Manager Development Services

Company Information:

The Shire of Esperance, located 750km from Perth on Western Australia’s south east coast, comprises some of the most spectacular landscapes and beaches in WA. The Shire employs over 300 people in a diverse range of roles, making us one of the largest employers in the region. Employees enjoy generous benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, health and wellbeing initiatives, opportunities for career progression, and work life balance.

All employees strive to embody the Shire’s values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence in contributing to the community, making Esperance a great place to live and work.

About the Job

An excellent opportunity exists for an experienced, dynamic professional to join the team at the Shire of Esperance in the role of Manager Development Services.

This position will provide effective leadership, management and direction in the areas of Planning; Building; and Environmental Health as well as other critical Shire functions as required.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the Development Services department and provide advice and direction to the team on a day to day basis.
• Provide leadership by communicating the vision and direction to the Department for program policies, standards and systems.
• Oversee implementation of the Council Plan actions relevant to the position.
• Ensure the department complies with the Shire’s statutory obligations while providing a customer centred approach to service provision.
• Manage and control annual budgets and the delivery of services in line with the approved annual budget.

This is a 2 year full time fixed-term parental leave cover position.

About you

In order to succeed and thrive in this position, you must have:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Town Planning, Environmental Health or Building Surveying.
• Proven experience in the leadership and supervision of a multi-disciplinary team including mentoring, coaching, empowering and coordinating staff in a local government setting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to advocate, negotiate and mediate.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of statutory and legal processes relevant to Local Government.

Benefits

• An annual salary of $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 (plus superannuation) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
• Provision of a Shire vehicle.
• Assistance with housing with 6 months subsidised rent and salary sacrificing.
• Relocation Allowance.
• Communication Allowance.
• 5 weeks annual leave per year.
• The option of one Rostered Day off (RDO) every 4 weeks.
• Minimum of 12% superannuation employer contribution.
• Superannuation co-contribution offered to a maximum of 5%.
• Uniform allowance.
• Free gym & pool membership.
• Access to career development opportunities.

Applications close at 6:00pm on Sunday 1 November 2026. Early submissions are encouraged as applications will be reviewed prior to the closing date and as such, the closing date is subject to change without notice.

Applications must be made via the Shire of Esperance online recruitment portal at: https://www.esperance.wa.gov.au/council/careers-and-employment/current-vacancies.aspx and include a current Resume, a Cover Letter and statements addressing the Selection Criteria.

Further details (including the Selection Criteria) are available in the Position Description found on the recruitment portal, or contact Human Resources on [08 9071 0634](tel:08 9071 0634).

The successful applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening test to be considered for the role.

The Shire of Esperance is an Equal Opportunity Employer