Interim Director Planning and Environment

Exciting Opportunity: Interim Director of Planning and Environment

Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of planning and environmental management in a vibrant community? Murray River Council invites applications for the position of Interim Director of Planning and Environment for a six-month fixed-term role.

About Us
At Murray River Council, our mission is to support a healthy, liveable, and prosperous community. We uphold values of respect, accountability, integrity, sustainability, and excellence in everything we do. Located in the picturesque Murray River region, our council is committed to fostering economic growth, protecting the environment, and ensuring a high quality of life for our residents.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Planning and Environment will lead the council's planning, environment, and compliance services. You will ensure the successful delivery of statutory obligations and innovative services aligned with our Community Strategic Plan. Key responsibilities include:

Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic planning and leadership to achieve council goals.
• Overseeing regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and public health initiatives.
• Managing development assessments, land-use planning, and community engagement projects.
• Driving innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Representing the council in professional, governmental, and community forums.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to meet community needs and expectations.
• Ensure compliance with legislation such as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Local Government Act.
• Oversee the effective delivery of projects, programs, and regulatory activities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance within the directorate.
• Engage with stakeholders to strengthen relationships and enhance advocacy efforts.

Ideal Candidate Profile
We are looking for an experienced professional with:

• Tertiary qualifications in Environmental Health, Planning, or related fields (postgraduate qualifications desirable).
• Demonstrated leadership skills to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Expertise in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and local government practices.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to balance community expectations with resource constraints.
• Exceptional communication and strategic thinking skills.
• A valid Australian driver’s license and the ability to work across council locations

What We Offer        

Murray River Council offers a high performing and sustainable organisation to deliver outcomes for the community through leadership, collaboration and innovation. We have exciting, rewarding career opportunities and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work/life balance. We also offer

• Access to salary packaging and novated lease options.
• An engaging, community-focused workplace.
• A workplace committed to the Health Safety and Wellbeing out our employees.
• A strong commitment to professional development and career growth.

Location
This role is based in Moama, with travel throughout the council area as required.

Further information: A copy of the position description is available on this webpage, or for more information, please contact Sarah Ryan, Acting CEO on 1300 087 004.

To Apply: Please submit a current resume, cover letter, and document addressing the mandatory selection criteria (as outlined in the position description) to hr@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au.