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Success Profile Manager Economy and Investment South Shire Council

JUNE 2021 Table of Contents

Online Advertisement 3

About South Gippsland Shire Council 4

Organisational Structure 5

Role Overview 6

About The Role 7

Key Result Areas 9

For More Information 10

Davidson | Manager Economy and Investment | South Gippsland Shire Council 2 Online Advertisement

Pivotal leadership role Accountable for strategy through to delivery Community-focused Council, only 100kms from

South Gippsland Shire Council is a large rural Local Government authority, located approximately 100 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. The Council vision is to serve in the best interests of the whole Shire, delivering quality services and advocating for community needs. Council is responsible for more than 100 services, supporting the wellbeing and prosperity of a large and diverse community. With an inspirational new CEO focused on innovation and transformation, it’s the ideal time to consider joining the leadership team at South Gippsland Shire Council. There is currently an opportunity for an experienced Manager Economy and Investment to join the organisation.

Reporting to the Director Economy and Community, this role will drive strong economic, tourism and investment strategies; delivering growth, and supporting community wealth building and resilience. Continuing to build on the Shire’s profile as a place to live, work, invest and play, this role will form strong partnerships and positive stakeholder relationships with industry and local businesses. This role will lead a multi-disciplinary team to achieve consistent and professional delivery of services and drive operational excellence. In this pivotal leadership role, you will work collaboratively with your peers to contribute to the broader strategic goals of Council.

A proven leader, you will demonstrate experience in creating end to end economic development and/or tourism strategies, ideally within (or working with) the Local Government sector. With exceptional stakeholder management skills, you present with strong existing networks across Government and key peak bodies, and an ability to effectively engage with a range of community groups to deliver on impactful projects and initiatives. You have a sound understanding of the Shire’s landscape, and are driven to deliver exceptional economic outcomes to the community. As a values-based leader, you will have proven success in uplifting capability and driving a high performing culture. You will play a pivotal role in driving the economic growth and sustainability of the South Gippsland Shire Region.

Tertiary qualifications in Business or Tourism, Economics, or a related discipline is highly desired.

To apply for this position please click the apply now button and upload your resume. For a confidential discussion, please contact Vanessa Huxley on 0417 708 112 or at [email protected].

Davidson | Manager Economy and Investment | South Gippsland Shire Council 3 About South Gippsland Shire Council

South Gippsland Shire Council is located in coastal south eastern , approximately 100km south-east of Melbourne. It is made up of three wards; Tarwin Valley, Strzelecki and Coastal Promontory. South Gippsland is the southern part of Gippsland, which honoured Sir George Gipps, Governor 1838-1846. The original inhabitants of the South Gippsland area were the Gunnai, Bun Wurrung and Wurundjeri Aboriginal people. South Gippsland Shire Council was formed in 1994 from the amalgamation of four municipalities.

The Shire is bounded by Cardinia and Baw Baw Shires to the north, Latrobe City and Wellington Shire to the east, to the south, and to the west. The Shire is a rural, residential and tourist area. It encompasses 3,308 square kilometres, including extensive coastal areas and the spectacular National Park. Much of the rural area is used for forestry and agriculture; with dairy, beef, sheep, and snow pea farming being the main agricultural pursuits. Fishing, viticulture and tourism are also important industries that contribute economic diversity to the region.

Other major attractions of the Shire include Port Welshpool Long Jetty, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, , Coal Creek Community Park and Museum, the Great Southern Rail Trail, Grand Ridge Rail Trail, Speedway, Stony Creek Racecourse, Agnes Falls and specialist wineries, gin distilleries and breweries. The major towns in South Gippsland are , , Mirboo North and Foster. Other townships include Dumbalk, Fish Creek, Loch, Meeniyan, Nyora, Poowong, Port Welshpool, Sandy Point, Tarwin Lower, Toora, Venus Bay and Welshpool. There are also a number of other smaller rural hamlets.

