About the Opportunity
At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC), every employee plays a role in delivering positive outcomes for our community. We are seeking an experienced leader to drive organisational performance, strategic planning and continuous improvement across Council. This is an exciting opportunity to shape Council's strategic direction and help deliver sustainable, high-quality services for our community through strong planning, performance and continuous improvement practices.
This is a key leadership opportunity to influence how Council plans, measures performance, reports outcomes and improves services for the community. You will have demonstrated experience in a leadership role with strong people management skills in managing performance, coaching and mentoring.
Leading Council's Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework, you will connect strategy, performance, service delivery and financial sustainability. Working closely with leaders across the organisation, you'll drive accountability, support evidence-based decision making, and lead service reviews that identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining service levels.
You will also provide strategic advice on Council's planning and governance framework, ensuring strategies, plans and reporting processes are aligned, effective and deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Council's Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework and reporting obligations.
- Drive organisational performance, accountability and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead and develop a small high-performing team, including performance management, coaching and mentoring
- Lead service review processes to identify efficiency and effectiveness opportunities.
- Monitor and analyse organisational performance, identifying risks, gaps and improvement opportunities.
- Provide strategic advice on Council's planning, governance and reporting frameworks.
- Prepare high-quality reports and advice for Executive, Council and the community.
- Build strong relationships across the organisation to improve planning, reporting and service delivery outcomes.
You will bring:
- Tertiary qualifications in business, governance, public policy, planning, management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Strong knowledge of NSW Local Government Integrated Planning and Reporting requirements.
- Experience leading corporate planning, performance reporting, strategic governance or organisational improvement functions.
- Proven ability to connect strategy, resourcing and service delivery outcomes.
- Experience conducting service reviews, business improvement or change initiatives.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to turn data into practical recommendations.
- Exceptional written communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Demonstrated people leadership capability and experience leading teams.
- Political awareness, sound judgement and the ability to influence across a complex organisation.
- Current Class C Driver Licence.
Remuneration and Benefits
Employment Type: Full time, Permanent 35 hours per
week
Salary (exclusive of super): Starting in the range of $123,577.24 to $138,321.65 depending on skills and experience
Opportunity for performance based increases available
This role
also qualifies for a Leaseback or Vehicle allowance
Benefits:
- Flexible
work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
- Discounted gym membership through
membership to Fitness Passport
- Candidates relocating to the region have access to The
Welcome Experience
- Career development opportunities OR Opportunities for learning and development and internal career progression
- Annual salary increase as per the
Local Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
- Long service leave after 5 years
- Generous employee assistance program
- Salary packaging options available
through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
- Recognition through our annual awards
ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements
About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region
The region is one of Australia's most enviable
locations. We boast a stunning hinterland, kilometres of pristine beaches,
national parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, restaurants, galleries,
theatres and a genuine community vibe. The Mid-North Coast is perfect for
hiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food and
wine.
Questions?
If you would like to know more about this
opportunity or have any questions about the role, please contact Duncan Coulton, Acting Director Community, Planning and Environment on (02) 6581 8110.
Interested in Applying?
Click 'Apply now' to create an account and complete the application form. You'll be asked to answer questions relating to the essential requirements found in the position description and upload a copy of your resume and cover letter.
Documents should be submitted in PDF format.
Applications Close:
Sunday 6 September at 11.30pm
At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at jobs@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Notes:
Suitable candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future identical positions for 6 months or a talent pool for similar positions for a period of
12 months.
Please upload documents in PDF format.
Preferred applicants are required to complete
pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal
Police Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working with
Children Check verification.
PMHC's recruitment notification process is
primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct
before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.
Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application
received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more
information, delay notifications, testing/assessments
(aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes
(unsuccessful before or after interview).
Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure
our email address Jobs@pmhc.nsw.gov.au and Pulse email no_reply@pulsesoftware.comis set to 'trustworthy'.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the
principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and
protection of all children and young people.
