Program Director

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Description:
Overview of role:
This role is part of the Asset & Operations business unit that underpins and enhances the Corporation’s ability to deliver on its purpose, values and drivers. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Assets and Operations business unit is required to design, build, operate and maintain Coliban Water assets that deliver high quality drinking water, wastewater and recycled water services; that meet the needs of Coliban Water customers and complies with the requirements of our regulators. This business unit has a key role in protecting public health and the environment.

To meet the challenges of climate change, tightening regulatory standards, population growth and aging treatment infrastructure Coliban Water is delivering a significant program of capital investment in water treatment plants.

The Program Director (Capital Works - Water Treatment) is responsible for leading the end-to-end delivery of major water treatment plant upgrades, augmentations and new builds for our 3 main water treatment plants, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Kyneton.

This role provides strategic and operational leadership across planning, design, procurement and construction phases, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to required quality and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities:
As our Program Director, you’ll be accountable for:
Capital program delivery

Lead the planning and delivery of a portfolio of capital works projects relating to water treatment plants (e.g. upgrades, augmentations, new facilities)
Provide leadership across the full project lifecycle including concept design, detailed design, procurement, construction and commissioning
Ensure projects meet regulatory, environmental and operational requirements, including drinking water quality standards
Establish and maintain program governance, controls and reporting frameworks
Manage scope, cost, schedule, quality and risk across multiple complex projects
Ensure effective contractor and consultant performance through strong contract management

Engineering and technical assurance

Provide strategic oversight of engineering design and technical decision-making
Ensure alignment with organisational standards, asset strategies and long-term planning objectives
Oversee constructability, operability and maintainability considerations in plant design
Lead resolution of complex technical issues across treatment processes, civil, mechanical and electrical system.

Commercial and financial management

Accountable for significant capital expenditure (multi-million / program-level budget)
Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts and financial reporting
Lead procurement strategies and major contract negotiations (e.g. D&C, EPC, alliances)

Risk, governance and compliance

Establish and maintain robust risk management frameworks and risk registers
Ensure compliance with regulatory obligations, safety standards, environmental approvals and governance requirements

About you:
Tertiary qualification in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical or equivalent) or related discipline

Significant experience leading major infrastructure or treatment plant projects
Proven track record delivering complex capital programs
Project management certification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2) desirable

In addition to the qualifications and experience specified above, you will be required to meet the following criteria:

Demonstrated success delivering large-scale capital works in a regulated environment
Strong leadership capability with the ability to build high-performing teams
Ability to manage complex stakeholder environments and sensitive issues
Commercial acumen and strong financial management capability
Experience advising Executive and Board-level stakeholders
Commitment to safety, sustainability and continuous improvement

Sound like you? We’d love to hear from you.

Learn more in the position description

Salary:
The salary and conditions for this position will be as per the Coliban Water Enterprise Agreement 2021 Band 7 $163,687- $185,425 + superannuation salary range will be offered to the successful candidate commensurate with their skills and experience. This role is a Fulltime Ongoing position.

Enquiries:
For further information please contact Lauren Armstrong on 0487 111 305 or via email at Lauren.armstrong@coliban.com.au

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by Thursday 18th June 2026

Why join us?

At Coliban Water our people are on a mission to create a better life for our customers and communities – now and tomorrow.

We love what we do and our location in the centre of a region that takes in 49 towns from Trentham to Echuca.

Our commitment to inclusion means you’ll feel at home here no matter who you are, who you love, or what you stand for. As part of the team you receive a monthly accrued day off, time off over Christmas, the flexibility to shape your work to suit your lifestyle, and generous parental, carer and workplace study leave policies.

At Coliban Water we balance a small team rhythm with the reach and resources of one of the largest Victorian regional urban water corporations.

What are you waiting for? We’d love you to join us.

Applicants will need to successfully complete all core training requirements in the expected timeframes and may be required to undertake a Police Check, Working with Children Check, Pre-Employment Medicals or Psychometric testing where applicable. Applicants may also be required to produce evidence of their Right to Work in Australia.

We welcome applications from individuals of all abilities. We are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace for everyone, including people with disabilities and diverse abilities. If you need any support during the application process or would like to discuss interview adjustments, please contact Lauren Armstrong

Please indicate any adjustments (administrative, environmental, or procedural) you may need to effectively participate in the recruitment process and/or carry out the requirements of the role you are applying for.

Please note that applicants may be contacted prior to the closing date of this advertisement.