Senior Development Planner

Council Jobs; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness passport

Employee assistance program

Annual flu shots

Health and wellbeing programme

Novated lease options

Job summary

Sutherland Shire Council is seeking a Senior Development Planner to guide the development process within the Sutherland Shire. You will provide expert advice to Council’s Planning Managers and the Director of Planning, manage development applications from initiation to completion, and produce comprehensive reports.

You will liaise with stakeholders, negotiate outcomes, and may act as an expert witness when required.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Urban Planning or a related field.
• Significant experience in local government planning functions.
• Strong knowledge of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
• Experience in dealing with Land and Environment Court matters.

Responsibilities

• Guide the development process from initiation to completion.
• Provide expert advice to Planning Managers and the Director of Planning.
• Manage development applications and produce comprehensive reports.
• Liaise with stakeholders, negotiate outcomes, and act as an expert witness when required.
• Rotate through teams to support the efficient functioning of the development services unit.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Legal/regulatory understanding

Education

Urban Planning degree or related field

Job description

• Provide expert guidance on development-related matters to ensure informed decision-making.
• Lead the management of development applications from initiation to completion, coordinating with various stakeholders.
• Produce high-quality reports for planning panels and committees to facilitate clear communication of assessments.
• Deliver exceptional customer service, offering expert advice on processes and regulations in the Sutherland Shire.

• Provide expert guidance on development-related matters to ensure informed decision-making.
• Lead the management of development applications from initiation to completion, coordinating with various stakeholders.
• Produce high-quality reports for planning panels and committees to facilitate clear communication of assessments.
• Deliver exceptional customer service, offering expert advice on processes and regulations in the Sutherland Shire.

About Us

Sutherland Shire Council is committed to enhancing the quality of life for our community through effective planning and development services. Our team works collaboratively to ensure that development aligns with the needs and aspirations of our residents.

Joining us means being part of a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. We are dedicated to providing opportunities for professional growth and development.

About The Role

The Senior Development Planner plays a crucial role in guiding the development process within the Sutherland Shire. This position involves providing expert advice to Council’s Planning Managers and the Director of Planning, managing development applications, producing comprehensive reports, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. The role also includes liaising with stakeholders, negotiating outcomes, and acting as an expert witness in legal proceedings when necessary.

In this position, you will rotate through teams to support the efficient functioning of the development services unit, ensuring responsiveness to changing business needs. Your leadership capabilities will shine as you may also act as Team Leader when required.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in urban planning, with significant experience in assessing and reporting on complex development applications. You should possess excellent project management skills, a thorough understanding of relevant legislation, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

• Tertiary qualifications in Urban Planning or a related field.
• Significant experience in local government planning functions.
• Strong knowledge of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
• Experience in dealing with Land and Environment Court matters.

Candidates with negotiation or mediation qualifications, and additional qualifications in urban design or ecological assessment will be highly regarded. Your ability to interpret legislation and make sound decisions will be essential in this role.

Join our Team and Grow with Us!

• Get your application in by 11.59pm: Wednesday 28 October2026
• Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within 2 weeks of closing date.
• Package: An attractive salary package will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
• Hours of work: Permanent Full Time Working 35 hours per week. You will have the option of a 19 day month with Council's ADO system (Accrued Day Off).
• To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Grant Rayner (Development Assessment and Certification Manager) *******@ssc.nsw.gov.au for any job specific enquiries.
Alison Wady, (Talent Acquisition Business Partner) *****@ssc.nsw.gov.au can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

Sutherland Shire Council values the skills and attributes Veterans can bring to our Council. We understand that transitioning to roles outside of Defence can feel challenging. If you're unsure where to begin or would appreciate guidance throughout the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us.