Team Leader Social Infrastructure Planning

Council Jobs; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Sustainability initiatives

Work-life balance

Job summary

Cardinia Shire Council in Victoria is seeking a senior planner to lead the community infrastructure strategy for a fast-growing region. You will shape greenfield early-years and community facilities, guide long-term investments and manage a small, capable team, turning evidence and policy into practical infrastructure solutions.

This leadership role offers hybrid work options, opportunities to collaborate with government agencies and stakeholders, and a focus on delivering high-quality services

Qualifications

• 5+ years in social infrastructure planning with urban planning perspective.
• Experience in community or early-years infrastructure, service planning and data analysis.
• Knowledge of kindergarten planning, Best Start and child-safe facility standards.
• Experience developing strategies, policies, planning frameworks, funding submissions and reports.

Responsibilities

• Leading the planning of community infrastructure projects from initiation to activation.
• Implementing and evolving the Community Infrastructure Plan and facility standards.
• Using research, data and service insights to guide investment and renewal.
• Building partnerships with internal teams, government agencies and stakeholders.
• Leading, mentoring and developing a team to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Social infrastructure planning

Data analysis

Kindergarten planning

Policy development

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Team mentoring

Adaptability

Job description

• Lead community infrastructure planning in a key Victorian growth area.
• Flexible work options considered, including a nine-day fortnight.
• $109, 920 - $132, 674 + super

About Us

As one of Victoria’s fastest‑growing municipalities, Cardinia Shire Council is an innovative and community‑focused organisation committed to delivering high‑quality services for our residents. We’re driven by curiosity, continuous improvement, and a genuine passion for creating a thriving, connected, and sustainable place to live and work.

We’re invested in our people and champion a culture where diverse perspectives are valued, learning is encouraged, and your contribution has real impact. If you’re motivated, community‑minded, and looking to build a meaningful career in local government, you’ll find opportunity and purpose here at Cardinia.

About the Opportunity

Lead the planning of community infrastructure that will support Cardinia Shire’s rapidly growing and diverse communities for years to come. This is a rare opportunity to shape new greenfield early-years and community facilities, guide long‑term investment decisions and oversee a strong pipeline of collaborative projects, including work with the Department of Education. You will lead a capable small team and turn evidence, community need and emerging policy into practical infrastructure solutions with lasting impact.

You Will Make an Impact By

• Leading the planning of community infrastructure projects from initiation through to facility activation.
• Implementing and evolving the Community Infrastructure Plan, asset renewal planning and facility standards.
• Using research, data and service insights to guide investment, renewal and long-term infrastructure decisions.
• Building partnerships and integrated service models with internal teams, government agencies and community stakeholders.
• Leading, mentoring and developing a team to deliver high‑quality outcomes and grow professionally.

What You Will Bring

• At least five years’ experience in social infrastructure planning, supported by a strong social and urban planning perspective.
• Demonstrated experience across community or early‑years infrastructure, service planning and data analysis.
• Strong knowledge of kindergarten planning, Best Start and evolving child‑safe facility standards.
• Experience developing strategies, policies, planning frameworks, funding submissions and high‑quality reports or advice.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects, manage competing priorities and meet legislative, service and delivery requirements.
• Leadership capability and a commitment to mentoring, collaboration and building trusted stakeholder relationships.
• Adaptability, curiosity and sound judgement, with the confidence to challenge assumptions and respond to new evidence.

Why work with us

• Activity based and hybrid work model.
• Opportunities to work on innovative and impactful initiatives that make a real difference to the community.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs, and leadership development initiatives.
• A commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with initiatives to reduce the Council's carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in the community.
• A focus on work‑life balance, with programs and initiatives designed to support employees' physical and mental well‑being.
• Discover these benefits and how we support and value our employees throughout their career journey.

Ready to Make a Lasting Impact?

Bring your expertise, leadership and fresh thinking to Cardinia Shire Council and help create community infrastructure that grows with our communities.

Cardinia Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to an equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment and a positive, barrier‑free recruitment process. We welcome applicants from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, people living with a disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to explore career opportunities with Cardinia Shire Council. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application by contacting us on 1300 787 ***.

All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Check and pre‑employment medicals. Certain positions may also require a Financial Background Check, Traffic Check or Working with Children Check.

You must have valid Australian Working Rights to be considered for this role.