Principal Planner

Bennett + Bennett Surveyors + Planners; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive package

Competitive salary

Paid parental leave

Study support

Extra leave

Mentorship

Career growth

Wellness program

Beachside location

Leadership program

Job summary

Bennett + Bennett Surveyors + Planners on the Gold Coast is seeking an experienced Principal Planner to lead the growth of our Town Planning team. You will develop client relationships, pursue new work opportunities, and guide high-quality planning outcomes.

With a strong understanding of Queensland planning legislation and a track record of mentoring junior planners, you will shape projects from Development Applications to planning reports while fostering a collaborative, innovative culture.

Qualifications

• tertiary qualification in Town Planning recognised by PIA with PIE eligibility
• 5+ years across town planning and development activities
• Strong knowledge of Queensland planning legislation and policy
• Excellent written and verbal communication for reports and advice
• Proactive, solutions-focused with stakeholder management
• Demonstrated ability to generate new opportunities and client relationships
• Attractive base salary, superannuation and overtime at penalty rates
• Paid parental leave, study leave and additional leave options

Responsibilities

• Drive growth and success of the Gold Coast Planning team through client engagement and business development
• Prepare and manage town planning projects including Development Applications and planning reports
• Provide accurate, commercially focused town planning advice to clients and stakeholders
• Mentor junior planners and support team development

Skills

Town planning experience

Communication

Problem solving

Business development

Education

Town Planning qualification (PIA)

Job description

Are you looking to lead the growth of a Gold Coast Planning team? 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 Gold Coast 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:

• An attractive incentive package, tied to team performance and project growth, is available to the successful applicant.
• Drive the continued growth and success of the Gold Coast Planning team through strong client engagement, business development, and strategic relationship management.
• 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.
• 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 close to the beach, in the Gold Coast..

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?

For more details, please visit our website at www.bennettandbennett.com.au. Come and evolve with us! Your career growth starts here.