Principal Strategic Planner

• Altona location, close to public transport
• Permanent full-time role
• Salary: Band 7 - $102,953 to $114,927
• Lead strategic planning projects for our community

At Hobsons Bay City Council, we are proud to serve a vibrant, diverse and growing community. Guided by our vision of "valuing the wellbeing of our people and our place, now and into the future", we are seeking a bold and compassionate leader to take on the role of Principal Strategic Planner.

The opportunity

Join a passionate team of urban planning professionals driving positive change across Hobsons Bay.

As our Principal Strategic Planner, you'll lead complex strategic projects that shape the city's future, drawing on your deep expertise in Victorian planning legislation and planning scheme amendments.

This is your opportunity to:

• Lead and deliver high-impact strategic planning initiatives
• Mentor and inspire junior planners in a collaborative environment
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and the community
• Apply your specialist knowledge in heritage, urban design, and economic development

We're looking for a confident, independent planner with exceptional project management and interpersonal skills. If you thrive on meaningful work and want to leave a legacy, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be working on

• Lead strategic land use planning, policy development, and complex planning scheme amendments with innovation and expertise.
• Manage high-profile projects, mentor junior staff, and oversee consultants to ensure timely, high-quality delivery.
• Drive collaborative community and stakeholder engagement to shape integrated and inclusive planning outcomes.
• Provide expert advice to the Coordinator Strategic Planning and represent Council in panels, committees, and external forums.
• Monitor legislative changes, prepare submissions, and deliver strategic reports and recommendations to Council.

What you'll need to succeed

• Tertiary qualification in town planning or a related discipline, with strong knowledge of Victorian planning legislation and policy.
• Proven experience in strategic land use planning, planning scheme amendments, and stakeholder engagement within a local government context.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to deliver complex initiatives independently and on time.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present strategic ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience, with specialist knowledge in areas such as heritage, urban design, or economic development.

Why you should applyYou'll lead impactful planning projects in a supportive team, influence the future of Hobsons Bay, and apply your expertise where it truly makes a difference for the community.

Applications should include

• A cover letter which should outline your interest in the Principal Strategic Planner
• A current CV which includes key achievements & relevant qualifications

To find out more about the role, please contact Zoran Jovanovski, Coordinator Strategic Planning on or via email at

Applications will be accepted until 11:30pm 8th October 2025.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Progressed candidates will be required to complete a National Police Check.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa with full unrestricted working rights. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Make an impact that matters

At Hobsons Bay we work as one to achieve exceptional outcomes for our community.

Hobsons Bay Council is shaping precincts, building community infrastructure, delivering positive environmental, social and economic outcomes through programs and policies, and providing over 120 services to strengthen our diverse community.

If you're ready to rise to the challenge of making a real difference, join us to help create a community and city that is inclusive, empowered, sustainable and visionary.

What we can offer

Council offers hybrid working with newly renovated office facilities in the Civic Centre.

We support ongoing professional development, as your career matters to us

We are a proud inclusive employer. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply for our job opportunities. Our commitment is to provide diverse, safe and inclusive environments where everyone can grow and succeed.