Manager Statutory Planning

Council Jobs; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 144,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental & family leave

Wellbeing & inclusion programs

Competitive rewards & discounts

Career growth & impact

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

City of Melbourne is seeking a Manager Statutory Planning to lead a high-performing team overseeing complex planning and subdivision matters. You will drive strategic direction, mentor staff and ensure statutory services meet legislative requirements.

Based in Melbourne, the role combines technical planning expertise with people leadership and stakeholder influence to shape Melbourne’s urban future.

Qualifications

• Degree in urban planning or eligibility for affiliate membership of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing operational planning functions.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislative and regulatory instruments in daily operations.
• Experience representing at tribunals, public and political forums.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and negotiation skills for complex matters.
• Ability to prepare, review and present accurate correspondence and reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of planners and subdivision specialists.
• Provide expert advice on complex planning matters and manage stakeholder relationships.
• Oversee statutory planning operations, governance and statutory timeframes.
• Contribute to strategic leadership and planning scheme updates.
• Represent Council planning outcomes and deputise for Head of Statutory Planning when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Legislation interpretation

Tribunal representation

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Urban planning degree (PIA eligible)

Job description

• Lead a high-performing planning team and help shape the future of Melbourne.
• Permanent Full Time Opportunity
• $144,471 - $162,599 + 12% Super

About the Role

As Manager Statutory Planning, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role overseeing complex planning and subdivision matters, driving high-quality decision making and delivering exceptional customer outcomes. Working closely with senior leaders, industry stakeholders and the broader planning team, you’ll provide strategic direction, mentor and develop staff, and ensure statutory planning services are delivered efficiently, consistently and in line with legislative requirements. This is an exciting opportunity to combine technical planning expertise, people leadership and stakeholder influence to make a lasting impact on Melbourne’s urban future.

A Little More About the Role

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of planners and subdivision specialists, providing coaching, guidance and technical expertise to ensure the delivery of consistent, high-quality statutory planning services.
• Provide expert advice on complex planning matters, managing key stakeholder relationships and negotiating outcomes across a broad range of development, planning and policy issues.
• Oversee statutory planning operations and delegated decision-making, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements, governance obligations and statutory timeframes.
• Contribute to strategic leadership across the branch, supporting the delivery of key initiatives, business improvements, planning scheme updates and organisational priorities.
• Represent and advocate for Council's planning outcomes, managing risk, influencing decision-making and deputising for the Head of Statutory Planning in tribunals, forums, meetings and other strategic matters as required.

To view full position description, please see attached document on job application page in “Position Information”.

About You

• Qualification to degree level in urban planning or eligibility for affiliate membership of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and a current Victorian Driver’s Licence.
• Demonstrated experience in a similar role, leading and managing operational planning functions in accordance with relevant legislation.
• A detailed understanding of relevant legislative and regulatory instruments and the ability to accurately interpret and apply them to daily operational matters.
• Experience providing representation at tribunals, public and political forums, while collaborating with senior leaders and peers to influence and deliver cross-organisational strategic priorities and planning outcomes.
• Highly developed organisational, problem-solving and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage complex matters, prioritise competing demands and operate effectively in a semi-autonomous environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, review and present comprehensive and accurate correspondence, reports, recommendations and advice that may be subject to scrutiny.

About City of Melbourne

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

What we can offer you at City of Melbourne

• Industry-leading parental and family leave – benefit from generous paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers, gender-neutral policies, surrogacy support, and a range of leave options to support you through every stage of life.
• A strong commitment to health, wellbeing and inclusion – access wellbeing initiatives, discounted aquatic and gym memberships, an Employee Assistance Program, and a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, diversity and belonging.
• Competitive rewards and financial benefits – including 17.5% annual leave loading, a discounted annual Myki pass, and access to a broad range of corporate discounts across insurance, banking, technology, health, retail, entertainment and more.
• Career growth and meaningful impact – work alongside talented professionals on city-shaping initiatives that make a lasting difference to Melbourne while building your leadership capability and professional expertise.
• Flexibility that works for you – enjoy flexible working arrangements including hybrid work, flexible hours, accrued days off, time-in-lieu options, and part-time or job-share opportunities to support a healthy work-life balance.

Need more info?

For further information about the position please refer to the position description below or emailNick McLennan - Head of Statutory Planning at *************@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.

Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad .