Manager Infrastructure and Operations

Berri Barmera Council serves a vibrant Riverland community on the banks of the Murray River in South Australia. Renowned for its stunning river landscapes, thriving agricultural industry and welcoming community spirit, the region offers an exceptional lifestyle with opportunities to live, work, play and invest.
Council plays a key role in supporting sustainable growth, community wellbeing and the delivery of essential local services across the district. With a strong focus on innovation and long-term planning, Berri Barmera Council is committed to creating a prosperous future for the region and its residents.

The Role
Reporting to the General Manager Infrastructure, Environment and Regulatory Services, you will lead Council’s infrastructure and operations function as a member of the Senior Management Team. This is a full-time role based at the Berri office.

• Provide leadership in asset management, civil construction, road and stormwater maintenance, and town maintenance
• Lead outdoor teams and contractors to deliver professional, responsive services
• Drive innovation in project delivery, place activation and infrastructure outcomes
• Contribute to the strategic direction of Council and the growth of the Berri Barmera community
• Lead a team of eight direct reports with a focus on people, customer service and continuous improvement
• Deliver services in line with Council’s Asset Management Framework and agreed service levels
• Promote a safe, accountable and community-focused working environment

Responsibilities

• Coordinate services for roads, kerbs, footpaths, stormwater, built assets, CWMS, open spaces and recreation facilities
• Manage maintenance and construction works, including estimates, work schedules and management plans
• Monitor the delivery of capital and operational projects using sound project management principles
• Coordinate contractors to deliver works to specification and in line with program outcomes
• Prepare and manage operational and capital budgets, and report on forecasts and trends
• Contribute to the business plan, budget and long-term financial planning, and prepare grant applications
• Lead reform, performance and a culture of customer service within the Infrastructure and Operations team
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, WHS, financial and procurement requirements
• Advise the General Manager on the long-term viability of Council’s infrastructure, assets and operations
• Represent Council on external bodies and build strong relationships across Council and the community

About You

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and/or at least five years’ experience in a similar civil or municipal engineering, infrastructure or operations management role
• Current Class C driver’s licence and Government SA Construction Induction (White Card)
• Proven experience managing a multi-disciplinary team, including mentoring, development and performance management
• Demonstrated skills in civil construction, traffic management, and stormwater design, construction and management, with knowledge of landscape and horticultural practices
• Experience in project management, asset management principles, long-term financial planning and strategic planning
• Strong financial management and advanced written skills, including reports, grant applications and tender documents
• Proven success leading change and engaging contractors, with knowledge of local government legislation, WHS and risk management
• Adaptable, confident communicator who builds high-performing teams and relationships at all levels
• Supervisory experience and local government experience, including presenting reports to the elected body, would be advantageous

In Return

• Make a meaningful contribution to the infrastructure, assets and services of a regional council
• Enjoy a prominent leadership role in South Australia’s attractive Riverland region
• Live and work close to the Murray River, with access to a welcoming and active community
• Benefit from a lifestyle approximately two hours from Adelaide and 90 minutes from Mildura
• Join a region offering hospitality, entertainment, sport, produce and community involvement

Next Steps
To apply for this role, please visit Seek and include your CV and Cover Letter addressing the Essential Experience and Qualifications. Applications close Friday 27 November 2026.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Matt Hobby at Perks People Solutions on (08) 8273 9385,