Head of Planning Services

About the role

As Head of Planning Services at Yarra Ranges Council, you will be responsible for delivering a high-quality, customer-focused planning service aligned with the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and Council policies. In this role, you will actively shape strategic direction and operational effectiveness across the leadership team, foster collaboration, and model values-based leadership. You'll lead and develop a high-performing team of professionals, cultivating a culture grounded in Council's values and community engagement. As a key partner across departments, you'll navigate complex political and strategic matters, drive continuous improvement, and bring curiosity and innovation to redefine service delivery in line with evolving community expectations.

This is a full-time permanent position (38 hours per week).

This is a Band 8 role with a salary range rate between $128,554 and $144,055 per annum, plus superannuation.

Benefits of working with us:

• Support work-life balance with your choice of monthly or fortnightly rostered day off and hybrid working arrangements.
• 20 weeks paid primary caregiver leave (6 weeks for secondary caregivers) plus other generous leave options such as volunteer leave, family planning, study assistance and menstrual and menopause leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and to take on temporary roles in other teams to grow your skills and experience.

Experience and skills we're looking for

• Strong expertise in statutory planning processes, including assessment, enforcement, and interpretation of planning schemes and legislation.
• The ability to provide overall resource management and budget control for the statutory planning activities, within the framework of the department budget.
• A customer-first mindset with the ability to lead cultural change that enhances community outcomes and service quality.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build cross-functional partnerships and influence outcomes across departments.
• Proven leadership experience in managing high-performing planning or compliance teams, with a focus on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to provide leadership and guidance to the Development Compliance teams through direct management or supporting with technical planning considerations and enforcement decisions.
• Strategic thinking and planning skills to execute organisational goals and contribute to departmental business plans.
• Tertiary qualification in planning or a related field, or significant leadership experience in government statutory planning. Equivalent qualifications also considered.
• Great organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate confidently with diverse customers.

If you have some but not all these skills or experience, we still encourage you to apply. Especially if you have the right attitude and willingness to learn.

How to apply

Please ensure you submit your application via our jobs portal by clicking 'Apply'. Include a resume and cover letter with your application. In your cover letter, tell us about your experience, skills, and why you would like to work with us here at Yarra Ranges Council.

Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 02 November 2025.

Contact person:
Katie Douglas, Manager Planning and Building,

If you need support with your application or have accessibility needs, please call the contact person above or email us at

Applicants who progress past the interview stage must complete pre-employment checks. These checks will include a Police Check and Psychometric Assessment.

About Yarra Ranges Council

Yarra Ranges Council committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. We encourage people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities to apply for jobs with us. We support flexible work arrangements, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options to meet your needs and suit your life.

Yarra Ranges Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. We are committed to protecting children from abuse in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.