City of Canning

Business and Economic Development Principal Advisor

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving economic growth and local business success?

About the role

As the Principal Advisor, you will provide high-level strategic advice and lead the planning and delivery of initiatives that strengthen the local economy, attract investment, support local businesses, and promote sustainable economic development. This is an exciting and diverse role in which you will be able to gain experience in an innovative and vibrant metropolitan local government.

Importantly, you will build relationships with internal stakeholders, the business community, development industry, government and industry groups to develop and implement economic development strategies that align with Council’s priorities and place the City of Canning as a prime location for investment and development.

Reporting to the Manager City Planning & Economic Development, this is a permanent full-time role in a forward-thinking local council. If you thrive on a challenge and are excited by the prospect of shaping the City of Canning’s economic future, we’d like to hear from you!

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop and implement strategies that position the City as a prime location for investment, fostering local economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship
• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including local businesses, industry groups, government, and academia to identify opportunities that support the prosperity of the City
• Provide high-level strategic advice, briefings, reports and presentations to Council, the Executive, Committees and forums on key economic trends, opportunities, and challenges
• Develop and deliver programs (events, training, seminars) that support the growth of local businesses, local employment, regional competitiveness, and local economic resilience
• Research and report on local and state business and economic trends and conditions
• Respond to community enquiries on the City’s business and economic development function
• Work collaboratively with other teams on other City led projects.

Who we’re looking for:

• Technical Expertise: You have a strong understanding of local economies, local business and the role of local government in economic development. Possession of, or progress towards a relevant tertiary qualification will be highly desirable
• Proven Experience: in regional or local economic development, ideally from within government, private industry or consultancy
• Highly Effective Communicator: you confidently engage and facilitate across diverse audiences, with the ability to negotiate, build trust and foster productive relationships
• Strategic & Analytical: you’re able to assess data, identify trends and form actionable insights, including the ability to write professionally and concisely
• Project Management skills: you’re confident managing multiple projects on the go, with multiple stakeholders and moving parts

Why you will love working at the City!

• A full-time permanent position in a welcoming and thriving local council!
• Work-life balance with a standard monthly rostered day off or ability to access a 9-Day fortnight
• Salary up to $128,640.43 per annum + super
• 17.5% paid Annual Leave Loading for when you take annual leave
• We match super contributions to help you save for your future
• Discounted health insurance, free flu vaccinations, skins checks and other well-being events
• Genuine commitment to Learning & Development opportunities
• Free confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional support
• Membership to Cannington and Riverton Leisureplexes (gym, aquatics, sauna, group fitness).

Impact the Community in a Big Way

The City of Canning aims to be a welcoming and thriving city, giving our people an opportunity to thrive through work that truly makes a difference!  With a population of around 100,000 over 64 square km of land, we provide services to support and develop our community every day. We believe that engaging people with diverse backgrounds and all abilities will assist in delivering superior services to our community and are committed to the principles of equal opportunity for all.

What are your waiting for? Apply today!

If you believe this role might just be your perfect match, don’t let it be the one that got away!

To view the position description and complete an application including your Resume and Cover Letter, please visit www.canning.wa.gov.au/jobs, select the position and click “APPLY”.

You may also contact Austin Donaghey, Manager City Planning & Economic Development on 0422 871 919 for a confidential discussion.

Apply now, we can’t wait to hear from you!

Applications are open until 5pm, Monday 12 May 2025.  We reserve the right to contact applicants and close the advertising period early.