Executive Manager Design Services

Lead with Vision. Deliver with Precision.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for infrastructure design and a steady hand at the helm? Mackay Regional Council is seeking an accomplished leader to take on the role of?Executive Manager Design Services—a pivotal position driving design excellence across a $4.5B asset portfolio.

About this opportunity:

As the head of our Design Services program, you’ll lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, coordinators, and specialists to deliver innovative, technically sound infrastructure solutions. From roads and water systems to parks and community facilities, your leadership will shape the built environment for over 120,000 residents.

We’re looking for someone who thrives on complexity—balancing technical rigour with creative problem-solving. You’ll bring deep expertise in civil engineering design, cost estimation, and project planning, backed by RPEQ and CPEng credentials. Your calm, decisive leadership will guide high-performing teams through every phase of the project lifecycle, ensuring safety, sustainability, and service excellence.

This is more than a management role—it’s a chance to influence regional growth, embed design thinking into public infrastructure, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and deliver with impact, we want to hear from you.

Join us. Design the future.

Why work for Mackay Regional Council?

Mackay Regional Council is a dynamic, progressive and financially sound local government. We have responsibility for $3.5 billion worth of assets and employ almost 1200 dedicated staff in a vibrant, rapidly growing region where sugar, mining, beef, tourism and retail drive the economy. Mackay is located halfway between Brisbane and Cairns and is truly the heart of Queensland, covering 7,622 square kilometres of rainforest, Natural Parks, historic townships, miles of golden beaches and more than 70 tropical islands. The Region boasts a vibrant economy offering an idyllic lifestyle on the Central Queensland coast, from picturesque beaches and nearby island resorts to beautiful rainforests. The Region has a great climate coupled with high quality education and health facilities.

Discover more about the Mackay Region?https://www.discovermackay.com.au/

In addition to the above, we also offer the following employee benefits:

• An attractive total remuneration package on offer.

• Relocation assistance and other benefits which will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

• 5-year fixed term contract.

• May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.

• Membership to our lifestyle benefits program, including corporate discounts.

• Study and assistance programs for career development.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.

Want to know more about this role?

View the Position Description (PD) for this role in the document attachments or for a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact ?Kylie Rogers? on 1300 622 529.

How to apply:

Prepare and submit your cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience for this role. If applying for this job via a 3rd party job board such as SEEK, LinkedIn etc. you will be redirected to the Mackay Regional Council Careers (eRecruit) website to apply. Follow the prompts to submit your application (the eRecruit Job Application Quick Reference Guide or the eRecruit Job Applicant Guide can assist).

After submitting, you will receive an automated confirmation email. Should you not receive this, please ensure you have submitted your application and your email address on your account is correct.

Applications Close:

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity! This vacancy may close earlier than expected, so don’t delay in submitting your application to avoid missing out.

Having troubles submitting your application?

Reach out to one of our friendly Recruitment Officers by phoning 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).

***Important information for applicants:

To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia, Please visit Mackay Regional Council - Careers at council webpage regarding International Applicant criteria. Your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.

Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre-employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre-Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing)

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.

Location: Sir Albert Abbott Admin. Building
Work Type: Contract