Director Regional Development

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA – South West WA

17d ago , from Western Australia Government

This is an exciting opportunity to join the South West Development Commission (SWDC) within the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and part of the State Government’s Regional Development portfolio.

The SWDC a statutory authority of the Western Australian State Government and is one of nine Regional Development Commissions, functioning under the provisions of the Regional Development Commissions Act (1993).

The role of the SWDC is to make the South West an even better place to live, work and invest. We do this by coordinating and promoting economic and social development in the South West, to maximise prosperity and wellbeing for the region. The SWDC achieves this by providing the regional link between government policy and planning and regional aspirations and needs.

This opportunity is for a key role located in the iconic South West region, home to natural beaches, beautiful vineyards, forests, caves and awe-inspiring coastline waiting to be explored. You will work within an incredibly dedicated team, and have the chance to experience the wonderful community we have here in the South West.

For more information about the position please refer to the below:

About the opportunity There is currently one (1) fixed-term, full time position with the possibility of extension and/or permanency, available to commence on 1 February 2026 for 12 months.

As Director Regional Development People and Place SWDC, you will guide the direction of the People and Place team in line with the SWDC Strategic Plan and our values of Connection, Integrity, and Empathy. This includes delivering State Government programs and projects to achieve regional development outcomes to better our communities.

As part of the executive team, you will lead strategic initiatives that support key outcome areas including housing availability, urban renewal, community infrastructure, Aboriginal economic development, and Collie’s Just transition. This role drives stakeholder engagement, aligns funding pathways, and identifies and supports high-impact regional initiatives that foster sustainable growth and inclusive communities across the South West.

The position is based at our head office in Bunbury, however working from other locations within the South West region will be considered.

We are looking for an individual that lead and manage the People and Place team to:

Shape and execute a clear regional portfolio plan spanning policy, program and project delivery across the key outcome areas,

Lead complex stakeholder engagement across State and Commonwealth agencies, local government, Traditional Owners, industry, community services, developers, and investors,

Translate evidence and community insights into practical pathways, and

Demonstrate strong problem solving and an outcome-focused approach.

For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Equity and Diversity At SWDC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.

There may be an opportunity to work from home up to 2 days per week.

How to Apply Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:

A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of two (2) referees.

A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to this opportunity.

Your cover letter should also include examples from your previous experience and achievements that demonstrate how your personal values align with the SWDC values. For an overview of the department’s values, refer to the SWDC Strategic Plan.

It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. Please note you do not have to address the work‑related requirements at this stage. All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

Need further information? For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Cate Brooks , Chief Executive Officer , on

0475 836 ***

during office hours.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1***.

Employment Conditions and Additional Information Am I eligible to apply? To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.

You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment at applicant’s expense.

This process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.

The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job‑related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.

Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted)

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