Map of Shire

Davidson | Manager Economy and Investment | South Gippsland Shire Council 4 Organisational Structure

Davidson | Manager Economy and Investment | South Gippsland Shire Council 5 Role Overview

Title: Manager Economy and Investment

Location: Leongatha

Reporting to: Director Economy & Community

Council Purpose To serve in the best interests of the whole Shire, delivering quality services and advocating for community needs.

Council Values We have simplified our 5 Council Plan values Customer Focused; Accountable; Respectful; Acting in the interests of the whole Shire; Pursuing excellence in everything we do, into 3 'ACE' values! Accountability Customer Focus Excellence

The Organisation South Gippsland is a place like no other. We have a diverse community and economy set in a magnificent natural environment. We serve our people with genuine well-meaning and strive always to deliver the best outcomes we can.

We are passionate about building and sustaining a great workplace, principled leadership, and providing great opportunities. Our values are present in what we do and how we do it. With a renewed focus on innovation and collaboration, valuing difference and a belief that teams can achieve amazing things, there is a lot to look forward to.

We want to genuinely make a difference to the lives of all those who touch our community, and be part of creating ‘a great place for us’.

Davidson | Manager Economy and Investment | South Gippsland Shire Council 6 About the Role This position will provide leadership to the Economy, Arts & Tourism Department and is responsible for the implementation and review of Council’s Economic Development and Tourism strategy.

The position holds responsibility for the management and delivery of Council’s Visitor Information Services and oversees management of and actively markets Council’s operations at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum. It will hold the relevant co-ordinators accountable for the delivery of Council and government targets and provide high performing and best value service delivery.

The key responsibilities of this role include: Lead a collaborative approach to the implementation and review of Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy. Develop an advocacy strategy to support and secure funding for Council’s priority projects. Develop a strategy to grow the Shire, attract investment and promote tourism & arts consistent with Council’s vision. Finalise South Gippsland’s Branding Strategy that supports the regional ‘Destination Gippsland’ branding and use them both to promote the Shire Drive initiatives to build a sustainable tourism industry maximising tourism expenditure and visitor dispersal within South Gippsland through promoting the Shire as a prime tourism destination. Lead the development of strategic and operational plans for the Economic Development and Tourism department. Review services to identify strategic opportunities that will increase efficiencies and /or reduce costs. Oversee compliance with reporting requirements to external agencies and benchmark performance using the Local Government Performance Framework returns, analysing data and trends. Progressively transform the department to bring about great service for our valued customers through reviewed policies, reporting regimes and by working collegiately and collaboratively to achieve the directorate’s objectives.

Accountability & Extent of Authority Lead a multi-disciplinary team to achieve consistent and professional delivery of services and achieve funding targets and organisational goals and outcomes. Demonstrated commitment Influence and support the strategic direction of South Gippsland Shire Council. Proactively work with the South Gippsland community to achieve local and regional aspirations. Manage the purchase and authorisation of payments in accordance with the delegated authority. Supervision and management of direct reports. Accountable to ensure the development of your people, the delivery of your people’s role requirement’s, and in developing a positive, values and principles based team culture; Develop, maintain, and implement business continuity and disaster recovery strategies and solutions, including risk assessments, and business impact analyses for the business unit plans you have responsibility for; Ensure that Risk Management practices are applied in your day-to-day activities in accordance with Council’s Risk Management Framework and Risk Management Policy.

Judgement & Decision Making Negotiate at a high level with government, business and community groups. Provide strong and confident decision making across all areas relating to Economic Development and Tourism Make decisions independently without guidance or approval relating to day to day enquiries where the enquiry is considered to be a ‘no surprises reply’. This includes business and politically sensitive enquiries. Use sound political awareness to enact advocacy plans. Make formal recommendations regarding change in policy. Implement changes related to procedures within the control of the position. Problem solve the variety of economic development and tourism issues that arise, responding in a proactive and respectful way by maintaining or enhancing Councils reputation and minimising risk.

