Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Are you an experienced engineering leader who combines technical credibility with strong commercial, project and people-management skills?
• Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location Manly Vale
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $178,816 to $180,812 + super

Our team is currently seeking to appoint a Manager Engineering to lead the Engineering Section at Manly Hydraulics Laboratory.

As Manager, Engineering, you will lead and manage the Engineering Section and its multidisciplinary teams. Your focus will be on delivering high-quality specialist services, developing innovative solutions for clients, expanding the laboratory’s client base and embedding a strong commercial and people-management culture.

You will:

• Lead multidisciplinary teams delivering strategic environmental, flood, estuarine, coastal and water-related projects through physical and numerical modelling.
• Provide specialist technical advice to clients, senior management and key stakeholders.
• Manage project performance, including scope, milestones, resources, budgets, financial returns and project risks.
• Maintain technical quality and ensure services reflect current industry practice, government policy and regulatory requirements.
• Build trusted relationships with infrastructure owners, government agencies, project managers, regulators and industry stakeholders.  
• Lead business development activities, including identifying opportunities, preparing competitive proposals, pricing work and securing major multidisciplinary projects.
• Promote the capabilities of Manly Hydraulics Laboratory and strengthen its position within the flood, waterways, hydraulic, marine, coastal and water-related industry.
• Coach, mentor and develop engineering professionals while creating a collaborative, accountable and high-performing workplace.

The role makes significant decisions about projects and resources within established departmental delegations. It reports to the Director Engineering, Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, and has up to five direct reports as well as indirect reports.

About You

You are an accomplished engineering professional and people leader who can operate effectively across technical delivery, commercial management and stakeholder engagement.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience leading complex engineering or environmental projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong technical judgement in flood, environmental, coastal, marine, waterways and hydraulic engineering.
• Demonstrated experience managing project scope, budgets, resources, risks, milestones and commercial outcomes.
• The ability to develop business opportunities, prepare compelling proposals and build long-term client relationships.
• Advanced stakeholder-management, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Experience coaching and developing technical professionals and building inclusive, high-performing teams.
• The ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining quality, value for money and client service.
• A practical, evidence-based approach to solving complex engineering and business problems

Essential Requirements

• Degree-qualified Engineer with eligibility for Professional Engineer (PEng) membership/status with Engineers Australia.
• Relevant professional learning and/or post graduate qualifications.
• A valid NSW Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel, including overnight stay.  

For more information read the full Role Description: Manager Engineering MHL

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. 

Applications close 15 November 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Bronson Mcpherson via bronson.mcpherson@mhl.nsw.gov.au or on 02 9949 0244.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• How to apply for public service roles and prepare an application.
• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.
• Information and support for veterans transitioning into government careers.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Celia Luis on 02 4904 2746 (please mention reference number 553828).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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