Senior Strategic Planner

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC is seeking a planning professional for a fixed-term role within the New Communities branch. You will help plan and deliver Precinct Structure Plans in Melbourne’s Western Growth Corridor, combining strategic planning, project management and stakeholder engagement to support new homes, jobs and sustainable communities.

Key duties include leading complex planning projects, providing expert planning advice, coordinating infrastructure and

Qualifications

• Degree in urban/regional planning, urban design, architecture or similar.
• Ability to coordinate and deliver projects with strong stakeholder engagement.
• Experience applying planning guidelines to complex issues and developing practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex planning projects and provide expert planning advice.
• Coordinate infrastructure and community planning, manage risks and budgets.
• Engage with government agencies, councils, developers and communities.
• Prepare strategic reports and mentor staff to achieve high-quality outcomes.

Skills

Project coordination

Precinct planning

Stakeholder engagement

Critical thinking

Education

Urban planning degree

Job description

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC

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

This is a Fixed Term Position until 16 January 2028

The role sits within the New Communities branch, supporting the planning and delivery of Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs) in Melbourne’s Western Growth Corridor. It combines strategic planning, project management and stakeholder engagement to support the delivery of new homes, jobs and sustainable communities in line with government priorities and planning guidelines.

Key responsibilities include leading complex planning projects, providing expert planning advice, coordinating infrastructure and community planning, managing risks and budgets, and engaging with government agencies, councils, developers, Traditional Owners and communities. The role also involves preparing strategic reports, improving planning processes and mentoring staff to achieve high-quality planning outcomes.

What we’re looking for

You’resomeone who:

• Can coordinate and deliver projects effectively, monitor progress against agreed outcomes and address issues as they arise.
• Brings strong precinct planning and placemaking expertise to support integrated, safe and sustainable communities.
• Builds productive stakeholder relationships by understanding diverse needs, finding common ground and working towards shared outcomes.
• Applies critical thinking and sound judgement to interpret planning guidelines, assess complex issues and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.

Qualifications and experience

You’llbring:

• Degree level qualification in urban and regional planning, urban design, architecture or similar.

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.

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.

For further information about the role, please contact Inneke de Villiers-Engelbrecht, Strategic Planning Manager, at ***************@transport.vic.gov.au.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 18 November 2026.