Senior Strategic Planner

City of Kalamunda; City Of Kalamunda; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking an experienced planner to support strategic land use planning initiatives. The role involves leading community engagement, delivering complex planning projects, and mentoring team members. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, including flexible work arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Free parking

Annual increments

Generous superannuation co-contribution

22 days annual leave with loading

Discounted membership at City facilities

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex land use planning projects.
• Ability to interpret and apply land use legislation and policies.
• Strong communication skills for presenting advice and recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with the community and stakeholders.
• Deliver strategic land use planning projects.
• Support and mentor team members.

Skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Project management

Planning expertise

Education

Tertiary qualifications as a Town Planner or related field

Job description

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and qualified planner to gain exposure to the challenges of a diverse range of planning matters and help shape the future land use planning direction for the City.

About the City of Kalamunda

The City of Kalamunda is a local authority with a population of 60,000 located approximately a 35 minute drive from the Perth CBD providing the opportunity to work in a varied planning environment, from rural natural bushland to highly developed residential, commercial and industrial areas.

A City in Transformation

The City of Kalamunda is undergoing an exciting evolution. With a renewed vision and a commitment to doing things differently, we’re creating an environment where bold ideas, fresh thinking, and collaboration are not just welcomed—but expected. This is a rare opportunity to be part of something bigger than a job title: to help shape an organisation that’s reimagining how local government works, delivers, and connects. If you're ready to bring your expertise into a place that’s transforming with purpose, we want you on this journey.

About this Opportunity

You’ll be supporting the Coordinator Strategic Planning in respect to the initiation, planning, delivery and review of a range of strategic projects in line with City’s Strategic Community Plan and Corporate Business Plan. The diversity of planning projects and issues, leadership opportunities, and strong professional learning culture provide an environment for growth and development in this role.

Key Accountabilities include, but are not limited to;

• Lead high-quality customer service and engagement with the community, developers, and government stakeholders.
• Provide expert planning advice and contribute to positive, collaborative relationships across the organisation.
• Deliver strategic land use planning projects, including assessing complex proposals and preparing planning strategies, policies and structure plans.
• Drive innovation and improvements in planning processes and project outcomes.
• Manage consultants and contribute to Council briefings and presentations.
• Support and mentor Strategic Planning team members, fostering a culture of learning and high performance.
• Provide expert guidance across the organisation on planning-related matters and contribute to cross-functional initiatives.

Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications as a Town Planner or related field and relevant experience in the planning profession.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the successful management of complex and significant strategic land use planning projects.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, collaboration, and negotiation skills within multidisciplinary environments, with a proven ability to facilitate and advocate for successful outcomes across planning projects, land development, and policy matters.
• Demonstrated ability to apply project management approaches to effectively progress tasks and projects in a dynamic professional context.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and practically apply relevant land use planning and development legislation, regulations, policy and guiding documents to progress and influence the City’s strategic projects and interests, including in the assessment of development, subdivision, strategic planning proposals, and policy formulation.
• Demonstrated ability to present advice, recommendations, instruction, and research findings across all standard forms of business communication.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time, permanent position working Monday to Friday, 75 hours per fortnight. However, flexibility to work part-time hours can be considered for the right candidate.

About the Benefits

This position offers a salary of Level 8 being $107,092.59 - $113,233.91 per annum, (depending on experience and skill level) plus superannuation. Other inclusions are free parking, annual increments, EBA salary increases, a generous superannuation co-contribution scheme, 22 days annual leave which attracts 17.5% loading, Medibank/HIF/HBF Corporate Membership, free access to online learning, discounted membership at City owned facilities. We have flexible work arrangements or the option for a rostered day off fortnightly or monthly.

How to Apply

To be considered for the position your application will consist of a covering letter providing your responses to the selection criteria and a current resume. Your application and other supporting documents can be submitted through Seek - attaching a maximum of TWO separate documents in PDF version.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Australia to apply for any positions at Council.

For any further queries about the role, please contact People Services on 08 9257 9856 .

The City of Kalamunda reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior to the closing date. Submissions from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

The City of Kalamunda is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all people and want to build a workforce as diverse as the community we serve. We aim to have a work environment where everyone feels included and everyone can realise their full potential.