- Regional water utility, public-sector purpose
- Delivering safe, reliable water for communities
- Leadership role based in the vibrant regional city of Ballarat
About the organisation
Central Highlands Water (CHW) is a leading Victorian regional water corporation providing drinking water, sewerage, tradewaste and recycled water services to approximately 190,000 customers serving communities across a service area stretching from Landsborough in the northwest to Ballan in the east. With a history spanning more than 160 years, CHW exists to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable water and sewerage services to the communities of the Central Highlands Region. Guided by its More than Water – 2040 Strategy, CHW is investing in the long-term sustainability of its infrastructure, people, and the communities it serves. CHW operates with the values of integrity, teamwork, leadership, and care – and holds safety as its highest organisational priority
About the role
Reporting to the General Manager – Infrastructure Operations & Environment, the Head of Network Operations & Maintenance holds one of the most consequential operational leadership positions within CHW. The role has full accountability for the performance of the Network Operations and core business Maintenance Delivery functions spanning reactive and proactive civil maintenance, mechanical and electrical maintenance, five direct reports and a substantial frontline workforce. The Head of Network Operations & Maintenance will shape and execute the long-term asset management strategy, embedding a centre-of-excellence model that drives safety, reliability, and efficiency across CHW's infrastructure portfolio. This includes sponsoring key workstreams within the More than Water – 2040 Strategy roadmap, influencing policy, managing risk, overseeing commercial contracts and service providers, and contributing at both the board and executive leadership levels as required.
About you
You are an experienced infrastructure professional with extensive senior leadership experience in operations and maintenance within a complex, highly regulated and asset-intensive environments. Your understanding of asset management lifecycle, maintenance management systems, and GIS platforms is matched by your ability to lead diverse, high-performing teams through both operational demands and strategic change. You bring sound commercial judgement, the ability to negotiate and manage service provider contracts, and a clear grasp of the regulatory and legislative frameworks that govern infrastructure operations. Equally, you are a people leader of genuine quality – someone who builds capability, fosters psychological safety, and holds yourself and others to high standards. Experience in the water industry or another regulated utility sector will be well regarded. Above all, you lead with integrity, and you understand that the work your team delivers each day underpins the health, safety, and wellbeing of the communities CHW serves.
How to apply
Please review the Candidate brief, then Click ‘Apply’ to submit your CV. For more information prior to application, please contact Evan Willen at SHK via email on evan.willen@shk.com.au, quoting reference 3637906. Direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to SHK. Applications close at 11:59pm on 14 August 2026.
