Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Utilities Engineering Planning & Assets Manager

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

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity or
have any questions about the role please contact Cameron Hawkins, Group
Manager Utilities Planning and Design on 6581 8034.

Interested in Applying?

Please complete the application form below and answer the
questions which relate to the essential requirements found in the position
description, then upload a copy of your resume and cover letter.

You will find the position description when you apply for
the role.

You may find it helpful to write your response to the
questions in a word document then copy/paste this into the application form
once you are ready to submit your application.

Applications Close: Sunday 04 October 2026 at 11:30pm

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 [email protected].We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Notes:

Suitable candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future identical positions for 6 months or a talent pool for similar positions for a period of
12 months.

Please upload documents in PDF format.

Preferred applicants are required to complete
pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal
Police Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working with
Children Check verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is
primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct
before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.
Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application
received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more
information, delay notifications, testing/assessments
(aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes
(unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure
our email address [email protected] and Pulse email [email protected]is set to 'trustworthy'.

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.