Job Description

Located 35km to the southeast of Melbourne, Greater Dandenong City Council covers 129 square kilometres and has a population of over 169,000 people. The central activities district is Melbourne's second largest retail and commercial centre and includes large shopping complexes at Dandenong and Keysborough as well as the highly popular Dandenong Market. Greater Dandenong City Council is the most culturally diverse locality in Australia, with residents from over 150 different birthplaces, nearly two-thirds of whom were born overseas. Key industries include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail trade, wholesale trade and transport.

We are a progressive organisation of exceptional character that offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment to approximately 900 employees. We recognise that our staff are vital to the delivery of excellent service to our community and the achievement of our long-term vision. We invest in the development of our people, and we strive to be a workplace that is respectful, engaged, accountable, creative and honest.

Find out more about City of Greater Dandenong at https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/

Reporting to the Manager Infrastructure Strategy, this key leadership role in the City Futures directorate will lead the strategic planning of civil infrastructure across roads, paths, drainage, public lighting and streetscapes. The role is a key advisor to the Manager and Executive Director, inspiring, leading and developing a team of Project Managers and technical experts and working to develop, maintain and promote long term plans and standards for civil infrastructure within the municipality, in alignment with key Council documents such as the Council Plan, Asset Plan, Long Term Financial Strategy, Service Plans and Asset Management Plans.

• Develop, maintain, and promote long-term plans and standards for civil infrastructure (roads, paths, drainage, lighting, bridges, street enhancements, traffic devices).
• Oversee strategic planning and support the Manager Infrastructure Strategy in service management for civil infrastructure.
• Deliver clear, concise information to influence internal stakeholders and support effective project delivery.
• Lead Council’s interface with key external authorities (e.g., Melbourne Water, Department of Transport and Planning, State Government).
• Lead Councils interface on major Victorian Government Projects including Level Crossing Removal Projects and Flood Mapping updates
• Provide clear leadership and direction to the broader team, working to lift capability and ensure that processes and systems are contemporary, fit for purpose, whilst pursuing and promoting continuous improvement
• Lead the ongoing review of policies and practices within the department to ensure they are appropriate, efficient and responsive to customer needs and expectations
• Engage with the community and partners supported with data, records, policies, procedures and practices in place and updated  for the  cost-effective, efficient and sustainable management of Council’s assets

Applications are sought from candidates who bring demonstrable experience in strategic thinking, a track record in building and leading high-performing teams and strong technical expertise in effective management of the planning of civil infrastructure. The role calls for a demonstrated ability to achieve outcomes on complex civil infrastructure issues in a political environment, with expertise in problem solving of complex issues including access, design, contingency planning and managing multiple projects with conflicting priorities. Experience of the Local Government sector would be an advantage but is not essential.

Candidates will be required to be registered under Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019, with highly developed analytical and conceptual skills and a demonstrated understanding of the principles of sound community engagement and amenity. Of critical importance will be the ability to contribute to the overall constructive culture of the organisation, with a genuine commitment to embedding the organisation’s values across the team and across Council.

In return, you will be taking on an impactful and high-profile role that will provide the opportunity to drive genuine change in an organisation that will see significant transformation and growth in the coming years. Excellent leadership skills, impeccable communication skills, a high standard of personal and professional integrity and a creative approach to problem solving will set you up for success, as will the ability to work successfully in a political environment.

Download the candidate pack by copying and pasting https://tinyurl.com/376sutkz into your browser, or contact Charlie Cole at charlie@camdensearch.com.au for a confidential discussion. Applications close on Thursday 6th November and all enquiries will be treated with absolute confidence. Direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to Camden Search.