Senior Strategic Planner

Sutherland Shire Council is planning for the future – and we're looking for passionate professionals to help shape it.

As we build a dynamic, future-focused Urban Futures team, we're seeking an experienced Senior Strategic Planner to help lead the way in guiding how our community grows, moves, and thrives.

In this pivotal role you'll lead complex planning projects, develop key strategies and policies, and offer expert advice that balances growth, sustainability, liveability, and productivity across our beautiful region.

The Senior Strategic Planner will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of our organisation. This position involves a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.

As a key member of our leadership team, you will be responsible for developing long-term strategic plans, conducting market research, and facilitating workshops that encourage creative problem-solving and strategic thinking.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading the development of Local Environmental Plans, Development Control Plans, and other strategic planning policies.
• Providing clear, expert planning advice to Council, internal teams, and the community.
• Preparing professional reports and policy papers to support Council's decision-making.
• Managing complex projects and delivering high-quality, community-focused outcomes.
• Mentoring junior planners and supporting a culture of growth and learning.
• Collaborating across disciplines to deliver integrated, place-based solutions.

You're a confident, experienced strategic planner who thrives on complexity and brings a balance of big-picture thinking and practical delivery. You're someone who communicates clearly, leads with purpose, and works collaboratively across teams and stakeholders.

You'll also have:

• Tertiary qualifications in planning or a related discipline
• Extensive experience developing and implementing strategic planning policies
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor emerging planners
• Advanced knowledge of relevant planning legislation in NSW
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• A current Driver's Licence
• A valid Working With Children's Check (or willing to obtain)

Join our Team and Grow with Us

If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community, apply now to join our team at Sutherland Shire Council

• Apply by responding to our online application questions and submitting your resume outlining why we are a great fit
• Get your application in by 11.59pm: Sunday 28th September 2025.
• Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within two weeks of closing.
• Package: From $107,476 - $126,563 gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation. Salary will be determined based on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
• Hours of work: Permanent Full Time 35 hours per week, with option of 19 day month flex time arrangement available.
• To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks (including Covid-19 Vaccination), and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Beth Morris, Planning and Strategy Manager, for any job specific enquiries.

Lucille Kilshaw, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Click on the link to check out the Position Description

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government's Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.