Operational Contracts Manager

Operational Contracts Manager

Our Business

Working at TasWater isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to deliver social, environmental, and economic benefits for Tasmania today, and tomorrow. 
Our talented workforce of around 920 employees keeps Tasmania thriving by providing exceptional water and sewerage services to over 460,000 customers every day. 
We have a bold and ambitious future, inspired by our vision to unlock water’s full potential, and centred on our customers and communities, our people and partners, the environment, and our collective water future.   
We are proposing to invest $1.2 billion over the next four years to ensure a safe and secure water future for a growing Tasmania, and we will make great steps towards our aspirations of net zero carbon emissions and towards zero waste. Visit our website or YouTube channel to learn more. 

The Role

Lead the delivery and performance of critical operational contracts that support essential services across Tasmania. As the Operational Contracts Manager, you will oversee high-value, state-wide contracts, ensuring strong compliance, contractor performance, and value-for-money outcomes. Working closely with internal teams, suppliers, regulators, councils, and other key stakeholders, you will build trusted relationships and drive successful contract outcomes that support safe, sustainable, and efficient operations. This role combines strategic contract management, stakeholder engagement, compliance oversight, and people leadership to ensure operational excellence and continuous improvement across the business. 

• Lead the management and performance of high-value operational contracts, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and within budget. 
  
• Drive contract compliance by monitoring performance, conducting audits, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring regulatory, environmental, and safety obligations are met. 
  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with contractors, suppliers, regulators, councils, and internal stakeholders to support successful operational outcomes. 
  
• Lead and develop a small team, providing direction, coaching, and support to drive high performance, continuous improvement, and a positive team culture. 
  
• Provide leadership and direction in managing complex operational challenges, solving problems effectively and making timely, informed decisions that balance operational, commercial, compliance, and stakeholder outcomes 

For a full copy of the position description, please click HERE

What we're looking for

We're seeking a collaborative and experienced leader with a proven track record in contract management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement. You'll bring strong commercial acumen, the ability to build trusted relationships with internal and external partners, and a passion for delivering safe, sustainable, and value-driven outcomes. With excellent leadership and communication skills, you'll be comfortable managing complex contracts, driving continuous improvement, and leading a high-performing team in a dynamic operational environment. 

• Experience in a similar supervisory role involving operational and people management. 
  
• Tertiary qualifications in business management or similar demonstrated competence 
  
• Demonstrated experience managing supply and services contracts as well as Panel Agreements 
  
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across contractors, suppliers, regulators, and internal teams. 
  
• Commercially minded with strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, and a focus on delivering value-driven outcomes and continuous improvement. 
  
• Experience in procurement, supply chain, contract management, or a related commercial environment will be highly regarded, particularly within utilities, infrastructure, or operational service delivery. 
  
• Committed to building a strong safety and wellbeing culture, demonstrating visible leadership and ensuring the physical and psychological safety of employees, contractors, and the community. 

 Why TasWater

Across our multi-disciplinary organisation, we are serious about enhancing the skills and careers of our team members. When you join TasWater, you join a company that offers career development pathways, training courses, and access to subject matter experts. 
We are continuing to build an inclusive workplace and workforce that truly represents the Tasmanian community that we serve. We value diversity in all its many forms and welcome a range of perspectives and identities to enrich the way we work and what we do. 
We take pride in being acknowledged as an employer of choice for women by WORK180. Visit the Work180 website to view our benefits and policies, such as 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all parents regardless of tenure and with full superannuation contributions. We’re continuing to work on future benefits through a dedicated Employee Experience team. 

At TasWater, we invest in growing great leaders. All people‑leader roles are supported by our structured Leadership Development Program; a comprehensive suite of learning that includes workshops, coaching, online modules, mentoring, and on‑the‑job development. The program is designed to build capability, confidence, and consistency in how we lead, ensuring our leaders are equipped to support their teams and contribute to a positive, inclusive culture. Joining TasWater means access to ongoing professional development and a clear pathway to becoming the best leader you can be. 

The Details

This role can be based in either Hobart, Launceston, or Devonport and attracts a salary of $135,072 - $150,080 (inclusive of superannuation) 

Ready to apply? Simply include a CV/resume and a 1-2 page cover letter telling us how your experience matches "What we are looking for" and how you connect to our TasWater values and vision.  

If you want to learn more about this role please contact Ben Duncan - Head of Operational Support Services via email at Ben.Duncan@taswater.com.au or call 0436863581 

If you require assistance in applying, please contact Ash Reid – Talent Acquisition Partner via email at ashley.reid@taswater.com.au or call 0455518051 

Our applications will be closing on Friday 31st July at 10:00AM 

Please note: To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must have the right to work in Australia. As part of our recruitment process, you may be asked to participate in pre-employment checks relevant to the role. These may include a National Police Check or AusCheck, with any offer of employment subject to satisfactory outcomes.