Who we are looking for

We're looking for a Branch Manager Water Quality & Environmental Services who is passionate about protecting public health, caring for the environment, and delivering high-quality water services to our community.

In this role, you'll lead a committed team responsible for water quality, environmental compliance, recycled water, biosolids, natural assets and major customer services. You'll have the opportunity to shape how we manage our drinking water quality, environmental systems and recycled water programs, while influencing decisions that support the long-term sustainability of our region.

This is a senior leadership role with genuine impact. You'll work collaboratively across the organisation, guide technical experts, and ensure we continue to meet our regulatory obligations and service delivery goals.

We're open to flexibility around how this role is delivered. While it's advertised as full-time, we're happy to discuss part-time options. This is an ongoing full-time position based in Warrnambool This position comes with a generous total remuneration package of $190,840 (inclusive of superannuation and the option of a fully maintained vehicle where applicable).

Please note that this advertisement does not have a formal closing date. in recognition of the holiday period. Shortlisting will occur in mid-January, with interviews scheduled for late January.

Job Description

What you'll be doing

You'll manage the systems, people and programs that keep our water safe, protect our environment, and support high-quality service delivery across the region.

In this role, you'll:

• Lead and support your team, contributing as a member of the Senior Management Team.
• Oversee our drinking water quality, environmental compliance and recycled water programs, ensuring strong governance and proactive risk management.
• Guide the delivery of natural asset initiatives, biosolids management and minor capital improvements that strengthen performance and customer outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with regulators, major customers and key external stakeholders.
• Lead incident and emergency response for water quality and environmental matters, providing advice to senior leadership.
• Drive strategic reporting, regulatory compliance, performance monitoring and responsible budget management.

Desired Skills and Experience

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for a senior leader with experience in water quality, environmental management or a related technical field, who combines strategic thinking with a strong commitment to safe, reliable services for our community. While a science or engineering qualification is desirable, candidates should demonstrate extensive experience in a related field.

You'll bring:

• Demonstrated leadership experience and the ability to guide, support and develop a high-performing team.
• Technical understanding of drinking water quality, environmental compliance, recycled water or similar operational systems.
• The ability to provide sound, timely advice at senior levels and influence decisions that shape our service delivery.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with sound judgement and the ability to manage complex priorities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with regulators, major customers and internal teams.
• A strong commitment to safety, accountability and high-quality outcomes for our people, our customers and the environment.

For further details, see the position description available here.

We look forward to hearing from you. if you have any questions, feel free to call Simon Hermans (General Manager Assets & Service Delivery) on 03 5565 6679.

Don't meet every single requirement?

At Wannon Water, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. So, if you're excited about this role, but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We look forward to hearing from you. if you have any questions, feel free to call Simon Hermans (General Manager Assets & Service Delivery) on 0429 868 120.

What we can offer

Putting people first comes naturally to us, and that includes the people we employ. You’ll have every opportunity to make the most of your talents, broaden your experiences and be rewarded for the great work you do.

You'll be offered a range of great benefits including:

• Workplace flexibility with access to working arrangements such as hybrid work, flexible hours, purchased leave, monthly rostered days off and more.
• An inclusive workplace culture, which embraces diversity and the benefits it brings to the workplace and life.
• A leadership commitment to Zero Harm where the safety and wellbeing of our people and others is paramount.
• A Health & Wellbeing program, to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing, including our Employee Assistance Program for our people and their immediate families.
• Extensive learning and development opportunities and access to professional development through associations such as CPA, IWC, WSAA, VicWater, and more.

We're an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment to creating and supporting an inclusive culture is reflected in our diverse mix of talented people who are passionate about delivering their best.

We welcome applications from everyone including people with a disability, job seekers of all ages, carers, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, members of the LGBTI+ community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We are

• A certified Family Inclusive Workplace
• A Work 180 endorsed employer
• Members of the Diversity Council Australia
• Accredited members of the Health Workplaces Achievement Program

Ready to find out about our employee benefits? Visit Our Careers page and discover more about us.

How you can apply

Applications close: 11:59pm Sunday 18 January 2026

Click APPLY and you will be taken through to the Wannon Water Careers Portal to complete your application. Once there, you will be prompted to answer a few simple questions and upload your cover letter and resume.

As part of your cover letter, please outline how your skills and experience meet the role requirements (as outlined in the position description).

Reasonable Adjustments

We're here to support you through life's ups and downs. Whether you need adjustments during the recruitment process or at work, like flexible hours or accommodation for disabilities, we're here to help. We understand it can be daunting to share your needs, so feel free to reach out with any questions at peopleandwellbeing@wannonwater.com.au. Your information will be kept completely confidential.