Project Manager / Mechanical

Job Title: Project Manager / Project Engineer Water & Sewerage Infrastructure
Location: Cairns, QLD (Hybrid once established)
Engagement: Contractor Role Competitive hourly rate + super

About Us

Proactive Projects is a Cairns-based leader in project delivery and engineering resourcing, working with Tier 1 mining operators and regional councils across Queensland. We specialise in providing multidisciplinary project support for infrastructure, utilities, and capital works, connecting proactive professionals to projects that make a real impact in their communities.
www.proactiveprojects.net

About the Role

This role will see you lead and deliver critical water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades across the Cairns region. Working closely with the client team and Proactive Projects, you'll take ownership of projects that directly support community growth and sustainability.

Projects include:

• Water pump station renewals

• New water mains across the region (delivery in partnership with council services team)

• Sewage main renewals

• Sewage main relining contracts

• Safety access lid recycling program

This is a contract role offering hybrid work flexibility once up to speed with project delivery.

What You'll Do

• Manage the end-to-end project lifecycle, from concept through to execution and close-out

• Develop scopes, business cases, schedules and cost estimates for capital works

• Prepare and release tenders, and manage contractor engagement

• Oversee execution, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget

• Manage stakeholder relationships across council teams, contractors, and community interfaces

• Monitor and report on progress, risks, and project performance

What Were Looking For

• Proven experience delivering utilities-based infrastructure projects (water, wastewater, mechanical or civil works ideal)

• Demonstrated capability in scope development, business case preparation, and tendering

• Strong contractor management and stakeholder engagement skills

• Solid technical knowledge of water/wastewater or related civil infrastructure

• A proactive, personable professional who can work independently and deliver outcomes

Why Join?

• Work on projects that directly benefit the Cairns community and region

• Flexible hybrid arrangements after initial project onboarding

• Competitive hourly rate + superannuation

• Opportunity to build long-term relationships with both council and industry clients through Proactive Projects