General Manager

With Mount Barker experiencing one of the fastest growth trajectories in South Australia, we're seeking an inspiring and strategic Leader to join our Executive Team as General Manager – Planning & Community.

In this position you will drive major planning, development and community initiatives to create 'the most liveable region in South Australia'. Be a part of one of Australia's fastest growing Councils and regions, delivering exciting and significant Community Projects, Community Property and high quality City Development.

Your portfolio will include:

·     City Development – including Building Compliance, Planning and Development Engineering

·     Health & Public Safety – Environmental Health, Public Safety, Immunisation, and Community Programs

·     Community – Community Development and Library Services

·     Property – Strategic property management and development

·     Projects Sponsorship – Oversight of specific high-impact projects as assigned

As an Executive Team Member you will:

·     lead, coach, inspire and mentor staff;

·     represent the Council in significant development matters; and

·     shape the future of the Council direction.

To be successful in this role you will:

·     have energy and passion for creating great communities;

·     have strong knowledge and skills in governance and property management; and

·     apply strategic and future thinking and resolve complex problems.

This executive role demands a visionary who can integrate long-term planning, responsive community development, service excellence, and effective governance.

Your Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Inspire and lead multidisciplinary teams with energy, purpose, and clarity
• Cultivate a culture of trust, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Model open, transparent communication and high-performance leadership

Strategic Management

• Drive sustainable, future-focused strategies aligned with Council's strategic goals
• Provide sound policy and planning advice to the CEO, Mayor, and Council Members
• Lead the development of business and strategic plans across your directorate
• Deliver high-quality reports and recommendations to support informed decision-making

Service Excellence

• Champion outstanding customer service and community engagement
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives that raise service delivery standards
• Promote a learning and development culture across all departments

Financial Oversight

• Ensure responsible and forward-thinking financial management
• Lead budget planning, project delivery, and resource allocation for all portfolio areas
• Monitor performance against industry standards and KPIs

Partnerships & Representation

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Represent Council in negotiations and partnerships with government agencies, developers, and community groups
• Promote the reputation, values, and leadership role of Council across the region

About You – Skills, Experience & Qualifications

To thrive in this role, you will bring a proven track record of executive leadership, operational delivery, and strategic thinking within a complex and service-focused organisation. Specifically, you will demonstrate:

Service Delivery & Community Focus

• Demonstrated experience in a senior service delivery role with a strong commitment to customer service excellence
• Proven ability to meet growing community expectations through responsive and effective service models

Project & Planning Expertise

• Experience in the end-to-end management of major projects, including concept planning and design
• Ability to balance deadlines, customer service standards, and commercial outcomes
• Experience working with consultants to produce efficient and effective project outcomes

• Strong capability in contract management and associated communication strategies

• Community Engagement & Consultation Extensive experience in designing and delivering public consultation and community engagement processes

• A strong understanding of community development principles and stakeholder collaboration

Leadership & Team Development

• Demonstrated experience in leading high-performing and multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to foster a positive, accountable, and high-achieving team culture
• Skilled in leading change and implementing continuous improvement initiatives

Financial & Legislative Acumen

• Effective budget management experience across operational and capital programs
• Experience with legislative compliance functions, preferably in a local government context

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications relevant to the position (e.g. Urban Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, or similar), with eligibility for professional membership where applicable
• Additional qualifications in leadership, management , and/or project management are highly desirable

For further information please refer to the Position Description or contact Emily Fraser, People & Culture Business Partner on

Applications close 5pm 27 October 2025