Closing date: 7/12/2025 11:59 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time
Location: 18 Desailly Street Sale
Department: Development
Employment type: Full Time Temporary
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Acting General Manager Development - Internal Appointment - Wellington Shire Council Staff only
Position No. 724
Temporary Full-time (flexible appointment length)
SEO Wage package + 12% statutory superannuation + full private use of a vehicle
We are currently seeking to appoint a dynamic people leader to the position of Acting General Manager Development in a temporary full-time capacity (anticipated contract length of 4-5 months).
As our ideal candidate, we are requiring an enthusiastic, and collaborative individual with high emotional intelligence and the resilience to work in a complex and changing environment.
This unique role presents an exciting chance to make a significant contribution to our community and requires someone with a passion to build and strengthen relationships across the community and business sectors. It provides a real opportunity for you to create a team, measure your impact, and drive to achieve a high level of service delivery. To do this you will need to have a solid appreciation of local government environments and key legislation knowledge across the development arena.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Acting General Manager Development is a critical and impactful leadership role for Wellington Shire Council’s Corporate Management Team and is responsible for the overall management and operations of the Development function of the organisation including Economic Development, Planning and Building, Community Development and Culture and Leisure.
This role demands extensive relevant experience, and the candidate will possess exceptional management and leadership skills, a strong customer service focus and a comprehensive understanding of the legislative framework applicable to local government. You will be keen to make your mark as a key contributor in shaping the future direction of Council through applying your particular expertise and knowledge across strategy, leadership, and stakeholder management.
Key objectives include:
- Maintain high quality Planning Services: Deliver streamlined, transparent, and responsive planning processes that support sustainable growth and meet community expectations.
- Drive Commercial Property Outcomes: Maximise council-owned property potential through strategic development, partnerships, and investment attraction to boost economic activity.
- Advocate for Renewable Energy Investment: Champion regional opportunities in renewable energy projects to secure jobs, infrastructure, and long-term economic benefits for the community.
- Maintain Service Provision: Ensure consistent, accessible, and reliable services that uphold community wellbeing while adapting to future growth and resource challenges.
- Oversee the implementation and ongoing management of a robust risk and compliance framework to protect the interests of WSC and the community.
- Ensure the provision of efficient and effective development services across Wellington Shire.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate how they meet the criteria below:
- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Economics, Finance, Commerce, Law, Information Technology, or related discipline, and post-graduate qualifications in Business Administration or relevant area.
- Demonstrated experience to effectively manage competing deadlines and priorities by applying leadership and project management skills to ensure successful deliverables.
- Ability to interpret and navigate political environments whilst maintaining strong relationships and credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
- Exceptional oral (public speaking), written, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to lead, motivate and develop staff and others resulting from a clear vision of Council’s direction and a commitment to achieving results.
- Experience working in an organisational leadership role within a development function, preferably in local government or other large and diverse business environments.
- Thorough knowledge of financial management systems including long term financial planning, budget preparation and an ability to clearly articulate financial reports and issues to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Management Team, and Council.
- High level experience in strategic decision-making activities.
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit a CV and a one page covering letter addressing the criteria above, by no later than 11:59pm on Sunday 7 December 2025.