Community Manager

Sutherland Shire Council is seeking a strategic and experienced Community Manager – Impact and Safety to lead programs that enhance community wellbeing, safety and resilience. This role is central to the delivery of critical community services, including Ocean Safety and Lifeguards, the Animal Shelter and broader community initiatives implemented through a Community Impact Team.

You will combine strategic vision with operational expertise, managing multidisciplinary teams and implementing programs that improve public safety and community outcomes. With a focus on risk management and business improvement, you will ensure Council services are safe, effective and aligned with our long-term strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and manage multidisciplinary teams, promoting a culture of safety accountability, and excellence.
• Oversee public safety programs, including emergency response, ocean safety and animal welfare services.
• Implement strategic initiatives and business improvements to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Drive risk management practices, ensuring safety, compliance and best-practice standards across all programs.
• Manage budgets and resources responsibly while delivering measurable community outcomes.
• Engage stakeholders and build partnerships with government agencies, community organisations and the public to achieve shared objectives.
• Support and enforce child-safe practices, workplace safety and ethical conduct.

What We're Looking For

• Proven strategic leadership experience, managing teams in public safety or related community services.
• Strong track record in risk management, operational oversight and business improvement initiatives.
• Experience delivering programs in community safety, emergency response, or animal welfare.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.

Join our Team and Grow with Us

If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community, apply now to join our team at Sutherland Shire Council

• Apply by addressing the selection criteria and submitting your resume outlining why we are a great fit
• Get your application in by 11.59pm: Wednesday 3rd December 2025.
• Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated in the week commencing 8th December 2025.
• Package: Competitive salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
• Hours of work: Permanent Full Time.
• To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Hayley Barnes, Senior Manager Community Impact & Innovation, for any job specific enquiries.

Jodi Johnson, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government's Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

Sutherland Shire is a unique area in greater Sydney. Boasting iconic beaches, stunning coastline, vibrant town centers, and incredible national parks. All just 26 km from the CBD. As one of the largest Councils in NSW, we're home to a growing and connected community of more than 230,000 people.

Watch the video to hear from our people about the wide range of projects we're delivering for our community.

It's a great time to join our team and do work that matters.