Unit Manager City Works | Merri-bek City Council

About Merri-bek

Merri-bek is a progressive council with 180,000 residents: one community, proudly diverse. The city is vibrant and energetic, known for its active community, array of fabulous festivals, cool pools, eclectic shops and its community of artists and creative industries. As an organisation, Merri-bek is driven by innovation, collaboration and community connection, delivering high-quality services while shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for its people.

About the Role

This is a key leadership role within Merri-bek’s City Infrastructure Directorate, responsible for leading the City Works Unit, the team that delivers essential road and drainage maintenance, asphalt repairs, rapid response, and street furniture services across the municipality. With 22 operational staff and a range of contracted services, the role oversees the planning, delivery and performance of critical maintenance activities that keep Merri-bek’s assets safe and functional.

Reporting to the Manager City Services, the Unit Manager will lead a capable operational team through a period of cultural and structural evolution, embedding improved planning, clearer accountabilities and modern, equipment-based practices that reduce manual reliance and enhance safety outcomes. The role will also play a key part in service planning and contractor management, ensuring operations are efficient, well-coordinated and commercially sound.

This is an opportunity to build on recent cultural improvements, bringing fresh perspective and leadership to a workforce that’s ready for its next step forward. You’ll guide a team delivering civil maintenance and minor works programs, manage operational budgets and resources, and help shape the shift toward more contemporary and efficient service delivery models. The position will also contribute to emergency management functions as a Deputy Municipal Emergency Management Officer.

About You

You’re an experienced operational leader who understands what it takes to modernise services and create an engaged, high-performing team environment. You’ll bring proven experience leading civil maintenance or operational services, ideally across both internal crews and contract models, along with strong capability in resource planning, contractor performance and operational efficiency.

Your leadership style is inclusive, practical and supportive.  You coach, communicate and bring people with you through change. You’ll have sound commercial acumen, experience managing contracts and budgets, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Experience within local government or large-scale public works environments will be highly regarded.

This role offers the chance to lead a committed team through a positive period of operational improvement and modernisation, within a workplace culture that values collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement. Merri-bek offers extensive opportunities for training and professional development, flexible work arrangements, salary sacrifice options and wellness programs that support genuine work-life balance.

Application Process

For further information, please contact Marcel Lafontaine at Public Sector People on 0423 668 753 or marcel@publicsectorpeople.com.au.
Applications close: November 12th, 2025 ( In the case of a high volume of applications, this advert may close early. )

Public Sector People are partnering exclusively with Merri-bek City Council for the appointment of the Unit Manager City Works. All applications will be assessed and reviewed by Public Sector People, and any queries can be directed to Marcel.