Implementation Lead Strategy, Water & Wastewater in Mackay

Mackay Regional Council is partnering with Public Sector People to appoint an Implementation Lead Strategy, Water & Wastewater — a key technical role turning strategic infrastructure priorities into coordinated programmes of work. This is an opportunity to take ownership of major water and wastewater projects, progressing business cases, scoping and approvals so infrastructure is ready to support the region's future growth. Bring your project expertise to meaningful work while enjoying the balance of a 36.25-hour working week.

The Role

Working within Council's Infrastructure Planning Program, you will help move established project concepts into implementation, coordinating internal teams, consultants and contractors. Key priorities include:

• Major sewer redirection infrastructure between the northern and southern treatment catchments
• Renewal of the main raw water pipeline between the pump station and water treatment plant
• Water treatment plant upgrades and other major water infrastructure projects
• Business case development, project scoping and investment prioritisation
• Planning, design coordination, approvals and preparation for delivery

This is a technical project lead position with no direct reports. Your impact will come through sound judgement, initiative and the ability to bring stakeholders together to move complex projects forward. You will work closely with experienced water and wastewater professionals, with access to support and guidance as you build your understanding of Mackay's infrastructure needs.

You will also:

• Translate adopted strategies into structured programmes with clear milestones and outcomes
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs and manage consultant and contractor interfaces
• Develop business cases, financial analysis and investment recommendations
• Engage regulators, government agencies and funding bodies to support approvals and funding
• Monitor environmental, regulatory and financial risks and programme dependencies
• Provide clear reporting and advice on progress, risks and strategic alignment

Council is seeking someone who can understand the bigger picture, work through the detail and take responsibility for progressing the work.

About You

You are a self-motivated water and wastewater professional with strong project experience and the confidence to turn plans into practical outcomes. You can communicate effectively with technical specialists, consultants and contractors, build productive relationships and explain complex issues clearly. Experience in councils, utilities, consultancies, government or the private sector is welcome.

You will bring:

• Relevant engineering or project management qualifications. Extensive comparable experience in major water projects may also be considered
• At least five years' relevant experience in water and wastewater planning, strategy implementation or programme delivery
• Significant experience coordinating complex multidisciplinary initiatives and external consultants or contractors
• Strong capability in business cases, prioritisation, investment planning and financial analysis
• Knowledge of water and wastewater infrastructure, regulatory requirements, asset planning and capital delivery
• Experience engaging regulators, government agencies and funding bodies, supported by strong reporting and communication skills
• A General Construction Induction White Card and Queensland C-class driver licence, or interstate equivalent transferable within three months
• Civil, mechanical and other relevant engineering backgrounds with substantial water-sector experience will be considered. RPEQ registration and hydraulic modelling experience, including WaterGEMS or InfoWorks CS, are desirable rather than essential.

Why Join Mackay Regional Council?

Join an experienced infrastructure team working on major projects that will shape water and wastewater services for years to come. This role offers the scope to apply your technical strengths, grow your project responsibility and see your work make a lasting regional contribution.

This role offers:

• Level 8.1–8.5 remuneration, with appointment based on experience
• A 36.25-hour working week and a strong focus on work-life balance
• Scope to discuss flexible working arrangements, including an RDO request
• Relocation assistance to support your move to Mackay
• Potential for hybrid work once you are established and understand regional requirements, subject to agreement
• Support from experienced colleagues and exposure to major strategic infrastructure projects

Mackay offers a coastal lifestyle, a strong community and the opportunity to combine rewarding infrastructure work with more time to enjoy life outside work.

Applications close Wednesday 11 November 2026. Applications will be reviewed and interviews may be conducted throughout the campaign. Council reserves the right to close the process early.