Senior Project Manager - Capital and Operational Projects

Posted: 02/04/2026

Closing Date: 19/04/2026

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Head Office - Civic Building, Torquay

Job Category: Community Services & Development,Other

• Permanent Full Time
• $111,811 - $123,329 pa (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs

Who we are
Surf Coast Shire spans Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. With a blend of coastal charm and laid-back vibes, it is a great place to immerse in the beauty of nature and embrace the relaxed pace of coastal and hinterland living.

Surf Coast Shire Council delivers services from Lorne to Winchelsea to Torquay and all of the communities in-between, helping to make the region a destination to live, work and play. We are proud to help its community and environment to thrive.

Our people play vital roles in creating an innovative, safe, respectful, and supportive workplace, living our values, and delivering exceptional services to our community.

We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

Your new career
You will be joining a team of dedicated project managers in Council's Program Management Office to drive delivery of a diverse range of moderate to high complexity projects for our community and environment. The Program Management Office leads project management practice across the organisation using a Project Delivery Framework with consistent approaches, tools and templates. This role will also involve playing a key role in the delivery of Council's flagship Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre Project.

Project managers work closely with their sponsors across a range of departments to deliver the best possible outcomes for projects.

What you will bring to the role
We are currently looking for a Senior Project Manager who has experience with higher complexity projects, is able to lead and influence others in quality project management practices and is dedicated to driving project progress to deliver great outcomes.

To thrive in this role you will have:

• a strong focus on stakeholder communication and engagement, fostering productive and positive relationships.
• proven ability to manage cost, time, scope, and risk, ensuring these factors are central to decision-making.
• a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improving project outcomes.

Key selection criteria Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• Degree qualification in Construction Management or Engineering (or equivalent) or substantial experience in building, civil infrastructure design, construction or engineering project / contractor management (Qualification Check conducted).
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Demonstrated experience in contract administration.
• Developed project management skills, including financial and time management skills and the ability to contribute to a successful team.
• Ability to develop and apply project tools including project charters, project scheduling / planning, budgets, risk management, stakeholder engagement plans and related project documentation.
• Demonstrated experience in the use of judgement to enable quality decision making within a project management context.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, often working to strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability in supervising and managing staff and contractors in the achievement of project objectives.
• Well-developed communication skills including the ability to engage with project stakeholders and prepare reports that communicate accurate, succinct and easily understood information.
• Strong relationship management skills and experience in working in cross-organisational projects.
• Experience in a Local Government environment.
• Experience in delivering projects in a complex environment.
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council).
  A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

What you'll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDOs
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading.

For more information
You'll find further details about the role, including accountabilities and key selection criteria, in the Position Description on our website - Position Description PDF

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Peter Stokoe, Coordinator Project Management on .

How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria
• copy of your resume.

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 19 April 2026.

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.