Work Type: Contract

Location: Emerald 

Department:  Communities 

Remuneration: Circa $200k inclusive of superannuation and motor vehicle with private use 

Shape the future of facilities, recreation and community across the Central Highlands.

We’re seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take on the pivotal role of Manager Facilities & Recreation driving excellence in the planning, management and delivery of Council’s facilities, sport, recreation, property and housing services.

At Central Highlands Regional Council, our vision is clear a progressive region creating opportunities for all. We’re committed to continuous improvement, sustainable development, and delivering real value to our communities.

The Region

The Central Highlands Region boasts a thriving mining and agricultural sector, with Emerald serving as the key service centre for both the region and the broader Central West.

Based in Emerald, you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty and recreational opportunities from well-kept parks and walking tracks through to scenic trails that connect the community’s green spaces. Just beyond town, you can explore the iconic Carnarvon Gorge, swim in the rainbow waters of the Blackdown Tablelands, fish at Lake Maraboon, or fossick for gems in the Gemfields.

The Central Highlands offers a genuine regional lifestyle that is friendly, community-minded and family-oriented. It’s a place where you can build a rewarding career without sacrificing quality of life.

About the Role

In this leadership position, you’ll provide both strategic direction and hands-on management across a diverse portfolio that includes community facilities, sport and recreation assets, and housing.

You’ll lead teams to ensure that Council’s assets and programs are well-maintained, safe, sustainable, and contribute positively to the health and vibrancy of our communities. From developing long-term asset management plans to overseeing capital works programs, you’ll have a direct impact on the region’s quality of life.

Key focus areas include:

• Strategic planning for facilities, recreation and property portfolios
• Leadership of multidisciplinary teams across maintenance, sport & recreation, and housing
• Oversight of budgets, capital projects, contracts and leases
• Building partnerships with community organisations, sporting bodies and government agencies

About You

You’re a seasoned leader with strong strategic, financial, and people management skills. You bring a collaborative approach and can balance long-term planning with operational excellence and community needs.

You’ll also bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Facilities, Property, Business or Recreation Management (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of Queensland C class provisional driver’s licence.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing diverse teams and complex asset portfolios
• Proven ability to manage capital works, budgets, contracts, and stakeholder relationships
• Strong communication, negotiation and project management skills
• A passion for delivering quality community infrastructure and services

Local government experience and knowledge of Queensland’s property and building frameworks will be highly regarded.

Ready to Lead with Purpose?

If you’re a motivated and strategic leader who’s ready to make a difference in a growing regional council, we want to hear from you!

Benefits Include:

• A generous superannuation scheme
• 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
• Annual uniform allocation
• Payroll deductions and salary sacrifice options
• Wages paid fortnightly
• Employee Assistance Program

To apply for this position:

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

Please download and review the position description.

To be considered for this position, please include the following documents:

1. A cover letter outlining your motivation for applying for this position and addressing the key selection criteria
2. Your resume detailing your career history relevant for this position

Applicants who are progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process will be invited to participate in a shortlisting process.

Eligibility & Pre-employment Checks

To be appointed to a permanent position, you must be an Australian citizen, or have permanent residency status, or hold a visa permitting you to work in Australia permanently. If you have a visa permitting you to work temporarily in Australia, you may be appointed to a position on a temporary basis, providing the work complies with the conditions of your visa.

The pre-employment checks relevant to this position include:

• Right to Work in Australia
• Criminal History Check
• Reference and qualification checks

For a confidential discussion, please contact a member of the Recruitment Team on 1300 242 686 during business hours or register your application by submitting your cover letter and resume.

Applications close:  5pm Thursday 20th November 2025.