Manager Strategic Planning

Permanent, Full-Time | Hurstville | $174, $201, % superannuation

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional for a permanent, full-time opportunity as Manager Strategic Planning. This pivotal role is responsible for leading the development of policies, strategies, and planning documentation across all major planning functions within Council, ensuring a coordinated and forward-thinking approach to long-term strategic planning.

As Manager Strategic Planning, you will lead a dynamic business unit that works collaboratively across Council to deliver strategic insight, planning expertise, project management, and resource allocation. Your leadership will enable a smooth and integrated approach to organisational strategic planning.

Key responsibilities include:

• Driving the effective and efficient management of Council's Strategic Planning functions
• Overseeing the preparation and implementation of key planning instruments including Local Environmental Plans, Development Contributions Plans (Sections 7.11 and 7.12), Development Control Plans, Planning Proposals, Voluntary Planning Agreements, Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, Master Plans, and the Local Strategic Planning Statement
• Managing the Council's Development Contributions framework
• Leading heritage initiatives including the Heritage Building Grants Program, Conservation Management Plans, Heritage Advisory Service, and exemption processes for Heritage Items
• Ensuring accurate data and processes for Section & (5) Planning Certificates in collaboration with other business units
• Providing strategic planning advice and recommendations to Council and the Executive Management Team
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and Council policies, while effectively managing associated risks

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the strategic direction of Council and contribute to sustainable and innovative urban planning outcomes.

What We Offer

• Permanent, Full-Time Role
• Salary from $174,485.75 – $201,971.49 per annum plus 12% superannuation
• Vehicle allowance of $10,780 per annum
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Access to Council leave entitlements, including 4 weeks annual leave, 5 days Manager leave, long service leave after 5 years and additional health and wellbeing leave
• Fitness passport program offering discounted membership for you and your family for selected facilities

What We're Looking For

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Town Planning, Architecture or related discipline and significant relevant experience at a management level
• Demonstrated significant experience at a senior management level within strategic planning
• Demonstrated knowledge of planning legislation and practice
• Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of strategic land use planning policies and tools to deliver outcomes
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and managing processes and procedures to ensure the professional and efficient delivery of strategic planning services
• Demonstrated experience in staff management, budget management, performance management, transformation and change, and business improvement
• Demonstrated negotiation/conflict resolution, problem solving and decision-making skills relating to sensitive and complex matters in a political environment
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders
• Current NSW Class C Drivers Licence

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of local government
• Understanding and commitment to equal employment opportunities, occupational health and safety and ethical practice principles

If you're ready to lead and support a high-impact team delivering essential services to our community, we encourage you to apply.

Please find the essential criteria in the Position Description to assist with your application.

If you would like further information on this role, please contact Joseph Hill, Director Environment and Planningon

Applicants are asked to ensure that they provide responses to the targeted questions, failure to do so may result in your application not being considered.

Applications must be completed and submitted via our website. Closing Date: Friday 24 October 2025 at 11:59pm AEST

Offers of employment at Georges River Council are contingent upon satisfactory results of a thorough background check.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend interviews during the week of 24 November 2025.

Georges River Council is a progressive, people-focused organisation with 600 dedicated staff delivering exceptional services to our diverse and vibrant community. Our vision is to be 'naturally connected to place, community, and Country'. We are committed to creating accessible green, and liveable spaces, nurturing creativity, protecting the natural environment, and building a thriving local economy.

We foster our values of Accountability, Professionalism, Unity and Honesty and take pride in promoting the image of Council in the community.

We are committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, workers of all ages, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

At Georges River Council we are committed to putting children first and championing child safety within our community. We actively advocate for the rights of children and young people and will uphold our commitment as a child safe organisation.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights (with no Visa restrictions) to apply for this position.