Team Leader Development Assessment

Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia; Council of the City of Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 147,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council is seeking a Team Leader for Development Assessment to lead a dedicated team, ensuring high-quality planning decisions. Responsibilities include managing development applications, mentoring staff, and providing expert advice to stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have relevant tertiary qualifications and at least 5 years of planning experience. The role offers flexible working arrangements and various benefits, promoting work-life balance.

Benefits

Work from Home options

Private vehicle access through leaseback scheme

Employee Assistance Program

35 hour working week

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Town Planner with development control services.
• Current Class C Drivers Licence.
• Knowledge of planning legislation like the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of development assessment officers.
• Prepare and review DA assessment reports.
• Provide expert technical advice to Council and the community.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and support team members.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Planning or a related field

Job description

Overview

Team Leader Development Assessment

• Salary $147,363.84 to $170,943.24 p/a + super
• Work from Home (WFH) options / Flexible Working Arrangements
• Access to private use of a vehicle through Council’s Private Leaseback Scheme

About Ku-ring-gai Council

Ku-ring-gai is one of Sydney’s most beautiful and environmentally rich areas, located just 16km north of the CBD.

With a mix of vibrant town centres, leafy residential areas, heritage precincts, and natural bushland, we are a local government area committed to balancing growth with sustainability, character, and community values.

About the role

Council is seeking a dynamic Team Leader – Development Assessment to lead a dedicated development assessment team and contribute to high-quality and timely planning decisions.

Reporting to the Manager Development Assessment Services, your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of development assessment officers to ensure high-quality, timely, and compliant processing of development applications
• Prepare and review detailed DA assessment reports with clear, defensible recommendations that comply with legislative and policy requirements
• Provide expert technical advice to Council, applicants, and the community, including representing Council in court and at planning panel meetings
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the Development Assessment team to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction
• Oversee compliance with legislative frameworks including the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 and related legislation
• Manage stakeholder relationships, promote excellent customer service, and support the ongoing professional development of team members

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Planning or a related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Town Planner, with extensive experience in the delivery of development control services
• Current Class C Drivers Licence
• Demonstrated knowledge of planning legislation (e.g. Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979, Local Government Act 1993)
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team management capabilities
• Effective influencing, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills
• High-level written and verbal communication skills

Benefits

• 35 hour working week
• Work from Home (WFH) options / Flexible Working Arrangements to support work–life balance
• Access to private use of a vehicle through Council’s Private Leaseback Scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Up to $100 Health & Fitness yearly reimbursement (conditional)
• Free confidential Employee Assistance Program
• Join a highly skilled, collaborative, and forward-thinking planning team
• Access to a wide range of development and training opportunities

For more information on the benefits offered at Ku-ring-gai Council, please refer to our website (information available on the Council site).

*Council’s work from home policy allows up to 80% of hours to be worked from home.

How to apply

Applicants are required to address all Essential Criteria listed in the Position Description to be eligible for an interview.

Like to know more? Contact Shaun Garland on 9424 0988

Closes: 11:30pm, Monday 20 October 2025

Ku-ring-gai Council is an equal opportunity employer