, or heavy engineering environments

Demonstrated experience managing complex capital equipment projects and multidisciplinary teams.

Strong commercial acumen and contract management skills

Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities

Strong budgeting, cost control, and financial management capabilities

Advanced planning, scheduling, and resource management skills

Sound understanding of TBM operations, underground construction methodologies, and heavy equipment logistics

Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Thorough knowledge of Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental management systems

Willingness to travel nationally to support project requirements as required

This is an exciting opportunity to join a global leader in mechanised tunnelling technology and play a key role in delivering some of Australia's most significant tunnelling and mining projects. You will work alongside highly experienced industry professionals and contribute to the successful delivery of technically challenging and nationally significant infrastructure projects.