Davidson | Manager Economy and Investment | South Gippsland Shire Council 7 Specialist Knowledge & Skills Assessment and review community and visitor trends, needs and satisfaction levels to maximise service delivery. Implementation of evaluation activities and performance development of the Department. Building relationships/partnerships to effectively and proactively identify and manage conflict. Ongoing development of skills and knowledge through attending professional development programs and taking a proactive approach to continually improving skills and abilities. Financial planning and budget management capability consistent with the position authority. Understanding required of organisational context, goals or policies

Management Skills Oversee relevant priority projects and initiatives as defined by Council, working across the organisation to ensure co-operation with projects and daily operations. Efficiently and effectively lead, communicate, plan and inspire the Economic Development and Tourism Department. Develop strong relationships with government to secure funding and support for priority projects and economic development and tourism initiatives. Represent Council on designated cross organisational committees. Provide leadership, performance development, mentoring and supervision to Economic Development and Tourism Department.

Interpersonal Skills Manage stakeholder relationships and build capacity through a whole of service approach to Economic Development and Tourism services across the South Gippsland Shire. Advocate to Council, State and Federal Government on behalf of the community on specific issues/projects that are deemed of high importance. Negotiate at a high level with government, business and community groups. Conduct work in an efficient, thorough and organised manner. Apply a high level of emotional intelligence to influence the level of resilience and demonstrate a ‘calm under pressure’ approach within the department and wider organisation High level written and verbal communication skills to positively and professionally represent Council. Proven ability to gain co-operation and assistance from external stakeholders and other managers and employees. Proven ability to discuss and resolve complex problems – internally and externally. The ability to lead and influence others to inspire, motivate and empower them to achieve agreed outcomes

Qualifications & Experience Tertiary degree preferably in Business Management, Marketing or Tourism disciplines or proven experience in senior roles demonstrating required competence. Substantial experience in advocacy, ministerial offices, private or public sector (including local government). Demonstrated track record in achieving successful outcomes in economic development, tourism and/or business development fields.

Role Specific Selection Criteria Qualifications and experience as outlined above. Experience in strategic business planning, marketing and creative thinking. An understanding of the local, regional and state economic environment and tourism trends. Experience in business planning, policy development and managing budgets

Davidson | Manager Economy and Investment | South Gippsland Shire Council 8 Key Result Areas

Driving strong economic and tourism development and investment to meet Council’s objectives and community and industry needs

Our Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategies have been developed through research and stakeholder engagement, collaboration and partnership, and are ready for implementation in South Gippsland. There are tangible outcomes being delivered across the municipality and a strong focus on growth, community wealth building, and resilience.

Building South Gippsland Shire Council’s profile as a place to live, work, invest and play The local community is engaged and energised. The tourism profile of the Shire increased in recent years, and a number of initiatives are underway that form part of the Directorate’s broader strategic vision.

Building partnerships and positive stakeholder relationships to support enabling infrastructure within the Shire

Relationships have been built and effectively managed with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, and these are the result of trusted community, industry and local business connections.

Leading a collaborative team and developing a high performing culture

Leadership of an effective and engaged team, who are working collaboratively across the organisation to delivery exceptional economic outcomes with the community. The Council’s Visitor Information Services and the Coal Creek Community Park and Museum provide additional tourism support and have a customer first approach, operating with excellent service delivery.

Davidson | Manager Economy and Investment | South Gippsland Shire Council 9 For More Information

To apply for this role, upload a Resume and Cover Letter via davidsonwp.com or for a confidential discussion please contact:

Vanessa Huxley Partner

Mobile: 0417 708 112 Email: [email protected]

www.davidsonwp.com ADELAIDE BRISBANE MELBOURNE SYDNEY

Davidson | Manager Economy and Investment | South Gippsland Shire Council 10