Head of Economic Development

Head of Economic Development

• Senior Executive Officer Salary 
• Full Time, Permanent role
• Shape the economy of one of Australia's most dynamic municipalities!
• Located at St Kilda Town Hall with flexible working arrangements possible 

About the Organisation 

At the City of Port Phillip, we're proud of our diverse communities, thriving business precincts, iconic foreshore, major events, and vibrant visitor economy. Home to some of Melbourne's most recognised destinations, innovative businesses, creative industries and emerging growth areas, we are entering an exciting period of transformation and opportunity.

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our City Development leadership team as Head of Economic Development.

This is a rare opportunity to lead Council's economic development agenda, influence major city-shaping projects, strengthen local industries and position Port Phillip as a thriving, innovative and investment-ready municipality.

Reporting to the Manager City Planning & Sustainability, the Head of Economic Development will provide strategic economic leadership across the organisation and act as Council's senior advisor on economic matters.

You will lead the development and implementation of economic strategy while ensuring economic thinking is embedded across Council planning, policy, infrastructure, place-making and investment decisions.

The role is responsible for:

• Providing whole-of-Council leadership for economic development and delivering a new economic development strategy
• Advising the Executive and Councillors on economic trends, opportunities and challenges.
• Leading business resilience, industry development, investment attraction and visitor economy initiatives.
• Driving economic outcomes in strategic precincts including Fishermans Bend, our Activity Centres and Mainstreets, and key coastal destinations.
• Strengthening Council’s relationships with business, industry, government and investment stakeholders to develop lasting partnerships.
• Providing strategic leadership for the growth of Port Phillip's creative economy, recognising the significant contribution of arts, culture, screen, music, tourism and creative industries to our city.
• Leading and developing a high-performing Economic Development team.

About You

You are a strategic, collaborative and influential leader with a strong track record delivering economic development outcomes in complex environments.

You bring a deep understanding of how local economies function and can confidently work across government, industry and community sectors to achieve long-term economic outcomes.

You will have:

• Relevant qualifications in economics, business, commerce, tourism, public policy or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in economic development, industry engagement, investment attraction or related fields.
• Demonstrated success developing and delivering economic strategies and programs.
• Strong understanding of precinct development, place-based economics and the role of infrastructure, planning and the creative sector in driving economic growth.
• Experience providing trusted advice to senior executives, boards, elected representatives or government leaders.
• Significant stakeholder engagement, negotiation and partnership-building capability.
• Proven leadership experience developing high-performing teams and fostering positive organisational culture.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex economic information into practical and persuasive advice.

Our work environment  

We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.  

Proudly as one we all work together, and grow together, thinking creatively and strategically with courage, integrity, and accountability to put our community first.  

What’s in it for you 

• We offer a hybrid working model with our core setup being 50-60% in the office depending on team requirements and welcome further conversation to meet your working style and needs 
• Be supported and empowered to be your best by a passionate leadership team that encourages collaboration and innovation
• Discounted fitness membership with access to over 260+ gyms, pools, group classes and facilities across Melbourne for you and your family!
• Our work hubs are located close to our very own Child Care centres making accessing childcare a breeze!  
• Career development opportunities within your team and/or across council plus a great study assistance allowance of up to $4000 per year per person and 6 hours per week study leave (on approved courses only) 
• Flexible working conditions, an active social club, supportive health and wellbeing program, and a well- regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Our very own Pride Network, that helps create an environment where each and every person can feel safe, welcomed, seen, and supported to bring their whole selves to work   
• 20 weeks paid parental leave and our pioneering 24 weeks paid leave for single parents 
• Access to novated leasing and salary sacrificed technology

Security Requirements and Professional Obligations   

Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.  

Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:

• Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
• Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia                                      
• Sufficient proof of their identity. 
• Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
• Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).

So, what’s next?  

Hit that APPLY button now!

Whether you think you meet all the requirements or not, we strongly encourage you to apply, as we take a holistic approach to considering your skills, life experience, and alignment to our key selection criteria. You’ve got this! 

Please submit; 

• Resume – latest and detailed version  
• Cover letter no longer than 2 pages that captures your response to the Key Selection Criteria (KSC) found on the Positions Description (PD).  

Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered. 

For further information please contact Mike Fisher, Manager City Planning and Sustainability via email at [email protected] 

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 30 August 2026

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability. 

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: [email protected] 

South Melbourne > Port Melbourne > Albert Park > Middle Park > St Kilda > Balaclava > Ripponlea > Elwood 

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PD Head of Economic Development Aug 2026.pdf