Principal Town Planner

at; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Equity ownership opportunities

Professional development and training

Social events and an open work environment

Early Friday knock off

Job summary

Zone is a well-established Town Planning & Landscape Architecture consultancy located in Gold Coast City, Queensland. We are seeking a Principal Planner to lead project delivery, business development, and team mentorship.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and at least 8 years of experience in QLD planning. This full-time role offers an attractive salary, performance bonuses, and a collaborative, supportive workplace experience.

Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in a senior planning role within Queensland.
• Sound knowledge of the Planning Act.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Undertake business development activities to generate new work.
• Prepare complex planning applications for significant projects.
• Monitor budget progress for projects.
• Lead and mentor planning teams.
• Communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Strong report writing

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Negotiation skills

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Town Planning

Job description

Zone is a well established Town Planning & Landscape Architecture consultancy which continues to experience strong growth, offering a variety of challenging and unique work opportunities.

The position of Principal Planner will work across all aspects of the business in the delivery of statutory and strategic planning expertise to both our private and public sector clients, including contributing to the growth of the business both in its professional profile and client base. This will include preparing fee proposals, managing clients & projects autonomously, leading teams involved with complex / significant projects and day to day involvement with & mentoring of our team of planners.

Responsibilities

• Actively undertake business development activities to generate new work for the Company.
• Represent the Company as required at Planning and Development sector industry events and organisations (UDIA, PIA, Property Council & the like).
• Strategise, think critically & creatively to navigate approval pathways.
• Prepare major / complex planning applications for a range of land use activities of varying complexity & scale, particularly the more significant and challenging projects.
• Prepare project fee proposals, planning advisory, due diligence investigations.
• Project manage varying developments and studies to ensure client outcomes are delivered on time and budget.
• Undertake planning investigations of sites & prepare planning advice to inform site development potential / highest & best use.
• Be at the forefront of understanding & disseminating legislative / policy reform.
• Monitor budget progress for jobs.
• Lead and mentor teams, fostering professional growth.
• Communicate confidently and articulate outstanding interpersonal and client liaison skills.
• Communicate concisely (oral & written), negotiate persuasively and articulate thoughts to a wide variety of audiences.
• Research and analyse information/data to develop a case or argument to justify an adopted position.
• Maintain attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Prioritise tasks & manage time to meet multiple deadlines.
• Proactively demonstrate initiative in dealings with clients and staff.
• Apply critical thinking skills, balancing technical competence, creativity, commerciality, and pragmatism.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in a recognised Town Planning course (graduate degree or post‑graduate diploma) and preferably 8+ years' experience in a senior planning role within QLD.
• Sound knowledge of the Planning Act.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.

Benefits

• A supportive workplace located opposite Burleigh Beach.
• Full‑time role with an immediate start available.
• Attractive salary commensurate with experience & opportunity for equity ownership.
• Yearly performance bonus payment.
• Fortnightly 'early Friday knock off'.
• Wide range of project experience across a variety of local government jurisdictions.
• Strong mentors for professional development and training.
• Exciting career opportunities as the business grows.
• Collaborative team with an open & modern work environment and social events.
• Potential for equity participation.