Location: DarwinStatus: Full time OngoingLead the NLC's land management function and help improve how land-use proposals and agreements are progressed across the Top End. This is an opportunity to combine operational leadership, sound judgement and cultural capability to deliver timely, consistent outcomes for Traditional Owners and stakeholders.About the RoleAs Manager Land Management, you will lead Regional Development staff responsible for project administration under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. You will provide strategic oversight of section 19 land-use processes, including Land Use Expressions of Interest and Land Use Agreements across all NLC regions.Working with other managers and multidisciplinary teams, you will plan and coordinate section operations, oversee consultations with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal groups, and ensure land-use matters are managed in accordance with legislation, NLC policy and governance requirements. A key priority will be improving processes and reducing the backlog of section 19 proposals while strengthening the timeliness, consistency and quality of service delivery.You will also lead workforce performance and development, manage operational risks and budgets within delegation, maintain accurate reporting and internal controls, and oversee relevant NLC assets, vehicles and equipment.What You Will BringYou will be an experienced people and operational leader who can turn organisational priorities into practical plans and reliable delivery. You will bring sound judgement, strong cross-cultural communication and the ability to build productive relationships with Traditional Owners, colleagues and external stakeholders. You will be comfortable balancing competing priorities, improving systems and workflows, managing sensitive issues and leading a multidisciplinary team in a complex environment.In addition to this, you will also haveA relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent professional experience in a related discipline.Proven experience leading teams, managing performance and conduct matters, and building staff capability. An understanding of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and legislation relevant to the land interests of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities will be highly regarded.Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate and improve operational service delivery while achieving agreed outcomes.Experience managing budgets and expenditure within delegated financial authority. A current NT Driver's Licence and the ability to travel regularly to remote locations for extended periods.For a full copy of the Position Description, refer to the link provided below.What Is in It for YouAt the NLC, your leadership will support Traditional Owners to make informed decisions about the use and management of Aboriginal land. You will have the opportunity to shape service delivery across the NLC region, strengthen land-use processes and lead a team whose work has practical significance for communities, proponents and stakeholders.We offer:Base Salary $150,000 plus 15% superannuation.Salary packaging up to $15,900, plus meal entertainment and holiday accommodation benefits up to $2,650 per year.Five weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave and paid Christmas close-down.How to ApplyPlease submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and the relevant skills, leadership experience and cultural capability you would bring to the role.Priority consideration: The NLC is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. This is a prioritised position, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet the selection requirements will be given priority consideration in accordance with the NLC's Special Measures provisions and section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.Enquiries: Contact: Nicole Hucks 0455 874 774Applications close: Monday 5 October 2026About the NLCThe Northern Land Council is an independent statutory authority established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. The NLC serves Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal people across the Top End of the Northern Territory. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to our work. We support Aboriginal people to protect their rights and interests, pursue their aspirations and strengthen their social, political and economic participation.R16 Manager Land Management PD AUD Berrimah 0828

Manager Land Management

Location: Darwin

Status: Full time Ongoing

Lead the NLC's land management function and help improve how land-use proposals and agreements are progressed across the Top End. This is an opportunity to combine operational leadership, sound judgement and cultural capability to deliver timely, consistent outcomes for Traditional Owners and stakeholders.

About the Role

As Manager Land Management, you will lead Regional Development staff responsible for project administration under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. You will provide strategic oversight of section 19 land-use processes, including Land Use Expressions of Interest and Land Use Agreements across all NLC regions.

Working with other managers and multidisciplinary teams, you will plan and coordinate section operations, oversee consultations with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal groups, and ensure land-use matters are managed in accordance with legislation, NLC policy and governance requirements. A key priority will be improving processes and reducing the backlog of section 19 proposals while strengthening the timeliness, consistency and quality of service delivery.

You will also lead workforce performance and development, manage operational risks and budgets within delegation, maintain accurate reporting and internal controls, and oversee relevant NLC assets, vehicles and equipment.

What You Will Bring

You will be an experienced people and operational leader who can turn organisational priorities into practical plans and reliable delivery. You will bring sound judgement, strong cross-cultural communication and the ability to build productive relationships with Traditional Owners, colleagues and external stakeholders. You will be comfortable balancing competing priorities, improving systems and workflows, managing sensitive issues and leading a multidisciplinary team in a complex environment.

In addition to this, you will also have

  • A relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent professional experience in a related discipline.
  • Proven experience leading teams, managing performance and conduct matters, and building staff capability.
  •  An understanding of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and legislation relevant to the land interests of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities will be highly regarded.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate and improve operational service delivery while achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Experience managing budgets and expenditure within delegated financial authority. 
  • A current NT Driver's Licence and the ability to travel regularly to remote locations for extended periods.

For a full copy of the Position Description, refer to the link provided below.

What Is in It for You

At the NLC, your leadership will support Traditional Owners to make informed decisions about the use and management of Aboriginal land. You will have the opportunity to shape service delivery across the NLC region, strengthen land-use processes and lead a team whose work has practical significance for communities, proponents and stakeholders.

We offer:

  • Base Salary $150,000 plus 15% superannuation.
  • Salary packaging up to $15,900, plus meal entertainment and holiday accommodation benefits up to $2,650 per year.
  • Five weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave and paid Christmas close-down.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and the relevant skills, leadership experience and cultural capability you would bring to the role.

Priority consideration: The NLC is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. This is a prioritised position, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet the selection requirements will be given priority consideration in accordance with the NLC's Special Measures provisions and section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

Enquiries: Contact: Nicole Hucks 0455 874 774

Applications close: Monday 5 October 2026

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council is an independent statutory authority established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. The NLC serves Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal people across the Top End of the Northern Territory. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to our work. We support Aboriginal people to protect their rights and interests, pursue their aspirations and strengthen their social, political and economic participation.

R16 Manager Land Management PD