Reporting to the Director Community and Development, this senior leadership position provides strategic and operational leadership of Council’s Development Services functions, encompassing planning assessment, building services, development administration and development compliance.

As Manager Development Services and Council’s Assessment Manager, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of 17 staff, including four direct reports. You will drive service excellence, customer-focused improvement and contemporary regulatory practice, while balancing legislative obligations, community expectations and Council’s strategic priorities.

This is an opportunity to shape a positive development experience for the Adelaide Hills community, lead continuous improvement and contribute to broader organisational planning and decision-making.

About Adelaide Hills Council The Adelaide Hills Council is a magnificent place to live, work and visit. The environmental, residential, primary production and natural qualities of the district are renowned and contribute to the Adelaide Hills being "a special place", and one of Australia's most loved areas. Adelaide Hills Council is committed to building the community through leadership, community involvement and commitment to service.

We offer a diverse and supportive working environment, opportunities for career development, flexible work practices, income protection insurance and a genuine desire for you to enjoy your work.

Manager Development Services (This is a fixed term 5 year contract)

- Provide strategic and operational leadership of Council’s planning, building, development administration and development compliance functions.
- Lead, coach and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration, accountability, professional growth and high performance.
- Perform the powers, duties and functions of Council’s Assessment Manager under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.
- Oversee the staff, operations and advice supporting the Council Assessment Panel.




- Provide expert advice and recommendations to Council, the Executive Leadership Team and other stakeholders on development, planning, building and compliance matters.
- Oversee complex and sensitive development, compliance, enforcement and legal matters, applying sound judgement and risk management.
- Lead strategies, policies and service improvements that enhance customer experience, regulatory effectiveness and community confidence.
- Build productive relationships with government agencies, industry representatives, community members and other stakeholders.
- Manage departmental budgets, resources, business planning and performance to support the achievement of Council’s strategic objectives.
- Some out-of-hours work is required, including attendance at Council and Council Assessment Panel meetings, together with work across different locations.

About YouTo be successful in this role you will have:

- Tertiary qualifications in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field and Level 1 Accredited Professional status as an Assessment Manager.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop a multidisciplinary team, manage performance and lead effectively through change.
- Comprehensive knowledge of development legislation and statutory instruments, including the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, the National Construction Code, associated regulations, practice directions and planning policy.
- Experience developing and implementing business plans, strategies, policies and service improvements.
- Strong judgement and the ability to manage complex and sensitive development, compliance and stakeholder matters.




- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and resolve complex issues.
- A demonstrated commitment to customer-focused service delivery while balancing regulatory obligations, community expectations and organisational priorities.
- A sound understanding of corporate and council governance, delegated authority and political relationships.
- Experience providing strategic advice, reports, recommendations and briefings to senior leaders, committees or governing bodies.
- Experience managing budgets, resources and business planning processes.

About our Benefits Experience the benefits of a career in council:

- Versatile working arrangements, including flexi-time and Working from home
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Free income protection insurance for personal illnesses or injuries.
- A health and wellbeing program offering flu vaccinations, skin checks, health seminars and more.
- Free access to three counselling sessions for you or your immediate family through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave.
- Study Assistance.

How to Apply Applications must address the selection criteria in the position description and state the reference number 72. Please visit Employment at Council for a copy of the position description.

Apply by 5:00pm 5 November 2026 via SEEK.

Confidential enquiries are welcome to Jess Charlton, Director Community and Development on (08) 8408 0479 8408 0479).

The advert information can be provided in other formats if requested.

International applicants who do not have an appropriate Australian work visa or residency will not be considered, or receive an acknowledgement email.

Should your application be successful and move to the next stage, you will be contacted by the Hiring Manager. If you do not receive any communication regarding your application within 20 business days of the advertisement close date your application has been unsuccessful.

📌 Manager Development Services (Woodside)
🏢 Adelaide Hills Council
📍 Woodside