Principal Strategic Planner

Council Jobs; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

9-day fortnight

Professional development

Sustainability focus

Job summary

Cardinia Shire Council in Melbourne is seeking a Principal Strategic Planner to shape the future of our diverse, environmentally significant region. You will lead the development of strategic plans and amendments to planning schemes to deliver sustainable growth through 2026 and beyond.

You'll mentor junior planners, engage with councillors, government and community groups, and oversee external consultants on complex projects, all in a hybrid, flexible environment with a strong focus on

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in planning or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in strategic land use planning with policy development, project management and strategic report writing exposure.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building across government, community, and industry.
• Solid understanding of planning legislation including the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and Victoria's Plan for Victoria.
• Experience leading complex planning projects and managing external consultants.
• Confident in presenting to executives and navigating high-level decision-making environments.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development and preparation of Planning Scheme Amendments.
• Driving strategic planning initiatives and development of strategies that protect the environment while enabling sustainable growth.
• Providing expert advice and mentoring to emerging planners within the team.
• Engaging with councillors, community groups, and external agencies to build shared planning outcomes.

Skills

Planning degree

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Project management

Executive presentation

Education

Planning degree

Job description

• Influence the future of one of Victoria’s most diverse and environmentally significant regions.
• Hybrid work model, Officer location
• Full time, $109,920 - $132,674 + super + monthly day off

About Us

As one of Victoria’s fastest‑growing municipalities, Cardinia Shire Council is an innovative and community‑focused organisation committed to delivering high‑quality services for our residents. We’re driven by curiosity, continuous improvement, and a genuine passion for creating a thriving, connected, and sustainable place to live and work.

We’re invested in our people and champion a culture where diverse perspectives are valued, learning is encouraged, and your contribution has real impact. If you’re motivated, community‑minded, and looking to build a meaningful career in local government, you’ll find opportunity and purpose here at Cardinia

About the opportunity

Step into an exciting role as a Principal Strategic Planner, where you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of Cardinia Shire. You’ll have the chance to develop and implement strategic plans that drive sustainable outcomes for our vibrant community in 2026 and beyond.

In this role, you will be instrumental in delivering innovative planning services and ensuring the continued success of our initiatives. You’ll work across a diverse and unique landscape, including state-significant agricultural and industrial land, charming suburbs and townships with distinct characters and values and precinct structure plans and activity centres

You will make an impact by

• Leading the development and preparation of Planning Scheme Amendments.
• Driving strategic planning initiatives and development of strategies that protect our natural environment while enabling sustainable growth.
• Providing expert advice and mentoring to emerging planners within the team.
• Engaging with councillors, community groups, and external agencies to build shared planning outcomes.

What you will bring

• Tertiary qualifications in planning or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in strategic land use planning, ideally with strong policy development, project management and strategic report writing exposure,
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills across government, community, and industry.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation, including the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the State Government’s Plan for Victoria.
• Experience leading complex planning projects and managing external consultants.
• Confidence in presenting to executive audiences and navigating high-level decision-making environments.

A 9-day fortnight may be considered for the right candidate, supporting work-life balance while contributing meaningfully to the team’s success.

Why work with us

• Activity based and hybrid work model.
• Opportunities to work on innovative and impactful initiatives that make a real difference to the community.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs, and leadership development initiatives.
• A commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with initiatives to reduce the Council's carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in the community.
• A focus on work-life balance, with programs and initiatives designed to support employees' physical and mental well‑being.

Cardinia Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to an equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment and a positive, barrier‑free recruitment process. We welcome applicants from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, people living with a disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to explore career opportunities with Cardinia Shire Council. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application by contacting us on 1300 787 ***.

All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Check and pre-employment medicals. Certain positions may also require a Financial Background Check, Traffic Check or Working with Children Check.

You must have valid Australian Working Rights to be considered for this role.