Executive Manager Utility Services

Executive Manager Utility Services
Requisition Number: 711
Salary Range: Competitive Salary Package
Position Type: Five (5) Year Contract
Location: Council Chambers, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns
Application Close Date: Sunday, 13 July 2025 at 11.30pm AEST

Shape the future of Cairns and drive the sustainable delivery of our essential services!

Are you a collaborative and supportive leader with a passion for delivering essential services and making a lasting impact on communities? Cairns Regional Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Manager Utility Services to lead one of the most vital service portfolios in one of Australia’s most vibrant and liveable regions.

What You Will Do:
As a key leader of the Cairns Infrastructure & Assets Directorate, you will provide leadership and recommendations to peers, subordinates and the Associate Director Service Delivery, regarding the operational management of Council’s water and wastewater assets:

• Wastewater treatment plants and outfalls;
• Wastewater pumping stations and licensed overflows;
• Reticulation systems of potable water, recycled water and wastewater;
• Water treatment Plants, intakes and Copperlode Dam

You are responsible for ensuring these assets are operating at a level to gain maximum lifespan and output capability in the asset’s lifecycle. You will be responsible for the sustainable delivery of critical infrastructure and services to over 165,000 residents, while driving innovation, efficiency and environmental stewardship. You will be playing a key role in shaping the future of Cairns through infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance and customer service excellence by leading a multidisciplinary team.

Who We Are Looking For:
We are looking for a senior and experienced leader with relevant qualifications in Engineering, Science or other suitable disciplines, extensive management in water and wastewater, a leadership style that supports individual, team and corporate achievements, lead others through change processes in an environment of continuous improvement to ensure team unity, superior communication and negotiation skills with ability to maintain working relationships and ability to promote the achievement of a customer-focused organisation.

Key Characteristics:

• Possesses extensive executive experience in utility services or large-scale infrastructure management.
• Demonstrates strong technical knowledge across water and wastewater systems, regulatory frameworks, and asset management.
• Exhibits a collaborative leadership style, empowering teams and fostering innovation.
• Has excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with a commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Some benefits we offer:

• Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.
• Fitness Passport – subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
• Recharge with 5 weeks annual leave per annum
• Up to 3 weeks personal leave
• Secure your future with 12% superannuation contributions
• Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities

We are committed to:

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

Now we want to hear about YOU!

Applications MUST be submitted online through the ‘Apply’ button and include a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria and Resume outlining previous academic and work experience and if requested include attachments of the relevant qualifications and licenses, relating to the role.

For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.

Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted via:
Phone: (07) 4044 3310
Email: [email protected]
Website: Employment at Council | Cairns Regional Council