Principal Strategic Planner

City of Casey; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 115,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Compressed hours

RDOs

Purchase additional leave

OWOW environment

THRIVE Wellbeing Program

24/7 confidential counselling

Family-friendly leave options

Professional development

Private Health discounts

Job summary

City of Casey in Melbourne, Victoria is seeking a Senior Planner to lead strategic planning initiatives, place-based strategies and policy development in a growing municipality. You will oversee Precinct Structure Plans, DCPs/ICPs and planning scheme amendments while coordinating with developers, agencies and the community.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality planning outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and leadership of a team within a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning, Urban Studies or Urban Geography or equivalent.
• Extensive strategic land use planning experience (local government preferred).
• Strong background in development contributions planning (DCPs/ICPs).
• Proven leadership and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Willingness to undergo pre-employment background checks including National Criminal History Check, Working with Children Check and Eligibility to Work check.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning initiatives by preparing and implementing Precinct Structure Plans, DCPs/ICPs, planning scheme amendments, and other strategic planning policies.
• Manage complex projects end-to-end, including consultant engagement, community consultation, project coordination, and delivery of high-quality planning outcomes.
• Provide expert strategic planning advice and negotiation, working with developers, government agencies, stakeholders, and the community to achieve positive planning and development outcomes.
• Represent and advocate for Council's interests through submissions, planning scheme amendments, VCAT matters, Panel Hearings, and other strategic planning forums.
• Provide leadership and build partnerships by mentoring staff, supporting organisational priorities, contributing to service planning and advocacy initiatives, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Strategic planning

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Negotiation

Education

Degree in Town Planning / Urban Studies

Job description

• Make a real impact by shaping the future of one of Victoria's major growth municipalities.
• Lead meaningful projects across strategic planning, precinct planning and infrastructure contributions.
• Limited tenure role working full time until January 2029.
• Salary Band 7 $115,289 $129,007 + Super, Monthly RDO for full-time 40-hour weeks

Why Choose City of Casey

The City of Casey is one of Victoria’s largest, fastest growing and most diverse cities. The Council plans and delivers quality services and infrastructure for the more than 400,000 residents and over 36,000 businesses who call Casey home.

Our multi-award winning, architecturally designed workplace - located in Bunjil Place in Melbourne's southeast - inspires collaboration and creativity. Bunjil Place reflects and enhances the city’s rich diversity by providing an energetic and cosmopolitan atmosphere through a lively community meeting place.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At the City of Casey, we know that great people deserve a great workplace. That’s why we offer an environment designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally.

• True flexibility with hybrid work, compressed hours, RDOs and the option to purchase additional leave, because life comes first.
• Our Ways of Working (OWOW) - our activity-based model allows you to work in different spaces, locations and with the latest technology.
• THRIVE Wellbeing Program - access a suite of wellbeing initiatives, learning opportunities and resources to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
• 24/7 confidential counselling for you and your immediate family, offering support whenever you need it.
• Family‑friendly leave options, including 16 weeks paid primary caregiver leave, to support you through life’s biggest moments.
• Ongoing professional development to help you grow your skills and advance your career.
• Private Health discounts for employees, through the access of the local government health plan.
• Enjoy our stunning, architecturally designed workspace, complete with free coffee, a community library and free parking.
• Be part of a team that truly lives its values: Dream Big, Empower Each Other, Make Our Community Proud.
• And more https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/benefits-of-working-city-of-casey

About the Role

Lead the delivery of strategic planning projects, place-based strategies and planning policy initiatives that support sustainable growth, vibrant activity centres and positive development outcomes for the City of Casey through collaboration, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

What You’ll deliver

• Lead strategic planning initiatives by preparing and implementing Precinct Structure Plans, Development and Infrastructure Contributions Plans (DCPs/ICPs), planning scheme amendments, and other strategic planning policies.
• Manage complex projects end-to-end, including consultant engagement, community consultation, project coordination, and delivery of high-quality planning outcomes.
• Provide expert strategic planning advice and negotiation, working with developers, government agencies, stakeholders, and the community to achieve positive planning and development outcomes.
• Represent and advocate for Council's interests through submissions, planning scheme amendments, VCAT matters, Panel Hearings, and other strategic planning forums.
• Provide leadership and build partnerships by mentoring staff, supporting organisational priorities, contributing to service planning and advocacy initiatives, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in Town Planning, Urban Studies or Urban Geography or equivalent qualification.
• Extensive strategic land use planning experience (local government preferred)
• Strong understanding of development contributions planning, including DCPs and ICPs, highly regarded.
• Strong background in project delivery, policy development, and planning frameworks
• Proven leadership and team mentoring capability
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and community consultation experience
• Willingness to undergo pre-employment background checks including National Criminal History Check, Working with Children Check and Eligibility to Work check.

Please visit our careers page at Careers at Casey to view a detailed position description.

For enquiries, contact Fatemeh Shahani - Head of Strategic Planning Growth and Contributions at [e-mail] or 9709 9956

Applications close at 11:55pm on Thursday 26 November 2026

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

The City of Casey is proud to be an inclusive, child-safe, and equal opportunity employer.

We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities, including those with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ communities, multicultural communities, and refugee or migrant backgrounds.

We are committed to providing a diverse, safe, and inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed. We promote gender equity and actively address barriers to employment, ensuring participation without discrimination and supporting workplace adjustments.

For any reasonable adjustments or access needs during the application or interview process, please contact the Talent Team at 9709 9633 or [e-mail].

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.

Please note: Unsolicited emails or approaches from recruitment agencies will not be accepted

The City of Casey reserves the right not to make any appointments for this position.

For more information about the City of Casey and to stay updated, follow us on LinkedIn.