- Strategic infrastructure leadership with a focus on governance and planning
- Lead multi-disciplinary engineering and development initiatives
- Thrive in a dynamic port environment in tropical North Queensland
The Organisation
Port of Townsville is a critical economic gateway for northern Australia, enabling trade, facilitating major projects, and supporting regional prosperity. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration, the Port plays a central role in the long-term development of Townsville and the broader region.
The Assets, Planning and Environment division is responsible for the forward-thinking development of infrastructure to support operational excellence and growth. To support its ambitious agenda, the Port is seeking a highly capable Manager Engineering and Development to lead this business unit.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the General Manager Assets, Planning and Environment, the Manager Engineering and Development will lead a team of approximately 10 employees across a diverse portfolio that includes engineering services, port development master planning, FEED project management, CAD drafting, and land use planning and development applications.
This strategic and operational leadership role is key to shaping the Port’s infrastructure vision and delivering practical, innovative engineering solutions aligned with business and regulatory needs.
In this role, you will oversee the development and delivery of engineering and infrastructure solutions that support both current operations and future growth. You will take responsibility for leading the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) process for projects from proposal and feasibility through to detailed design and execution. You will also be instrumental in the development and implementation of comprehensive port master plans, working closely with stakeholders to align planning with transport logistics, environmental sustainability, and strategic visioning. A key part of the role will be managing and embedding an ISO-aligned asset management system and engineering governance framework to support both current operations and long-term growth.
Success will require not only strong technical and planning experience, but also leadership skills to guide a team of experienced professionals. As a people leader, you will build a high-performing team culture grounded in collaboration, safety, accountability, and innovation. You will connect team objectives with broader Port strategy and facilitate change initiatives that lift capability and performance.
Our Ideal Candidate
You are a qualified engineer—civil, marine, or another discipline—with demonstrated experience in infrastructure delivery, asset management, and regulatory frameworks. What sets you apart is your leadership style: you lead through influence, bring clarity to complex change, and know how to build trust and performance in established teams.
You have a strong understanding of engineering governance, asset lifecycle planning, and change implementation. Your background may include ports, transport, government, or even military settings where structured, process-driven leadership was essential. You are confident working across disciplines and functions and integrating modern digital tools.
Most importantly, you are motivated by purpose and leading infrastructure initiatives that deliver long-term value for the community, region, and environment.
Why This Role?
This is a rare opportunity to take on a leadership role that directly shapes the future of one of Queensland’s most significant infrastructure assets. You will be joining a purpose-driven organisation, guiding a skilled and committed workforce, and influencing regional economic development—while enjoying a vibrant, coastal lifestyle in tropical North Queensland.
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste this link: https://tinyurl.com/szxns2ts
To Apply
Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your resume and cover letter. For a confidential discussion, contact Donna Ison
on 0417 718 763
or Emma Wallace
on 0432 060 301.
Applications close Sunday 3 August 2025.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are committed to equal opportunity and to promoting diversity, inclusion, flexibility and accessibility in all that we do. If you require adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
