Principal Strategic Urban Planner (Infrastructure)

Council Jobs; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 109,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Health & wellbeing programs

Financial benefits

Career growth

Flexible work

Job summary

City of Melbourne is seeking a Principal Strategic Urban Planner (Infrastructure) to lead complex city-shaping projects and integrate infrastructure planning with funding and delivery across the municipality.

You will work with senior leaders to build capability, provide expert advice, and influence development contributions while aligning housing, transport and community needs.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in urban planning or related discipline with substantial professional experience.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to interpret complex planning data.
• Proven project management capability for complex cross‑organisational work.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex strategic planning projects, embedding infrastructure planning and funding in city outcomes.
• Develop land use strategies, planning policy and amendments with development contributions.
• Provide expert advice on infrastructure needs, funding models and delivery methods.

Skills

Urban planning

Data analysis

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Land use planning

Development contributions

Education

Urban planning degree

Job description

Principal Strategic Urban Planner (Infrastructure)

• Bring your expertise in infrastructure and urban planning to help shape Melbourne’s future as part of our newly established City Strategy and Urban Planning branch.
• Permanent Full Time Opportunity
• $121,095 12% Super

Join us in shaping Melbourne's future

The City Strategy and Urban Planning Branch is a team of 38 people that provide the long-term strategic direction that shapes the City of Melbourne’s future. Through research, foresight and strategic urban planning, the branch guides sustainable growth, manages city change and helps deliver the City of Melbourne’s long-term vision.

As part of our new operating model, we are building a team of talented professionals who are passionate about city shaping, evidence-based decision making and creating positive outcomes for City of Melbourne's communities.

About the Role

As the Principal Strategic Urban Planner (Infrastructure), you’ll lead complex city-shaping projects that influence how critical infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered across the municipality. Combining strategic planning expertise with specialist knowledge in infrastructure planning and development contributions, you’ll drive evidence-based solutions that support sustainable growth, thriving communities and long-term city outcomes. Working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders, you’ll provide expert advice, lead strategic initiatives and strengthen infrastructure planning capability across the organisation.

A Little More About the Role

• Lead complex strategic planning projects, including structure plans, precinct plans and policy initiatives, ensuring infrastructure planning and funding considerations are embedded in city-shaping outcomes.
• Drive the development of land use strategies, planning policy and planning scheme amendments, providing specialist expertise in community infrastructure planning and development contributions.
• Provide expert advice on infrastructure needs, funding mechanisms and delivery models, analysing complex data and trends to develop evidence-based recommendations that support sustainable growth.
• Collaborate with government agencies, service providers, developers and internal stakeholders to deliver integrated planning outcomes that align infrastructure provision with housing, transport and community needs.
• Act as the organisation’s community infrastructure and development contributions subject matter expert, building capability across the branch, mentoring colleagues and influencing best practice in infrastructure planning, funding and implementation.

About You

• Relevant tertiary qualification in urban planning or a related discipline, with substantial professional experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex planning issues and data and develop clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Strong project management capability, including delivery of complex cross-organisational work.[PH1.1]
• Sound understanding of land use planning and city-shaping systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in community infrastructure planning and development contributions, including a strong understanding of infrastructure planning, funding mechanisms, contributions systems, feasibility and delivery, and the ability to apply this knowledge to strategic planning outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across government, industry, community, infrastructure agencies and service providers while navigating complex organisational and political environments.

About City of Melbourne

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

What we can offer you at City of Melbourne

• Industry-leading parental and family leave – benefit from generous paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers, gender-neutral policies, surrogacy support, and a range of leave options to support you through every stage of life.
• A strong commitment to health, wellbeing and inclusion – access wellbeing initiatives, discounted aquatic and gym memberships, an Employee Assistance Program, and a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, diversity and belonging.
• Competitive rewards and financial benefits – including 17.5% annual leave loading, a discounted annual Myki pass, and access to a broad range of corporate discounts across insurance, banking, technology, health, retail, entertainment and more.
• Career growth and meaningful impact – work alongside talented professionals on city-shaping initiatives that make a lasting difference to Melbourne while building your leadership capability and professional expertise.
• Flexibility that works for you – enjoy flexible working arrangements including hybrid work, flexible hours, accrued days off, time-in-lieu options, and part-time or job-share opportunities to support a healthy work-life balance.

Need more info?

For further information about the position please refer to the position description below or email *******@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.