Manager Development Services

Why work with us?

At Council, we’re proud of our region. We collaborate with community to achieve truly sustainable outcomes, enhance our enviable lifestyle, and create award-winning places and spaces that are uniquely Sunshine Coast. So, if you love it here as much as we do, and you want to shape our region for the future – you’ll want to join our team!

With the vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region -Connected. Liveable. Thriving, our region is a model of sustainability, where caring for our environment, creating vibrant communities and growing our local economy is a way of life.

About the Role

The Development Services branch supports sustainable growth through integrated assessment in planning, engineering, environment, building, plumbing, and compliance. Focused on collaboration and customer experience, the branch works with industry and community to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes aligned with Council’s strategic vision.

As the Manager Development Services, you’ll be at the helm of a dynamic, high-performing team, driving excellence in development assessment. You’ll lead with purpose, championing customer-focused service delivery and ensuring smooth, efficient processes that support sustainable growth and compliance across the board.

• Lead Development Services in a way that promotes a positive, customer focused culture to deliver coordinated, responsive outcomes
• Oversee the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme and related instruments
• Establish and maintain a strong and positive working relationship with all key internal and external stakeholders  
• Manage complex and contentious issues with high sensitivity and competing stakeholder interests in a political climate
• Demonstrate a commitment to continual improvement including building the profile of Council as an industry leader
• Demonstrate broad executive leadership, beyond the requirements of the position, including collaborating and sharing accountability across organisational boundaries.
• Align development services with Council priorities

About you

You bring senior leadership experience in complex organisations, with strong knowledge of planning legislation and development frameworks.

Your communication and stakeholder engagement skills are exceptional, and you're committed to innovation and continuous improvement.

You hold formal qualifications in Regional or Urban Land Use Planning, or a related field, and are eligible for membership with relevant professional bodies.

Postgraduate qualifications and experience leading major change initiatives are highly regarded.

Our Culture & Employee Benefits

Council is committed to creating an inclusive, culturally diverse, healthy, skilled and dedicated workplace culture. As an employee you will enjoy a range of benefits and working styles to suit you:

• Wellbeing: Your wellbeing is important to us therefore we offer a number of different initiatives such as discounted health related memberships, fitness passport, employee assistance program and development opportunities. 
• Flexibility: We know it is important to balance life and work, therefore we offer flexible working arrangement and a hybrid WFH model that help you be your best.
• Extras: Those extras make a difference therefore we offer salary packaging options on novated leases, superannuation, smartphones and devices.

How to apply

Your written application should include:

• A 1-2 page cover letter demonstrating your ability to fulfil the mandatory and desirable requirements on the Position Profile. Keep the key responsibilities in mind when addressing this criteria; and
• A current resume or curriculum vitae.

Once you have these two documents ready, click ‘Apply Now’ and follow the prompts to complete your application.

Please note: We are unable to accept applications via email, so please kindly follow instructions above.

Further Information

Helpful information to assist you in completing your application is available on the Sunshine Coast Council website.

To learn more about Council’s vision and projects, you can view the Corporate Plan 2025-2030.

For specific enquiries contact Debra Robinson during business hours on 0408 001 276.

We're working hard to create an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse community we serve. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to the Recruitment Team [email protected].

At Sunshine Coast Council, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background including First Nations, disability, religion and sexual orientation. To deliver the best service to our region we want a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we serve. Sunshine Coast Council strongly encourages all suitable applicants to apply for this role.