Associate Director - Planning

at; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A multidisciplinary urban consultancy is seeking an experienced Urban Planner to lead projects, manage teams, and provide strategic guidance. The role requires a passion for purpose-led work and a minimum of 8 years' experience in urban planning. Candidates should possess strong knowledge of strategic and statutory planning, along with a collaborative mindset. Join a company that values growth and innovation while making a positive impact in communities.

Benefits

Flexible benefits

Learning & Development opportunities

Supportive, inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years' working experience within an Urban Planning environment.
• Strong knowledge of related legislation.
• Proven ability to manage and develop team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of development applications and planning input.
• Manage and develop individuals within the team.
• Provide high-quality planning analysis and advice.

Skills

Strategic planning

Statutory planning

Team management

Collaboration

Innovative problem-solving

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Urban and Regional Town Planning

Job description

Benefits

• Join us as an Employer of Choice for gender equality WGEA (2022-24)
• Benefit from flexibility and support for life's moments
• Remuneration that recognises your contribution, and benefits that support your lifestyle and wellbeing
• Learning & Development experiences to help you thrive
• Lead & contribute to complex projects, working with impressive clients who share our purpose
• Join a high performing, collaborative and inclusive culture

About us

Urbis is more than just a consultancy. We are a multidisciplinary urban consultancy, inspiring and creating solutions for our ever‑changing world. We empower our brightest minds with opportunities to push boundaries, collaborate and deliver exceptional, creative solutions for our clients and each other.

If you're looking to make transformational impact in our cities and communities, we're keen to meet you.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and supporting them to be the best they can be. Here you will make a tangible difference and create positive impact, while gaining enviable industry experience and broad exposure to the most exciting work.

The opportunity & how you will make an impact

Shaping tomorrow's cities and communities begins with planning. We provide holistic strategic advice for the public and private sector to understand the full spectrum of planning.

Our planners are the most experienced and awarded in the country guiding projects from vision to approval and beyond.

• Lead the preparation of Material Change of Use and ROL development applications, as well as Ministerial Infrastructure Designations, Variation Application, TLPIS and planning input into including growth strategies, precinct plans, employment and housing studies and supporting technical inputs
• Manage and develop individuals with the team
• Provide high‑quality planning analysis and advice informed by current government policies, regional and local priorities, market trends, and stakeholder / client needs
• Collaborate with internal and external multidisciplinary teams, including specialists in the fields of economics, urban design, transport, infrastructure advisory, community planning and stakeholder engagement
• Prepare and review reports, presentations and public‑facing documents that communicate complex planning concepts clearly and persuasively
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard of quality.

About you

We look for talented people who are purpose‑driven and thrive in high‑performing, inclusive and collaborative environments. You'll work across teams to bring out the best in others whilst bringing new thinking and energy.

We know everyone is different and bring different strengths and passions with them. In addition to yours, we're keen to connect with you if you bring the following experiences and attributes:

• Holds tertiary qualifications in Urban and Regional Town Planning or a related discipline coupled with a minimum of 8 years' working experience within an Urban Planning environment
• Strong knowledge of strategic planning and statutory planning, guided by related legislation, ideally gained in a consultancy or local/State government environment
• A deep understanding of statutory planning policies, processes and influences alongside an industry understanding of the impacts and issues affecting land use and development
• Proven ability to manage and develop team members
• Collaborative mindset, to bring out the best in yourself and others while bringing new thinking to Urbis and our clients
• Passion for purpose‑led work, and driving a positive legacy for our communities, clients and yourself
• Authenticity to foster respect, trust and advocacy in all your work interactions
• Confidence and decisiveness to drive high performance for yourself, others and our clients
• Innovation and creativity when solving complex problems
• Digitally curious mindset, that is keen to explore how technology can contribute to our experience and efficiency

Why Urbis?

We are passionate about purpose with impact. You'll join an organisation united by a shared goal: shaping cities and communities for a better future. Your work will help create a positive legacy through innovative and meaningful contributions. You're encouraged to bring your ideas, be bold and contribute to an environment built on connection, flexibility and authenticity.

We invest in your growth, with inspirational leadership experiences, structured development pathways and the freedom to lead your own way. We empower you to shape your career and your impact.
We believe in flexible benefits, performance‑driven rewards and experiences that support you both professionally and personally—because what matters to you, matters to us.

Sound interesting?

If we sound like a great fit for you, and you are ready to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Click on ‘Apply' for this job. You can also confidentially connect with us via [e-mail]