Senior or Principal Town Planner

Ascent People Insights; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Autonomy to manage projects

Job summary

Inception Planning, a Ballarat-based boutique town planning firm, is seeking an experienced Senior or Principal Planner to lead a diverse portfolio from feasibility through to permit approvals and post-permit outcomes.

You will build trusted client relationships, provide strategic planning advice, coordinate consultants and stakeholders, and guide projects with technical excellence and strong client engagement.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated planning experience, preferably in consultancy or local government.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client consultations and provide planning advice on opportunities, risks, and approvals.
• Manage planning projects from start to finish.
• Prepare planning reports, submissions and supporting documentation.
• Represent clients in discussions with councils and referral authorities.
• Coordinate consultants and project stakeholders.
• Monitor project timelines and key deliverables.

Skills

Client relations

Project leadership

Planning advice

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Time management

Communication

Education

Town Planning / Urban Planning degree

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Inception Planning is an award-winning boutique town planning firm located in the heart of Ballarat. Statutory planning experts, the Inception Planning team apply their unparalleled local knowledge and experience to a wide variety of projects including commercial, industrial, rural and residential proposals. They have a proven track record of delivering the best possible outcomes for clients, even when timelines are tight and projects are challenging.

This track record and client centred approach has seen Inception Planning enjoy a sustained period of growth that has created an opportunity for multiple experienced Town Planners to join the team.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planner to step into a Senior or Principal Planner role with genuine influence over both project delivery and client outcomes. As a Planner at Inception Planning, you will take ownership of a diverse portfolio of planning projects, guiding clients through every stage of the planning process, from initial advice and feasibility assessments through to permit approvals and post-permit outcomes.

You will also play an important role in shaping the client experience by building trusted relationships, providing strategic planning advice, coordinating consultants and stakeholders, and helping clients navigate often complex regulatory processes. For planners who enjoy combining technical excellence with project leadership and client engagement, this role offers significant variety, challenge, and professional satisfaction.

Working within a boutique consultancy environment, you will enjoy the autonomy to manage your own projects, the full support of a highly experienced team, and genuine benefits that help you balance a rewarding career with life outside work. You will also have an opportunity to progress your career and shape the future of a growing business.

Duties

• Conduct client consultations and provide advice on planning opportunities, risks, and approval pathways.


• Manage planning projects from commencement through to completion.


• Prepare planning reports, submissions, and supporting documentation.


• Represent clients in discussions with councils and referral authorities.


• Coordinate consultants and project stakeholders.


• Monitor project timelines and key deliverables.

About you

You are a highly capable planner who enjoys balancing technical expertise, client relationships, and project management responsibilities.

You will bring:

• A qualification in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline.


• Demonstrated planning experience, ideally within a consultancy or local government environment.


• Excellent written communication, report-writing, and stakeholder management skills.


• Effective time management and project coordination capability.


• Strong computer skills and demonstrated ability to learn new systems


• Excellent problem-solving skills


• Excellent customer service and client relationship management skills


• Genuine work/life balance


• Competitive salary package based on experience


• Supportive and highly experienced team


• Flexible working arrangements

Applications close for this role on Friday the 11th of September at 5:00pm