Executive Manager Growth & Sustainability

Requisition Number: 506
Salary Range: $172,297.42 per annum exclusive of superannuation 
Position Type: Five (5) year contract position
Location: Council Chambers, 119 – 145 Spence Street, Cairns
Application Close Date: Sunday, 2 February 2025 at 11.30pm AEST

Are you a dynamic, strategic thinker with a passion for driving sustainable growth and strategic planning?

Do you want to lead Towards2050, the largest project Council’s Planning, Growth & Sustainability Directorate has ever undertaken?

Find out more about the Towards2050 project here: Towards 2050 | Have Your Say Cairns

Cairns, the ‘Bleisure’ capital of Australia, offers a unique blend of work and lifestyle that is hard to match. Nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and Rainforests, Cairns is a city where your weekend could involve exploring reefs, tropical islands, or hiking through rainforests - all within a short drive from your home.

Due to our continued growth and positive team outlook, we have an incredible opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking Executive Manager Growth & Sustainability to lead and drive key initiatives within our Planning, Growth & Sustainability Directorate.

What You Will Do:
Reporting to the Director Planning, Growth & Sustainability, this is a key senior leadership role that offers the chance to influence the future of the Cairns region, shaping both its growth trajectory and its commitment to sustainability.

Current and key focus areas include:

• Overseeing Strategic Land Use Planning, Growth Management, and Sustainability, ensuring Council’s plans and projects are not only commercially competitive but also aligned with the community’s evolving needs, and focused on sustainable growth.
• Fostering the completion of the Towards2050 Project, the largest project Council’s Planning, Growth & Sustainability Directorate has ever undertaken.
• Creation of an innovative 5-year operational plan for the Growth & Sustainability Branch, playing a key role in steering Council toward its long-term goals and shaping the region's sustainable future.
• Commence a new planning scheme.
• Continue to develop Urban and Regional Policy that leads Far North Queensland and northern Australia.
• Senior leadership and management of the Growth & Sustainability Branch, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, innovative practices, and a healthy and supportive workplace culture and environment.

This is your opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of the Cairns region’s growth and sustainability initiatives. As part of a highly dynamic, forward-thinking team, you will drive transformative projects that not only shape the region’s development but also enhance the quality of life for our community.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field or equivalent business expertise, showcasing a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills necessary to drive success.
• Extensive experience in the fields of sustainability, project management, strategy development and growth management, including an ability to work across a variety of disciplines at a strategic level.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage and motivate staff and build a positive and high-performing workplace culture.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, enabling you to build strong relationships and resolve issues with both internal and external stakeholders. Your ability to clearly articulate ideas and influence outcomes ensures smooth and successful interactions with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated sensitivity awareness to economic and environmental factors within the Cairns region and the ability and judgement to resolve conflicting objectives, allowing you to make decisions that benefit both the region’s growth and its sustainability.

If you are ready to lead the way in sustainable growth and planning, we would love to hear from you!

Some benefits we offer:

• Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates
• Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks personal leave
• Secure your future with 12% superannuation contributions
• Salary sacrifice opportunities
• Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
• Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)

We are committed to:

• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
• Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support

Now we want to hear about YOU!

Applications MUST be submitted online through the 'Apply' button and include a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria and Resume outlining previous academic and work experience and if requested include attachments of the relevant qualifications and licenses, relating to the role.

For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.

Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted via:
Phone: (07) 4044 3310
Email: jobs@cairns.qld.gov.au
Website: Employment at Council | Cairns Regional Council