Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Lead Operations. Deliver Strategic Outcomes. Shape the Future of Resource Recovery.

Total Salary Package: From $210,00 to $258,000 (depending on skills and experience) includes 12% superannuation + 5% co-contribution and vehicle provided.
Location: Hazelmere and Red Hill

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this pivotal executive role provides leadership across the EMRC's operational services, major infrastructure projects, and resource recovery initiatives.

As COO, you will drive operational excellence, lead high-performing teams, and play a key role in delivering innovative and sustainable waste management and resource recovery solutions.

About the Role

The COO is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership, management and oversight of the:

• Red Hill Waste Management Facility

• Hazelmere Resource Recovery Park

• Bayswater Community Recycling Centre (Baywaste)

Leading a diverse portfolio of operational, engineering and compliance professionals, you will ensure safe, efficient and compliant service delivery while driving continuous improvement, innovation and financial sustainability across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead the management, development and performance of EMRC's operational facilities and services.

• Develop and implement operational plans and strategic initiatives aligned with organisational objectives.

• Drive financial performance through effective budgeting, forecasting and commercial management.

• Oversee major infrastructure and resource recovery projects from planning through delivery.

• Manage contracts, procurement activities and tender processes.

• Foster strong relationships with councils, government agencies, industry groups, contractors and community stakeholders.

• Champion workplace health and safety, risk management and environmental compliance.

• Lead and develop a high-performing workforce while cultivating a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.

About You

You are an accomplished executive leader with a strong track record managing complex operational environments and infrastructure portfolios. You bring strategic vision, commercial acumen and the ability to influence outcomes across a wide range of stakeholders.

To be successful, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering.

• Significant experience in landfill management and resource recovery operations.

• Extensive senior leadership experience managing complex operational services or infrastructure portfolios.

• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and managing organisational change.

• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

• Strong financial, commercial and business management capability.

• Experience in project, contract and tender management.

• A strong understanding of environmental, community and sustainability issues relevant to the waste management and resource recovery sectors.

• A current WA C-Class Driver's Licence.

Desirable qualifications include postgraduate studies in business or a related discipline and experience working within local government environments.

Why Join EMRC?

At the EMRC, our values of Excellence, Recognition, Innovation, Responsiveness and Integrity underpin everything we do. We are committed to delivering sustainable outcomes for our member councils and communities while fostering a supportive and forward-thinking workplace.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an influential and results-driven executive to make a meaningful impact on the future of waste management, resource recovery and environmental sustainability in Western Australia.

Hua Jer Liew

Chief Executive Officer

Apply Now

If you are an accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) with significant experience in waste management, resource recovery, infrastructure delivery and operational leadership, we would love to hear from you. Applications should include a covering letter addressing the Selection Criteria along with a current CV.

For a confidential discussion about this role please contact Wendy Harris, Chief Transformation Officer on (08) •••• •208.

Applications close: 4.00pm Monday 24 August 2026

Please note that interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date, and applications will be assessed as they are received.

Position Description – Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Apply online or via post to:

Human Resources Team, VAC 26/02, Recruitment

PO Box 234

Belmont WA 6984

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome people from all backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people identifying as LGBTI, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disability.