Principal Planner, Metro North/West

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria in Melbourne seeks a Principal Planner to deliver complex land use planning projects and lead planning scheme amendments. You will provide expert advice to senior executives and government decision-makers, with autonomy to analyse issues and craft innovative planning solutions.

You will engage stakeholders, balance priorities, and navigate policy and legislation in a culturally safe workplace, contributing to a high-performing organisation.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Planning.
• A thorough working knowledge of the planning system.
• Proven technical leadership skills and expertise in providing strategic direction in a complex environment.
• Exceptional analytical skills to address policy issues and guide decision-making.
• Experience delivering complex land use planning projects in public or private sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of complex planning scheme amendments and provide expert land use planning advice.
• Analyse complex issues and develop innovative planning solutions.
• Prepare high-quality advice, reports and briefing materials for senior executives and government decision-makers.
• Navigate policy, legislative and planning environments while supporting a safe, inclusive workplace.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Collaboration

Policy knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualification in Planning

Job description

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC

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

This is a Fixed Term Position until 30 June 2027

The Principal Planner provides high-level land use planning expertise to support complex state and local government planning projects and priorities. This role leads the delivery of complex planning scheme amendments and provides expert land use planning advice on strategically significant planning matters.

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.

Clickhereto access the Position Description.

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.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account tosubmityour application.

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, at**********@transport.vic.gov.au

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.

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