Manager City Development

About Mount Gambier

Home to the iconic Blue Lake and set within one of South Australia's most picturesque regions, Mount Gambier is a thriving regional city of some 30,000 residents, offering an enviable lifestyle alongside genuine career opportunity. With median house price around $550,000, and a strong community of arts, sport and recreation, it presents a compelling alternative to the cost and pace of metropolitan living.

About the Role

The City of Mount Gambier is seeking a Manager City Development to lead its planning and building functions at a pivotal time for the organisation. Under the direction of a newly appointed CEO focused on supporting sustainable growth and enhancing community outcomes , this role offers genuine scope to shape a proactive, facilitative approach to planning - moving beyond a purely regulatory function.

Leading a team of four (two planners and two building staff), the successful candidate will work closely across the planning and engineering departments, ensuring a coordinated and integrated approach to service delivery , overseeing a substantial portfolio that over 400 development applications annually - ranging from small subdivisions to major commercial projects such as hotels and apartments, alongside CBD activation, master planning initiatives, and stewardship of significant heritage and cultural sites including Crater Lakes and the Blue Lake (Warwar).

-Salary range between $136k to $150K + 13% superannuation

-Three additional days of annual leave, plus one Rostered Day Off per month

-Complimentary income protection insurance

-Generous study assistance

-Relocation support available

Leadership Development Opportunities

At the City of Mount Gambier, we are committed to investing in our leaders and supporting their long-term professional growth.

-Executive leadership development programs and training.

-Leadership coaching and mentoring from experienced executives.

-Professional development opportunities tailored to your career goals.

-Regional, state and industry leadership forums and conferences.

-Opportunities to lead significant organisational improvement and city-shaping projects.

-Cross-functional leadership experience across planning, development, engineering, design and asset management functions.

Whether your aspiration is to become a Director, General Manager, Chief Executive Officer or recognised industry leader, this role provides the breadth, visibility and strategic exposure to help achieve your next career milestone.

The Ideal Candidate

You will bring a strong technical planning background at Team Leader or Coordinator level or above (or potentially an ambitious Senior/Principal) – from local SA or Interstate. You will also have demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with developers and stakeholders. Sound political judgement, the confidence to engage with council members and state government representatives, and genuine leadership capability will be essential, as will an innovative and solutions-oriented approach to planning practice.

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion and to obtain a copy of the PD, or to submit your application, please contact the team at Planned Resources:

Leo Liemesak on 0450 911 172 or Sign in to view email

Russell Locke on 0407 111 364 or [email protected]

Rebecca Swincer on 0451 118 717 or [email protected]

Applications close: Monday 3 August 2026