General Manager (Engineering & Operations)

Location: South East Queensland (Gold Coast + Brendale)

Reports to: Managing Director

About the Business

A well-established and growing engineering contractor delivering complex projects across the water and infrastructure sectors.

With a team of ~80+ professionals across multiple locations, the business has achieved 35–40% growth over the past 3–4 years, backed by strong financial performance and repeat work from major clients including utilities, government, and tier-one contractors.

The business is known for:

• Delivering technically complex work
• Strong on-the-ground capability
• Winning projects based on quality, not price

This next phase is about scaling leadership capability, not just revenue.

The Opportunity

This is a General Manager role with a defined purpose:

To step in under the Managing Director and:

• Lead day-to-day engineering and operational delivery
• Mentor and uplift the next generation of leaders
• Build capability across the business
• Create a structured pathway for future internal succession

This is not a short-term fix.

It is a 5-year leadership transition play.

The Role

You will take ownership of:

• Engineering and operational leadership across the business
• Oversight of multidisciplinary teams (engineers, PMs, trades)
• Delivery performance across multiple projects and locations
• Development of team capability, structure, and accountability
• Strengthening systems, processes, and operational consistency

You will work closely with the Managing Director, who will:

• Transition away from day-to-day operations
• Focus on finance, strategy, and pre-contracts

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ~9 direct reports across engineering and operations
• Drive delivery outcomes across water and infrastructure projects
• Mentor and develop emerging leaders within the business
• Improve operational structure, efficiency, and accountability
• Support continued growth without compromising delivery quality
• Contribute to strategic planning and business direction
• Maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders

What Success Looks Like

• A stronger, more capable leadership team
• Improved delivery consistency and reduced reliance on the MD
• Clear internal succession pathways established
• Sustainable growth without operational strain
• A business that can operate effectively beyond its founder

About You

You are not a career “title climber.”

You are a proven operator who has seen and solved real problems.

Experience

• Mechanical or Electrical Engineering background
• MBA or equivalent commercial experience (preferred)
• Extensive leadership experience in engineering, construction, or infrastructure
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in a delivery environment

Capability

• Commercially aware and operationally strong
• Able to lead experienced technical teams with credibility
• Comfortable making decisions in complex, high-pressure environments
• Strong mentor and developer of people
• Able to bring structure without slowing the business down

Mindset

• Interested in impact over title
• Motivated by building teams and leaving a legacy
• Looking for a final or second-to-last role where you can make a difference

Why This Role

• Strong, growing business with real momentum
• High-quality projects across water and infrastructure
• Established systems and capable team already in place
• Clear mandate from the board and Managing Director
• Opportunity to shape the next phase of the business

Important Considerations

• This is a hands-on leadership role, not a corporate oversight position
• Relocation assistance may be considered
• The focus is on capability and impact, not network or visibility

Next Steps

If this aligns with your experience and where you want to take your career next, we welcome a confidential discussion.