Senior Planner

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Government in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Planner to lead strategic planning policies and projects that support government strategies. You will provide high-quality statutory and strategic planning advice, manage complex projects, develop policy options, and prepare clear reports and planning documents.

You will engage with stakeholders and government agencies, interpret legislation, support planning scheme amendments, and collaborate with Traditional Owners and First Peoples to

Qualifications

• Mandatory qualification in Urban Planning or related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of planning policy and environment acts.
• Experience in statutory and strategic planning within government.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality statutory and strategic planning advice.
• Manage complex planning projects and policy development.
• Engage with stakeholders, agencies and Traditional Owners.
• Prepare clear planning reports and documents.
• Interpret legislation and support planning scheme amendments.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Critical thinking

Project leadership

Verbal and written communication

Education

Urban Planning / related degree

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 12416

About Us

We create thriving places andconnectedcommunities. We plan,buildandmaintainVictoria’s transport,planningand land services. We are committed to a safe,inclusiveand high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About the role

The Senior Planner leads strategic planning policies and projects that support government strategies and commitments. The role provides high-quality statutory and strategic planning advice, manages complex projects, develops policy and prepares clear reports and planning documents.

The role requires strong planning knowledge, sound judgement, critical thinking and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Key responsibilities include working with stakeholders and government agencies, interpreting legislation, supporting planning scheme amendments, developing policy options and engaging respectfully with Traditional Owners and First Peoples.

Whatwe’relooking for(Selection Criteria)

You’resomeone who:

• Influences and engages effectively, building strong stakeholder relationships, gaining support for ideas and working collaboratively to achieve shared outcomes.
• Develops clear, strategic policy solutions, considering community needs, government priorities and the broader impact of policies and programs.
• Thinks critically and solves complex problems, considering multiple perspectives, identifying recurring issues and delivering practical, lasting solutions.
• Leads complex projects and programs, balancing competing priorities, managing resources and stakeholders, and delivering outcomes aligned with strategic objectives.
• Brings advanced statutory planning expertise, confidently navigating complex planning matters and stakeholders while supporting, coaching and mentoring others.

Click here to access the Position Description.

Qualifications and experience

You’llbring:

• A relevant qualification in Urban Planning, Environment, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Economics, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design or a related discipline (mandatory).
• Thorough knowledge of the Victoria Planning Provisions and the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (mandatory).
• Demonstrated experience in statutory and strategic planning, complex planning projects, and policy development and implementation, ideally within state or local government (mandatory).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will berequired.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account tosubmityour application.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, 9 November2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letteraddressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must besubmittedvia the online portal,we’reunable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Nihal Altuntas, Manager, Strategic Planning, [e-mail].

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy.

If you require any adjustments to fullyparticipatein the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us.We'rehere to support you.

Applications close Monday 9 November 2026 at 11.59pm