Job Description

Merri-bek City Council is a progressive council of 180,000 residents: one community, proudly diverse. Our council area sits within the banks of the Merri Creek and the Moonee Ponds Creek, and includes Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park and Pascoe Vale. Our city is vibrant and energetic, known for its active community, cultural diversity, creative industries and the arts. Our long-term vision has ambitious goals for environmental sustainability, social justice, community wellbeing, and creating great places. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food and cafés right at the doorstep.

Merri-bek Council strives to be a contemporary, innovative and collaborative organisation with a deep commitment to engaging and supporting the Merri-bek community.  Our organisational vision is to be one team, brave and diverse, making a difference.

This critical leadership role provides leadership and direction to the Environmental Health Team, delivering an efficient and effective Environmental Health service to the Merri-bek community whilst ensuring impeccable service delivery and placing the customer at the heart of our operations. Through education and enforcement of applicable legislation, the Unit Manager will develop and foster a compliance-focussed culture within the Unit, ensuring that all officers are accountable for achieving and participating as a member of the broader City Development leadership team.

Reporting to the Group Manager City Development, overseeing 1 direct report with an overall team of 9, the Unit Manager will:

• Lead the team to work across the organisation, with stakeholders and the community to understand, plan for and manage a changing municipality in line with the Community and Council Plan.
• Play a lead role in advancing regulatory thinking and policy, community education and behaviour change to achieve safety, health and amenity outcomes.
• Co-ordinate the activities of the Environmental Health Unit, providing leadership and guidance to staff and instilling a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement workplace systems designed to ensure effective case management, appropriate compliance outcomes and excellence in customer service.
• Develop, implement and maintain appropriate policy and procedures to ensure high quality regulatory and Environmental Health outcomes.
• Prepare the team budget and monitor and report on team performance in relation to budget
• Ensure effective implementation of the statutory obligations of the Merri-bek City Council pursuant to Public Health & Wellbeing Act, Food Act, Environment Protection Act, Local Government Act, Tobacco Act, Caravan Parks and Moveable Dwellings Act and other relevant legislation

Applications are sought from experienced leaders who bring broad experience in managing staff within a complex and dynamic regulatory environment, with an understanding of regulation and compliance and the relevant legislative frameworks and their interpretation. 

Applicants will have appropriate tertiary qualifications in Applied Science (Environmental Health) or a related area, with senior level experience of relevance to the responsibilities of this portfolio, preferably in Local Government. Highly developed analytical and conceptual skills will allow the development of innovative and evidence-based plans, programs and responses, and a demonstrated understanding of the principles of sound community engagement, and experience in effective practices will be critical.

Download a copy of the position description by copying http://tiny.cc/p1w0001 into your browser or contact Charlie Cole on Charlie@camdensearch.com.au. Applications close on Friday 27th December and should include a CV and cover letter that broadly addresses your suitability. All enquiries will be treated with absolute confidentiality.

Merri-bek City Council has adopted a Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the municipality. The statement recognises the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of our municipality.

Merri-bek City Council is committed to being a Child Safe organisation and have zero tolerance for child abuse. We believe children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and that their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. You can read more about our Child Safety Commitment Statement on our website.