Utilities Engineering Planning & Assets Manager

Port Macquarie Hastings Council; Port Macquarie; Hybrid; AUD 135,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexi-time

Gym membership

Career development opportunities

Annual salary review

Welcome experience for relocations

Long service leave

Job summary

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is seeking a Utilities Engineering Planning and Assets Manager to lead the Engineering Planning & Assets Section, directing asset lifecycle management and long-term strategy for water, wastewater, and waste infrastructure.

The role requires demonstrated leadership, budget oversight, and strong communication to shape sustainable utility investment and service delivery for our region.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent recognised discipline.
• Significant experience in utilities or related infrastructure environments.
• Strong leadership, budgeting and strategic planning capabilities.
• Advanced written and verbal communication, reporting and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Engineering Planning & Assets Section with strategic direction and team leadership.
• Develop and review asset management plans, renewal programs and long-term infrastructure strategies for water, wastewater and waste.
• Oversee infrastructure planning, hydraulic modelling and asset lifecycle management for sustainable service delivery.
• Lead strategic financial, resource and budget planning to support long-term investments.
• Use engineering data to support evidence-based planning, prioritisation and investment decisions.
• Provide expert technical and strategic advice on utility infrastructure planning and asset management.
• Lead, coach and develop staff to build a high-performing team.
• Drive continuous improvement and contemporary asset management practices across the Section.
• Build strong relationships with internal/external stakeholders and industry partners.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Problem solving

Driver license

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Job description

About The Opportunity

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, our Community Utilities team plays a critical role in planning and managing the infrastructure that supports essential water, wastewater and waste services across our region. As our community continues to grow, effective long-term infrastructure planning and contemporary asset management are essential to ensuring these services remain sustainable, reliable and responsive to future needs.

We are looking for a Utilities Engineering Planning and Assets Manager to lead Council's Engineering Planning & Assets Section. This leadership role will oversee the strategic planning and lifecycle management of our utility assets, bringing together engineering information, asset management, infrastructure planning and financial sustainability to guide investment and support the future growth of our region.

On a Typical Day This Role Will

• Lead and manage the Engineering Planning & Assets Section, providing strategic direction, resource planning and leadership to a team of technical professionals.
• Lead the development and review of asset management plans, renewal and rehabilitation programs and long-term infrastructure strategies across water, wastewater and waste.
• Oversee infrastructure planning, hydraulic modelling and asset lifecycle management to support sustainable service delivery and future growth.
• Lead strategic financial, resource and budget planning to support long-term investment in utility infrastructure.
• Use engineering information and asset data to support evidence-based planning, prioritisation and investment decisions.
• Provide expert technical and strategic advice across the organisation on utility infrastructure planning and asset management.
• Lead, coach and develop staff to foster a collaborative, capable and high-performing team.
• Drive continuous improvement and contemporary asset management practices across the Section.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, industry partners and the community to support strategic and service delivery outcomes.

To Be Successful In The Role You Will Have

• A Degree in Civil Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline acceptable for membership with Engineers Australia, or a recognised degree in another discipline with relevant experience.
• Significant recent experience within the utilities industry or a closely related infrastructure environment.
• Strong experience in asset management, long-term infrastructure planning and strategic planning relevant to water, wastewater, waste or comparable infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to lead, coach and develop professional teams and influence positive outcomes.
• Proven experience managing budgets, resources, team performance and operational priorities.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance long-term infrastructure requirements with financial and service delivery priorities.
• Advanced written and verbal communication, report writing, stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• A sound understanding of WHS requirements and experience fostering a positive safety culture.
• A current Class C Driver Licence.

Remuneration And Benefits

Employment type: Permanent, full-time role (35 hours per week plus flex time)
Salary: Starting from $134,858.70 to $150,948.83 per year depending on skills and experience plus 12% super
Allowances: Civil Liabilities Allowance of 3.5% of your rate of pay.
Motor vehicle: This role qualifies for either a Council leaseback vehicle ($91.64–$152.12 weekly deduction, depending on vehicle type) or a vehicle allowance of $10,780 per annum.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Candidates relocating to the region have access to The Welcome Experience
• Career development opportunities
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

We believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at [e-mail]’re here to support you every step of the way.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.