Job Description

Engineering Manager - Projects & Innovation

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Position purpose and primary objectives:

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The Engineering Projects & Innovation Manager provides strategic and technical leadership across this Company's engineering and research & development (R&D;) project portfolio. This role is responsible for planning, developing, and delivering innovative engineering solutions that enhance company's product performance, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness.

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Reporting to the General Manager Operations, this position leads a multidisciplinary team to translate strategic innovation goals into viable projects through executing and guiding each phase from concept development and prototyping through to validation and implementation.

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This role is to instil engineering excellence, project discipline, and effective collaboration across teams to drive technical advancement whilst maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and financial performance. The Engineering Projects & Innovation Manager is central to shaping company's engineering capabilities and contributing to the company's reputation as an industry leader in trenchless pipeline rehabilitation technologies.

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Duties & Responsibilities:

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Leadership & Governance

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- Provide leadership and direction for the Engineering Projects and Innovation team, ensuring alignment with company's strategic and operational objectives.
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- Contribute to operational planning and decision‐making, supporting the GM Operations in achieving business performance and innovation goals.
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- Build and develop a high‐performing team that is ready to deliver on current and future projects.
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- Establish and maintain a structured project governance process, covering the complete project lifecycle.
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- Prepare and present project performance reports, budgets, and technical updates to internal and external stakeholders.
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- Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and accountability across all engineering activities.
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- Lead the delivery of R&D; and engineering projects from concept through to handover to the Commercial team, ensuring technical integrity, schedule adherence, and budget control.
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- Oversee and active involvement throughout the planning and execution of engineering design, testing, validation, and implementation activities.
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- Coordinate cross‐functional input from Operations, Quality, Purchasing and Commercial to ensure successful integration of new technologies and products.
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- Implement consistent project management and engineering standards to drive predictability, repeatability, and efficiency in project delivery.
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- Manage internal and external stakeholders to ensure clear communication, alignment, and customer satisfaction.
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- Ensure all projects achieve defined outcomes in performance, safety and quality.
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Innovation & Technology Research & Development

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- Drive a culture of innovation within the engineering team, encouraging creativity, continuous improvement, and applied research.
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- Identify and develop emerging technologies, materials, and processes that support further innovation across company's products.
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- Collaborate with Parent group companies, suppliers, and research facilities to support joint development and testing initiatives.
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- Oversee the design, fabrication, and evaluation of prototypes and trials that enhance operational performance aimed at reducing installation costs.
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- Support the capture and protection of any intellectual property developed within the company.
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Operational Excellence & Risk Management

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- Establish and maintain best practice project management methodologies across all engineering and innovation activities.
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- Develop, monitor, and control project budgets, schedules, and resource allocations.
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- Identify and manage technical, operational, and commercial risks associated with engineering projects.
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- Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, documentation, and system utilisation.
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- Ensure all projects comply with internal governance frameworks and relevant legislative or client requirements.
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Quality, Safety & Environment (QSE)

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- Champion a culture of safety, quality, and environmental responsibility across all engineering operations.
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- Ensure all projects and activities comply with company's Integrated Management System (IMS).
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- Lead regular reviews of engineering risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
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- Promote proactive health, safety, and environmental practices and continuous improvement in QSE performance.
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Skills & Qualifications:

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- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (or related discipline).
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- Minimum 8 years' experience in engineering project management, product development, or R&D; within manufacturing, infrastructure, or industrial environments.
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- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex project lifecycles.
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- Demonstrated capability in project governance, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting.
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- Strong analytical, problem‐solving, and risk management skills.
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- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
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- Proficient in project management software and engineering documentation systems.
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- Postgraduate qualifications in Engineering Management, Project Management, or Business Administration.
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- Experience working in a multinational corporate workplace.
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- Exposure to trenchless technologies, pipeline rehabilitation, or related infrastructure sectors.
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- Experience with digital engineering platforms or innovation management systems.
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- Strategic and systems thinker with a strong engineering foundation.
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- Demonstrated leadership ability to inspire, mentor, and develop technical teams.
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- Strong commercial awareness with an ability to balance innovation, cost, and performance outcomes.
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- Collaborative and confident communicator, able to build relationships across functions and geographies.
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- Highly organised, disciplined, and results‐focused.
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- Resilient, proactive, and adaptable to changing project priorities.
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- Commitment to continuous improvement, quality, and workplace safety.
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📌 Engineering Manager - Projects & Innovation (South Australia)
🏢 Harrison Mcmillan
📍 South Australia