Principal Planner, Metro North/West

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria is seeking a Planning Analyst to analyse complex issues, develop innovative planning solutions, and prepare high-quality advice, reports and briefing materials for senior executives and government decision-makers.

The role requires strong judgement, stakeholder management, and the ability to navigate complex policy and planning environments while supporting a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Planning.
• Thorough working knowledge of the planning system.

Responsibilities

• Analyse complex planning issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Prepare high-quality advice, reports and briefing materials for senior executives and government decision-makers.
• Demonstrate strong judgement and navigate complex policy, legislative and planning environments.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Policy analysis

Education

Planning degree

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 13018

About Us

We create thriving places andconnectedcommunities. We plan,buildandmaintainVictoria’s transport,planningand land services. We are committed to a safe,inclusiveand high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About the role

Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will analyse complex issues, develop innovative planning solutions, and prepare high-quality advice, reports and briefing materials for senior executives and government decision-makers. Success in this role requires strong judgement, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to navigate complex policy, legislative and planning environments as well as supporting a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace.

Whatwe’relooking for

You’resomeone who:

• Has strong knowledge of departmental policies and Victorian Government parliamentary and Cabinet processes.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking and sound judgement, developing sustainable solutions that consider broader organisational, political and government priorities.
• Leads complex projects, managing risks, engaging senior stakeholders and balancing competing priorities to achieve successful outcomes.
• Builds strong stakeholder relationships, understands their needs and develops innovative solutions to address challenges.
• Is adaptable and collaborative, embracing new approaches, guiding others and building capability to deliver shared strategic outcomes.

Qualifications and experience

You’llbring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Planning.
• A thorough working knowledge of the planning system.
• Proven technical leadership skills and expertise, including demonstrated capacity to provide strategic advice, direction and guidance in a complex business environment.
• Exceptional conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to apply complex concepts from non-related fields to address policy issues and provide strategic direction.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering complex land use planning projects in the public or private sectors.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will berequired.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 24 November2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letteraddressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must besubmittedvia the online portal,we’reunable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Steven Cox, Manager, Metro North/West, [e-mail]

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy

If you require any adjustments to fullyparticipatein the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us.We'rehere to support you.

Applications close Tuesday 24 November 2026 at 11.59pm