Apply: Manager Operations

Our Client

Port Augusta City Council is a South Australian local government authority serving Port Augusta, Stirling North and the coastal communities of Commissariat Point, Blanche Harbor and Miranda. With a population of approximately 14,102, the Council delivers a broad range of services and infrastructure that support a safe, vibrant and sustainable community.
Its strategic vision is to create and sustain a safe and vibrant community where people want to live, work, play and visit, underpinned by values of respect and social cohesion, optimism and confidence, courage and leadership. With a strong focus on community amenity, infrastructure reliability and continuous improvement, Council is now seeking a Manager Operations to lead its depot and open space functions.

The Role

Reporting to the Director Infrastructure, you will lead the Operations department and ensure Council’s works, parks and maintenance services are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for people, resources, service planning and continuous improvement across a broad operational portfolio.

• Lead four operational streams: civil construction, parks and open spaces, civil maintenance and building maintenance.
• Manage around 36 staff, supported by senior team leaders and depot administration.
• Set priorities for works, budgets, resources and service levels across the depot.
• Strengthen relationships with staff, unions, residents, Elected Members, contractors and authorities.
• Oversee key assets including fleet, wastewater treatment and CWMS as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Operations Department to meet Council’s safety, reliability, amenity and service objectives.
• Plan and coordinate works programmes, allocating labour, plant and materials efficiently.
• Build a motivated, self-directing culture through mentoring, coaching and clear performance management.
• Drive the shift from reactive response to proactive maintenance and continuous improvement.
• Champion WHS, Return to Work and legislative compliance across all operational activities.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and represent Council with residents, Elected Members, statutory authorities, suppliers and contractors.
• Prepare budget inputs, monitor expenditure and report on forecasts, trends and future projections.
• Develop procedures, maintenance programmes and accurate records in line with Council policy and State Records requirements.

About You

• Qualifications: Relevant tertiary and/or trade qualification in civil operations or a related discipline; current Class C driver’s licence.
• Operational leadership: Proven experience supervising, mentoring and coaching teams in civil construction, maintenance or comparable operations.
• Program delivery: Track record delivering work on time, on budget and to a high standard.
• Budget control: Sound experience preparing budgets, managing resources and monitoring expenditure.
• Technical understanding: Working knowledge of civil maintenance programmes, asset maintenance, WHS and local government practices; irrigation, CWMS and water treatment knowledge [suggestion].
• Continuous improvement: Demonstrated ability to evaluate systems, improve processes and lift service outcomes.
• Constructive communicator: Strong interpersonal skills, with the credibility to build trust, listen well and handle conflict calmly.
• Highly regarded: Local government experience, workforce planning/succession planning experience, and management or leadership training.

In Return

• Competitive remuneration plus vehicle.
• Permanent full-time role based in Port Augusta.
• The chance to inherit a well-regarded team and shape a more proactive maintenance model with visible community impact.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in the position available, please apply using the relevant link. If you have any specific questions, please contact Matt Hobby on 08 8273 9385. If you would like a copy of the Position Description, please email info@ppsconsulting.com.au
Applications close 26th July 2026.