The Pilbara Development Commission (the Commission) is an innovative statutory authority that coordinates and promotes economic and social development in the Pilbara to maximise prosperity and well-being for this diverse region. The Commission works across the region and with a wide range of stakeholders to drive investment and economic diversity, support sustainable growth and enhance liveability in the Pilbara.

The Commission’s values-based culture speaks to the heart of who we are and reflects how we go about business and what we expect from our people. Delivering outcomes through our overarching value – Excellence In All We Do - is critical to the success of our agency. For more information about the Commission see: About Us » Pilbara Development Commission

The Commission recognises the need for work life balance and we offer flexibility in our working arrangements. If you believe you have what it takes to be part of a passionate team making a difference to the Pilbara, we encourage you to apply for this position.

About the opportunity

There is currently one (1) 12-month, fixed-term, full-time position with the possibility of extension and/or permanency for immediate filling.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join the Commission as Director Regional Development. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving economic development initiatives, attracting investment, fostering industry diversification and delivering projects that create sustainable growth and positive outcomes for regional communities.

You will lead the development and implementation of regional development strategies, oversee major projects and investment opportunities, and provide expert advice to executive leadership, government stakeholders and community partners.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Significant leadership experience in regional development, economic development, infrastructure or related sectors.
• Strong strategic planning, project management and financial management skills.
• Experience developing business cases, funding applications and policy advice.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills.
• The ability to influence outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.

Experience working in or with regional communities and an understanding of the Western Australian public sector environment will be highly regarded.

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

Benefits of joining our team

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a region undergoing significant economic transformation, support major investment and infrastructure announcements, and help shape the narrative of the Pilbara’s future.

In addition to a highly rewarding role and great team environment, as the successful candidate you may be eligible for the following allowances and entitlements on top of the standard public sector provisions, due to the requirement to be based in Karratha (subject to the conditions and eligibility criteria being met):

• Housing: where approved and available, you may be provided with housing with subsidised rent or could qualify for a Home Ownership Subsidy Scheme payment
• District Allowance: the payment of up to $9,449 per annum, depending on location (an additional payment applies where there are dependants)
• Additional leave and travel concessions: provision of additional annual leave (total of 5 weeks per year), time where travel is required for medical treatment or bereavement purposes and annual leave travel concession payments
• Air conditioning subsidy: the payment of subsidies to assist with the cost of running refrigerated ducted or split system air-conditioning
• Flexible working arrangements: options to work flexibly to accommodate your personal circumstances, where the operational demands of the Pilbara Development Commission can also be met
• Removal and disturbance allowances

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 and the Commission’s values.

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.

Additional Information

Pilbara Development Commission staff, including this position, are employees of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) assigned to the Pilbara Development Commission under a staffing arrangement (section 29, of the Regional Development Commission Act 1993).

DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.

Equity and Diversity

PDC and DPIRD are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are equal opportunity employers. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people and women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.

Need further information?

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Simon Taylor on 0448 589 825 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 1943.

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 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 the appointment at the 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)

Privacy and your personal information

DPIRD handles and releases information in accordance with relevant privacy and information access laws including the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI) and the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024  (WA) (PRIS). Further information is available via our Privacy Statement.