Job Description.

W&Co Search is proud to partner with Cardinia Shire Council in the recruitment of the Director Community and Planning.

Cardinia Shire Council is one of Victoria’s fastest growing municipalities located within Melbourne’s southeast growth corridor. Servicing a rapidly expanding and highly diverse community, Council plays a critical role in planning for population growth while maintaining the livability, connectivity and community outcomes that underpin strong, inclusive places.

As a future focused organisation with a strong commitment to delivering the services and outcomes its communities value most, Cardinia Shire Council is widely recognised for the dedication of its people and the meaningful work they undertake across the municipality.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director Community and Planning is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and leads a broad and diverse portfolio spanning community services, planning and related regulatory functions. The role plays a central part in shaping how Council supports its community, enables sustainable growth and strengthens advocacy across key development and investment priorities.

The position requires a leader who can balance strategic direction with the practical realities of service delivery across a large, complex and established directorate. The successful candidate will bring strong organisational and stakeholder insight, with the ability to lead through change, exercise sound judgement and engage effectively with Councillors, community stakeholders, developers and government partners. Credibility in planning and development conversations will be important, preferably supported by experience in planning, city development or a related environment, or the demonstrated ability to build this capability with confidence.

Cardinia Shire Council is seeking an experienced or emerging executive leader, ideally with local government experience, who brings energy, curiosity and a genuine commitment to community outcomes. You will have a strong understanding of the governance, community and political context in which councils operate, together with demonstrated leadership experience across complex service environments.

This role will suit a leader who empowers others, supports high performing teams and creates an environment where people feel trusted, valued and enabled to do their best work. You will be motivated by the opportunity to shape a directorate, strengthen Council’s advocacy role and contribute to the long term success of a growing municipality.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an aspirational Executive Leadership Team and play a key role in shaping the future of one of Victoria’s fastest growing municipalities.

To view the Position Description for this opportunity please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://shorturl.at/wCRPq

For a confidential discussion please contact Ashley Wilkes, Managing Director at W&Co Search, on 0448 007 653 or Cassandra Amer, Associate Recruitment Consultant at W&Co Search on 0489 277 600 or via info@wcosearch.com

Applications should include a one-page cover letter and a detailed resume outlining your relevant experience and alignment to the role.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and suitable candidates may be contacted throughout the search process. Early applications are encouraged.