Dungog Shire Council

Manager People, Culture & Risk

About us

Dungog Shire Council supports a growing rural community of almost 10,000 residents in the vibrant and picturesque Hunter region of NSW. We are committed to ensuring the ongoing and consistent delivery of local services that are valued by our community and will be for generations to come.

It is anticipated that our population will grow by 1.9% per annum over the next 20 years as per the Hunter Regional Plan, higher than the state growth average. With an additional 2,400 dwellings to be provided over the term of the Hunter Regional Plan, Dungog will be the second fastest growing LGA in the Hunter Region.

Dungog is ideally located just over an hour north of Newcastle and within close proximity to a range of other regional hubs in the Hunter Valley, such as Maitland and Raymond Terrace. We have an enviable lifestyle with easy access to World Heritage listed sites, such as Barrington Tops National Park.

Your next opportunity

Dungog Shire Council is seeking an experienced and contemporary leader to join our Leadership Team as Manager People, Culture & Risk. This strategic leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering Council's people, culture, workforce, safety and risk functions. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and leaders across the organisation, you will drive workforce capability, organisational development, employee wellbeing, workplace safety and enterprise risk management.

You will lead the development of contemporary workforce, safety and risk strategies that strengthen governance, foster a positive workplace culture and support the achievement of Council's strategic objectives.

We are looking for a collaborative and influential leader with experience in human resources, organisational development, workplace relations, safety and risk management. You will bring strong strategic thinking, a people-focused approach and a demonstrated ability to lead change and build organisational capability.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the culture, performance and resilience of our organisation while contributing to the future success of our community.

For further information about the role please refer to the Position Description and Recruitment Information Pack available on our website.

Essential selection criteria include (full criteria in the Position Description):

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Human
  Resource Management, Organisational Development, Business, Risk Management,
  Work Health & Safety or a related discipline
• Extensive experience in workforce planning,
  organisational development, employee and industrial relations, learning and
  development, performance management and organisational change
• Sound knowledge and practical application of
  employment legislation, industrial instruments, Work Health & Safety
  legislation and contemporary people management practices
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing
  and maintaining risk management, safety and wellbeing frameworks within a
  complex organisational environment

Be rewarded

This position is placed at Grade 14 of Council’s salary system. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity. The salary offered is up to $130,613 per annum plus 12% Superannuation and leaseback vehicle. A market premium may be applied for the right candidate.

This role works a 19-day month with 1 rostered day off (RDO) every 4 weeks.

Other Council benefits:

• Extra leave between the Christmas and New Year period (additional to your annual leave)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Outstanding team environment
• Ongoing opportunities for professional development: We have annual assessments for all Council employees to put plans in place for training and career progression so that you can broaden your horizons during your time with us
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years rather than 10

How to apply

Thank you for your interest in working with Dungog Shire Council.

You can apply now using our simple online application form. You are able to start an application and complete it at a time that suits you by selecting the Save For Later button.

To submit your application, please follow the below steps:

1. Fill out the required personal details and online questions below
2. Attach the requested documents (e.g. resume, cover letter, qualifications, licences)
3. Review your application and select Confirm

What happens next?

You will receive an automated acknowledgement email once you have submitted your application. We will be in touch once we have reviewed your application. Please note that Council reserves the right to review applications before the close date, so we recommend you apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

Please be aware that Council is required to complete pre-employment checks on recommended candidates prior to an offer of employment. These may include: reference checks, a pre-employment medical assessment, a criminal history check and/or a psychometric assessment.

For further information, please contact: Stacie McGowan, Director Strategy & Organisational Delivery on 0432 116 601

Applications close: Sunday 2 August 2026 AEST 11:59 PM