Manager Planning

Deliver meaningful outcomes that make a genuine difference in our beautiful and unique region...

• Permanent Full Time, based at Daylesford with travel between our other customer hubs
• Classified Senior Executive Officer, Total Remuneration Package of $165,000

About us

Make Hepburn Shire Council your next career move. We are a small rural council with a dedicated team who delivers meaningful outcomes for the community. You can enjoy the challenges, fast track your career, enjoy flexibility with contemporary employee benefits and either enjoy the rural lifestyle or be in Melbourne in basically an hour.

Our main office is in the renowned, stunning tourist town of Daylesford, only 90 km northwest of Melbourne. Additional Council facilities are also located in our surrounding historical townships of Clunes, Creswick, and Trentham. Appreciate a flexible work life balance with opportunities to discover vibrant local communities of artists, gardeners, writers, musicians, foodies and so much more. Kick off your career here or bring your experience to help serve our community.

"I absolutely love working in Local Government Sometimes it isn't easy but the diversity of delivering 40+ services for our community of residents and visitors means you won't be bored, and you will see your role making a difference. Hepburn Shire is an amazing location, with committed staff and Councillors, so why not apply for a role…..you won't be disappointed."Bradley Thomas (Chief Executive Officer)

Lead Statutory and Strategic Planning with purpose at Hepburn Shire Council

Hepburn Shire Council is seeking a Manager Planning to lead our statutory and strategic planning functions through a period of transformation and opportunity. This is a rare chance to shape the future of our beautiful region—where heritage, environment, and growth intersect.

We're looking for a leader who:

• Rallies and supports their team and is solution-oriented, balancing regulatory requirements with a pragmatic, relationship-driven approach
• Has experience in process review and service improvement
• Understands the challenges of rural planning and values customer relationships
• Sees the potential in Hepburn—our people, our integrated township plans (Future Hepburn)

What can Hepburn offer you?

We support flexible working arrangements, and whilst this is a full time position we welcome discussions regarding how we could support your needs. We believe in visible leadership and are committed to creating a workplace that supports balance, wellbeing, and impact.

• Meaningful work with a dedicated team
• Work life balance options -Attractive flexible options can include fortnightly or monthly RDOs for applicable full-time roles and up to 50% work from home for suitable roles
• Inclusive and safe work culture with strong drive for gender equality, diversity and transparency in fair recruitment and promotion
• Free counselling and support through our Employee Assistance Program
• Annual salary advancement and professional development planning

Application Process

If you're ready to lead with purpose, drive planning excellence, and make a meaningful difference in a vibrant rural community—we'd love to hear from you.

Your application is to be submitted via our employment portal at .

Your application must include:

1. Cover letter stating your motivation and statement relevant to the selection criteria for the role (individual response to each selection criteria isn't required).
2. An achievement focused current and complete resume

Role Enquiries

If you have any questions about the role please contact Ron Torres – Director Development and Community on

If you would like to contact our People and Culture team, please email

Applications close Sunday 7 September 2025 at 11:59pm.

Hepburn Shire Council is committed to providing an inclusive and safe work environment which embraces the diverse backgrounds and experience of all people.  Applicants should be aware that we conduct working with children, police and reference checks to ensure we maintain a safe and inclusive workplace by recruiting the right people.

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