Manager Urban Planning & Heritage

Ku-ring-gai Council; Ku-ring-gai; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary package and benefits

Job summary

Ku-ring-gai Council is seeking a strategic leader to head its Urban Planning function, delivering planning policy, heritage and environmental planning insights. You will guide a team of 10–15 professionals and work across town centres, LEPs and planning instruments to drive integrated outcomes for the Ku-ring-gai community.

The role requires strong political judgement, senior stakeholder engagement, and a proven track record in urban policy development.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in urban planning or related field.
• Strong strategic thinking and political judgement.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Experience shaping planning frameworks and policy instruments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Council's Urban Planning function and provide strategic direction.
• Oversee a team of 10–15 staff across planning, heritage and policy.
• Develop and review strategic planning framework including LEPs and DCPs.
• Coordinate with Councillors, government agencies and community stakeholders.
• Deliver high-quality planning outcomes aligned with community needs.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Urban planning

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Education

Town planning degree

Membership eligibility with Planning Institute of Australia

Tools

GIS

Job description

• Strategic Urban Planning Leadership Opportunity
• Shape Planning, Heritage and Policy Outcomes for Ku-ring-gai
• Attractive Salary Package and Benefits

Situated just 16 kilometres from the city on Sydney's leafy North Shore, Ku-ring-gai is known for its natural beauty and distinctive urban villages. It's a picturesque lifestyle with clean waterways, striking wildlife and vibrant communities, supported by excellent services and infrastructure. Ku-ring-gai Council is committed to delivering high-quality services and positive outcomes for the community.

Reporting to the Director Strategy & Environment, you will lead Council's Urban Planning function, providing strategic direction and specialist advice across urban planning, environmental planning, heritage and policy development. Leading a team of approximately 10-15 staff, you will play a key role in ensuring an integrated, whole-of-Council approach to planning and delivering high-quality outcomes for the Ku-ring-gai community.

You will lead the development and review of Council's strategic planning framework, including planning strategies, environmental planning instruments, LEPs and DCPs, and drive key policy and planning initiatives relating to town centres. You will also oversee Council's Development Contributions System, including Section 7.11 matters, and lead the review and implementation of Council's Heritage Strategy, heritage planning controls and conservation planning.

Working closely with Councillors, senior leaders, government agencies, community groups and industry stakeholders, you will provide high-level professional advice on complex and often sensitive planning matters. Your ability to balance strategic planning objectives, community expectations and government priorities, while exercising sound political judgement, will be critical to your success.

To be considered, you will hold relevant tertiary qualifications in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, Architecture, Urban Design or a related discipline, together with eligibility for membership of the Planning Institute of Australia. You will bring extensive experience developing urban strategic policies and plans, coupled with a strong track record leading teams, complex projects and strategic planning outcomes. Experience working within local government and navigating complex political and community environments will be highly regarded.

You will be a confident and collaborative leader with highly developed communication, consultation, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills. Strategic thinking, sound judgement and strong analytical and problem-solving capability will enable you to provide credible advice, build productive relationships and deliver innovative and sustainable planning outcomes.

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a significant strategic planning portfolio and influence the future growth, character and heritage of one of Sydney's most distinctive local government areas.

Manager Urban Planning & Heritage | McArthur Jobs