Below is a brief description of this vacancy

This page outlines the vacancy and the key skills and responsibilities for the role.


Manager Recreation and Leisure

Greensborough, Australia

Reference: 6746897

  • Permanent full time position
  • Competitive remuneration package
  • Flexible working arrangements available - balance life and work
  • Access to health and wellbeing initiatives and learning and development opportunities
  • Enjoy discounted gym memberships
  • Generous personal and carers leave
  • Customer First Focus - our community is central to all that we do

We are seeking a proactive leader to oversee the planning, policy development, and management of our Leisure and Recreation Services. As Manager Recreation and Leisure, you will manage contracted leisure facility operators, drive strategic planning, and develop data-driven insights to optimise service delivery. You will monitor industry trends, advocate for sustainable service improvements, and maximise funding opportunities.

As a key leader, you will ensure our recreation facilities meet community needs and industry benchmarks while identifying business growth opportunities. Your expertise in asset management, stakeholder engagement, and commercial planning will be essential in shaping the future of our leisure and recreation services.

What a typical day will look like;

  • Manage the performance of leisure facility operators through a contracted delivery model.
  • Manage and develop professional relationships with sporting club leadership across the Shire, including oversight of facility and ground use agreements, fees and charges.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities and directions that will position the organisation for sustainable service provision into the future.
  • Oversee the development of management information systems, reports and data which show delivery of services to a specified standard and required commercial outcomes.
  • Monitor issues and changing trends relating to the provision of leisure and recreation, services and use the information to plan, advocate and achieve commercial objectives.
  • Undertake long-term strategic and master planning, and manage relevant research and statistical analysis.
  • Maximise income opportunities in the recreation and leisure areas, including government funding and grants.

What you will bring to the role;

  • Tertiary Qualifications in an area relevant to leisure or infrastructure management.
  • Extensive experience in recreation, leisure and/or community facilities services management, preferably within a local government context.
  • Financial management and business modelling skills to deliver cost effective recreation and leisure facilities services that maximise income opportunities, and ensure ongoing viability in a highly competitive environment.
  • Specialist knowledge of the principles of contract management and legislative developments that may impact on the management or execution of existing leisure facilities contracts for Council.
  • A strong personal commitment to the implementation of organisational values.
  • Political acumen, influencing and negotiation skills in the management of these sensitive portfolios and the issues that arise from them, to achieve optimum outcomes for Council and community.
  • Knowledge of recreation and leisure facilities planning processes, recreation, facilities management and leisure services planning and service delivery.
  • Understanding of the opportunities and benefits to be gained by working in a cross-municipal or state-wide context.
  • Skills and demonstrated experience in policy and strategy development in the local government context.
  • Skills in the promotion of Council's vision for the Recreation and Leisure Facilities services, as outlined in the Council Plan within the organisation and externally.
  • Accredited Mental Health First Aider.

Why should you join us? Because we're at the top of our game!

We secured sixth place in the prestigious 2023 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work List in the Government, Education and Not-for-Profit category. And guess what? We were the ONLY local government organisation to receive this recognition among 700 others across Australia and New Zealand.

Our commitment to staff health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, and here's why we made the list;

  • Stronger Together. An innovative work practice created by council to provide ongoing professional development support
  • Health and Wellbeing. Focus on ways of working and principles that support all employees
  • Mental Health First Aider Workforce. Designated Mental Health First Aiders appointed across the organisation, expanding our mental health and wellbeing offering even further

Be a part of a passionate, collaborative, and driven team who truly care about what we do, how we do it, and strive to make positive impacts within the community we serve. When working with us, you will feel supported through several different initiatives that focus on health and wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional development.

Want to know more?

Download the Position Description and contact Melika Sukunda, Acting Chief Operating Officer, during business hours on (03) 9433 3252 if you have any questions. Please use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer the Key Selection Criteria questions in your application.

Applications close 10pm (AEDT), Monday 14 April 2025

Diverse. Supportive. Inclusive. Collaborative. Encouraging. Join Nillumbik Shire Council

Applications Close: 14 Apr 2025

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  • About us

    We achieve extraordinary outcomes for our community - Find out more here!

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We hire talented and dedicated individuals for a wide range of positions who support the community, councillors, volunteers and each other.

Nillumbik Shire Council has been awarded sixth place out of over 700 organisations in the 2023 Australian Financial Review / BOSS Magazine Best Places to Work Awards in the Government, Education and Not-for-Profit category. We are always looking for new talent to join our team and are committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, diversity and inclusion.

Further information about pay rates are outlined in our Enterprise Agreement:

·         Nillumbik Shire Council Enterprise Agreement

For information regarding casual employment opportunities at Nillumbik, please see ‘Other Opportunities’ or to find out more about the services provided at Nillumbik Shire Council, click here

Please note: 

  • Vacancies listed with ‘Internal applicants only’ are only open to employees currently working at Nillumbik to apply. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing (e.g. MS Teams)
  • Applicants requiring adjustments - With one in five Australians identifying as having a disability, Council is committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone, regardless of their ability. Position descriptions can be provided in an alternative format, by request. If an applicant needs any support or reasonable adjustments at any stage during the recruitment process, they can contact Human Resources via HRmail@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or on 9433 3111. Applicants being offered an interview with Council are encouraged to advise if any adjustments are required to support them during the interview process.
  • Nillumbik Shire Council is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from people with disability, First Nations people and gender diverse people. Applicants will be considered based on merit as per relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. We are committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, diversity and inclusion.