At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage community development services, ensuring compliance and positive outcomes.
- Company: Join the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, a vibrant and welcoming community.
- Benefits: Enjoy work-life balance, 5 weeks annual leave, and free pool access.
- Other info: Embrace personal growth in a culturally rich region with strong community ties.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a stunning natural environment while fostering community spirit.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior management and relevant qualifications in planning or environmental health.
The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley encompasses the towns of Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Camballin, and 54 Aboriginal Communities throughout the region. Living in Derby and Fitzroy Crossing offers a relaxed and vibrant lifestyle, with a wide range of leisure activities such as exceptional fishing, boating, sightseeing, community events, and sports. The locals are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making it easy to feel at home. This region is also home to breathtaking and untouched wilderness areas, including the iconic Buccaneer Archipelago, Gibb River Road, Fitzroy River, and Geikie Gorge. If you’re eager to experience the beauty of the wet season and immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous culture, this is the perfect opportunity.
At the Shire, we value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community. We encourage and celebrate diversity, welcoming applications from Aboriginal people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, women, individuals of all ages, people with disabilities, and culturally and linguistically diverse individuals. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.
Benefits of Working in the Shire:
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with access to nature and outdoor activities, allowing for a fulfilling work-life balance.
- Cultural Enrichment: Gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture by working closely with local communities and participating in cultural events.
- Natural Beauty: Be surrounded by stunning landscapes and explore some of Australia's most pristine wilderness areas during your time off.
- Community Spirit: Join a close-knit, welcoming community where you can form lasting friendships and feel a strong sense of belonging.
- Personal Growth: Experience living and working in a unique environment that fosters both personal and professional development.
- 5 Weeks Annual Leave: Benefit from an extended leave package, giving you more time to relax and recharge.
- Up to 7% Council-Matching Super Contributions: Boost your retirement savings with generous employer contributions.
- Novated Leasing: Enjoy the convenience and tax advantages of novated leasing for your vehicle.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access professional support for your mental health and well-being.
- Free Pool Entry: Enjoy free access to the local pool following your probation period, encouraging an active lifestyle.
If you're ready to embark on a rewarding adventure in one of Australia’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions, apply now!
Description
Lead with integrity. Deliver sustainable community outcomes. Shire of Derby/West Kimberley is seeking an experienced and values‑driven Manager Development Services to provide strategic leadership across planning, building, environmental health, waste management and emergency services. Reporting to the Director Community Planning, this role supports Council, the Executive and the organisation to meet legislative, statutory and governance obligations while delivering effective and customer‑focused services. The position balances strategic leadership with operational oversight and contributes to sustainable community and economic development.
About the Role:
This role offers an exceptional total remuneration package valued between $202,000 and $238,000, including superannuation and council contributions. With housing and a fully‑provided vehicle included, you can enjoy strong financial security and reduced living expenses. The Manager Development Services is responsible for the leadership and management of the Shire’s Development Services portfolio, including:
- Town Planning
- Building Services
- Environmental and Aboriginal Health
- Waste Management
- Emergency Services
The role ensures services are delivered lawfully, consistently and efficiently, while supporting continuous improvement and positive community outcomes.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Lead and manage the Shire’s Development Services functions including planning, building, environmental health, waste and emergency management.
- Ensure compliance with statutory, legislative and governance requirements across all service areas.
- Provide expert advice and recommendations to Council, senior management, staff and the community.
- Oversee planning and building applications to ensure efficient and timely service delivery.
- Manage environmental health programs, licencing, compliance and Aboriginal health initiatives.
- Support emergency management planning and implementation, including cyclone and storm surge preparedness.
- Develop and review policies, procedures, local laws and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead, mentor and support staff while fostering a positive, customer-focused workplace culture.
- Manage budgets, resources and operational priorities in line with the Shire’s strategic objectives.
- Build strong relationships with government agencies, developers, consultants and community stakeholders.
Skills And Experiences
Essential
- Bachelor of Arts (Urban and Regional Planning), Environmental Health, Emergency Management OR substantial progress towards relevant qualifications.
- Experience in a senior management role, with a proven ability to lead, inspire and mentor staff to deliver individual and team outcomes, maintain service outcomes and improve productivity.
- A proven capacity to deal with complex community, development, economic and regulatory services issues including the formulation of appropriate action strategies and the provision of high level advice to the Executive team and Council.
- Strong analytical, problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills including public relations, community engagement, and public education; striving for mutually beneficial outcomes across a broad range of stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to prepare high quality written reports, policies, action plans, correspondence and other documentation as required.
- Highly proactive and self-motivated with a continuous improvement attitude and commitment to a high customer service ethos.
- Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to work in partnership with senior leaders, managers and staff to implement organisational improvements.
- Knowledge of contemporary Work Health and Safety practices.
- Current "C" Class Drivers Licence.
- Current Police Clearance - to be maintained while employed.
Desirable
- Knowledge in the operation of Synergy Soft.
- Working knowledge of consultation and adoption practices pertaining to the implementation of local planning strategies and planning schemes, and planning scheme amendments.
To Apply
To apply submit a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages, addressing the selection criteria and a current resume with two relevant professional references through the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley career portal here.
Manager Development Services in Derby employer: People & Culture
The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley is an exceptional employer that offers a unique blend of professional growth and personal enrichment in a stunning natural setting. With a strong commitment to diversity and community spirit, employees enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance, generous leave entitlements, and opportunities to engage with the rich Indigenous culture of the region. The supportive work environment, coupled with competitive remuneration and benefits, makes this an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager Development Services in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, join community groups, or even hit up social media platforms to find folks who work at the Shire or in similar roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley. Understand their values, community initiatives, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in leadership and community engagement, as these are key for the Manager Development Services role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Shire and being part of this vibrant community. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Manager Development Services in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to address the selection criteria clearly and show us how your experience aligns with the role. Keep it concise, engaging, and no more than two pages long.
Tailor Your Resume:Don’t just send a generic resume! Tailor it to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the Manager Development Services role. Use keywords from the job description to catch our eye.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and mentored others in previous roles to demonstrate your capability.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our career portal for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly and efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at People & Culture
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Manager Development Services. Familiarise yourself with the Shire's strategic objectives, community needs, and the specific services you'll be overseeing. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you inspired and mentored staff to achieve their goals, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a positive workplace culture.
✨Engage with the Community Spirit
Since the Shire values community engagement, think about how you can contribute to building strong relationships with local stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your experience in community engagement and how you would approach working with diverse groups, including Aboriginal communities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask. This could be about the Shire's future projects, community initiatives, or how they measure success in the Development Services portfolio. It shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
