GM Planning

About the Role

The GM – Planning and Environmental Approvals leads GIICA's planning strategy and statutory approvals across all phases of infrastructure delivery. This role ensures timely, compliant, and community-aligned planning outcomes for all venues, while also overseeing environmental and sustainability obligations.

The role provides strategic assurance to senior leadership and drives high-performance standards in planning, environmental management, and approvals coordination. The incumbent is accountable for leading the development and execution of GIICA's policies, systems, and frameworks related to environment and planning. It is designed to drive high performance standards and ensure effective management of environmental and planning risks across GIICA's infrastructure projects.

The role is fast paced and operates in a complex, high-profile and often changing environment.

In joining the Authority, you will join a team of hard-working professionals, dedicated to preparing Queensland for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This is a full-time, maximum-term role for 5 years (with possibility of extension).

About the Authority

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) is laying the foundations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

Hosting the world's largest sporting celebration is a privilege that will define Queensland for the rest of the 21
st
century, driving economic growth, sustainability, connectivity, and healthier, more-inclusive communities.

GIICA will deliver 17 new and upgraded venues, from Brisbane's Main Stadium to key sporting infrastructure across the state.

We are building a legacy that transcends the Games, transforming Queensland to ensure we thrive on the world stage showcasing our vision, culture and lifestyle.

GIICA is committed to delivering exceptional service and accelerating our state's transformation by bringing together communities, industries and governments.

We are ensuring every project we deliver for the world's largest sporting celebration is making a transformational difference to the Queensland community.

About your Responsibilities

• Lead GIICA's planning systems, frameworks, and processes to support the successful delivery of Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure projects.
• Oversee the preparation, submission, and negotiation of planning approvals and environmental assessments under relevant legislation.
• Lead the management of EPBC referrals, applications, and compliance conditions on behalf of GIICA.
• Maintain the EPBC register of planning conditions and ensure timely updates and reporting.
• Provide strategic planning and environmental advice to Project Directors and assurance to the EGM PMO on compliance, risk, and stakeholder alignment.
• Manage environmental and planning risks across major construction projects, implementing mitigation strategies and controls to safeguard project outcomes.
• Monitor and report on planning and environmental performance metrics, ensuring transparency and accountability across design and construction activities.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning and environmental practices, integrating community expectations, government priorities, and project delivery needs.
• Represent GIICA in planning and environmental forums, briefings, and negotiations with government stakeholders, advocating for project objectives and regulatory clarity.
• Monitor and report on environmental performance metrics and compliance status.
• Lead, develop and support a high performing team in a fast paced, matrix environment, fostering collaboration, accountability and resilience.

About You

• Demonstrated expertise in environmental and planning legislation, with the ability to apply this knowledge effectively across infrastructure construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully leading a similar function for major infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience navigating complex environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks, with a track record of securing complex planning and environmental approvals within tight timeframes and high-profile environments.
• Proven experience delivering environmental and planning outcomes within complex infrastructure environments, including managing approvals, assessments, and compliance under tight project timelines and budget constraints.
• Track record of embedding environmental principles into infrastructure planning by championing innovative approaches that balance development with long term sustainable outcomes.
• Strong leadership and operational management skills, with the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams, establish robust systems, and provide strategic assurance to senior stakeholders.
• Capacity to identify and manage environmental planning risks throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies and controls are in place.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence, advise, and collaborate across project teams, government agencies, and community groups to achieve planning and environmental objectives.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in fast-paced, matrixed environments.
• Demonstrated success in managing competing priorities, fostering collaboration, and maintaining performance under pressure.

About our Workplace

We are inclusive.
We are committed to building an inclusive culture that respects and promotes human rights and diversity. We foster a respectful workplace culture that is free from all forms of harassment, workplace bullying, discrimination and violence. We are an inclusive, equal employment opportunity employer. We encourage applicants who represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disability or family responsibilities to apply.

We are solutions focused
. Our work is fast paced and often complex. Decision making, problem solving and dealing with ambiguity are key components of what we do. Our team's ability to assess risk and apply sound judgement is critical to our success.

We are agile.
As a newly formed independent statutory authority, our team can help establish tailored best-practice processes and contribute to our state's future. Team members' roles and responsibilities may evolve over time. Our team's willingness to be agile and undertake any work that may reasonably be expected is critical.

We offer unique experiences.
The work we do is unique and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With professional development opportunities embedded in what we do, our workforce can grow skills and capabilities on the journey with us.

How to apply

Please submit:

· Your current CV

· 1 page cover letter outlining your relevant experience in similar roles, and how you believe you are the right person for this position.

Applications close
Friday 3 October 2025 at 5pm AEST
. We encourage candidates to apply early, as we will be reviewing applications as they are received.

For any queries regarding this role, please contact (however all applications must be received via LinkedIn or ).

Join the Authority and take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help create a more inclusive, sustainable and connected society – all because we are hosting the Games.

Additional information

·
Applications from candidates with full working rights for the full duration of the appointment will only be accepted. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

·
A probationary period of six months will apply.

·
Applications remain current for 12 months and may be considered for identical or similar vacancies.

·
Successful applicants will be required to undergo pre-employment checks as part of our recruitment and selection process, which may include the following:

o
Criminal history check

o
Evidence of your right to work in Australia

o
Disclosure of any previous serious disciplinary action taken against you.

o
Disclosure of any employment as a lobbyist (must be provided within one month of taking up the appointment).

·
Your personal information will be held securely and accessed only by those directly involved in the recruitment process. Information obtained through employment screening is treated confidentially and will only be used to assess your suitability for employment with us and your contribution to our diverse workforce.