Manager Recreation Planning and Community Infrastructure

Fantastic opportunity to make a significant contribution to Melbourne

$140,947 to $158,633 (Dependant on skills + experience) + 12% Superannuation

Permanent ongoing

About the role

Lead Recreation Planning in the Heart of Melbourne's City

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of Melbourne, one of the world's most liveable cities. As the Manager Recreation Planning and Community Infrastructureyou'll lead the strategic direction and long-term planning of recreation infrastructure across the municipality, with a strong focus on urban renewal and the revitalisation of key community spaces. From championing major capital works to planning inclusive and future-focused facilities, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering vibrant, active places that enhance wellbeing for generations to come.If you're ready to lead bold ideas and drive impact at a capital city scale, this is your moment.

The City of Melbourne's Community and City Services Division is dedicated to placing people, families and community at the heart of its work. Through the delivery of high-quality information, services, programs and spaces, it supports the development of strong, connected and engaged communities with the tools to thrive at every stage of life.

Within the Division, the Libraries, Recreation and Waterways Branch delivers inclusive facilities, services and programs that promote active, healthy living.

The Manager Recreation Planning and Community Infrastructure holds a specialist role as the organisation's primary expert in recreation strategic planning. With a strong emphasis on urban renewal areas, this position shapes the renewal and redevelopment of existing recreation infrastructure to meet the needs of the city's diverse population. It also plays a key role in supporting planning for libraries and waterways community infrastructure, working collaboratively with service managers to ensure alignment with community needs.

As the lead client representative for the Branch, this role oversees both short and long-term capital works planning and manages the delivery of major capital works projects. It provides strategic leadership to a team of two Senior Project Coordinators, ensuring the delivery of exceptional customer experiences across recreation and community infrastructure facilities.

Collaboration with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders is central to the role, ensuring that planning and operational decisions are informed, innovative and capable of meeting both current and future demands for Libraries, Recreation and Waterways services.

A little more about the role

Key deliverable/outcome 1: Lead the strategic planning, implementation, enhancement and achievement of policies, plans and strategies for the development of community recreation, libraries and waterways opportunities

Key deliverable/outcome 2: Develop and maintain sound relationships with local community groups, Recreation, Libraries and Waterways bodies associated with the facilities and broader branch and key branches across Council

Key deliverable/outcome 3: Proactively oversee and lead the Branch ten-year capital works pipeline and coordinate the branch annual capital works process. Contribute to the branch annual planning process

Key deliverable/outcome 4:Lead business case development, feasibility studies, and reports directly or through consultants or contractors as required

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you'll help deliver what's most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We're proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it's your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne's future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

About you

You're a natural community connector, someone who thrives on bringing people together, navigating complex conversations, and turning diverse perspectives into shared achievements. Passionate and insightful, you approach every challenge with curiosity, creativity, and a collaborative spirit.

You may also be:

A results-driven professional with the sharp financial skills to manage budgets, craft compelling business cases, and deliver smart, long-term asset planning.

An inspiring leader who energises teams, fosters unity, and champions a positive, high-performance culture where people can do their best work.

What your experience might look like - Key Selection Criteria

KSC1 - Leadership capability including leading by example and consistently working towards a constructive culture.

KSC2 - Demonstrated experience in high level policy development of strategic planning relating to sport, recreation or other relevant field.

KSC3 -Ability to select, supervise and monitor performance of consultants undertaking policy development, preparation of reports, research and other projects

KSC4 -Highly developed analytical and lateral thinking skills and the ability to take the initiative, drive changes and implement innovations

KSC5 - Excellent interpersonal, networking, negotiation and persuasion skills with the ability to use discretion and judgment in a complex business and political environment.

Benefits of working with us

Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.

Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.

Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.

Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.

How to apply

We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role

Click the APPLY button to be redirected to our Careers Portal

Submit your application no later than 11:45pm on Monday September 1st 2025

A few important things to note – don't miss out

Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can't accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.

Apply early This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don't wait to get your application in.

We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you're contacted for an interview.

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

City of Melbourne is the business, administrative, cultural & recreational hub of Victoria, Australia.

The City of Melbourne, as a council, is proud to oversee Melbourne's city centre and a number of inner-city suburbs. Melbourne is recognised globally for its enviable lifestyle and as Australia's premier destination for culture, education, shopping, dining, sports, events and festivals.

City of Melbourne is the business, administrative, cultural & recreational hub of Victoria, Australia.

The City of Melbourne, as a council, is proud to oversee Melbourne's city centre and a number of inner-city suburbs. Melbourne is recognised globally for its enviable lifestyle and as Australia's premier destination for culture, education, shopping, dining, sports, events and festivals.

Perks and benefits Creative organisation, making a difference Learning & Development Discounts Excellent leave entitlements Flexible work

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