Manager Infrastructure - Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Ready for a sea change and a leadership challenge in one of Australia’s most unique and remote island communities?

The Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands is seeking a skilled, proactive and community-minded Manager Infrastructure to lead the delivery of essential infrastructure services, projects and outdoor operations across the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

This is a hands-on senior leadership role where your work will have a direct and visible impact on the community and the islands’ infrastructure and services.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Manager Infrastructure will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Shire’s infrastructure and outdoor operations functions.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading the Infrastructure and Outdoor Operations team to deliver reliable and effective day-to- day services;

• Planning, coordinating and delivering the Shire’s capital works program and infrastructure maintenance activities across roads, drainage, buildings and community facilities;
• Managing waste services, plant and fleet operations, and marine, coastal and foreshore infrastructure;
• Managing infrastructure budgets, procurement processes, contracts and contractor performance to achieve quality outcomes and value for money;
• Driving strong safety, compliance, risk management and service continuity outcomes;
• Providing practical technical advice to the CEO and Council on infrastructure, asset management and operational matters; and
• Acting as Chief Executive Officer, when required and appropriately authorised, during approved periods of leave or absence in accordance with Council delegations.

ABOUT YOU

You are a practical, collaborative and resilient leader with strong technical and operational capability and a genuine commitment to community service.

You will be comfortable working in a remote environment where adaptability, sound judgement, initiative and strong relationships are essential. You will be someone who can move confidently between strategic planning and hands-on operational problem-solving.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Applicants will demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading infrastructure, works or outdoor operations, preferably in a remote or regional environment;
• Sound knowledge and practical experience in roads, drainage, waste services and infrastructure maintenance;
• Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver projects and capital works programs;
• Proven experience managing contracts, procurement and operational budgets;
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills;
• A demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, professionalism and community service; and
• A current Western Australian C Class Driver’s Licence.

DESIRABLE

• The following would be highly regarded:
• Tertiary qualifications in civil engineering, construction management, asset management, project management or a related discipline;
• Previous experience working within local government;
• Experience with asset management systems, maintenance planning and scheduling;
• Knowledge of coastal, marine and island infrastructure challenges; and
• Experience acting in, or performing the functions of, a senior executive or organisational leadership role.

Full selection criteria are provided in the Application Package.

WHAT WE OFFER

The Shire offers an attractive remuneration and benefits package, including:

• Base salary of up to $140,000 per annum, plus superannuation and District Allowance;
• Subsidised housing and utilities;
• Relocation assistance;
• Additional Shire matching superannuation contributions (conditions apply);
• 5 weeks annual leave;
• Shire vehicle;
• Professional development opportunities and support;
• Return airfares (conditions apply); and
• A 3–5-year contract, negotiable, providing stability and the opportunity to deliver lasting outcomes for the community.

Most importantly, this is a rare opportunity to combine senior leadership and meaningful community impact with an extraordinary island lifestyle.

HOW TO APPLY

An Application Package, including the Position Description and full selection criteria, is available from the Shire’s website:

Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands – Employment Opportunities Applications should be submitted to:

Lanif Yakin

Human Resources Officer

Email: [email protected]

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

Monday, 14 September 2026 at 4:00pm WST

Early applications are encouraged. The Shire reserves the right to close the advertisement early and appoint at any time should a suitable candidate be identified.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The successful applicant will be required to:

• Obtain a current police clearance;
• Provide evidence of all qualifications and licences claimed in their application; and
• Undertake a pre-employment medical assessment, including drug and alcohol testing, if requested, prior to commencing employment.

The Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to a fair, transparent and merit-based recruitment process in selecting the best applicant for the position.