Unit manager - building maintenance

Are you the type of leader who sees opportunity where others see legacy challenges?

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a significant building maintenance function within a large metropolitan council in Melbourne's northern suburbs. With a diverse portfolio of community facilities and public assets, this role is about more than maintaining buildings – it's about shaping the future of how services are delivered, leading people through positive change, and creating a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.

We're seeking a people‐first leader who can bring structure, energy and strategic thinking to a well‐established team. Someone who is prepared to challenge the status quo, improve systems and processes, and leave a lasting impact while bringing others on the journey in a measured, collaborative and human‐centric way.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager Open Space & Environment, you will lead a small but competent Building Maintenance Unit, overseeing the delivery of maintenance, compliance, and renewal programmes across a substantial portfolio of community buildings and facilities.

This is a highly visible leadership position that combines strategic planning, operational delivery, stakeholder engagement and people leadership.

Responsibilities

• Driving continuous improvement initiatives across maintenance planning, service delivery and operational processes.
• Developing proactive maintenance strategies that improve asset performance, reduce reactive works and deliver long‐term value.
• Managing building compliance obligations, essential safety measures and facility maintenance programmes.
• Overseeing contractor performance, procurement activities and service delivery outcomes.
• Contributing to long‐term asset management, capital works planning and renewal programmes.
• Building strong relationships across the organisation, community and external stakeholders.
• Providing strategic advice to senior leadership on building maintenance, risk management and asset performance.

About You

You are an experienced leader within building maintenance, facilities management, asset management or a related environment who enjoys creating positive change and building capability within teams.

You balance strategic thinking with operational execution and understand that sustainable improvement comes from bringing people with you rather than imposing change.

What You'll Bring

• Strong experience leading building maintenance, facilities management or asset‐based service delivery functions.
• A proven ability to lead and develop teams through change.
• Experience implementing process improvements, service enhancements and operational efficiencies.
• Sound understanding of building compliance, essential safety measures and risk management.
• Strong financial, contract and contractor management experience.
• A proactive mindset focused on preventative maintenance and long‐term asset outcomes.
• Experience writing business cases, tender documents and specifications, and annual business plans.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• The ability to influence, collaborate and build trust across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

Local Government experience will be highly regarded, but is not essential.

Why This Role?

This isn't a role for someone who wants to simply maintain the status quo. It's an opportunity to:

• Put your stamp on a critical service area.
• Lead meaningful cultural and operational improvement.
• Build a proactive, future‐focused maintenance function.
• Influence long‐term asset outcomes for a growing municipality.
• Join a leadership team committed to collaboration, innovation and community outcomes.

If you're a genuine people leader who enjoys improving systems, empowering teams and delivering lasting change, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Michael at m.p•••••@aspectpersonnel.com.au or Mark at m.parrent@aspectpersonnel at Aspect Personnel.

Applications are being reviewed as they are received, and therefore, shortlisting will commence immediately.