Interim Executive Manager – Development & Planning

Requisition Number: 572
Salary Range: A competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications will be negotiated.
Position Type: Fixed Term Contract – 12 months 
Location: Council Chambers, 119 – 145 Spence Street, Cairns
Application Close Date: Sunday, 23 March 2025 at 11.30pm AEST

Lead the Growth of One of Australia’s Most Dynamic Regions

An Unparalleled Career Opportunity

This is your opportunity to step into a high-impact executive leadership role where you will help shape the future of one of Australia’s most vibrant and rapidly evolving regions.

Cairns Regional Council is seeking an Interim Executive Manager – Development & Planning, a strategic leader who will drive sustainable growth, guide critical planning decisions and influence the long-term vision for development in this iconic location.

Whether you are looking for a career defining challenge, an executive level secondment or flexible interim engagement, this role offers the chance to lead with influence while enjoying an enviable lifestyle in the heart of the North. 

The Role:
As a key member of the Planning, Growth & Sustainability Directorate, you will provide high-level strategic and operational leadership across:

• Development Assessment & Development Engineering Services: Driving best practice, planning, ensuring compliance and delivering sustainable outcomes.
• Strategic Growth & Governance: Aligning development objectives with Council’s broader vision for economic resilience, liveability and environmental protection.
• Stakeholder & Industry Engagement: Representing Council at local, and state levels, fostering partnerships with industry, other government agencies and the community.
• Team Leadership & Culture: Build a high performing, motivated team that embraces innovation, agility and professional excellence.

Relationships & Influence
Success in this role requires more than technical expertise, it demands exceptional relationship management and a commitment to building strong and productive partnerships with:

• Your Team: You will cultivate high performance culture, mentoring and empowering the staff to deliver best practice planning outcomes while fostering collaboration and continuous learning.
• The Industry: You will be a trusted leader within the planning and development sector, working closely with developers, industry bodies and regulatory agencies to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
• The Community: You will be a key advocate for sustainable, well-planned development that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility, ensuring alignment with Council’s long-term vision.

About You
You are a seasoned executive with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with a deep understanding of the planning and development landscape. With a track record of leadership in urban planning and development assessment at a senior level, your expertise in balancing economic growth with environmental and community considerations makes you an influential and results driven leader.

Key Characteristics:

• Leadership: Proven ability to drive strategy, influence policy, and lead multi-disciplinary teams in a complex regulatory environment.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong relationship management, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to build trust across industry, government, and the community.
• Agility & Innovation: A dynamic leader who thrives in fast-changing environments, adapting to emerging challenges with strategic foresight.

Why Should You Consider This Role?

• Executive Level Impact: Lead strategic planning decisions with influence.
• Flexible Engagement: Open to consider all engagement options due to the fixed term nature of this appointment.
• Unmatched Lifestyle: Work in a world class destination renowned for its natural beaty and liveability.

Cairns Regional Council is a forward-thinking local government, committed to sustainable growth, economic diversification, and a world-class liveability standard.

This is an exciting time to be part of our leadership team, influencing the city’s transformation and ensuring Cairns remains one of the most desirable places to live, work, and invest.

As this role is an interim fixed term contract, we are open to consider all engagement options as long as operational requirements can be met.  

Now we want to hear about YOU!

Applications MUST be submitted online through the 'Apply' button and include a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria and Resume outlining previous academic and work experience and if requested include attachments of the relevant qualifications and licenses, relating to the role.

For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.

Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted via:
Phone: (07) 4044 3310
Email: jobs@cairns.qld.gov.au
Website: Employment at Council | Cairns Regional Council