Manager - Planning Pathways

Careers at Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leaseback vehicle available

Flexible and remote working

Novated lease arrangements

Generous leave entitlements

9-day fortnight

Wellbeing programs

Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

NSW Welcome Experience

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a Manager - Planning Pathways in Nowra to lead a newly formed department aligning planning functions, people and resources. You will drive strategic direction, foster innovation and build a high-performing team delivering planning services across development assessment.

The role requires leading multidisciplinary teams, strong NSW planning knowledge, and experience in complex development applications, with a starting salary based on grade steps and progression

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in Town Planning,Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, or related discipline.
• Extensive planning and development assessment experience in local government or regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated leadership managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of NSW planning legislation, particularly the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
• Experience assessing complex development applications and providing planning advice.
• Current Class C Driver's Licence.
• Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa).

Responsibilities

• Leading and empowering the Planning Pathways, Contributions Planning, Planning Portal, and Graphics teams to deliver planning services.
• Driving assessment of complex and high-profile planning and development applications with sound judgement.
• Overseeing the NSW Planning Portal processes and ensuring submission-ready documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Planning expertise

Stakeholder comms

People management

NSW planning

Education

Town Planning degree

Job description

• 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
• Leaseback Vehicle available
• Located at Nowra Administration Building, Bridge Road
• Applications close: Monday, 31 August 2026 (at midnight)

About the Role

The Planning Pathways Department is an exciting new addition to the City Development Directorate, established to drive excellence in development assessment and create stronger alignment across planning functions, people and resources. Positioned at the forefront of the City's growth plan, the department will play a critical role in enhancing organisational performance, improving responsiveness to emerging priorities, and supporting the delivery of housing, investment, and economic development outcomes.

To lead this transformative new department, Council is seeking an exceptional Manager - Planning Pathways. This newly created leadership opportunity offers the chance to build a department from the ground up, shape its strategic direction, and influence how planning services are delivered into the future. Combining strategic leadership, operational excellence and people management, the role will champion innovation, drive continuous improvement, and foster a high performing team culture. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the City's growth, liveability and long-term success.

This includes:

• Leading and empowering the Planning Pathways, Contributions Planning, Planning Portal, and Graphics teams to deliver exceptional, timely, and customer-focused planning services.
• Driving the assessment of complex and high-profile planning and development applications, applying sound judgement and strategic thinking to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes and compliance with legislative and policy frameworks.
• Overseeing the Planning Portal team, ensuring development and associated applications are thoroughly vetted and submission-ready, supporting seamless lodgement through the NSW Planning Portal in line with relevant procedures, Acts, Regulations, and policies.

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, comprising of 4 steps within the range shown. The starting salary is at Step 1 within the grade. Progression through the salary steps shall be based upon the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.

About You

To be successful in the position, you will have:

• Degree qualification in Town Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related discipline
• Extensive experience in planning and development assessment (both strategic and site development scales) within a local government or similar regulatory environment
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams in a complex service environment
• Strong working knowledge of NSW planning legislation, particularly the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, associated Regulations, and NSW Planning Portal processes
• Proven experience in assessing complex development applications and providing expert planning advice
• Current Class C Driver's Licence
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa)

We are searching for a leader who sees possibility where others see complexity. Someone who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery, inspire teams to do their best work, and build strong partnerships that drive great outcomes. You will be a confident decision maker, an exceptional communicator and a champion of continuous improvement. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine impact, lead a newly established department, and help guide the future growth and development of the Shoalhaven, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

Applications Close: Monday, 31 August 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Emma Struys - Director - City Development - 02 4429 3***

Why Work with Us

Live, work and thrive in one of Australia's most beautiful coastal regions. The Shoalhaven offers an enviable lifestyle, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a community that is at the heart of everything we do.

At Shoalhaven City Council, our people are our greatest asset. We foster a collaborative and inclusive culture where talented professionals come together to deliver exceptional outcomes for our community. Whether you are looking to grow your expertise, take the next step in your career, or explore new opportunities, you will find a diverse range of professions, career pathways, and development opportunities to support your journey.

Enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, career growth, and work life balance, including:

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
• NSW Welcome Experience

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and encourage applicants living with a disability to request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.

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