Senior Urban Planner - Gauteng Development Authority

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Urban Planner to lead the development and implementation of strategic spatial plans and development frameworks for the region. You will manage stakeholders, analyze trends, and ensure proposals comply with SPLUMA and environmental regulations.

The role requires extensive experience, SACPLAN registration, and proficiency in GIS, with leadership responsibilities and capacity building within the planning team.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field.
• Professional registration with the South African Council of Planners (SACPLAN) as a Professional Planner.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in urban and regional planning, preferably within a government or development agency context.
• Proven experience in developing and managing complex spatial planning projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African planning legislation (e.g., SPLUMA) and environmental regulations.
• Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in GIS software and other relevant planning tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor junior professionals.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and implement strategic spatial plans and development frameworks for the region.
• Conduct research and analysis on urban trends, population growth, and infrastructure needs.
• Lead stakeholder engagement processes, including public participation forums and consultations.
• Assess development proposals for compliance with planning legislation, policies, and spatial plans.
• Prepare planning reports, policy recommendations, and presentations for various authorities and stakeholders.
• Provide expert advice on land use management, zoning, and development control matters.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, architects, and environmental specialists.
• Mentor junior planning staff and contribute to capacity building within the planning department.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project leadership

Education

Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning

Tools

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity focused on regional development and strategic planning within Gauteng, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Urban Planner to join their dedicated team in Vereeniging . This role is instrumental in shaping the future urban landscape of the region by developing and implementing comprehensive spatial plans, policies, and strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of urban development principles, land use management, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic factors influencing growth. You will lead complex planning projects, engage with diverse stakeholders including government agencies, developers, and community groups, and ensure that development aligns with long-term regional objectives. This is a critical position for an individual passionate about sustainable urbanism and community development in one of South Africa's most dynamic provinces. We are looking for a strategic thinker with excellent analytical and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and implement strategic spatial plans and development frameworks for the region.
• Conduct research and analysis on urban trends, population growth, and infrastructure needs.
• Lead stakeholder engagement processes, including public participation forums and consultations.
• Assess development proposals for compliance with planning legislation, policies, and spatial plans.
• Prepare planning reports, policy recommendations, and presentations for various authorities and stakeholders.
• Provide expert advice on land use management, zoning, and development control matters.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, architects, and environmental specialists.
• Mentor junior planning staff and contribute to capacity building within the planning department.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field.
• Professional registration with the South African Council of Planners (SACPLAN) as a Professional Planner.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in urban and regional planning, preferably within a government or development agency context.
• Proven experience in developing and managing complex spatial planning projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African planning legislation (e.g., SPLUMA) and environmental regulations.
• Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in GIS software and other relevant planning tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor junior professionals.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive benefits including medical aid and a pension fund, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development. This role provides the chance to make a tangible impact on the urban development and sustainability of the Gauteng region, working from our offices in Vereeniging . Join a team committed to shaping a better future through strategic urban planning and contribute to vital projects that enhance the quality of life for communities across South Africa .