Manager Economic Development

• An Idyllic rural paradise at the doorstep of Brisbane and Toowoomba 
• Excellent term opportunity
• Member of the Senior Leadership Team 
• Based in Warwick, Queensland

About the Region

The Southern Downs region boasts a vibrant rural lifestyle with many things to do and see. The four-season climate is a world away from typical Queensland regions and offers a variety of scenery, flora, and fauna. Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt are a premium food and wine destination renowned Australia wide.  It is the home of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism and fifty-plus wineries.

Situated one hour south of Toowoomba and two hours south-west of Brisbane in Queensland, the Major centres include Warwick, Allora, Killarney, and Stanthorpe with the region stretching along to the New South Wales border and covering 7,122km2.

The region’s abundant land, industry diversity and transport infrastructure underpin its role as a major hub for Southeast Queensland’s agricultural, manufacturing and food processing, health and aged care, tourism, and transport sectors. The Council has committed to the future of these industries and after extensive community consultation is focused on promoting the region as a place to invest as well enjoy a myriad of lifestyle benefits.

About Council 

Supporting a population of 35,000, Council employs approximately 400 staff and has an operating budget of $100m.

Southern Downs can also look forward to strong economic growth. The recently adopted Economic Development Strategy recommends that Council pursues the four key pillars of Agriculture and Processing, Tourism and Events, Industry and Innovation and Population Attraction and Retention and provides the framework for how Council seeks to achieve the outcome of building the capacity and capability of the regional economy to protect and enhance the quality of life of residents now and into the future.

About the Position

This position is accountable to the Chief Executive Officer and will work closely with the three Directors to establish and implement the strategic direction of the Directorate. 

The successful incumbent will focus on strengthening Economic Development outcomes for the Region by supporting current business and employing strategies to actively attract businesses, industry and residents to the region. You will also be supported in the role by specialist advisors on strategic initiatives and projects.

To support the tourism product of the region through the development of effective partnerships with tourism industry stakeholders and the positioning of the Southern Downs as a destination of choice to identified visitor markets including events, tour groups and individuals.

Experience and qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in the planning, development, promotion and facilitation of Economic Development, events or tourism related activities, initiatives and projects.
• Proven ability to develop policy, strategic and operational plans, and successfully lead their implementation including the successful management of financial resources for the team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and lead staff to produce results consistent with Council’s strategic direction.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with proven ability to communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders including government departments, industry bodies and the community.
• Relevant qualification of at least degree level.

About You

Degree qualified in a relevant field, you will have worked in a similar position and ideally have experience working in local government. You will be able to demonstrate your success and experience in developing programs and strategies to meet key economic and tourism objectives in previous roles. 

Why this Position

This role presents an outstanding career and lifestyle opportunity for someone who enjoys being part of a regional community where there is freedom to choose to live on acreage or suburban, where the properties are priced well below that of capital cities and yet close to Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

Based in Warwick, the position comes with an attractive Total Remuneration Package dependent upon experience. You will also have access to various benefits including flexible work arrangements. Relocation assistance may be provided to the right candidate.

Do not miss this opportunity to combine an outstanding lifestyle with a career opportunity in an organisation where the leadership from the CEO to directors are engaged in and amongst staff! 

This is a 3-year senior managerial contract role with compensation appropriate to the responsibilities and requirements of the job role.

 To Apply

On SEEK.com click ‘apply’ where you can upload your documents. Or view the Council’s Careers page at sdrc.qld.gov.au and ensure that you complete Council's coversheet with your application. You can also view a copy of the position description. 

Applications may be sent to **********@sdrc.qld.gov.au quoting ref: HR1259. Applications will close 9:00am Friday 23 February 2024.

For a confidential conversation call Dave Madeley, People & Culture Coordinator on 07 4661 0*** (direct) or email ************@sdrc.qld.gov.au

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to undergo background checks, reference checks and mandatory drug / alcohol screening.