Manager Strategic Planning and Growth

• A varied and rewarding new position will have the successful applicant deliver planning strategies, plans and policies.
• Competitive annual salary commencing at $184,000 - to be negotiated depending on skills and experience, plus up to 12% superannuation
• Great range of additional benefits, including health & wellness programs, salary sacrifice options, salary packaging arrangements. 

About the Region

Gympie is at the heart of a rapidly expanding region which stretches from rural valleys in our western reaches to the Cooloola Coast.  Bordering Noosa and Fraser Coast Local Government areas, we are uniquely positioned to grow whilst still retaining our country charm.  Our borders with North and South Burnett, and the Somerset Local Government areas link with our rural lifestyle, where you can enjoy our picturesque smaller townships, or our abundant local history.  Our local festivals such as the Gympie Music Muster are renowned both nationally and internationally. 

For someone seeking a high quality of life, with pristine natural areas and spectacular beaches, all within reach of Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, we are offering this unique opportunity.

Manager Strategic Planning and Growth

Remuneration: Annual salary commencing at $184,000 to be negotiated based on skills and experience, plus up to 12% superannuation

Closing Date: Sunday 23 November at 11.00pm AEST

No late applications will be accepted.  Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered. Unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered. 

Role Overview

Gympie Regional Council has an exciting opportunity within the Community Sustainability Directorate.  This new position will deliver planning strategy, plans and policies relating to land use, economic development, sport and recreation, urban design, tourism and heritage, in consultation with key stakeholders.

Essential Knowledge & Skills: 

• Bachelor Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a relevant discipline.
• Planning instrument drafting, interpretation of legislation, preparation of submissions on behalf of council, community engagement, urban release area planning, urban design and coordinaiton of planning studies and heritage engagement 
• Demonstrated knowledge of professional and legislative requirements relevant to planning and economic development 
• Minimum of senior management level experience 
• Demonstrated knowledge of professional and legislative requirements 
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to foster relationships 
• Proven experience leading high-performing teams in a complex regulatory environment. Including the ability to lead change, drive continuous improvement and foster collaboration and innovation.
• Strong understanding of planning frameworks, development assessment, and compliance regulations.
• Strategic leadership experience in sustainable development and community planning.
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills to drive innovative solutions.
• Ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, developers, and community groups.
• Strong political acumen and emotional intelligence to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Resilience, adaptability, and accountability in a fast-paced and evolving landscape.
• Queensland ‘C’ Class driver’s licence that is current and maintained.

Essential Requirements: 

• Develop economic growth outcomes including policy, planning policy related to improving the region’s economic growth, development potential as well as balancing and protecting the environment and agricultural sectors of the region.
• Delivery of projects and strategic planning policy related to land use, economic development and tourism, strategic growth, sport and recreation and heritage.
• Drive strategic initiatives aimed at improving housing accessibility and environmental sustainability, economic growth, sport and recreation, and tourism outcomes.
• Advocate for policies that support sustainable growth and improved housing accessibility.
• Develop solutions to improve housing supply through strategic planning initiatives.
• Represent the Council in various forums, advocating for sustainable planning policies.
• Provide high-level leadership to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and service excellence.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to drive community-driven initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements across all development functions.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, promoting professional growth and high performance.
• Contribute to the Council’s strategic planning as part of the Senior Leadership and Extended Management Executive teams.
• Monitor customer satisfaction of key stakeholders involved in, or impacted by, the development and implementation of strategic planning policy and major projects.

Position Description

For a full position description containing essential and desirable criteria, please click here. 

Who to Contact

For information regarding the requirements of this role, please contact Councils Director Community Sustainability, Alex Stengl on 07-5481 0404 or email alex.stengl@gympie.qld.gov.au

For assistance lodging your application using Council's online system, please contact Council's Officer Recruitment, Sue Rossi on 07-5481 0971 or email sue.rossi@gympie.qld.gov.au

What we offer?

• Nineteen Day Month
• Access to employee health and well-being programs
• Fitness Passport: work out at over 25 local gyms for you and your family at a subsidised rate
• Long service leave after seven years
• Generous superannuation scheme of up to 13 per cent
• Access to salary sacrificing and salary packaging arrangements
• Employee assistance program offering free confidential counselling services for employees and their families.

Our Values

• Accountability
• Communication
• Customer Service Focused
• Integrity
• Teamwork and Collaboration

For a full explanation of our values please click here.  You will be assessed on your understanding of these values and how you have applied values such as these in your previous employment.

Our Process

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various checks such as skills, qualifications, reference, medical and national police.

Keen to apply? -  Simply follow the instructions below:

1) Download and review the position description above
2) Complete the information below as requested using your personal email. 
3) Click 'APPLY'
4) Attach your resume, covering letter and a single document containing copies of your qualifications, licences or tickets as applicable.
5) Click 'NEXT' and 'CONFIRM'

Please note before continuing: It is advisable that you prepare your responses in a separate word or text document, saving your work as you go and that you then copy and paste this prepared information in the form before completing the application process. Please keep your responses to a maximum 300 words for each question.

Applications close on Sunday 23 November 2025 at 11.00pm AEST. No late applications will be accepted. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered.

Gympie Regional Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and our people represent the community which we service. We invite all suitably qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations People, and people from diverse social, cultural and gender backgrounds.