General Manager, Adelaide Economic Development Agency

• Full time, five-year fixed term role
• Accelerate Economic Growth of the City of Adelaide
• Innovative Leadership Opportunity

About the Opportunity

As General Manager of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), you will work closely with City of Adelaide leadership, the AEDA Board,  industry leaders, government partners and the broader business community to shape and deliver initiatives that strengthen Adelaide's economy, elevate the city's national and international profile, and create lasting impact for businesses, residents and visitors.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, and supporting the AEDA Board, you will lead a high performing and multidisciplinary team responsible for economic development, business growth, investment attraction, destination marketing, tourism, events, city activation, strategic partnerships and the ongoing success of Adelaide's premier retail and commercial precincts. You will be accountable for translating strategy into measurable outcomes, ensuring AEDA continues to be a trusted catalyst for economic prosperity and city growth.

A key focus of the role will be building strong and influential partnerships across State and Federal Government, business, industry and local, national and international networks. You will identify opportunities to attract investment, funding and commercial partnerships, generate new revenue streams and leverage strategic relationships to support AEDA’s objectives and strengthen Adelaide’s position as a destination to live, work, invest, visit and do business.

The role provides a unique platform to influence the future of Adelaide by:

• Driving delivery of AEDA's Strategic Plan and Business Plan in alignment with the City of Adelaide's Economic Development Strategy.
• Embedding the City’s place as a Capital City at the heart of South Australia’s Cultural and Economic ambition
• Placing Adelaide on a National and International stage as a gateway to South Australia and as a place for business and investment
• Leading place-based initiatives that enhance the vibrancy, reputation and competitiveness of the city to ensure we meet our residential growth targets.
• Providing strategic advice to the Board on emerging economic opportunities, challenges and market trends.
• Ensuring strong governance, financial stewardship and organisational performance in accordance with AEDA's Charter and legislative obligations.

This role will suit an executive  motivated by the opportunity to make a visible and lasting contribution to the future of South Australia’s capital city.

To view a copy of the position description, please click here.

Working Rights – Eligibility

We welcome applications from candidates with valid Australian work rights, including those holding a visa with sufficient and appropriate work rights for the position. Australian citizenship is not required; however, visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About You

You are a contemporary and commercially astute leader with a demonstrated ability to influence outcomes in complex stakeholder environments.

You bring a proven track record of leading strategy, driving employee performance and delivering tangible economic or commercial results. While experience may have been gained in economic development, investment, tourism, place-making, property, destination marketing, business development, major events or a related sector, your defining strength is your ability to bring diverse stakeholders together behind a common vision and achieve outcomes that matter.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A thorough knowledge of the social and economic environment, its relevance to the provision and management of programs.
• A sound understanding of:
  • Economic development and tourism strategies, commercial, property, and emerging policy directions of the Australian and State Governments.
  • Marketing and communications innovations and strategies for attraction, brand awareness and growth.
  • International trends and affairs and how these would impact on opportunities for AEDA
• Extensive experience and proven ability in objectively identifying and analysing complex strategic issues, expressing clear and meaningful goals/plans and defining, leading and delivering the necessary approaches and courses of action to achieve effective long-term outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience in successfully leading a professional group with demonstrated ability to act and lead as an effective change agent, positively influencing outcomes and delivering benefits across the organisation.
• Strong strategic financial management abilities to lead change in financial accountability with emphasis on benefit realisation.

Most importantly, you will share AEDA’s passion for Adelaide and its potential. You will be a visual and connected leader who can build trust, inspire others and turn opportunities into meaningful outcomes for the city’s economy, businesses and community.

About Us

Located in the geographic heart of Kaurna Country, the City of Adelaide celebrates its cultural heritage, unique natural surrounds and structures its footprint in a way that allows it to adapt to the changing needs of the community and a dynamic global landscape. Our focus is on our community’s wellbeing and quality of life - investing in city improvements and on future planning, so we continue to design a liveable city where future generations can continue to live authentic and meaningful lives. This is an exciting opportunity to join our team and be a bigger part of our amazing city!

AEDA works with businesses, industry groups, the state government and other organisations to deliver programs designed to stimulate the city’s economic growth. AEDA has responsibility for investment attraction, growing our visitor economy, residential growth, marketing the city as a whole and promoting Rundle Mall as Adelaide’s premier shopping destination.

At the City of Adelaide, we thrive in an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and safe, and celebrates difference.  We value and embrace our diverse perspectives and recognise the value diversity has in fuelling innovation and enabling brilliant experiences for our diverse community.

For Further Enquiries & How to Apply

All enquiries regarding this position will remain private and confidential and can be directed to Sofia Sy on 08 8203 7225 / s.sy@cityofadelaide.com.au

Please submit a Resume and a Cover Letter expressing the skills, experience and qualities you can bring to this position addressed to Anthony Spartalis, Chief Operating Officer.

Please review the position description prior to submitting an application by following the prompts to apply. 

For more information about what it’s like to work for the City of Adelaide, including the benefits, please visit www.cityofadelaide.com.au/careers

Applications close at 11.59pm, 13 September 2026.

Please be advised this is a full-time, 5-year contract opportunity with a remuneration package in the range of $240,000 - $250,000 per annum including superannuation. In addition to this, you will be provided with a car park and a professional development allowance.

As part of the recruitment process candidates will be required to undertake a National Police Check.

We continue to work hard to ensure our recruitment process is safe for people of diverse backgrounds.

Please note, applications received via the email address below will not be considered. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. Our commitment to inclusivity means we welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and candidates from with a range of lived experiences. If you require assistance with our recruitment process, you are more than welcome to connect with our People Services team on (08) 8203 7333 recruitment@cityofadelaide.com.au