Manager Growth and Future City

Why Work With Us - Rural City of Murray Bridge

Join one of South Australia's fastest-growing council areas and take the next step in your career with the Rural City of Murray Bridge. Here you'll grow professionally in a supportive, friendly and collaborative workplace that values your contribution and invests in your success.

We are a Growing, Thriving and Strong region with the vision and ambition to deliver great outcomes for our community. Our work is purposeful and people-focused, from shaping vibrant public spaces to delivering services that make a real difference. Located just 75 kilometres from Adelaide in the picturesque Murraylands, our rural city blends community charm with rapidly growing urban areas. The Murray River is at our heart, surrounded by scenic reserves, walking trails and attractions such as Monarto Safari Park and the award-winning Bridgeport Hotel. We're an easy commute from Adelaide and close to the Fleurieu Peninsula and Barossa Valley, offering something for everyone.

Murray Bridge is a significant growth area with strong employment prospects and exciting development ahead. Our revitalisation of public spaces has transformed the city and strengthened community pride, and we are committed to building on this momentum for the future.

About the role…

The Manager Growth and Future City is a newly created, pivotal leadership role focused on delivering a major pipeline of strategic and city-shaping projects. The position will play a key role in preparing the organisation and community for rapid growth, managing complex initiatives that support the city's long-term planning and transformation agenda.

This role will lead the coordination and delivery of Council's Future City Program, including Code Amendments, housing and infrastructure strategies, and key growth initiatives, ensuring the city is ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

About the Future City Program

Our award winning Future City Program is foundational to Council's preparedness for growth. Coordinating and overseeing this critical body of work is the key focus of this role, ensuring delivery of these projects to create a well-planned and liveable Murray Bridge for future communities. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced individual to shape and deliver Murray Bridge's vision.

What you will do…

• Lead, drive, and coordinate delivery of a significant portfolio of growth-focused strategic projects, ensuring effective implementation and alignment with Council's long-term vision.
• Manage the Future City Program, including land use planning, infrastructure strategies, and housing initiatives to support rapid urban development.
• Prepare the organisation and community for growth, focusing on program and project readiness across internal departments and external partnerships.
• Provide high-level program and project management expertise, overseeing project governance, timelines, and reporting.
• Work closely with and provide expert advice to senior executives, project control groups, and elected members, influencing strategic decision-making.
• Develop strong relationships with government agencies, consultants, industry, and community stakeholders to drive alignment and investment.
• Collaborate across departments to support cross-functional project delivery and build organisational capability in strategic planning and growth management.

What they are looking for…

• Tertiary qualifications in Urban or Strategic Planning, Engineering, Project/Program Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in program and complex project management, ideally in the context of urban growth, planning, or infrastructure development.
• Strong ability to coordinate and lead multifaceted strategic programs involving a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Highly developed communication and influencing skills, with the ability to manage up and across to executive leaders and partners.
• Experience in advising senior decision-makers and contributing to project governance at a high level.
• A strategic thinker with strong relationship management skills and a focus on collaboration and outcomes.
• Experience in local government or as a local government consultant is advantageous but not essential.

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in one of South Australia's most exciting regional growth stories. The Rural City of Murray Bridge is making bold moves to prepare for its next chapter and this role is at the heart of it.

You'll join a supportive and innovative organisation, with a clear strategic agenda and strong momentum for change.

More information…

To obtain a copy of the Candidate Information Pack and to apply, please visit and search reference number J8075.

Confidential enquiries can be directed to Rebecca Hunt or Tamara Chambers on