unit manager, mechanical marine

Department for Infrastructure and Transport

Job reference: 697524

Location: ADELAIDE

Job status: Ongoing

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

At the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, we are connecting South Australia to keep our State moving. We are responsible for delivering a multi-billion-dollar pipeline of transformative transport and social infrastructure projects, operating and maintaining thousands of kilometres of roads and managing our city's public transport network.

Our work encompasses every part of our State; from our cities to our regions, connecting and strengthening community. We value diversity and inclusion and foster an environment of collaboration, flexibility, and support for our people.

The Opportunity

As Unit Manager, Mechanical Marine, you will lead the team responsible for safeguarding and shaping the future of South Australia's River Murray ferry fleet and the state's iconic tall ships — Falie and One & All. This is a unique leadership role where your expertise directly contributes to safe, reliable, and sustainable marine transport services that communities rely on every day.

You will oversee major capital and operational programs — from ferry refurbishments and replacements to tall ship refits — ensuring these vital assets remain fit for purpose and continue to serve generations to come. Leading a skilled and multidisciplinary team, you'll inspire collaboration, bring technical and strategic insight, and deliver complex projects that make a tangible difference to people and communities across the state.

Beyond program delivery, you'll act as a trusted advisor, providing high-level expertise to senior leaders and stakeholders, shaping policy, and driving innovation in marine asset management. With a focus on continuous improvement and practical problem solving, you'll guide your team through challenges, foster strong partnerships, and deliver outcomes that enhance both customer experience and operational performance.

About you

You are a strategic and customer-focused professional with a strong ability to lead complex programs and engage effectively with stakeholders on sensitive and high-impact matters. Your leadership style motivates multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality outcomes, and you bring a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

With expertise in mechanical disciplines, you provide sound advice on risks, trends, and operational challenges. You are experienced in managing resources efficiently and implementing change while maintaining service quality and mitigating risk.

Your communication skills are highly developed, enabling you to convey complex information clearly, negotiate effectively, and build strong relationships. You are committed to delivering services that align with strategic goals and benefit the broader community.

Educational Qualifications / Licenses

• A Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant engineering discipline providing eligibility for professional accreditation is required.
• A current Drivers Licence is essential.

Special Conditions

• A National Police Check (NPC) is required prior to employment in the Department for Infrastructure and Transport which must be renewed every three years.
• Some out of hours and weekend work, along with some intra/interstate travel requiring overnight stays, may be required.

Tenure of Vacancy

Ongoing

Remuneration

PO4 - $110,696 to $120,470 pa + Superannuation.

Enquiries

Grant Sommers

Manager Commercial Marine and State Waters

Telephone:

Email:

Application Instructions

Applications can be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply' button.

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the selection criteria in the role statement.

Our Commitment

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture across the department, planning for and promoting diversity and culturally safe workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse community groups and ages including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities and other diversity groups. The Department recognises the benefits that such an approach brings for our staff and customers in delivering the future of South Australia. As a WE'RE EQUAL organisation we are committed to treating everyone equally, proudly promoting our department, and all its spaces as safe places for everybody.

As a WE'RE EQUAL organisation we are committed to treating everyone equally, proudly promoting our department, and all its spaces as safe places for everybody.

Role Statement Unit Manager Mechanical Marine PO4

Applications close: 25/09/2025 9:00 PM

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.