Senior Manager Works and Parks - Warwick Region

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, caf?s, 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

Generous base salary - negotiable depending on the successful candidates skills and experience

12% employer superannuation

Full private use vehicle

Relocation assistance available

4 weeks annual leave

17.5% 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 523to 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.