Executive Manager Engineering Services

 Total package $200,000+ on offer

(base salary of $130,000+, housing, utilities, vehicle and professional development provided) 

3-5 year negotiated contract available 

Welcome to the Shire of Merredin! We're a forward-thinking local government at the heart of Western Australia's Wheatbelt region. Our mission? To support the community we love by developing major projects that boost infrastructure, drive local economic growth, and improve public services. With a focus on sustainability, we’re shaping the future for our residents—and you can help us get there!

The Shire of Merredin is looking for a full-time Executive Manager Engineering Services to join the team in Merredin, WA. You’ll work closely with the Executive Leadership Team and take charge of Road Construction, Asset Management, Town Maintenance, Merredin Cemetery, Roads and Projects Grant Funding, Waste Management, with potential to include some Regulatory Services in mid 2025.

The Executive Manager Engineering Services reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.   

Applicants should have a demonstrated track record of success in engineering or technical services, preferably in the Government sector. If you feel you don’t quite meet the criteria, but have transferrable skills, please reach out for a confidential conversation.  

About us  

Thinking of a change of scenery? Merredin offers a peaceful, laid-back lifestyle that’s only 260 km from Perth. We’ve got the region’s main hospital, a range of shopping facilities, and a new town centre built by the Shire. With a country life-style, a tight-knit community, and amazing natural surroundings, this is the perfect place to call home.

The Shire of Merredin is a local government area with a population of approximately 3,300 people, with daily train services from Perth. Merredin acts as a major commercial and retail centre for the Central Eastern Wheatbelt, serving the industrial and retail needs of more than 10,000 people located in surrounding local governments. The Shire also acts as a base for a range of government agencies and services and is positioning itself to live up to the tagline ‘Innovating the Wheatbelt’. 

The Shire has delivered a range of significant projects in the last two years, including a major CBD Redevelopment and a number of water sustainability projects. The newly developed Town Centre was opened in October 2024, with Apex Park | Danjoo Waabininy Boodja opened August 2024.

A move to Merredin offers rural living at its best with educational opportunities, space to grow and gain a sense of wellbeing, a stronger sense of community, and a more relaxed pace of life with great professional opportunities.  All of this is within striking distance of the city. 

About you  

The competencies required in this role are in the attached position description, but organisational fit is also important. We are looking for someone with the following personal attributes to be part of our Executive Team and the community: 

• Professionalism and integrity – You will be motivated to drive change and maintain a high standard of personal and professional integrity in your work;
• Openness – Our Executive Team are committed to a transparent approach and a strong working relationship with the Executive Team and Council;
• Energy – There is much to be done in the both the Strategic Asset Management Planning and capital delivery areas. You will be keen to get on with the job of leading and motivating your team through a period of change to meet Merredin’s needs;
• Intellectual curiosity – You will demonstrate problem-solving ability, analytical strengths, and an ability to think on your feet when needed; 
• Resilience – You will be able to work under pressure and bounce back from setbacks;
• Collaborative – You will be highly effective in working collaboratively, and sensitively, to deliver outcomes in a dynamic and complex environment. We are looking for someone to be part of the team!; and
• Empathetic and engaged leader – This role is critical to our organisational culture, as it leads one full half of our organisational FTE. We are looking for a people focused leader to support and develop this section of our organisation.

This role is both strategic and hands-on and it will be crucial that you can manage various elements of developing and delivering strategic infrastructure projects, in addition to ensuring high standards of service delivery with parks and gardens, and roadworks in Merredin.    

Ideally, you will have engineering or leadership experience in providing both strategic and operational direction to a multi-disciplinary team. However, we will also consider candidates with the right experience and mindset that are committed to undertaking further professional development with the Shire’s support. Experience working in Local Government, or in a similarly community focused and governance driven environment, will be well regarded. 

What we are offering 

A competitive package of $200,000+ will be offered, including a cash component of $130,000+, up to 15% superannuation, private use of a vehicle, housing, utilities, internet, and a mobile phone. 

A range of other benefits are provided, including; 

• Professional development allowance;
• Conference attendance/s; 
• Membership and subscriptions allowance; and
• Uniform allowance.

Note: Relocation assistance is available and will be discussed with the preferred candidate. 

How to apply  

Applications are to include a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, and a separate cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria (max 3 pages), indicating your ability to meet the key requirements of the position.  A position description containing the Selection Criteria can be obtained online on the Shire of Merredin website, or via email admin@merredin.wa.gov.au. 

Applications are to be received by no later than 5:00pm, Tuesday, 19 November 2024. Applications are to be marked "Private and Confidential" and emailed to admin@merredin.wa.gov.au.  

For a confidential discussion or further information, please contact me on (08)90411611 or 0408366774. 

Craig Watts
Chief Executive Officer

The Shire of Merredin is an equal-opportunity employer. We promote the principles of merit and fairness in our employment practices and select the best person for the job.