Manager Business Strategy and Performance

Posted: 29/08/2025

Closing Date: 07/09/2025

Salary: $160, $180,000.00

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Head Office - Civic Building, Torquay

Job Category: Other

• Permanent Full Time
• $160,000 – $180,000 pa (incl. super)
• Flexible working arrangements available

Who we are

The Surf Coast in Victoria – which includes the towns of Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Lorne, Moriac, Torquay, and Winchelsea – is among the fastest growing regional municipalities in Victoria (av. 3.06% annually for the last 15 years) with a permanent population of over 33,000.

Surf Coast Shire spans Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation, showcasing unique environments from the coast to the hinterland - towns and villages with their own culture and lifestyles. The charm and values of a coastal lifestyle make it a place where people want to live, work, visit and experience an exceptional quality of life. In 2023 it was judged one of Australia's most liveable municipalities.

Servicing the region's community is Surf Coast Shire Council. Council's aim is to be an innovative and flexible leader committed to business excellence. As well as providing opportunities to do meaningful work that benefits our community, Council offers the chance to add to a great culture that people want to be a part of. Our workforce is representative of the townships and communities it serves, and our culture is supportive, respectful, and connected to our purpose of helping our community and environment to thrive.

At Surf Coast, we work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

Your new career

The Business Strategy and Performance unit is tasked with driving the organisation's strategy and performance to maximize positive outcomes for the community. It drives continuous improvement in planning and delivery across all of Council's services, while providing expert guidance and advice to project teams.

The team also leads the development and implementation of effective measurement frameworks to enable the Council to understand is impact and monitor its performance. It will establish effective governance, planning and reporting frameworks to support the whole organisation and will support service delivery excellence for our community.

We are currently looking for a Manager Business Strategy and Performance to lead the integrated development and implementation of:

• Council Plan
• Organisational Strategy
• the organisation planning framework
• the continuous improvement and innovation framework
• business improvement program across all levels – from transformational change to small operational improvements
• a service delivery framework, including service planning and service reviews
• the organisation performance reporting framework

What you will bring to the role

You'll bring the credibility, insight and leadership to influence at every level, building trust while steering your team and organisation towards positive, measurable outcomes. Your ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery will set you apart.

To thrive in this role you will have:

• Inspiring leadership skills that develop capability, motivate teams and support change.
• Experience shaping strategy, policy, and governance frameworks that drive results.
• Political and cultural acumen to navigate complex issues and unite diverse stakeholders.
• Confidence in financial management, from budgets to performance oversight.
• Emotional intelligence, self-awareness and a collaborative approach to leadership.

Key selection criteria

Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification and significant professional experience in a comparable organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing organisational planning and reporting frameworks or continuous improvement frameworks with complex stakeholder impacts.
• Excellent interpersonal, networking, negotiation and persuasion skills with the ability to use discretion and judgment in a complex business and political environment.
• Highly developed analytical and lateral thinking skills and the ability to take the initiative, drive changes and implement innovations
• Highly developed writing, presentation, and speaking skills to align with stakeholders and achieve support for task outcomes.

What you'll love working with us

Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Our shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Private use of Council vehicle
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking

Other Relevant Information

For this vacancy, preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent to a National Police Check (including potential international criminal history check) and Qualification Check. Candidates must hold a current and valid Victorian Drivers Licence (Minimum Class C), a current WWCC, and have the Right to Live and Work in Australia.

For more information

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Joanne McNeill, General Manager Strategy & Effectiveness on

How to apply

Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria
• copy of your resume.

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 7 September 2025

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.