Are you ready to help shape the future of one of NSW’s most evolving regional economies?
Lithgow City Council is seeking an experienced and strategic Economic Development Manager to lead initiatives that support sustainable economic growth, investment attraction, event and destination development across the Seven Valleys.
This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in strengthening the region’s economy, supporting local businesses, attracting new industries and positioning the Seven Valleys as a destination of choice for visitors, residents and investors.
Reporting to the Director People and Places, this leadership role is responsible for guiding Council’s program delivery to support economic growth, business development and tourism across the Seven Valleys.
You will lead a small team and drive economic development initiatives in business development, destination management, and industry engagement while also aligning with the Lithgow Emerging Economies Program. You will also be working collaboratively across Council and with external partners to drive investment and regional growth and work proactively to maximise the economic opportunities arising with our emerging renewable energy sector.
As the Economic Development Manager you will provide effective leadership and guidance to the organisation in the key result areas of economic growth, event support, destination management, business attraction and investment leveraging.
In the role you will build and manage strong partnerships with industry, government agencies and key stakeholders to unlock new economic growth opportunities that strengthen the region’s economic resilience and competitiveness.
The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:
- A recognised tertiary qualification in economic development, business, marketing, strategic planning, tourism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of knowledge and several years’ experience in any of the identified fields.
- A demonstrated commitment to driving positive change in the socio- economic circumstances of communities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with diverse individuals and groups, to impart knowledge, transfer skills, build and maintain relationships and report to a broad range of people.
- Analytical research skills with the ability to monitor, problem solve, think laterally, and critically reflect on outcomes and report these.
- Demonstrated high standard of integrity, probity and discretion.
- Demonstrated motivation and ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
- A current ‘C’ class drivers’ license.
In addition the candidate will have experience in or knowledge of local government structures, functions, legislation, and procedures, and in particular the application of the Local Government Act 1993, and its associated regulations, Demonstrated experience and knowledge at applying legislation and meeting statutory obligations relevant to the position, Experience in or knowledge of State and Federal government structures and processes and previous experience working in a similar role.
If you are looking for a career move where you can deliver meaningful economic outcomes while enjoying the outdoors lifestyle you are after only a couple of hours from Sydney and on the edge of the Blue Mountains, we encourage you to apply.
- Between $123,312.80 - $134,158.44 per annum, commensurate with your skills, qualifications and experience. Additional remuneration may be considered for an exceptional candidate
- Permanent, Full-time, 35 hours per week,
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Flexible working environment
- Work/Life balance with a rostered day off every fortnight
- Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- A leaseback vehicle is being offered with this position in accordance with Councils leaseback policy
APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON Sunday 19 July 2026 at 4pm AEST.
For a confidential discussion on this exciting opportunity please contact Shaun Elwood, Director People and Places, on (02) 6354 9918
Please note: To be considered for this position, candidates must address all selection criteria. Those who do not address the selection criteria with examples may not be considered.
Applications generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) may not be progressed in the recruitment process.
Preferred applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical, which includes a drug and alcohol screening and functional assessment. Preferred applicants may be subject to reference checks, driving history checks, qualification checks, a NSW Police Check, a Working with Children check and confirmation of your Right to Work in Australia.
You must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or a permanent resident or have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.
The Lithgow local government area is located on the western edge of the majestic Blue Mountains, 30 minutes drive from Blackheath and 90 minutes to the new Western Sydney international Airport. The area totals over 4,500 square kilometres from the Capertee and Wolgan Valleys in the north, Little Hartley in the east, Tarana in the south and Meadow Flat in the west.
The major urban centre of Lithgow nestles in a valley of that name, overlooked by the sandstone escarpments of the Blue Mountains. In the addition to the urban centre of Lithgow, the Lithgow local government area has a range of villages with mining or farming backgrounds. These smaller centres have proven to be attractive rural residential areas which, along with the broader rural surroundings, offer a truly unique lifestyle that harmonises urban, industrial and rural qualities.
Council is focused on delivering quality services as a Centre of Regional Excellence that encourages community growth and development, and contributes to the efficient and effective management of the environment, community and economy for present and future generations.
The guiding principles of communication, accountability, respect, empathy and support define how Lithgow City Council strengthen its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. For further details on Council's values, please visit https://council.lithgow.com
