Principal Open Space Planner

Parks and Leisure Australia VIC/TAS Region; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration package

Parental leave up to 20 weeks

Career progression

Hybrid working

Job summary

City of Melbourne is seeking a Principal Open Space Planner to lead strategic projects and annual work programs that enhance liveability and sustainability. You will head a high-performing team, influence policy, and contribute to corporate planning and risk management for a connected network of parks and green spaces.

You will provide expert strategic advice, manage projects and budgets, and foster partnerships across Council to deliver a vibrant Garden City through open spaces and green

Qualifications

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in local government.
• Experience developing open space, recreation, land management or environmental strategies.
• Ability to provide strategic advice in politically sensitive settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Council's Open Space Planning portfolio and provide strategic advice on long-term planning and delivery of parks and public spaces.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing, inclusive team culture and foster accountability.
• Provide expert leadership on open space policy, service planning, strategies and projects.
• Manage key projects, consultants, budgets and ensure alignment with Council priorities.
• Build partnerships across Council and the community to deliver integrated, sustainable outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Policy development

Stakeholder management

Team development

Job description

About The Role

As Principal Open Space Planner, you will drive the delivery of strategic projects and annual work programs that enhance liveability, sustainability, and community wellbeing. Working closely with the Manager, you will provide leadership across a high-performing team, contribute to corporate planning, budgeting, resource management, and risk management, and deliver innovative open space policies and projects. You will collaborate with stakeholders across Council to provide expert strategic advice, influence key decisions, and plan for a connected and resilient network of public open spaces. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and forward-thinking leader to make a lasting impact, shape policy direction, and help create greener, healthier, and more vibrant communities.

A Little More About The Role

• Lead the delivery of Council's Open Space Planning portfolio, providing strategic advice on the long-term planning, management and enhancement of parks, gardens and public open spaces across the municipality.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing, inclusive team culture by coaching and empowering staff, championing wellbeing, and fostering accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Provide expert technical leadership on open space policy, service planning, strategies and projects, identifying opportunities to deliver innovative and sustainable outcomes for the community.
• Manage key projects, consultants, contractors and project budgets, ensuring they are delivered efficiently, effectively and in alignment with Council priorities and objectives.
• Build strong partnerships across Council and the community, while driving integrated solutions and continuous improvement initiatives that support Melbourne's liveability and Garden City vision

Why join Team 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.

About You

You are a strategic and influential leader with extensive experience in open space planning or a related field. Passionate about creating great places for people and nature, you have a proven track record of developing and delivering open space strategies, policies and plans that support vibrant, sustainable and liveable communities. You are confident providing expert advice, leading complex projects and navigating sensitive issues to achieve positive outcomes. A collaborative and empowering people leader, you build trusted relationships across government, community and industry, bringing others together to deliver shared goals. You thrive in a dynamic environment, foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, and are motivated by shaping exceptional parks, open spaces and green infrastructure that contribute to a thriving Garden City.

What Your Experience Might Look Like

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver strategic planning, policy and service outcomes in a local government or similar environment.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing open space, recreation, land management or environmental strategies, policies and master plans.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice, build stakeholder support and achieve outcomes in politically sensitive settings.
• Strong track record managing complex projects, programs, consultants and budgets to deliver high-quality results.
• Experience building organisational capability, driving continuous improvement and fostering a positive, high-performing team culture.

Benefits Of Working With Us

• Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.
• Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.
• Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.
• Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.

Need more info?

Refer to the position description or contact Fiona Finlayson at [e-mail]

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.