Manager Urban Planning & Heritage

McArthur; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ku-ring-gai Council on Sydney's North Shore is seeking a Strategic Urban Planning Leader to shape planning, heritage and policy outcomes. Reporting to the Director Strategy & Environment, you will lead the urban planning function, provide strategic direction and specialist advice across urban planning, environmental planning, heritage and policy development.

You will build and guide a 10–15 person team, oversee planning instruments like LEPs and DCPs, and engage with Councillors, agencies and

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, Architecture, Urban Design or related discipline.
• Eligibility for membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.
• Experience leading urban strategic policies, complex projects and teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction across urban planning, environmental planning, heritage and policy development.
• Lead a team of 10–15 staff and coordinate a whole-of-Council approach to planning.
• Oversee development strategies, LEPs, DCPs and planning instruments.
• Drive the review of the Heritage Strategy and conservation planning.
• Engage with Councillors, government agencies and community groups to balance objectives.

Education

Town Planning/Environmental Planning/Architecture/Urban Design qualification

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.