Senior Policy Planner

City of Adelaide; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 121,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Adelaide seeks a Senior Policy Planner to shape urban planning policy across housing, density, heritage, sustainability, and more. You will lead planning code amendments and city-shaping projects, informed by research of trends, to align with the Council's long-term vision.

The role involves collaboration with councils, agencies and community groups, delivering complex policy initiatives in a dynamic environment within Kaurna Country.

Qualifications

• Detailed technical knowledge of the SA planning system and policy development procedures.
• Experience preparing Planning and Design Code Amendments.
• Experience delivering complex urban planning policy projects across several areas.
• Experience in spatial and strategic planning for urban growth.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in a political environment.
• Understanding of contemporary engagement techniques within local government.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of planning initiatives including Planning and Design Code Amendments.
• Guide regional spatial strategies and city-shaping policy projects.
• Perform deep research and analysis of global and local trends to inform policy.
• Engage across council programs, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Provide expert advice on South Australian planning matters for high-level decisions.

Skills

SA planning system knowledge

Planning Code Amendments

Urban planning policy projects

Spatial & strategic planning

Stakeholder collaboration

Engagement techniques

Job description

$121,482 - $131,260 + 12% superannuation

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Policy Planner to join the Park Lands, Policy and Sustainability Program. In this key role, you will shape and deliver complex urban planning policy across areas such as housing policy, spatial planning, land use, density, heritage, sustainability, and more. With a strategic and integrated approach, you'll work to align policy development with Council's long‑term vision, considering the full spectrum of economic, social, environmental, and spatial factors.

As a key member of the team, you will lead the development and implementation of significant planning initiatives including Planning and Design Code Amendments, regional spatial strategies, and city shaping policy projects. Your work will be informed by deep research and analysis of global and local trends, ensuring our city remains adaptive, innovative, and inclusive.

This opportunity also involves active collaboration across council programs, government agencies, industry bodies, and the community. You'll contribute to meaningful engagement processes and provide expert advice on matters related to the South Australian planning system that influences high‑level decision‑making. If you're passionate about shaping the future of the city and working in a forward‑thinking, people‑focused environment, we'd love to hear from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team and be a bigger part of our amazing city!

About You

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Detailed technical knowledge of South Australian planning system and policy development procedures, including the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (SA), Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017 (SA), Planning and Design Code and other relevant legislation.
• Substantial experience in preparing Planning and Design Code Amendments.
• Substantial experience in delivering complex urban planning policy projects in several of the following areas: spatial/master plans, housing policy, infill development, economic and social planning, public realm and sustainability.
• Experience in preparation and delivery of spatial and strategic planning projects in relation to urban planning (built form, traffic, heritage, sustainability, residential growth).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence stakeholders to deliver solutions in a complex and political working environment.
• Thorough understanding of, and experience in contemporary engagement techniques / processes within the context of local government.

About Us

Located in the geographic heart of Kaurna Country, the City of Adelaide celebrates its cultural heritage, unique natural surrounds and structures its footprint in a way that allows it to adapt to the changing needs of the community and a dynamic global landscape. Our focus is on our community's wellbeing and quality of life – investing in city improvements and on future planning, so we continue to design a liveable city where future generations can continue to live authentic and meaningful lives. The Park Lands, Policy & Sustainability Program establishes clear and integrated policies and plans to shape a well‑designed, planned and developed City, to protect and enhance our unique Park Lands, and support a welcoming and resilient community that demonstrates environmental leadership.

At the City of Adelaide, we thrive in an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and safe, and celebrates difference. We value and embrace our diverse perspectives and recognise the value diversity has in fuelling innovation and enabling brilliant experiences for our diverse community.

For more information about what it's like to work for the City of Adelaide, including the benefits, please visit www.cityofadelaide.com.au/careers

Please be advised this is a permanent full time position with starting salary at the Level 7 Classification commencing at $121,482 - $131,260 + 12% superannuation. Please note that commencing the first full pay period in January 2027, this role will be remunerated at $125,734 - $135,854 + 12% superannuation.

As part of the recruitment process candidates will be required to undertake a National Police Check.

We continue to work hard to ensure our recruitment process is safe for people of diverse backgrounds.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier‑free recruitment process and supportive workplace. Our commitment to inclusivity means we welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and candidates from with a range of lived experiences. If you require assistance with our recruitment process, you are more than welcome to connect with our People Services team on [e-mail]