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. Job Offering Base salary - starting at $200,000 (is negotiable depending on the successful candidates skills and experience) 12% employer superannuation Full private use vehicle Relocation assistance up to $12,000 4 weeks annual leave 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 - 2031 Corporate Plan - SDRC - Adopted 24 June 2026.pdf 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. How To Apply: If you are interested in being considered for this integral position with Southern Downs Regional Council please click the apply button or contact Brock O'Brien at Precruitment on 0468 566 523 to discuss the opportunity in more detail . About Us With offices in Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane, Precruitment is regional Queensland's leading recruitment consultancy, specialising in permanent and temporary roles. We proudly partner with Local Government and regional employers to connect professionals with roles that combine lifestyle and career development.
