Principal Planner (2x positions available)

Randstad; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PIA membership

Study assistance

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Hybrid work

Career progression

Job summary

Randstad is seeking an experienced Principal Urban Planner for their Sydney, New South Wales team. The role focuses on managing high-profile projects from inception to approval, serving as a technical authority, and leading multidisciplinary teams in a flexible hybrid work environment.

The successful candidate will have a tertiary planning degree (PIA accreditation preferred), 10+ years of relevant experience, and eligibility for PIA Registered Planner status, with deep knowledge of NSW

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or equivalent; PIA accreditation preferred.
• 10+ years planning experience in consulting, local government, or development sector.
• Eligible for or holding PIA Registered Planner status.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver complex development applications and planning approvals on time and within budget.
• Serve as Project Lead, coordinating multidisciplinary consultants and project teams.
• Prepare fee proposals, manage workflows, invoicing, and drive business development.
• Represent clients at Council meetings, hearings, and stakeholder forums.
• Provide high-level advice on NSW planning legislation and policy frameworks.
• Mentor junior planning staff to build capability across the practice.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Strategy & policy

Education

Tertiary degree in Town Planning (PIA-accredited preferred)

Job description

Principal Planner / Principal Urban Planner
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Salary: $150,000 + super
Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent
Work Arrangement: Flexible / Hybrid

Randstad has been engaged by a prominent, Australian-owned multidisciplinary development and infrastructure consultancy to recruit two experienced Principal Urban Planner to join their growing team in New South Wales.

Operating from offices nationwide with a strong multi-state presence, our client provides integrated services spanning town planning, urban design, surveying, civil engineering, traffic & transport engineering, environmental engineering, and landscape architecture.

About the Role

As a Principal Planner, you will play a central role in managing complex, high-profile State and regionally significant projects from inception to approval. You will act as a key technical authority and Project Lead, providing strategic planning advice, maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships, and helping mentor junior team members.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and delivering complex development applications and planning approvals on time and within budget.
• Serving as Project Lead, coordinating multidisciplinary consultants, subcontractors, and project teams.
• Preparing fee proposals, managing internal project workflows, invoicing, and driving business development initiatives.
• Representing clients at Council meetings, hearings, and stakeholder consultation forums.
• Providing clear, high-level advice on NSW planning legislation, statutory pathways, and policy frameworks.
• Mentoring and guiding junior planning staff to build capability across the wider practice.

Skills & Experience Required

• A tertiary degree in Town Planning or an equivalent discipline (PIA-accredited preferred).
• 10+ years of relevant planning experience within a consulting environment, local government, or the broader development sector.
• Eligible for or holding Registered Planner status with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
• Deep technical expertise in NSW planning legislation, statutory frameworks, and approval processes (experience with EIA or SIA highly regarded).
• Demonstrated track record in project management, budget control, and high-quality report delivery.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and written/verbal communication skills.

What's on Offer

• Highly competitive salary package tailored to experience.
• Flexible, modern hybrid work arrangements.
• Paid membership to the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
• Support for continuous professional development via dedicated study assistance programs.
• Comprehensive employee benefits, including Paid Parental Leave and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A supportive, highly collaborative culture focused on career progression and continuous learning.

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.