Recreation And Open Space Project Manager

Council Jobs; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Health and wellbeing programs

Novated vehicle leases

Job summary

Whitehorse City Council is seeking a Recreation and Open Space Project Manager to lead planning, development and delivery of recreation and open space projects in the Whitehorse area. You will manage a diverse portfolio, coordinate consultants and stakeholder engagement, ensuring outcomes meet community needs and council objectives.

The role requires extensive experience in recreation planning, urban design or related fields and strong project management capabilities.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in recreation, leisure, open space planning and related fields.
• Strong project management experience is essential.
• Ability to engage and consult with diverse stakeholders and translate needs into practical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development and delivery of recreation/open space projects.
• Coordinate consultants, engagement processes and governance requirements.
• Balance community aspirations with organisational objectives and best practice.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Job description

Band 7 role from $113k to $126 per annum + 12% Superannuation based on relevant experience

Fixed Term full time until 21 October 2027

Lead the planning and delivery of projects that shape the future of recreation and open space in Whitehorse

At Whitehorse City Council, community is at the heart of everything we do. To stay ahead of and best respond to the evolving changes and needs of the community, the organisation is undertaking an exciting journey that will transform ways of working and will empower employees to be innovative and constantly striving towards providing excellent customer experience at all times. The five pillars of our organisation focus on:

• Excellent Customer Experience and Service Delivery
• Great Organisational Culture
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• Good Governance and Integrity

Our Active Whitehorse Department activates and connects our community through high quality recreation, leisure and open space planning. We are a collaborative team that works closely with community stakeholders, sporting clubs, Councillors and government partners to deliver projects that support active, healthy and connected communities.

The role:

Reporting to the Coordinator Active Whitehorse Development, the Recreation and Open Space Project Manager will lead the planning, development and delivery of recreation and open space projects that respond to the current and future needs of the community.

The role is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of strategies, policies, master plans, feasibility studies and planning projects, while coordinating consultants, stakeholder engagement processes and project governance requirements. You will work across a range of strategic and operational priorities, providing advice and delivering outcomes that balance community aspirations, organisational objectives and industry best practice.

The position offers the opportunity to work on complex and meaningful projects that influence the future provision of recreation facilities, sporting infrastructure, parks and open space across Whitehorse.

About you:

To be considered for this position, you will bring significant experience in recreation, leisure, open space, planning, urban design, landscape architecture or a related field, combined with strong project management experience.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success developing and delivering recreation strategies, master plans, feasibility studies or community infrastructure projects, together with highly developed stakeholder engagement and consultation skills.

Key to the position is your ability to build trusted relationships, navigate complex stakeholder environments and manage multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on quality outcomes. Your strong analytical thinking, communication skills and ability to translate community needs into practical and achievable solutions will see you succeed in this role.

You will also bring:

• Experience managing complex projects from inception through to delivery.
• Strong community engagement, facilitation and consultation capabilities.
• Excellent written communication skills, including preparation of reports, business cases and presentations for senior stakeholders.
• The ability to influence and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills and sound professional judgement.
• An understanding of local government, recreation planning and community infrastructure development.
• A collaborative approach and the confidence to work effectively with Councillors, community organisations, consultants and government agencies.

In return, we will offer:

The ability to make a difference -Working at Whitehorse City Council you contribute to making a real difference in the lives of the community and those that live, learn, work or visit Whitehorse. Every day you really will see how the work you're involved in benefits the diverse community.

Great working conditions- a professional environment, friendly and supportive teams and a flexibility program that promotes employee work life balance.

An extensive Health and Wellbeing offering- Employee assistance program, private health insurance benefits, health checks (skin, hearing and vaccinations), discounted gym membership and facilities (e.g. Theatre, Arts, Leisure) and an active health and wellness program (e.g. stretching, healthy eating demonstrations and health challenges.

Career opportunities- engaging work and the opportunity to apply your skills and experience.

Reward & Recognition -extensive reward and recognition program, corporate learning offerings, study assistance and comprehensive leadership development programs.

Recreation and Open Space Project Manager

City of Whitehorse is a culturally and linguistically diverse community. We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and recognise the strength this provides in meeting the needs of our community. We are committed to upholding a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace that values the contribution of all.

Whitehorse City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation. We recognise our responsibilities to keep children and young people safe from harm and have established policies, procedures and training to achieve these commitments.

ABOUT US

The City of Whitehorse, located 15 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD, is a culturally diverse community of almost 177,000 people. Whitehorse includes the suburbs of Box Hill, Burwood, Nunawading, Blackburn, Mitcham, Forest Hill and Vermont and is characterised by quiet tree-lined residential streets, an abundance of parks, gardens and natural bushland reserves, bustling shopping centres and a diverse range of arts, cultural, sports and leisure facilities.

Whitehorse City Council provides more than 100 services and facilities across a range of areas within our community services, city development, infrastructure, corporate services and transformation directorates. Whitehorse is one of Melbourne’s largest metropolitan councils with a workforce of approximately 1300 employees and aspires to foster an inclusive, vibrant, prosperous and sustainable community. Our employees help us achieve these goals!

At Whitehorse, employee health, wellbeing and development are paramount, and we aim for everyone to become the best they can be in the workplace. Benefits of working with us include:

• A welcoming and supportive working environment
• Great opportunities for training and to build a long-term career within Whitehorse or the local government sector.
• Extensive employee health and wellbeing programs including flexible working arrangements
• Salary sacrifice options for gym / swim memberships, childcare and superannuation; and access to novated vehicle leases.
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment
• Ample onsite parking at most facilities with ready access to public transport