Waste Services and Contracts Manager

Help Shape the Future of Recycling in Our CommunityAre you passionate about waste reduction, recycling innovation and creating real environmental change?An exciting opportunity is available for a person with proven experience as a Services and Contracts Manager in the waste and recycling sector.More than contract management, this role is about driving change, improving recycling performance and delivering measurable environmental outcomes for thousands of households.This position is employed by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield (PAE) and seconded to Central Adelaide Waste and Recycling Authority (CAWRA), working in partnership with the City of Charles Sturt (CCS).About CAWRAEstablished in 2019, CAWRA is a regional subsidiary of the Cities of Charles Sturt and Port Adelaide Enfield. CAWRA owns and oversees a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) processing kerbside recycling, operated by our principal contractor, Visy Recycling. Beyond MRF operations, CAWRA is actively expanding its capability to improve waste diversion, recycling performance, contract outcomes and environmental results across the region.About the RoleAs Waste Services and Contracts Manager, you’ll be at the heart of CAWRA’s waste and resource recovery operations, leading the strategic oversight and governance of contracts and services across CAWRA and its constituent Councils.You’ll be trusted to make complex, high‑value decisions that balance financial, environmental, political and community considerations, while leading major contracts, programs and service improvements that directly affect thousands of residents.This role is ideal for someone who understands the realities of waste and recycling operations, enjoys working with contractors and stakeholders and wants to see their work translate into better outcomes for the community.Key ResponsibilitiesLead strategic planning, procurement, negotiation and management of waste and recycling contracts.Provide expert advice to the CEO and Council leadership on service models, contract strategy, risk and investment.Drive the transition toward a more circular economy through innovation and smart service design.Manage operational budgets, analyse data and report on trends and service outcomes to identify performance gaps, efficiency opportunities and service improvement initiatives.Influence the design and continuous improvement of integrated waste and resource management services aligned with Council and CAWRA strategies.Resolve complex, multi‑council contractual and service issues with sound judgement and diplomacy.Build strong, productive relationships with Council teams, contractors and industry partners and manage escalated waste‑related issues.About YouYou’re a commercially savvy professional with hands‑on experience in waste management, recycling, resource recovery, logistics or a closely related industry. You bring strong contract management capability, ideally within waste, local government or another regulated environment and thrive on driving performance and value. Backed by a relevant tertiary qualification and/or significant practical experience, you’re ready to make a real impact on essential services and environmental outcomes.You’ll thrive in this role if you:Enjoy working close to operations and translating commercial insight into practical outcomes.Have experience managing complex service contracts in waste, recycling, logistics or a regulated environment.Care about improving recycling performance, environmental outcomes and customer experience, not just ticking boxes.Are confident working with multiple stakeholders, navigating competing priorities and driving change.Bring strong commercial judgement, clear communication skills and a solutions‑focused mindset.Why join CAWRA?Flexible work arrangements are supportedWork at a modern purpose-built facility with free parkingMake an impact at a regional level across two metropolitan CouncilsHigh‑profile contracts with real environmental impactHelp shape an evolving organisation to influence how services, systems and performance frameworks are designed and improvedA collaborative, pragmatic environment where expertise is valuedPlease find attached the Position Description for more information.This is a Level 7 position with a salary range of $124,098 - $131,904 per annum + Super (depending on relevant experience).Confidential enquiries can be directed to Leah Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer on 0409 030 653.To apply, simply complete the application process by clicking the ‘Apply’ button and attach your cover letter and resume.  Applications close 31 May 2026 at 10pm.Position Description AUD Kilburn 5084

Waste Services and Contracts Manager

Help Shape the Future of Recycling in Our Community

Are you passionate about waste reduction, recycling innovation and creating real environmental change?

An exciting opportunity is available for a person with proven experience as a Services and Contracts Manager in the waste and recycling sector.

More than contract management, this role is about driving change, improving recycling performance and delivering measurable environmental outcomes for thousands of households.

This position is employed by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield (PAE) and seconded to Central Adelaide Waste and Recycling Authority (CAWRA), working in partnership with the City of Charles Sturt (CCS).

About CAWRA

Established in 2019, CAWRA is a regional subsidiary of the Cities of Charles Sturt and Port Adelaide Enfield. CAWRA owns and oversees a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) processing kerbside recycling, operated by our principal contractor, Visy Recycling. Beyond MRF operations, CAWRA is actively expanding its capability to improve waste diversion, recycling performance, contract outcomes and environmental results across the region.

About the Role

As Waste Services and Contracts Manager, you’ll be at the heart of CAWRA’s waste and resource recovery operations, leading the strategic oversight and governance of contracts and services across CAWRA and its constituent Councils.

You’ll be trusted to make complex, high‑value decisions that balance financial, environmental, political and community considerations, while leading major contracts, programs and service improvements that directly affect thousands of residents.

This role is ideal for someone who understands the realities of waste and recycling operations, enjoys working with contractors and stakeholders and wants to see their work translate into better outcomes for the community.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead strategic planning, procurement, negotiation and management of waste and recycling contracts.
  • Provide expert advice to the CEO and Council leadership on service models, contract strategy, risk and investment.
  • Drive the transition toward a more circular economy through innovation and smart service design.
  • Manage operational budgets, analyse data and report on trends and service outcomes to identify performance gaps, efficiency opportunities and service improvement initiatives.
  • Influence the design and continuous improvement of integrated waste and resource management services aligned with Council and CAWRA strategies.
  • Resolve complex, multi‑council contractual and service issues with sound judgement and diplomacy.
  • Build strong, productive relationships with Council teams, contractors and industry partners and manage escalated waste‑related issues.

About You

You’re a commercially savvy professional with hands‑on experience in waste management, recycling, resource recovery, logistics or a closely related industry. You bring strong contract management capability, ideally within waste, local government or another regulated environment and thrive on driving performance and value. Backed by a relevant tertiary qualification and/or significant practical experience, you’re ready to make a real impact on essential services and environmental outcomes.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

  • Enjoy working close to operations and translating commercial insight into practical outcomes.
  • Have experience managing complex service contracts in waste, recycling, logistics or a regulated environment.
  • Care about improving recycling performance, environmental outcomes and customer experience, not just ticking boxes.
  • Are confident working with multiple stakeholders, navigating competing priorities and driving change.
  • Bring strong commercial judgement, clear communication skills and a solutions‑focused mindset.

Why join CAWRA?

  • Flexible work arrangements are supported
  • Work at a modern purpose-built facility with free parking
  • Make an impact at a regional level across two metropolitan Councils
  • High‑profile contracts with real environmental impact
  • Help shape an evolving organisation to influence how services, systems and performance frameworks are designed and improved
  • A collaborative, pragmatic environment where expertise is valued

Please find attached the Position Description for more information.

This is a Level 7 position with a salary range of $124,098 - $131,904 per annum + Super (depending on relevant experience).

Confidential enquiries can be directed to Leah Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer on 0409 030 653.

To apply, simply complete the application process by clicking the ‘Apply’ button and attach your cover letter and resume. 

Applications close 31 May 2026 at 10pm.

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