GENERAL MANAGER NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WATER AND SUSTAINABILITYOn-Site

Personnel Area: Environment, Parks and Sustainability Services

Branch: Natural Environment, Water and Sustainability

Duration: Contract – 4 years

About the Organisation

Brisbane City Council is Australia’s largest local government, managing assets worth over $39 billion and delivering services that shape the future of our city. We are seeking an experienced executive to lead our Natural Environment, Water and Sustainability (NEWS) branch, a critical delivery arm within the Environment, Parks and Sustainability Services group.

Council’s Employee Value Proposition allows you to grow your career to deliver a better Brisbane. With career progression opportunities as well as benefits that matter, our focus on culture and wellbeing will make you proud to work for Brisbane City Council as we prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

Environment, Parks and Sustainability Services unites diverse teams dedicated to caring for our natural environment, driving sustainability outcomes, and working with the community to build a resilient city. Within this area, Natural Environment, Water and Sustainability (NEWS) plays a vital role in preserving Brisbane’s parklands, open spaces, and waterways—key to our distinctive subtropical way of life. NEWS is a collaborative and multidisciplinary team, including planners, engineers, scientists, project managers, and community education officers within our three environment centres.

About the Role

You will lead the Natural Environment, Water and Sustainability (NEWS) Branch, providing strategic, expert advice to the Lord Mayor, Civic Cabinet and executive leadership. This role is responsible for delivering Council’s Sustainable City agenda, driving outcomes across environmental management, parks and public spaces, arboriculture, waterways, flood resilience and sustainability. You will guide the stewardship of significant environmental and infrastructure assets, lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams, and ensure strong governance, financial management and service excellence. Working collaboratively across Council, government, industry and the community, you will champion innovation, continuous improvement and outcomes that enhance Brisbane’s liveability, resilience and lifestyle.

What you’ll bring

You will demonstrate an inspiring, people-centred leadership style, underpinned by strong emotional intelligence, aligned with Council’s Leadership Blueprint. You will excel in change management, branch alignment and collaboration, building influential partnerships, and collaborating with government stakeholders. You will bring deep expertise and innovative ideas in strategy and program delivery to support natural environment, water, and sustainability initiatives and outcomes, with the ability to provide high-level advice to a variety of Council stakeholders. You are strategically astute, with experience in financial, risk and governance management, and a focus on delivering efficient, customer-focused services. With a forward-looking mindset, you will drive transformational change and continuous improvement, delivering strategies that enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and community satisfaction.

Tertiary qualifications in Planning, Business, Public Policy (or equivalent) are highly desirable.

Due to the requirements of this role, a criminal history and business checks will be undertaken on preferred applicants. A criminal history does not necessarily preclude an applicant from appointment.

Please consider the full position descriptions, and tailor your cover letter and resume to outline your suitability.

Benefits of working for Council: CLICK HERE

How to apply:  Click on the 'I’m interested' button to complete your online application. Please upload your tailored resume and covering letter (of no more than one page) demonstrating your suitability to the position.

To apply online, please click on the appropriate link. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion or further information, please contact Cassandra Lee, Talent Partner on 07 3403 0026 or via Cassandra.lee@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 3 June 2026 at 11:55pm AEST.

Brisbane City Council is a multi-award winning accessible and inclusive workplace where our people represent the diverse communities we serve, are supported, and can feel safe. Council has been awarded Employer of the Year at the National Disability Awards and has been recognised multiple times with ‘Gold Employer’ status from the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTI inclusion.