Total REM package between $215,000-$225,000
* Oversee and drive the City Development and City Safety Programs
* Lead a team of 4 direct reports & a team of approx. 80 FTE
* Full time, 5-year fixed term opportunity
About the Opportunity
This is a leadership role to guide one of the City of Adelaide's most diverse and impactful portfolios. As a trusted strategic partner to the Director City Community, you will help translate the Strategic Plan 2024-2028 into meaningful outcomes, provide leadership across the portfolio, and ensure priorities align with organisational objectives, political direction and community expectations. You will balance strategic thinking with attention to operational realities, combining big-picture planning with hands-on problem solving.
As the Associate Director, Regulatory Services, you will provide strategic leadership across services that shape how people live, work, invest in and experience the city. Responsibilities span development assessment, city planning, community safety, environmental health, building compliance, permit management and parking services, influencing outcomes visible across Adelaide daily.
Leading a team of experienced professionals, you will set the program's strategic direction, drive organisational performance and foster a culture focused on customer experience, innovation and continuous improvement.
This role requires the ability to see both the big picture and the operational realities beneath it. You will identify trends, challenges and opportunities, translating insights into strategies, priorities and initiatives that support Council's objectives while delivering meaningful community outcomes.
Working closely with senior leaders, Elected Members, government agencies, developers, businesses and community stakeholders, you will navigate complex and often competing interests to achieve balanced and sustainable outcomes. You will guide major development opportunities, oversee regulatory compliance frameworks, enhance public safety initiatives and improve customer experiences through a collaborative, solutions-focused leadership approach.
Success in this role comes from leading leaders, building high-performing teams and creating an environment where people are empowered to deliver their best work. You will combine strategic thinking with sound commercial and operational judgement to ensure the program remains responsive to evolving community needs, legislative requirements and future city priorities.
If you are motivated by complexity, thrive in a high-visibility leadership role and seek to influence outcomes with lasting city impact, this is an opportunity to make a genuine difference.
To view a copy of the position description, please click here.
About You
To be successful in this role you will have:
* Proven ability to build positive relationships and consult, negotiate and communicate with all levels of management and staff, government agencies, stakeholders and the community, both verbally and in writing.
* Proven ability to provide effective leadership for a multi-disciplinary team which continually enhances human capacity.
* Proven understanding of regulatory services management processes related to safety planning, environmental health and safety.
* Proven understanding of current and emerging policy directions of Australian and State governments in regulatory services, environmental health and safety.
* Highly developed project management skills underpinning timely development of strategies, projects and programs and cross-functional collaboration.
* Proven ability to recognise and resolve conflict; manage negotiation and mediation with industry, government agencies at local, state and commonwealth levels and other stakeholders.
About Us
Located in the geographic heart of Kaurna Country, the City of Adelaide focuses on community wellbeing, quality of life and future planning to design a liveable city. This is an opportunity to join our team and contribute to the city's ongoing development.
We aim to deliver exceptional experiences for our community and customers, fostering creativity, recreation and wellbeing in a city that is safe, accessible and supportive of all communities.
For Further Enquiries & How to Apply
All enquiries regarding this position are private and confidential. Submit a resume and a cover letter addressing the skills, experience and qualities you can bring to this position, addressed to Jo Podoliak, Director, City Community. Please review the position description prior to applying. For more information about working for the City of Adelaide, including benefits, please visit www.cityofadelaide.com.au/careers
Applications close at 11:59pm, 21 June 2026. This is a full-time, 5-year contract opportunity with a total remuneration package in the range of $215,000 - $225,000 per annum including superannuation. A car park and a professional development allowance are included.
As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to undertake a National Police Check. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and to providing reasonable adjustments to support a positive, barrier-free process.
Note: Applications received via email will not be considered. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and candidates with diverse lived experiences. If you require assistance with the recruitment process, please contact our People Services team.
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