From sourcing suppliers and inventory, to managing contractors and executing complex agreements, GAWB’s Contracts and Procurement team obtain the resources we need to get the job done.
As part of National Water Week 2024, we asked Rob, Contracts and Procurement Manager, about his role and his career in the water industry.
Why did you choose a career in water?
Water is a scarce resource, with a truly global footprint. This is a sustainable career.
When you were little, what did you want to be?
Fire fighter.
How would you describe your job to an acquaintance at a barbecue?
I am responsible for purchasing services and/or goods for GAWB to conduct business, which includes all operational activities and projects.
What’s the most interesting thing about your job?
Acquiring new technical knowledge about equipment or systems while preparing for a procurement activity and negotiating with suppliers.
Why do you choose to work in Gladstone?
Gladstone offers a good range of employment opportunities and industries while providing all the benefits of a slower-paced town and it is close to the beach.
How do you help the water get from Awoonga Dam to Gladstone homes and local industry?
The Contracts and Procurement team engages suppliers to provide the necessary services and goods for GAWB to maintain and upgrade its network of assets and infrastructure.
What is one thing you want Gladstone residents to know about Gladstone Area Water Board?
GAWB owns and operates the Boynedale Bush Camp, which allows members of the public to camp for free, for up to seven days within a thirty-day period.
Tell us something about your professional development journey.
I started my career in finance, working as a qualified accountant before moving across to supply chain management almost 14 years ago. My background in finance made the transition to supply chain management much smoother.
How do you maintain work/life balance?
As my children are grown up, I spend my free time at golf, gym and the beach.
How has the workplace evolved over the last 10-20 years?
The concept and application of remote work is now much more entrenched, with people able to work from anywhere and access data from their mobile devices.
What’s your favourite location at Lake Awoonga?
Ironbark Gully Recreation Area.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
A leader who challenges you to come up with business improvement opportunities and gives you the room to implement those ideas.
What advice would you give someone just starting their career in your field?
Spend time in the field and learn how the business operates. If you can, gain exposure to other areas of the business or ask to participate in a project.
What makes you proud to work at GAWB?
We are truly focused on providing an uninterrupted water delivery service to Gladstone residents and local industry and providing world-class recreational facilities for the community to enjoy.
What does GAWB’s vision ‘together delivering safe and reliable water services to enhance the liveability of our region’ mean to you?
GAWB plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of industry and the economic growth of the region. As our region grows and attracts more people, it creates more opportunities to build sustainable infrastructure or upgrade existing infrastructure for the whole community.
Want to know more about a career at GAWB and our latest opportunities? Visit our careers page.
