Principal Planner

Bennett + Bennett Surveyors + Planners; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid parental leave

Study support

Extra annual leave

Mentorship program

Career growth opportunities

Professional registration fees covered

Wellness program

Job summary

Bennett + Bennett Surveyors + Planners in Brisbane is seeking an experienced Principal Planner to lead our Town Planning team. You will drive strategy, manage key planning projects and cultivate client relationships to grow our portfolio.

The role combines technical planning excellence with business development, mentoring, and leadership across the team. We seek a candidate with 5+ years in town planning, PIE-eligible with PIA, and a strong grasp of Queensland planning legislation.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Town Planning recognised by PIA with eligibility for PIE membership.
• 5+ years working in town planning and development activities, including development applications.
• Strong understanding of Queensland planning legislation and planning schemes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to prepare planning reports and advice.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented with strong stakeholder management and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage a range of town planning projects including Development Applications and planning reports.
• Provide accurate, commercially focused town planning advice to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Manage straightforward planning applications and coordinate external consultants and referral agencies as required.
• Review consultant reports and planning documentation to provide clear recommendations.
• Mentor and develop junior planners to grow the planning team.

Skills

Town Planning

Client Relationship Building

Stakeholder Management

Mentoring

Business Development

Education

PIA qualification with PIE eligibility

Job description

Are you looking to drive the growth and development of a Town Planning team? Bennett + Bennett is seeking an experienced Principal Planner to join our innovative, dynamic, and growing Town Planning team based in our Brisbane office.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine your planning expertise with business development, helping to strengthen client relationships, identify new opportunities, and contribute to the continued growth of the business. If you’re an experienced Principal Planner who enjoys building networks, driving new work opportunities, and leading high-quality planning outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

Established in 1968 on the Gold Coast, Bennett + Bennett is a leading provider of Surveying, Town Planning and Spatial solutions, delivering quality outcomes and trusted advice across Southeast Queensland. Our Town Planning team partners with developers, landowners, government agencies and consultants to deliver practical planning solutions that unlock development opportunities and create great places.

We have been proud to contribute to many landmark projects that have helped shape the region. Our purpose is to deliver precise insights that optimise successful projects, and we recognise that how we work has the greatest impact on achieving this. We work as one, collaborating across teams to achieve shared success. We innovate boldly, embracing smarter ways of working and progressive thinking. We lead with integrity, acting with accountability, transparency and respect. Above all, we deliver excellence, taking pride in our work and the impact that it creates.

Thiscommitmenttoourpeopleandculturehasbeenrecognisedatanationallevel,withBennett+BennetthavingbeennamedasoneofAustralia’sBestPlaces toWorkbyTheAustralianforboth2025and2026.

Your Role and Impact:

• Prepare and manage a range of town planning projects, including Development Applications, planning reports, planning analysis and written advice.


• Provide accurate and commercially focused town planning advice to clients and internal stakeholders.


• Manage straightforward planning applications and coordinate external consultants and referral agencies as required.


• Review consultant reports, decision notices and planning documentation to provide clear recommendations and solutions.


• Support the growth and development of the planning team through mentoring, knowledge sharing and technical guidance to junior planners.

What You Bring:

• Qualifications:A tertiary qualification in Town Planning recognised by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), with eligibility for PIE membership.


• Experience:5+ years across town planning and development activities, with strong experience in development applications.


• A comprehensive understanding of Queensland planning legislation, State Planning Policies, Local Planning Schemes and the Queensland Development Code.


• Communication:Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise and accurate planning reports and advice.


• Problem-Solving: proactive and solutions-focused approach, with strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.


• Business Development: demonstrated ability to generate new opportunities, build client relationships and identify opportunities that contribute to the growth of the business.


• Competitive Salary:Attractive base salary, superannuation, and paid overtime at penalty rates.


• Paid Parental Leave: Benefit from our inclusive and supportive paid parental leave policy.


• Study Support: Take advantage of study leave for those pursuing a career in surveying.


• Extra Leave Options: Purchase additional annual leave for more flexibility in your time off.


• Innovative Work Environment:Engage with advanced technologies in a forward-thinking company.


• Mentorship:Gain invaluable insights and guidance from our experienced senior staff.


• Career Growth:Pathways to professional development with career advancement opportunities.


• Professional Investment:We cover all registration and membership fees annually.


• Culture:Connect with your colleagues through a variety of fun social events throughout the year.


• Leadership Program:Unlock your leadership potential through our exclusive internal program.


• Wellness Program:Access a range of wellness benefits, including a $100 fitness reimbursement, free onsite skin checks, and free and confidential support through our EAP.


• Scenic Location:Enjoy working in the beautiful Brisbane city.

Join Our Evolution

Join Bennett + Bennett and become part of our innovative, dynamic, and rapidly expanding team. We cherish the unique contributions of every team member, celebrate diversity, and encourage innovation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?