Manager Precincts Partnerships and Economic Development

About Brisbane City Council

Brisbane City Council is Australia's largest local government by population, managing assets worth over $44 billion and an annual budget exceeding $4.1 billion. The city is entering a transformative phase shaped by rapid growth, heightened public service demands, and the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, leading to renewed focus on strategic city planning and improved performance for future generations. In response, the Council is evolving its operational approach to maintain a high standard of service delivery and lasting impact.

Role Overview

This new executive position, reporting directly to the General Manager of City Planning and Place, is responsible for directing Brisbane’s urban and suburban renewal initiatives. It encompasses leadership of programs that integrate land use planning, urban design, economic development, and regeneration through a coordinated, place-based framework.

The role balances strategic oversight with hands-on operational management, driving investment priorities and ensuring renewal projects convert into coherent and implementable outcomes city-wide. Additionally, it spearheads local economic development efforts and small business support, linking place-based outcomes to economic growth and community advantages.

Key Responsibilities

• Directing urban and suburban renewal programs across several precincts
• Setting strategic direction for land use, urban design, and economic development
• Influencing city-wide investment decisions and program prioritization
• Coordinating planning efforts across transport, assets, and open space sectors
• Leading partnerships with government bodies, industry, business, and community groups
• Overseeing program budget, governance structures, risk management, and delivery
• Managing and growing a multidisciplinary team of up to approximately 60 employees
• Representing the Council in complex, high-profile forums and stakeholder engagements

Work Environment

This role is complex and highly visible, requiring the capacity to navigate political, commercial, community, and technical challenges with sound judgment and credibility. The incumbent will define and shape urban renewal leadership and integration within the organization.

Candidate Profile

• Proven executive experience in urban planning, design, economics, renewal, infrastructure, or related disciplines
• Successful leadership of complex, city-scale or place-based programs
• Strong technical expertise in planning, urban design, or development processes
• Established influence over investment, policy, and program outcomes
• Advanced stakeholder management skills engaging senior government, industry, and community partners
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally within organizations to align goals and deliver integrated results
• Ability to lead amidst ambiguity, address resistance, and foster team alignment
• Judicious decision-making focused on balancing competing interests for long-term value

The preferred leadership style is measured, credible, collaborative, and able to excel in a high-visibility and high-expectation setting.

Why This Position Matters

This role holds significant scope and impact, directly influencing Brisbane’s growth at precinct and neighborhood levels through decisions affecting land use, investment flows, and economic activity. It offers an uncommon chance to occupy a newly created leadership position and shape a cohesive, outcome-oriented approach to urban renewal in the city.

Additional Information

Applications close at midnight on Friday, 14 August 2026.