Waste Collection Team Leader in Torquay

Permanent Full Time $111,811 – $123,329 pa (plus 12% super and annual pay increases). Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs.

Who we are: There are not many places in Australia quite like Surf Coast Shire, where you can surf at world-class locations like Bells Beach Djarrak, drive along the scenic coast on the Great Ocean Road, or explore the many waterfalls set in tranquil rainforests. The region is a major Victorian tourism destination, thanks to vibrant hinterland towns, a variety of world-class events, colourful community markets, ranges of family activities, and more. Surf Coast Shire spans Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. Council plays a pivotal role in planning and development, guiding sustainable growth while preserving the region's natural beauty.

Your new career: Join one of Victoria’s leading Waste and Circular Economy Teams at Surf Coast Shire, where innovation, sustainability, and community impact are at the heart of everything we do. In this hands-on leadership role, you will:

• Lead and support a high-performing team delivering waste collection, inspection, litter prevention, and administrative services.
• Manage contractor and subcontractor performance to ensure an ongoing quality of service delivery.
• Develop, monitor, and manage operational budgets and reporting requirements.
• Undertake procurement activities and apply sound forecasting practices.
• Set clear priorities and provide guidance that enables staff to continue to perform at a high standard and develop in their roles.

You’ll play a key role in shaping sustainable outcomes across the Surf Coast.

What you will bring to the role: You are a proactive and community-minded leader who thrives in an operational environment and is passionate about delivering high-quality waste and circular economy services. To thrive in this role you will have:

• Proven experience coordinating operational services, ideally within waste management, resource recovery, or a related field.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, support, and develop a small but high performing and passionate team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to build positive relationships with contractors, stakeholders, and the community.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience collecting and reporting operational data.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, contracts, and projects in a fast-paced operational environment.

Key selection criteria: Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements include:

• Tertiary qualification relevant to waste management, environmental management, sustainability, natural resource management or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience in all facets of waste collection operations, staff management and contract management over a minimum of 5 years.
• Demonstrated ability to engage, negotiate and build strong relationships with contractors, staff, clients, members of the public, other employees, Council and representatives of other organisations.
• Experience developing and managing budgets.
• Experience reviewing and updating policies, procedures and other documentation.
• Experience in Local Government.
• Current Victorian Driver’s Licence.
• A current Working With Children Check.
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia.
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position.

What you’ll love working with us: Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life. We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying. There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home, RDOs and flexi time options.
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program.
• Career development and learning opportunities.
• Purchase of additional annual leave.
• Free onsite parking.
• Leave loading.

For more information: You’ll find further details about the role, including accountabilities and key selection criteria, in the Position Description on our website. If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Neil Brewster, Coordinator Waste Management on 5261 0600.

How to apply: Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria and a copy of your resume. Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position. Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 14 June 2026. Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.