16th July, 2026
Manager Projects and Disaster Recovery
Full Time – 3 Year Fixed Term Contract
Our Council
Hinchinbrook Shire Council is proud to be one of the largest employers in the region, with a diverse team of around 200 people working across technical, administrative, operational, and senior management roles. We’re committed to creating a fair, flexible, and supportive workplace where our staff can thrive while enjoying the unique attractions and vibrant community life of Hinchinbrook. With benefits such as a nine-day fortnight for most roles, generous superannuation, and leave entitlements, we offer opportunities to grow your career while embracing the lifestyle you love. By joining us, you’ll be part of an organisation that values its people, promotes collaboration, and strives to make a lasting, positive impact on the Hinchinbrook community.
Our Region
Ingham is uniquely positioned just over an hour north of Townsville and approximately three hours south of Cairns and is within the tropical paradise of the Hinchinbrook Shire. With Ingham at its centre, the region is surrounded by rugged mountain ranges, giant waterfalls, the Great Barrier Reef, wild beaches and tropical islands. It’s a place where breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, world-class fishing experiences, delicious, locally sourced food, inspirational art and 60,000 years of culture are all weaved into one incredible story: The Hinchinbrook Way.
The Opportunity
This is your chance to take the lead on high-impact infrastructure projects that shape communities, strengthen essential services and support recovery when it matters most. As Manager Projects and Disaster Recovery, you will lead Council’s capital works program across civil infrastructure, water and wastewater facilities, and priority renewal and upgrade projects. From planning, procurement and contract management through to delivery, commissioning, close out and funding acquittal, you will drive projects from concept to completion and see the results of your work across the Hinchinbrook Shire.
You will also be at the forefront of disaster recovery and reconstruction, leading works that restore, rebuild and improve community resilience. With responsibility for Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) and Council governance requirements, this role offers the opportunity to combine technical expertise, leadership and real community impact. You will provide clear direction to the Projects and Disaster Recovery Officer, champion strong project governance and ensure high-quality documentation, safety and funding compliance.
What Council Offers
- Base Salary to be negotiated
- Motor Vehicle Allowance
- Up to 12.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
- 5 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% annual leave loading
- 15 days paid sick/parental leave
- Salary Packaging options
Our Ideal Candidate You are an experienced project leader who is ready to make things happen. Confident, practical and outcomes-driven, you know how to move complex infrastructure projects forward, bring people with you and deliver results that stand up to scrutiny. You will bring strong experience in project management, procurement, contract administration and budget oversight, along with the ability to manage risk, balance competing priorities and keep stakeholders engaged. If you are motivated by visible outcomes, meaningful community impact and the opportunity to lead projects that truly matter, this role is built for you.
Key Selection Criteria If Council’s values of Opportunity, Respect, Strength and Accountability align with the way you work, and you are ready to bring your experience, energy and leadership to a role with real purpose, we want to hear from you. You will be able to demonstrate:
- Demonstrated experience delivering capital works, civil infrastructure, water and/or wastewater projects in local government or a comparable environment;
- Strong working knowledge of project management methodologies, construction practices, contract administration, WHS and environmental requirements;
- Proven ability to manage project budgets, financial reporting, procurement processes and contract administration;
- Ability to lead, support and guide project staff, consultants and external contractors to deliver agreed outcomes;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, stakeholder engagement and clear project updates;
- High-level organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple complex projects, priorities and deadlines; and
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn project, financial and asset management systems.
Desirable: - Tertiary qualifications in engineering (with ability to obtain registration as RPEQ), project management, construction management, or a related field;
- Experience with DRFA/QRA funding requirements and government-funded infrastructure programs;
- Experience using GIS, project management software, financial management systems, or asset systems; and
- Local government experience.
Your Application
Applications for this position should consist of two sections;
- Current CV detailing your employment history, educational qualifications and contact details. The resume should clearly detail relevant achievements under each position held.
- A cover letter addressing the “Key Selection Criteria” (max. 4 pages).
Step into a role where your leadership, technical expertise and drive will leave a lasting mark on the Hinchinbrook community. If you are ready to lead major projects, strengthen recovery outcomes and build infrastructure that matters, submit your application before
5:00pm AEST on Thursday 30 July 2026.
Strong candidates are encouraged to apply early, as Council may close this advertisement before the closing date if the right person is found. Applications that do not meet the above requirements may not be shortlisted.
Want to know more? For a confidential conversation about this career-defining opportunity, contact Lalji Rathod, Director Infrastructure Services, on (07) 4720 3423.
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