Bellarine Bayside has retained Fruition Recruitment exclusively to appoint its next Manager Planning and Environment.

Employer Bio

Bellarine Bayside is a not-for-profit public entity entrusted with approximately 200 hectares of coastal Crown land across 17 kilometres of the northern Bellarine Peninsula, from Point Richards through Portarlington and Indented Head to St Leonards. Its portfolio combines significant natural and cultural values, public open space and nearly $30 million in built assets, including six holiday parks, the Bellarine Coastal Trail, recreation facilities, community halls, boat ramps and historic boatsheds.

Its distinctive self-funded model is unique among Victoria’s coastal land managers. Six holiday parks generate approximately 96% of operational revenue, which is reinvested into coastal reserves, public infrastructure, environmental initiatives and community places. Overseen by a skills-based Committee of Management appointed by the Victorian Minister for Workplace, Bellarine Bayside works alongside Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, government agencies, community organisations, volunteers and the northern Bellarine community.

The Job

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and contributing to the senior management team, the Manager Planning and Environment leads planning, environmental management, climate adaptation, risk and compliance, cultural values, community participation and the stakeholder relationships connected to this work.

You will inherit a portfolio with strong operational foundations and a capable multidisciplinary team. The opportunity is to build on that base by strengthening systems, monitoring and reporting, and embedding sustainability into strategy and planning, including practical measures to reduce Bellarine Bayside’s carbon footprint.

An immediate priority will be carrying the draft Coastal and Marine Management Plan through consultation, DEECA approval and finalisation while keeping the broader portfolio moving. You will also lead site and precinct master planning, climate adaptation and environmental programs; scope and manage specialist consultants; and negotiate community leases, licences and permits.

Leading two direct-report coordinators and an established planning and conservation team, you will set clear priorities, develop capability and create the conditions in which capable specialists can do their best work.

Relationships will be central. You will require robust government fluency and the ability to build continuity across DEECA as structures, personnel and priorities evolve.



You will also take senior carriage of Bellarine Bayside’s partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and navigate matters where environmental, cultural, social, commercial and reputational considerations compete.

Why You Should Apply

This is a rare opportunity to lead a complete planning and environment portfolio within a geography compact enough to know deeply and complex enough to carry genuine consequence.

Bellarine Bayside wants to do more than follow established coastal-management practice. It is building stronger systems, embedding sustainability more deliberately in strategy and planning, and lifting the standard of how work is measured and delivered, visibly enough that peers take notice.

Rather than owning one specialist component within a much larger institution, you will remain close to the full life of a decision, from strategic and place-based planning through negotiation, implementation and the outcome visible on the ground. The role offers direct access to the CEO, contribution to Committee-level conversations and influence beyond its functional boundaries.

Culture Snapshot

Bellarine Bayside is stable, values-led, down to earth and close to the community benefit created by its work. Respect, care, teamwork, acting ethically and leading by example are reflected in an expectation that people work constructively, remain accountable and think beyond their own portfolios.

The environment is close-working and personable. The successful person will combine intelligence and strategic range with warmth, pragmatism and follow-through. They will be comfortable partnering with an involved CEO, leading capable specialists without unnecessary hierarchy and contributing to an organisation deliberately building its next stage.

Benefits On Offer

- $152,000 plus superannuation
- Full-time, ongoing individual contract
- Paid fortnightly day off
- Up to two days working from home and flexible start and finish times
- Onsite parking in an exceptional coastal setting
- Selected park and local accommodation discounts
- Direct CEO access and membership of the senior management team
- Leadership of an established planning and conservation team
- A broad mandate spanning strategy, sustainability, environment, risk, partnerships and delivery
- Portarlington base approximately 30 minutes from central Geelong

Skills Required





You will bring substantial experience in public-land, environmental, natural-resource, coastal or place-based management, together with the leadership range to guide specialists, advise senior decision-makers and navigate competing public interests.

- Genuine, hands-on people leadership
- Strategic and place-based planning, policy development and implementation
- Environmental program and public-land management experience
- Government fluency, including DEECA relationships and public-sector approvals
- Knowledge of public-sector governance, relevant legislation, natural-resource management, coastal adaptation and organisational risk
- A relevant tertiary qualification
- Trusted partnerships with Traditional Owners, government agencies and community stakeholders
- Complex negotiation across environmental, cultural, community, commercial and reputational interests
- Financial, project and program management, including budgets, procurement and resource allocation
- Experience engaging and managing specialist consultants
- Systems improvement, monitoring and performance reporting capability
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- A current Australian driver licence and capacity to satisfy relevant pre-employment checks

How To Be Considered

A comprehensive Candidate Information Pack is available from Fruition Recruitment on request. Please submit a current CV and considered cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. A separate response to every key selection criterion is not required initially.

Applications will be reviewed progressively. Shortlisted candidates will meet with Fruition Recruitment before formal interview with Bellarine Bayside. References and relevant pre-employment checks will be completed for the preferred candidate.

Who Are We

Fruition Recruitment is a founder-led search and talent advisory practice working across specialist, senior and executive appointments. Every engagement is led directly, combining disciplined search, meaningful market reach and structured in-person assessment. This appointment is being managed exclusively for Bellarine Bayside.

Fruition Recruitment and its clients welcome applications from people of all genders, ages, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, family and caring responsibilities, and cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. If you require adjustments during the process, please contact us.

Due to application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted initially. If you have not heard from us within seven business days and would value specific feedback, please contact us directly.

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📌 Manager Planning and Environment (Australia)
🏢 Fruition Recruitment
📍 Australia