Manager Corporate and Community Services

McArthur; Port Broughton; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Barunga West Council in Port Broughton seeks a proactive Manager Corporate and Community Services to provide strategic direction across finance, people and culture, customer service, libraries, economic development, tourism and communications. You will report to the CEO and guide governance, risk, and ICT functions.

The role requires senior leadership experience in local government, strong financial acumen and exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to balance strategic

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in local government or similar complex environment.
• Strong financial management including budgeting, reporting and internal controls.
• Strategic judgement and ability to translate issues into practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Collaborative leadership with coaching and performance management.
• Community and stakeholder engagement and relationship building.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication with political awareness.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership – shape Council's direction and drive improvement.
• Financial leadership – lead budgeting, reporting and long-term financial planning.
• People and culture – workforce planning and organisational capability.
• Community services – oversee customer service, libraries and community development.
• Economic development and tourism – support business growth and events.
• Communications and records – oversee marketing, communications and information management.
• Risk and compliance – lead risk, safety, insurance and compliance.
• Stakeholder relationships – build relations with Members and government partners.

Skills

Senior leadership

Financial acumen

Strategic judgement

People leadership

Community focus

Communication & influence

Adaptability & initiative

Education

Business/Management degree

Public administration degree

Job description

Manager Corporate and Community Services

Barunga West Council is a vibrant and welcoming coastal and agricultural community with an unspoilt natural environment and relaxed country lifestyle. Council is committed to delivering responsive, professional and accessible services that support the needs of its community.

Council prides itself on maintaining high standards of governance, safety and service delivery while providing a supportive and inclusive workplace for its employees.

About the role...

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Manager Corporate and Community Services is responsible for the strategic direction, operational leadership and oversight of Council's corporate and community services functions.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the role leads a broad portfolio spanning finance, people and culture, customer service, community development and engagement, libraries, economic development, tourism and events, marketing and communications, risk and WHS, and information management and ICT.

The position provides high-level advice to the Chief Executive Officer and Council, drives performance and continuous improvement, and ensures services align with Council's Strategic Plan, legislative obligations and community expectations.

What you will do...

• Strategic leadership - Shape Council's direction and drive organisational improvement and sustainable service delivery.
• Financial leadership - Lead budgeting, reporting, long-term financial planning, rating, investments and financial controls.
• People and culture - Lead workforce planning, employee relations, performance and organisational capability.
• Community services - Oversee customer service, community development, engagement, libraries and community learning.
• Economic development and tourism - Support business growth, tourism, visitor experiences and Council events.
• Communications and - oversee marketing, communications and media as well as records, information management and disaster recovery.
• Risk and compliance - Lead risk, WHS, insurance, internal audit and legislative compliance.
• Stakeholder relationships - Build strong relationships with Elected Members, employees, community and government stakeholders.

What they are looking for...

• Senior leadership experience - Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams and service portfolios within local government, government or a similarly complex environment.
• Financial and business acumen - Strong financial management capability, including experience with financial planning, budgets, reporting, internal controls and statutory obligations.
• Strategic judgement - Ability to analyse complex or politically sensitive issues, provide sound advice and develop practical, cost-effective long-term solutions.
• People leadership - A collaborative leadership style with experience coaching teams, managing performance and supporting organisational capability and culture.
• Community and stakeholder focus - Ability to build productive relationships and balance organisational priorities with community expectations and service outcomes.
• Communication and influence - Highly developed written, verbal, negotiation and interpersonal skills, supported by political awareness, tact and sound judgement.
• Adaptability and initiative - Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational responsibilities across a broad and varied portfolio.
• Qualifications - Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, management, finance, public administration, human resources or a related discipline. Membership of an appropriate professional institute is desirable.

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a broad executive portfolio spanning corporate, financial, people and community services, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Elected Members to influence Council's strategic direction. The role offers genuine scope to shape sustainable services and performance as well as positive community outcomes, while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of living and working in Port Broughton.

More information...

Confidential enquiries can be directed to Teresa Nilsson on (08) 000).

Applications close on 23 November 2026 however we are actively shortlisting candidates and encourage early applications.