Process Manager

About the Opportunity

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, our Utilities Operations team plays a critical role in delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable water and wastewater services to the community. As the region continues to grow, the demand on essential infrastructure and operational services is increasing, making strong leadership, innovation, and operational excellence more important than ever.

We are looking for a Process Manager to lead the Utilities Process Team and oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and performance of water, wastewater, and headworks infrastructure across the region. This role will drive operational improvements, support strategic planning, and lead a high-performing team to deliver essential services that meet community and organisational expectations.

On a typical day this role will:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of Council’s Utilities Process Team, ensuring water and wastewater services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with required service standards.
• Oversee operational maintenance and repair programs for water and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring effective service delivery across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.
• Manage budgets, resources, and operational priorities to achieve best value outcomes and support the delivery of annual operational plans.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance support to staff to foster a positive, high-performing, and safety-focused culture.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of Water and Wastewater Asset Management Plans and support the delivery of capital projects.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, contractors, and the community to support responsive and customer-focused service delivery.
• Monitor compliance with WHS legislation, environmental requirements, Council policies, and operational procedures.
• Identify and implement process improvements, innovation opportunities, and better practice initiatives to enhance operational performance and service delivery.
• Participate in after-hours and on-call services to support operational continuity when required.

To be successful in the role you will have:

• Degree qualifications in Engineering, Environmental Science, or another relevant discipline, with demonstrated experience relevant to the role.
• Proven experience within the utilities sector managing water and/or wastewater treatment, process operations, or bulk distribution services.
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage, coach, and develop teams while driving performance outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational services, budgets, resources, and achieving KPI and operational plan outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety legislation and experience promoting a positive safety culture.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and provide technical advice.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, respond to operational challenges, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Current Class C Driver Licence and the ability to participate in an after-hours on-call roster.

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment type: Permanent, full-time role (35 hours per week plus flextime)

Salary: Starting from $129,671.65 to $145,124.67 per year depending on skills and experience plus 12% super

Allowances: Civil liability and on call allowance

This role also qualifies for a leaseback vehicle or allowance

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements - hybrid working and flexitime
• Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Annual uniform allowance and PPE provided
• Career development opportunities
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2023 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 Brent Parker, Group Manager Utilities Operations on 0437 569 005.

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 the 21st of June 2026 at 11.30pm

Notes:

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

Please upload documents in PDF format.

We often ask our preferred applicants to complete pre-employment checks. This may include Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; 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 [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.