Manager Economic Development

Why This Role Will Inspire You

As Manager Economic Development, you’ll lead the strategies, partnerships and initiatives that will shape Glen Innes Highlands’ economic future. You’ll deliver the region’s Economic Development Strategy and Destination Management Plan, attract investment, grow industry capability and oversee major regional events — all while telling the story of a place that is ready to thrive.

This is a role where your leadership will influence outcomes the community can see and feel.

Your Impact

You will:

• Drive implementation of the updated Glen Innes Highlands Economic Development Strategy 2026 - 2030 and the Glen Innes Highlands Destination Management Plan 2026 - 2030, alongside other associated plans and strategies
• Lead a high-performing team across economic development, tourism and events
• Build strong partnerships with business, industry, government and regional alliances
• Secure funding and deliver initiatives with measurable outcomes
• Oversee iconic events including the Australian Celtic Festival, Minerama, and Christmas in the Highlands
• Position Glen Innes Highlands as a confident, compelling place to live, work, invest and visit

What You Bring

You will bring the below skills, but in addition, what will make you thrive is your curiosity, drive and belief in what regional communities can achieve:

• 5+ years’ experience delivering or leading economic development, tourism or destination projects
• Demonstrated business and operational management capability, ideally with public-facing facilities
• Proven success in securing grants, incentives or co-investment programs
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, governance and risk management
• Demonstrated leadership experience, building capability within multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and advocacy skills across all sectors
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to confidently tell the region’s investment story
• Digital confidence, including Office 365 and the ability to manage content, branding and digital tools

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Attractive Total Remuneration Package — negotiable based on experience (we welcome confidential discussions)
• Hybrid working arrangements (may be negotiated)
• Monthly Rostered Day Off (RDO)
• Relocation allowance
• Three-month rental subsidy of up to $200 per week
• Motor vehicle leaseback option
• Long service leave after 5 years

Why Move to Glen Innes?

Glen Innes is a place where people don’t just live — they belong. Set in the beautiful Northern Tablelands, it offers space, character and connection in a way that is becoming increasingly rare. If you're looking for a community that welcomes you, a lifestyle that feels genuine, and a region where your contributions truly matter, Glen Innes is a place where you can make a meaningful life.

+  A Lifestyle with Balance and Breathing Room

• Living in Glen Innes means less congestion, more space and a sense of calm that’s hard to find in larger centres. It’s a place where you can enjoy the outdoors, take part in community life, and appreciate a lifestyle that feels more personal and less pressured.

+  Housing You Can Actually Afford

• Glen Innes offers exceptionally affordable housing compared to metropolitan areas.
• Whether renting or buying, your income stretches further — making home ownership or securing quality accommodation far more achievable.

+  Regional Living with Practical Access

• Core local medical and health services are available, with broader hospital and specialist care accessible in Armidale and Tamworth.
• Convenient road access to major regional centres and airports.
• Eligibility for Remote Area Benefits, offering additional tax and financial advantages for regional employees.

Ready to Lead a Region Into Its Future?

If you’re motivated by purpose, excited by possibility and ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now — and help shape the next chapter of Glen Innes Highlands

• Carefully download and read the Guide to Applying for Employment, together with the position description to familiarise yourself with the role and application process
• Please upload documents in PDF or word format
• Please note that as part of Glen Innes Severn Council's recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment checks. This may include: reference checks; national criminal police check; functional/medical assessment; qualification verification; Working with Children Check and NDIS verification.
• Our recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview)
• Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address jobs@gisc.nsw.gov.au and Pulse email no_reply@lgss.com.au is set to 'trustworthy'

Need More Information or Assistance

Council is an EEO employer. Women, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, people with a disability, and members of racial, ethnic, and ethno-religious minority groups are encouraged to apply. 

Bernard Smith - General Manager

Promoting a safe and healthy workplace