A strategic Director to provide oversight across planning, development, sustainability and compliance.
* Play a key leadership role in a community focused Council
* Join a collaborative and outcomes focused Executive Team
* Live and work in the Limestone Coast based in Mount Gambier
About District Council of Grant
The District Council of Grant covers approximately 1,900 square kilometres and services a population of more than 9,000 residents across a range of townships and rural communities. Located in South Australia's southeast, the district includes areas of significant natural and built heritage, including Canunda National Park.
In addition to its core local government functions, the District Council of Grant owns and operates two state-significant assets, the Mount Gambier Regional Airport and the Mount Gambier and Districts Saleyards, which significantly broadens the scope of Council's operations. The region supports a diverse economic base, with key industries including agriculture, forestry and fishing, and is a recognised destination for tourism and recreation, attracting local, national and international visitors.
Surrounding South Australia's second largest city, Mount Gambier, the Council benefits from proximity to a well serviced regional centre offering quality health, education, employment and sporting facilities. The region combines a strong local economy with an attractive lifestyle and convenient access to both Adelaide and Melbourne.
About the role
The Director Development and Sustainability is an executive leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of Council's planning and building, environmental health and sustainability, compliance and community safety functions.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Executive Team, the Director provides expert, independent and professional advice to the CEO and Council, contributes to whole of organisation strategy and governance, and leads delivery of timely, defensible and community focused regulatory and development outcomes.
What you will do
* Lead and manage the department's strategic direction, planning and service delivery aligned to Council's Strategic Management Plan.
* Provide high level strategic, policy and professional advice to the CEO and Council.
* Oversee statutory and strategic planning, development assessment, land use planning and building compliance functions.
* Ensure planning schemes, Planning and Design Code amendments and strategic projects are delivered efficiently and within timeframes.
* Lead environmental health and sustainability, waste compliance, community safety and regulatory services.
* Ensure Council meets all legislative, regulatory and statutory obligations across the portfolio.
* Oversee governance, risk and compliance frameworks, ensuring high quality reporting to Council, Committees, Assessment Panels and tribunal matters.
* Manage departmental budgets, assets and resources responsibly and sustainably.
* Build effective relationships with Council Members, assessment panels, government agencies, industry and community stakeholders.
* Foster a positive, accountable and high performing culture that supports delivery, safety and continuous improvement.
What they are looking for
* Tertiary qualifications in Planning, Environmental Science, Building Surveying, Management, Business Administration or a related discipline.
* Demonstrated senior leadership experience within complex legislative and regulatory environments.
* Strong understanding of the local government operating context, including governance, statutory and compliance frameworks.
* Proven capability overseeing statutory planning, development assessment and/or environmental health functions.
* Sound judgement with the ability to make timely, defensible decisions in complex and politically sensitive settings.
* Highly developed strategic, analytical and conceptual thinking capability.
* Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including effective engagement with Elected Members.
* A collaborative inspirational leadership style with a clear focus on delivery and outcomes.
* Politically astute, with demonstrated negotiation and relationship building capability.
* Clear commitment to safety, integrity, customer service and positive community outcomes.
* Local government experience and eligibility to obtain Assessment Manager accreditation are desirable.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, delivery focused executive to shape sustainable growth and high quality development outcomes in a beautiful regional South Australian location.
To obtain a copy of the Candidate Information Pack and to apply, please visit mcarthur.com.au and quote reference number J8832. Applications close 9am Wednesday 18 th February 2026.
Confidential enquiries can be directed to Rebecca Hunt on (08) 8100 7000.
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