Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia, committed to creating value by growing the city through economic diversity and an enriching lifestyle. With an annual budget of over $860 million and managing assets close to $9 billion, the Council provides critical services that support a vibrant, sustainable, and innovative city. We are currently seeking a General Manager Community and Lifestyle to join us during an exciting period of renewal and transformation. The Opportunity Reporting directly to the Director Planning, Environment and Lifestyle, this pivotal senior leadership role is responsible for shaping a thriving, connected, and inclusive community. You will lead a diverse portfolio that includes Inclusive Communities, Creative Communities (Venues & Galleries), Libraries, and Grants & Business Strategy. Leading a team of approximately 130 staff and managing an operational budget of $24 million, your primary mandate will be to drive a culture of service excellence, personal accountability, and strong financial stewardship. This position represents a unique opportunity to lead a significant cultural change journey. You will work to rebuild and strengthen the section, fostering a modern, collaborative environment where transparency and evidence-based decision-making are paramount. You will champion innovation in a constrained budget environment, ensuring that all community services are not only high-quality but also financially sustainable and distinct from niche interest projects, delivering genuine public value. About You To be considered, you will possess relevant tertiary qualifications, ideally with a strong focus on business or management alongside purely arts or social sciences. Local Government experience is essential. You will be an experienced senior leader with a commercial mindset and a proven track record in leading large, multi-disciplinary teams through periods of change. Success in this role requires a leader who can balance humanistic people management with rigorous commercial acumen and the ability to set clear boundaries. Your background will demonstrate your ability to manage complex budgets, negotiate effectively with stakeholders, and articulate a clear, value-driven purpose for community services. If you are a resilient, values-based leader ready to make a tangible impact on the future of Townsville, we invite you to apply. Before applying download a comprehensive information pack containing the PD and more information about the role and the region, visit mcarthur.com.au and enter J8858 in the job search function. For a confidential discussion - call Julie Barr or Matt Weston on 07 3211 9700. Applications close COB Monday 23 February 2026.
