Civic and Commercial Waste Manager

Application Close Date: 11:59pm on 01/10/2026

Civic and Commercial Waste Manager

At Penrith City Council, it’s not about having to choose.

Life with us is the best of both worlds.

What we offer you

• Salary: Commencing from $134,562, plus superannuation and leaseback vehicle
• Permanent 35 hours full-time opportunity.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options available to support work-life balance
• Fitness Passport and complimentary access to Ripples Leisure Centres
• Penrith, at the heart of one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions
• Opportunities to work closely with diverse stakeholders and influence community-wide initiatives to create lasting impact across our City
• Professional development and growth in a high performing team
• Meaningful work that contributes to sustainability and circular economy
• The best of both worlds – click here to learn more

Here’s what you’ll be up to…

This is an operational and commercial leadership role within the Resource Recovery Department. You will lead the procurement, implementation and performance of Civic, Public Space and Commercial Waste and Resource Recovery services and contracts, while supporting litter prevention and ensuring services meet regulatory requirements.

You will grow Council’s commercial waste and resource recovery offering to local businesses, promote circular economy practices, and identify opportunities to integrate commercial services leveraging domestic contracts to improve efficiency, productivity and community benefit.

You will help ensure services meet regulatory requirements while shaping policy, strategy and community-facing services that support a more sustainable City.

In this role you can expect to:

• Lead complex waste, resource recovery and consultancy procurement, including market research, consultation, tender and contract documentation, evaluations, negotiations and delivery oversight.
• Help develop and implement Council’s Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy in alignment with the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy.
• Develop and implement commercial waste and resource recovery services, expand market share and provide advisory support that helps local businesses adopt better resource recovery practices.
• Strengthen contract governance through contract management plans, compliance schedules, risk assessments, performance systems and the management of variations and disputes with attention to WHS, Chain of Responsibility and environmental obligations.
• Plan, monitor and report on operational and whole-of-life contract budgets, fees and charges, business systems, customer service outcomes, corporate reporting and data returns.
• Provide high-level technical, contractual, policy and strategic advice.
• Supporting proactive and reactive illegal dumping management in the higher density areas of the City.
• Lead, coach and develop team members, providing clear direction and fostering a collaborative, accountable and high-performing culture.
• A highly rewarding role where every day is different with 3 direct full-time reports and close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Success in this role will be reflected in well-governed contracts, reliable and compliant services, stronger commercial performance, capable and supported teams, and practical resource recovery outcomes for Council, local businesses and the community.

Who we are (And why you’ll love us)

The Resource Recovery Department works at the intersection of essential community services, environmental outcomes, complex commercial arrangements and long-term strategy. Our work is highly visible and has a direct impact on residents, businesses and the future sustainability of Penrith.

You will join a collaborative environment where people are encouraged to share expertise, solve problems together and keep improving how we work. This is a role for a leader who values clear direction, authentic relationships, professional growth and accountability, while being comfortable navigating complexity and change.

Services we provide impact every household every week. 60% of the customer interactions with Council are related to Resource Recovery and Waste Management. The Team are diverse, driven and committed to both resource recovery and customer service. The work can be challenging so the team collaborate to provide support to one another- as Manager, you will foster the One Team approach and make meaningful connections. We also value professional development and capacity building of individuals and the team as a whole.

The opportunity offers the best of both worlds: the challenge of managing significant services and contracts, the growth that comes from leading strategic change, the support of a connected team, and the chance to make a meaningful community impact.

Check out our Position Description to learn more about this role.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced and credible people leader who can combine commercial discipline, strategic thinking and practical service delivery. We need:

• A commercially minded waste and resource recovery professional who can balance service outcomes, regulatory obligations, financial performance and community benefit.
• An experienced procurement and contract manager who is confident working with complex tender documentation, negotiations, contract administration, risk and performance management.
• An authentic and collaborative people leader who sets clear expectations, coaches others and builds trust across teams and stakeholder groups.
• A strategic and improvement-focused thinker with strong judgement, business acumen, communication skills and the ability to translate technical information into practical advice.
• A commitment to customer outcomes, innovation, continuous improvement and the responsible delivery of essential public services.

The must-know bits

You will be required to undertake employment checks, which may include a Criminal History Check, Qualification Check, Working with Children Check, Medical Declaration and/or a Functional Test, as relevant to the position for which you have applied.

Where a Criminal History Check is required and has returned a result that indicates disclosable court outcomes, you will be required to provide a copy of the report to Penrith City Council, for review, to progress through the recruitment process.

Ready to make work feel less like… work?

If you’re nodding along and already picturing your first day, submit your application by hitting ‘Apply Now’.

In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the selection criteria (outlined in the position description) as a part of their application. Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria wi

ll not be considered.

We’ve got an opportunity, you’ve got talent… Let’s talk.

For more information, contact Aisha Poole, Head of Resource Recovery on 4732 7987.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation. For more information about this, please see our website.

At Penrith City Council, we believe the best of both worlds means embracing the unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that make our City and our organisation vibrant. We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported and welcome applicants from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities.