Vacancy Details

Senior Waste and Contracts Specialist

  • Salary Range Band 8 $130,108 to $145,807 plus 12% super 
  • Full time, permanent role 
  • Based in South Melbourne 

About City of Port Phillip 

We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors. What does that mean? Think, childcare, libraries, parks, recreation, waste rubbish collection, road maintenance, family and youth services, property & assets, city planning & development, customer experience, digital technology, governance, people, culture and safety, and of course South Melbourne Market!  City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation. 

What’s the role all about 

The senior role leads contracts management, procurement and strategic waste reform across all major waste services. You will influence council policy, drive operational improvements, oversee major tenders and ensure best-practice contract performance. 

What you might do 

  • Lead major waste service contracts, including performance frameworks, KPIs and gainshare models
  • Deliver strategic reform projects improving waste diversion, service efficiency and customer outcomes
  • Manage procurement processes, tender documentation and contract transitions
  • Collaborate across council and external agencies
  • Resolve complex customer, Councillor and executive requests

Who we are looking for 

  • Senior level experience managing high-value, complex waste or environmental service contracts 
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and analytical skills
  • Degree in waste, environmental management, procurement or similar
  • Proven capability delivering strategic waste reform
  • Strong procurement experience including tender development and evaluation

Our work environment  

We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.  

Proudly as one we all take accountability to put our community first. Together we work, creatively and strategically we think and with courage comes growth and with integrity we perform. 

What’s in it for you 

  • We offer a hybrid working model with our core setup being 50-60% in the office depending on team requirements and welcome further conversation to meet your working style and needs 
  • Be supported and empowered to be your best by a passionate leadership team that encourages collaboration and innovation
  • Discounted fitness membership with access to over 260+ gyms, pools, group classes and facilities across Melbourne for you and your family!
  • Our work hubs are located close to our very own Child Care centres making accessing childcare a breeze!  
  • Career development opportunities within your team and/or across council plus a great study assistance allowance of up to $4000 per year per person and 6 hours per week study leave (on approved courses only)
  • Flexible working conditions, an active social club, supportive health and wellbeing program, and a well- regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Our very own Pride Network, that helps create an environment where each and every person can feel safe, welcomed, seen, and supported to bring their whole selves to work   
  • 20 weeks paid parental leave and our pioneering 24 weeks paid leave for single parents 
  • Access to novated leasing and salary sacrificed technology

Security Requirements and Professional Obligations

Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments, including:

  • Evidence of mandatory qualifications
  • Proof of right to work in Australia and identity
  • National Police Check and Working with Children Check
  • Pre-employment medical

So, what’s next?  

Hit that APPLY button now! 

Whether you think you meet all the requirements or not, we strongly encourage you to apply, as we take a holistic approach to considering your skills, life experience, and alignment to our key selection criteria. You’ve got this! 

Please submit; 

  • Resume – latest and detailed version  
  • Cover letter no longer than 2 pages that captures your response to the Key Selection Criteria (KSC) found on the Positions Description (PD).  

Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered. 

For further information please contact Lizzy Skinner, Head of Waste Operations on phone 0481 450 784 or email Elizabeth.Skinner@portphillip.vic.gov.au.

Applications close 11.59pm Tuesday 24 March 2026

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on 0468 576 806 or email recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au.

South Melbourne > Port Melbourne > Albert Park > Middle Park > St Kilda > Balaclava > Ripponlea > Elwood