Department Manager

Department Manager – Environmental Services

Full-Time | Melbourne, VIC

Be part of a fast-growing environmental services leader. Drive operational excellence, lead a high-performing team, and make a real impact.

About Us

At Applied Group, we're passionate about protecting the environment and helping businesses manage their environmental responsibilities. As a leader in Environmental Services, completing reactive maintenance to Spill responses, site remediation and contaminated waste management, our dedicated team operates 24/7, delivering rapid, compliant, and practical solutions across multiple industries.

The Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced and motivated Department Manager to lead our Environmental Division. In this role, you'll take ownership of operational performance, safety compliance, new job leads, and client satisfaction, while driving growth and profitability.

This is a hands-on leadership position suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and has a strong background in environmental services, waste management, environmental initiatives, containment solutions or remediation projects.

What You'll Do

As our Department Manager, you'll lead a skilled team and ensure seamless, safe, and efficient delivery of services. Your responsibilities will include:

Operational Leadership & Compliance

• Manage and coordinate daily spill response and site remediation operations.
• Oversee 24/7 field crews across multiple projects.
• Ensure strict compliance with EPA, WHS, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct site visits, inspections, and incident debriefings.
• Allocate resources, equipment, and personnel for emergency and scheduled works.

Environmental & Remediation Oversight

• Oversee contaminated waste classification, handling, and disposal.
• Manage documentation, permits, and transport certificates to ensure compliance.
• Lead site clean-up, remediation, and reinstatement works, including excavation and surface restoration.
• Liaise with environmental consultants to develop site-specific remedial plans.
• Provide alternate recommendations in the area of containment.

Client & Business Growth

• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand the division.
• Prepare quotations, tender submissions, and project scopes.
• Represent Applied Group in client and regulator meetings.

Financial & Strategic Leadership

• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Monitor and report on financial performance, KPIs, and operational efficiency.
• Contribute to strategic planning, equipment investment, and service expansion.

Team Management & Development

• Provide clear leadership to field crews and administrative staff.
• Manage rosters, resource allocation, and team performance.
• Facilitate regular team meetings, toolbox talks, and training sessions.
• Support professional development and foster a safety-first culture.

About You

You're a confident leader who thrives in a hands-on operational role and knows how to balance people management, compliance, and commercial growth. Ideally, you'll bring:

• Proven experience in a senior operational, service management, or business development role.
• Background in environmental services, waste management, spill response, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of EPA regulations, WHS requirements, and waste tracking systems.
• Understanding of civil construction and site reinstatement methods.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Proven ability to drive business growth, manage budgets, and improve operational KPIs.
• Proficiency with scheduling, quoting, and reporting systems.

Why Join Applied Group?

• Career growth – Join a fast-growing environmental division backed by an established company.
• Supportive culture – Be part of a family-grown business that values its people and safety above all.
• Training & development – Gain access to specialised training and personal development opportunities.
• Industry recognition – Work with a winning team in civil infrastructure, contract maintenance, and environmental services.

Key Performance Expectations

• Achieve annual revenue targets.
• Grow and manage a high-quality sales pipeline.
• Deliver strong budget margins while controlling labour and materials costs.
• Drive productivity, efficiency, and continuous improvement.