DIVISION MANAGER, STRATEGIC PLANNING AND HOUSING

Best suited for: Australian citizens, Permanent Residents, New Zealand citizens, and Subclass 485, 491, and 191 visa holders who seeking an exceptional local council job in Moruya at Eurobodalla Shire Council, NSW.

About this opportunity

An exceptional leadership opportunity is available at Eurobodalla Shire Council for a permanent, full-time Division Manager, Strategic Planning and Housing. Based at the Moruya Administration Offices on Yuin Country, this vital position is responsible for providing proactive, strategic direction to the Division and actively contributing to major organization-wide projects as part of the Level 3 Managers Team. The successful candidate will oversee the timely and effective delivery of Council's land use planning, housing programs, and heritage initiatives in line with community priorities. Navigating a dynamic organizational and political landscape, you will ensure all statutory and policy requirements are achieved within strict legal and financial frameworks, while championing continuous business improvement and a culture of customer service excellence.

Job Summary

• Employer Name: Eurobodalla Shire Council
• Employment Type: Permanent / Full-time
• Required Education & Experience: Tertiary qualifications in Town Planning, Urban Design, or a related field alongside demonstrated management-level experience in local government or a similar environment.
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Employment Location: Moruya Administration Office, Eurobodalla Shire, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
• Salary : An attractive salary package will be negotiated with the successful candidate, inclusive of a cash component, Division Manager Allowance, fully maintained Council salary packaged vehicle (including full private usage) and 12% superannuation.
• Application Deadline: 2 August 2026

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and effective people management for the Strategic Planning and Housing Division, including coaching, performance management, and Code of Conduct compliance.
• Plan, develop, implement, and review statutory plans, housing strategies, studies, and policies in consultation with the Director.
• Assume complete financial accountability for the planning, monitoring, and successful achievement of the Division’s annual budget.
• Lead team-based engagement and advocacy on policy and development issues with Councillors, government agencies, development industries, and community groups.
• Contribute actively to organization-wide strategic projects, knowledge sharing, and directorate-level planning within the Level 3 Managers Team.
• Act as a Business Excellence Framework champion, driving continuous quality improvement and customer service excellence across internal and external functions.
• Lead the ongoing monitoring, review, and compliance of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) systems and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles within the division.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and present expert advice directly to Council, committees, and public forums on complex strategic planning matters.

Skills & Requirements

• Strategic Planning & Housing Acumen: Strong expertise in developing, implementing, and reviewing statutory land use, housing, and heritage plans, with the ability to conduct assessments on highly complex planning matters.
• Management & Financial Control: Proven financial oversight, project management, and strategic resource allocation capacities to successfully deliver complex programs under tight deadlines.
• Interpersonal & Negotiation: Outstanding communication, negotiation, and community engagement skills, with a demonstrated ability to motivate teams and build positive relationships.
• Technical Systems Literacy: Practical proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and spatial/mapping applications like MapInfo or equivalent GIS software.
• Mandatory Requirements:
  • A verified tertiary qualification in Town Planning, Urban Design, or a closely related discipline
  • Successful completion of (or active willingness to complete) competency-based WHS training at a manager level

Benefits

• Competitive salary and salary packaging options based on Eurobodalla's Professional / Specialist Band 3 Level 4 structure.
• Generous leave provisions, including 4 weeks annual leave, 2 weeks sick leave, 1 week of dedicated "My Leave" annually, and Long Service Leave after 5 years of continuous service.
• Up to 3 days of additional paid leave to cover the Council close-down period at the end of the year.
• Up to 9 weeks of Council-provided paid maternity leave (subject to eligibility conditions).
• Excellent health and wellbeing support, including a Fitness Passport, Social Club, flu vaccinations, and free counseling via the TELUS Health One App.
• Continuous professional development, structured annual performance reviews, study leave, and a structured rewards and recognition program.

Important Applicant Information

• Application Method: Qualified planning professionals must apply formally through the Eurobodalla Shire Council Vacant Positions website. Your online submission must include a detailed resume and your responses to the essential screening questions. An accompanying cover letter highlighting your key achievements is highly encouraged but optional. For specific operational inquiries about this division or the role's scope, contact Gary Bruce directly on 02 4474 1087.
• Submission Tip: To avoid delay, ensure your resume clearly outlines your local government management experience, financial control responsibilities, and tertiary credentials.

Eligible applicants include:

• Australian citizens
• Permanent Residents (PR)
• New Zealand citizens
• Subclass 485 / 491 / 191 visa holders

About The Employer

Eurobodalla Shire Council is located on Yuin Country on the far south coast of NSW. Servicing an inclusive community of over 40,000 residents and welcoming 1.2 million visitors annually, Eurobodalla is known as the "land of many waters" with 143km of coastline and extensive open spaces. Council is committed to building an inclusive, safe, and supportive culture guided by our core corporate values: collaboration, respect, teamwork, professionalism, openness, and trust. We embrace diversity and actively encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply.

Applicant Safety & Screening Reminder

• Mandatory Verification: Formal employment remains strictly contingent upon pre-employment checks, including verification of original government-issued photo ID at the interview stage, reference checks (including your current or most recent supervisor of at least 3 months), and potential criminal history, medical, or Working with Children checks depending on position demands.
• Security Warning: Legitimate New South Wales local government authorities will never request job-related payments, screening fees, or uniform bonds from candidates. Do not share confidential financial information or your Tax File Number (TFN) until a formal, verified contract is finalized by Council.

Original Source: Eurobodalla Shire Council Vacant Positions — Division Manager, Strategic Planning and Housing (Job No: ESC1298)