$170,000 to $180,000 package (which includes super & council vehicle option)
About the Surf Coast
There are not many places in Australia quite like Surf Coast Shire, where you can surf at world-class locations like Bells Beach Djarrak, drive along the scenic coast on the Great Ocean Road, or explore the many waterfalls set in tranquil rainforests. The region is a major Victorian tourism destination, and not just because of the coast; it is also thanks to vibrant hinterland towns, a variety of world-class events, colourful community markets, ranges of family activities, and more.
Surf Coast Shire spans Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation.
Our people play vital roles in creating an innovative, safe, respectful, and supportive workplace, living our values, and delivering exceptional services to our community.
We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.
Job Description
Your New Career Joining the People and Culture team you will work in a dynamic area that supports and empowers our people and plans for wellbeing and growth so that the organisation can thrive.
The role has two core focuses:
Strategic Leader: This role has a focus on workplace relations, organisational development and leadership capability, providing strategic advice to the Executive and Leadership Group to build a culture of performance and accountability with a strong connection to purpose.
People and Culture Department Manager: the People and Culture Team includes Human Resources, Work Health and Safety, Gender Equity, Child Safety and Learning and Development. This role leads People and Culture initiatives, strategic workforce planning, contemporary HR practice and supports the team in prioritising their work to support the entire workforce to continuously improve the workplace experience.
About you We are looking for a person who is excited to join the Surf Coast Shire as we shape the organisation and continue to deliver results for our community. Someone who is curious by nature and can bring both experience and a high level of emotional intelligence and compassionate leadership to the role.
To thrive in this role you will bring;
A track-record as an outstanding leader, with a strength on coaching and team player that builds high-performing teams who are engaged and collaborative.
An ability to think strategically and ensure strategic alignment to the organisation’s objectives.
A calm pragmatic approach and the ability to work at both strategic and operational levels
Considerable experience in human resources, workplace relations, learning and development, workplace health and safety practices and relevant legislation with the ability to establish best practice systems and processes that deliver quality outcomes for the organisation.
Skills in managing change
Financial and business acumen with a demonstrated ability to develop, manage and maintain departmental operational plans and associated financial requirements.
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and persuasion skills, with the ability to use discretion and judgement in a complex business environment.
An understanding and knowledge of the local government operating environment, including employment relations acumen.
Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Employment law or other related discipline.
Current Victorian driver’s licence, current Working With Children Check.
Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.
For more information More information on the role accountabilities and the key selection criteria can be found in the position description here.
If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Joanne McNeill, General Manager Strategy and Effectiveness on 0435 694 589.
How to apply
Application are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:
cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria
copy of your resume.
Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria outlined in the position description will be considered for this position.
Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 08 February 2026.
Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer and completes police checks for all employees.
