Manager Economic Development

2 weeks ago

Wallan, Victoria, Australia Mitchell Shire Council Full time

Manager, Economic Development

Attract investment. Grow local jobs. Champion a stronger visitor economy.

Mitchell Shire is entering a defining chapter.

40km north of Melbourne, our Shire spans Beveridge, Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour. We're a key growth corridor — balancing rapid residential expansion with the country character and community values that make Mitchell, Mitchell. With strong growth ahead, every one of our 40+ townships has a role to play.

We're setting the organisation up for what's next.

A refreshed structure, clearer accountability and faster decisions. Elevating economic development is central to that shift — strengthening how we attract investment, create jobs and grow tourism across the Shire.

About the role

The Manager, Economic Development leads the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of Council's economic development function — supporting job creation, business growth, and investment attraction across Mitchell.

Reporting to the Director, Partnerships, Economy and Communities, you'll also drive the visitor economy, positioning Mitchell as a competitive destination and a great place to do business.

You are Council's principal adviser on economic development and a visible partner to business, investors, regional bodies, and other tiers of government.

Your focus is simple: turn opportunity into outcomes — more investment, more local jobs, a stronger visitor economy.

You'll deliver:

  • Strategy and plans — lead delivery of the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, aligned to community priorities and growth areas.
  • Investment attraction — identify, attract, and facilitate sustainable investment across our urban and rural communities, building a healthy pipeline.
  • Business and industry growth — support local business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development through practical programs and partnerships.
  • Visitor economy — grow visitation and spend through destination development, place activation, and promotion of events and experiences.
  • Plan-led growth — integrate economic priorities with structure planning and infrastructure delivery so jobs and services keep pace with population growth.
  • Advocacy and funding — make the case for enabling infrastructure and secure funding with compelling data and partnerships.
  • Governance and advice — provide timely, plain-English advice to the Director, Executive Leadership Team and Council; manage budgets, risks and compliance.

Your portfolio covers

  • Investment Attraction and Major Opportunities.
  • Business Support and Industry Development.
  • Visitor Economy and Place Activation.
  • Strategy, Research and Data.
  • Advocacy, Partnerships and Funding.

About you

Calm, credible, and practical. You're comfortable at the table with investors and Ministers, and just as comfortable on the ground with local businesses.

You bring:

  • Experience leading economic development strategies and programs in local government or a regional setting.
  • Strong understanding of business needs, investment attraction, workforce issues, and tourism development.
  • A track record of building productive partnerships across government, business, and community.
  • Contemporary team leadership — high performance, accountability, and innovation.
  • Financial and strategic acumen, including budget management, grants, and economic analysis.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, from board papers to business roundtables.

Why Mitchell? Why now?

Work where momentum is real and impact is visible — in the heart of Victoria. You'll help shape planned communities and town centres while preserving what people value about living here. The role has scope to modernise how legal is done in local government and to build a function others will look to.

We offer:

  • Meaningful work for a growing community.
  • Flexible work options and supportive leaders in a values-led culture.
  • Professional development and the chance to shape policy, systems and practice.
  • A competitive total remuneration package (from $185k dependant on experience, inclusive of superannuation), plus access to a private use vehicle.

This is a full time permanent position.

Want More Info?

  • Contact Jo Wilson Director Partnerships, Economy and Communities for a confidential conversation on
  • To apply, submit your cover letter and resume addressing the Key Selection Criteria. For information on how to apply, please visit our Careers page.

Mitchell Shire Council is a Child Safe Organisation. The successful applicant will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check, prior to commencement. Mitchell Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace.

Applications close at 5pm Friday 7 November 2025.

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