Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Regional Lead

Join the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Team as our Regional Lead!

Opportunities like this on special projects like the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) don’t come along often. 

We have the region’s best job on offer as we expand our team to welcome a Regional Lead to manage, operate and market the Northern Rivers Rail Trail as a world class major regional tourism attraction and the ‘must do’ experience in the Northern Rivers NSW.

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for nature-based tourism and transforming visions into reality?

Do you have experience in commercial management, operations and asset management, tourism and product development?

If so, we want you to continue the huge success of the NRRT for the social and economic benefit of our Northern Rivers community.

About Us:

The Product

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is an award winning world-class recreational and tourism product that will soon be a 132km rail trail showcasing the stunning landscapes and vibrant communities of the Northern Rivers region as it traverses Bundjalung country through Tweed Shire, Byron Shire, Lismore and Richmond Valley. We’re dedicated to enhancing the guest experience, supporting inclusive, active, and healthy communities and fostering sustainable growth for our local economy.  We’re also the first multi-Council/LGA rail trail in NSW and on our way to being one of the best rail trails in Australia. In the first year of operating, the Tweed section alone welcomed more than 140,000 guests and boosted the local economy by $3.7million.

The Collective

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail Collective is the commercial business entity that manages, operates and markets the NRRT. You will assist to set up these new governance and shared services arrangements between the four member Councils of Tweed, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley. Currently embedded within Tweed Shire Council as the lead Council, the role coordinates a small team leading the regional coordination and product commitment of one brand, one voice, one experience. 

The Role:

As the Regional Lead, you will deliver our strategic direction and be responsible for the commercial business operations of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail to deliver strategic and commercial objectives in a public sector environment. This new position joins us in an exciting stage of growth as the NRRT will see three Councils be operational by the end of 2024 with exciting opportunities to complete and connect the product through the Byron and Lismore areas; turning the experience from a single to multi-day regional experience.

You will establish and support a new strategic board, lead the multi-Council operations committee, support and collaborate with the operational and asset management teams of each Council, and be responsible for the Tweed section operations. You will execute our Strategic Business Plan overseeing our key pillars of trail development and infrastructure, commercial and business activities, operations and asset management, and experiences, marketing, and events. Your key objective is to ensure the commercial viability and economic and social growth of the NRRT to ensure its ongoing return as a public asset for residents, visitors and businesses to enjoy and benefit from. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Shape and deliver the strategic plan of the Rail Trail.
• Establish the NRRT Strategic Board and lead the cross-Council Operations Committee.
• Leverage your commercial experience to drive financial sustainability and create new revenue streams.
• Innovate and implement initiatives that enhance the Rail Trail product and develop operator and business relationships.
• Deliver consumer programs and quality guest experiences that encourage new and repeat visitation. 

Who You Are:

• A proven leader in commercial management and strategic development, preferably in the tourism or outdoor recreation industry.
• A can-do attitude with the ability to get things done and solve problems with a growth mindset.
• Experienced in aspects of project, contract and asset management related to natural and built assets.
• An exceptional communicator and relationship builder who can inspire, engage and negotiate with diverse stakeholders.
• Someone with a passion for nature-based experiences and can travel within the Northern Rivers region regularly. 

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a transformative and award winning regional product that promotes sustainability and tourism in the beautiful Northern Rivers region.
• Work alongside a passionate team and dedicated board, committed to positioning the NRRT as the best in Australia.
• Commence with an established team supported by a Manager and two direct reports including Communications and Marketing and Asset Officer (Tweed section) functions.
• Enjoy a competitive starting salary and benefits package, with opportunities for professional growth and development. 

What's on offer:

• a base salary commencing from $115,562 per annum with performance-based increments up to $128,493 per annum, plus 11.5% super.
• role includes a full-lease private use vehicle, access to the e-bike fleet and requires regular regional travel. 
• 3-year max term. Opportunity for permanency for the right fit pending budget and performance.
• 70 hour, 9 day fortnight
• training and development opportunities
• flexible work options for a healthy work/life balance
• generous employment conditions (we have too many to list - click here for more). 

Where it's located:

This position is located in the Tweed LGA and will be based at the Murwillumbah Railway Station or Murwillumbah Civic Centre. The position can be directed to work from any Council work site and on occasion will need to work at Council offices across the Northern Rivers region.

Position closes: 

Monday 25 November 2025 at 9.00am sharp (NSW time).  Late applications will not be permitted.

Recruitment Timeframe:

• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed week commencing 9 December 2024
• Possibility of second round interviews. 

For a confidential conversation to explore the role, responsibilities and opportunities please contact Tiffany Stodart, Manager Destination, Communication and Customer Experience at Tweed Shire Council on (02) 6670 2737.

Click here to view the Position Description 

TIPS for Addressing the Selection Criteria

Click here for more information on the Recruitment Process

Click here to view our Values

Pre-Employment Screening:

Tweed Shire Council conducts pre-employment assessments as part of its recruitment process. 

Job offers are not made until screening has been completed. Tweed Shire Council uses third-party providers to undertake:

• Pre-employment medical – some roles require a functional (physical) assessment, and all positions are subject to drug and alcohol screening (a positive test result means the recruitment process ends and your application will not be considered).
• Background screening - verifies that the information you have provided throughout the recruitment process is true and correct.  Click here for more information.

Reference Checks are undertaken by the panel. Your 2 referees should ideally be your current and most recent supervisors.  Your referees are not contacted unless you’ve been interviewed and are a preferred candidate.

How to Apply: If you’re ready to lead the charge in developing the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, we want to hear from you!

You must use your own email address, and not one used previously by another person that has applied for a position with council.

Once you start your online application, you cannot save and return to it later. 

1. Have your Resume document ready to go.
2. Fill out all questions below. Click 'Next'. 
3. You'll then be prompted to attach your resume and other documents (if applicable). Click 'Next'.
4. Review your application to confirm everything is correct. Click 'Confirm' to submit your application.

If you'd like to COPY and PASTE question fields into a separate Word document to work on over time, please find them listed below:

• Degree or post graduate qualifications in disciplines related to business, management, facility/venue management, communications or similar.
• Tell us why you are the right person for the NRRT Regional Lead position and the top five things you will bring to the role.
• Demonstrate your experience in supporting a board, leading a team of people and collaborating and negotiating with multiple and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrate your commercial experience in delivering strategic business plans, business operations and product development to deliver positive business and commercial outcomes.
• Demonstrate your experience in finance, risk and contract management including leases and licenses.
• Demonstrate your experience in asset management including service standards, operations and maintenance procedures for built and natural assets.
• Demonstrate your experience in delivering consumer initiatives and programs that deliver quality guest experiences to drive new and repeat visitation.

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