Principal Strategic Planner - Contributions

City of Newcastle, Australia; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 124,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements

Annual leave

Personal leave

Parental leave

Health & wellbeing programs

Corporate fitness program

Novated lease options

Performance development plans

Leadership program

IDE networks

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

City of Newcastle is seeking a Principal Strategic Planner – Contributions to lead how local infrastructure and affordable housing contributions support our growth.

In this senior role, you will provide strategic direction, expert advice, and oversee the development and management of contributions plans, mentoring staff and building partnerships. Join CN to shape a liveable, inclusive city with flexible work options and attractive benefits as we prepare for our 2040 vision.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the day‑to‑day operations of the contributions planning team.
• Develop, review and implement local infrastructure and affordable housing contributions plans.
• Provide strategic direction, expert advice and specialist expertise in contributions frameworks.

Job description

• Lead and shape the way local infrastructure and affordable housing contributions support Newcastle’s future growth
• Permanent Full-time position
• 35-hour working week with multiple flexible working arrangements

Through your work, you’ll have a behind-the-scenes pass to Newcastle’s evolution as you help shape our future as a liveable, inclusive city.

City of Newcastle (CN) has a newly created opportunity for an experienced Principal Strategic Planner – Contributions to lead and shape the way local infrastructure and affordable housing contributions support Newcastle’s future growth.

As CN’s lead specialist in contributions planning, you’ll provide strategic direction, authoritative advice and specialist expertise in the planning, development, implementation and ongoing management of local infrastructure and affordable housing contributions frameworks.

In this senior role, you’ll support the Strategic & Place Planning Manager in coordinating the day-to-day operations of the team, lead the preparation, review and implementation of contributions plans, oversee complex strategic planning projects and drive continuous improvement in contributions planning practice across the organisation.

You’ll also play a key role in developing long-term planning strategies, policies, planning proposals and other strategic initiatives, while mentoring team members, building organisational capability and fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality planning outcomes for the City of Newcastle.

Find out more about your new career by viewing the position description here.

Life at City of Newcastle (CN)

You’ll get to experience your work up close alongside the brilliant minds of your colleagues who care for one another and the region.

You’ll chip away at ambitious plans with a talented, passionate crew alongside you, shaping the very fabric of our community. Showing up for neighbours not shareholders.

Every single day offers the chance to think big and act local. Planning and prioritising to achieve the most important outcomes with the community.

You’ll add value in the moments that matter. From librarians to lifeguards, in a range of iconic places, we achieve a better Newcastle together.

Whether we’re planning to host major events, providing essential services or supporting creative artists, it’s what we do when the cameras aren't rolling that matters most.

And we’ll be there for you in important times in your life. We embrace flexible work arrangements to find a balance that allows us to enjoy the city we shape.

Our focus on inclusion and respecting culture will help you feel a deeper connection with others. You’ll connect with internal communities that foster a sense of belonging and reflect the diversity of our growing region.

You’ll do meaningful work and do it sustainably as you take ideas from plan to play, in your own backyard.

With hundreds of different roles, each person adds their uniqueness to our culture and plays their part as we head towards our 2040 vision.

With natural assets and a focus on the environment, co-create a sustainable region with us.

Why join CN?

At CN, we value our employees and prioritise their wellbeing. We encourage employees to make time for what’s important and provide benefits that support work-life balance, helping us enjoy the city we shape. To read more, visit here.

• 35-hour working week with flexible/hybrid work arrangements
• 4 weeks of annual leave, 3 weeks of personal leave, plus 2 additional paid public holidays
• 17.5% annual leave loading yearly payment
• Paid parental leave for primary carers
• Industry-leading employment conditions
• Corporate Fitness program from as little as $18.00 per fortnight
• Access to a range of exclusive CN employee benefits programs including Novated Lease options as well as access to reward and recognition vouchers
• Annual performance development plans and ongoing training and development opportunities
• Leading the CN Way leadership program
• Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (IDE) employee networks and initiatives
• Access to Health & Wellbeing programs including an Onsite Physiotherapist and Psychology, Yoga and Mental Health Ambassador Groups

We champion inclusion so that everyone is valued, and we encourage innovation and creativity. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where different styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected.

People with diverse lived experiences (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural, racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, carers, and veterans) are encouraged to apply.

Don’t just work for the city, co-create it. Join and expand your career at the City of Newcastle.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 13 September 2026

Remuneration: $138,049.95+ 17.5% annual leave loading yearly payment + 12% Superannuation per annum for a 35-hour week

Contact: Shane Cahill - Strategic & Place Planning Manager - 02 4974 2892 or Amy Ryan - Executive Manager - Planning & Development - 02 4974 2492

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact [e-mail] for a confidential discussion.

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.

CN does not accept unsolicited resumes, and we respectfully ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us at this stage.