Senior Industry Lead - Tourism

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

Positioned within Council’s Economic Development Branch, this senior role sits at the intersection of industry and government, driving sustainable growth, economic resilience and long‑term regional value.

The role leads Council’s tourism economic development agenda, delivering high‑impact strategies, partnerships and investment outcomes that create jobs, grow industry confidence and produce measurable results for the region.

• Drive tourism‑led economic development, delivering high‑impact initiatives aligned to Council’s strategic agenda.
• Lead senior relationships across Council, Councillors, government and industry, including Council’s primary tourism partner, Visit Sunshine Coast.
• Progress tourism investment opportunities, including hotels, major infrastructure and destination‑shaping assets.
• Design and deliver major industry projects that build confidence and support long‑term economic growth.
• Provide strategic, evidence‑based advice using market intelligence, data analysis and deep sector knowledge.
• Represent Council at a senior level in negotiations, forums and high‑level stakeholder engagements.
• Work across Council to unlock investment, strengthen proposals and position the region as a leading tourism destination.
• Lead and develop high‑performing teams, role‑modelling Council’s values and behaviours.
• Manage budgets, contracts and governance, ensuring compliance with legislation, policy, WH&S and records management obligations.

About you

We’re looking for a senior tourism and economic development leader with strong commercial acumen, industry credibility and the ability to deliver strategic outcomes. You operate confidently at executive level, influence senior stakeholders, and drive investment‑led growth that delivers real regional impact.

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or significant senior‑level experience in tourism or economic development
• Proven delivery of major economic development strategies and projects, particularly within the tourism sector
• Strong data and analytical capability to inform strategic and investment decisions
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and delivering regional economic outcomes
• Ability to build and influence strong relationships with senior industry stakeholders
• Current C Class driver’s licence and availability to travel and work outside standard hours as required
• Availability to work outside standard business hours as needed to fulfil the responsibilities of the role

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 including 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.

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 Lucy Ravenwood during business hours (Tues - Thurs) on 0455 920 337.

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.