Statutory Planning Lead – Strategy, People & Impact

Council Jobs; Colac; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking an experienced planning professional to lead the Statutory Planning team and shape planning services across a diverse municipality in Victoria, Australia. This senior role emphasizes technical expertise, continuous improvement, service excellence and people leadership.

You will oversee planning applications, provide advice to councillors and staff, and represent Council at statutory forums while fostering collaboration across planning, building and

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Victorian planning legislation and statutory planning practice.
• Experience leading people and delivering high-quality planning outcomes.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to transparent, consistent and well-reasoned decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead Council's statutory planning function and provide direction to a professional team of planners.
• Oversee a diverse range of planning applications and statutory planning matters.
• Provide expert advice to Councillors, senior leadership, staff and the community.
• Represent Council at VCAT, Planning Panels Victoria and other statutory forums.
• Drive service performance, customer experience and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the development of a collaborative, accountable and high-performing team culture.
• Work closely with strategic planning, building, engineering and other Council teams to achieve positive and practical outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking an experienced planning professional to lead the Statutory Planning team and shape planning services across a diverse municipality in Victoria, Australia. This senior role emphasizes technical expertise, continuous improvement, service excellence and people leadership.

You will oversee planning applications, provide advice to councillors and staff, and represent Council at statutory forums while fostering collaboration across planning, building and