Manager Economic Development

**Closing date**: 12/11/2025 11:59 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time

**Location**: Sale

**Department**: Development

**Employment type**: Full Time Permanent

**Work Arrangement**: Hybrid

**Manager Economic Development**

**Position No. 841**

**Permanent | Full-Time**

**Senior Executive Officer (SEO) Contract: Up to $175,000 TRP, inclusive of 12% statutory superannuation, dependent on**qualifications and**experience.**

**Applications through McArthur only please**

This is an exciting opportunity to lead strategic initiatives that attract investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth - as the Manager Economic Development at Wellington Shire Council.

Reporting to the General Manager Development, you'll be part of the Senior Leadership Team and play a key role in positioning Wellington as a destination of choice for business, industry, and lifestyle. You'll lead programs that support business growth, encourage innovation, and strengthen the region's economic resilience and prosperity.

**Why Join Wellington?**
- Hybrid working - up to 12 days per month WFH.
- Competitive salary + vehicle (private use).
- Additional leave purchase and professional development opportunities.
- Exciting portfolio of upcoming major projects.
- Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of living in unique and beautiful region - in the 'Middle of Everywhere'

**About Wellington Shire**

As Victoria's third-largest municipality, Wellington Shire stretches from the High Country to the iconic Gippsland Lakes and the Ninety Mile Beach. With over 500 employees and a budget exceeding $150 million, the Council delivers essential services to a thriving and diverse community.

Wellington is home to some of Australia's most significant renewable energy projects, RAAF Base East Sale, and a strong, established agricultural base - including major dairy, beef, and horticultural producers. This combination of traditional and emerging industries positions Wellington as a key contributor to Victoria's clean energy transition and regional economic growth.

**Key responsibilities include**:

- Lead economic strategy and partnerships that grow Wellington's economy, attract investment, and support local business and industry.
- Drive key initiatives including the _Middle of Everywhere_ brand and major projects that promote the region's competitive advantages.
- Manage Council's commercial portfolio, including overseeing the West Sale Airport and Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange, ensuring strong financial and operational performance.
- Support industry diversification by enabling growth in key sectors such as Defence, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Tourism.
- Champion the visitor economy through tourism and major event initiatives that enhance liveability and regional vibrancy.
- Lead advocacy and investment attraction efforts with government and private partners to deliver infrastructure and industry growth.
- Provide strategic leadership to ensure alignment with Council's vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative economy.

**About You**

You are a strategic leader who thrives on collaboration, influence, and results. With proven experience in economic development, investment attraction, or related sectors, you are:

- An empowering, positive and engaged leader, with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
- Have a track record in delivering economic development or major investment projects.
- Strategic, commercially minded, and politically astute.
- Confident in dealing with major industry players and government stakeholders.
- Able to manage complexity across multiple sectors and community interests
- Have a strong understanding of local government or regional economic environments.
- Are tertiary qualified, in business, economics, planning, or a related discipline.

Wellington Shire Council has a strong commitment to create a workplace culture that is collaborative, provides work-life flexibility and encourages opportunities for growth and development. We take pride in providing a supportive workplace with great career opportunities for our employees.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Danielle Jupp or Fiona Bain on (03) 9828 6565.

Applications close on Wednesday 12th November 2025 (TBC)