Manager Statutory Planning

• Provide strategic leadership in statutory planning, guiding complex proposals to deliver sustainable outcomes.
• Lead a high-performing team to deliver efficient, customer-focused planning services.
• Influence and engage Council, government, developers and community to shape liveability across the region.

Mornington Peninsula Shire is Victoria's premier destination municipality, celebrated for its vibrant townships, thriving agriculture, world-class landscapes, iconic tourist regions, and internationally significant conservation areas within a vital Green Wedge. As the state's fifth largest Local Government Area, the Shire delivers more than 100 essential services to a diverse and growing community of 170,000 residents. These services encompass infrastructure, community wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and cultural initiatives, all supporting prosperity and liveability across the region. Home to one of Australia's most dynamic tourism industries, the Mornington Peninsula attracts over 8 million visitors each year, generates $9.5 billion in economic output and sustains more than 62,000 jobs, underpinning its role as a cornerstone of Victoria's visitor economy.

To ensure it continues to meet the needs of its community and capitalise on future opportunities, the Shire is embarking on a new organisational structure designed to modernise service delivery, strengthen leadership, and enhance collaboration across all functions. This is an exciting period of change and renewal, and the Council is seeking candidates who thrive in dynamic environments, bring fresh ideas, and are committed to driving transformation. Successful leaders will embrace innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement, ensuring the organisation remains responsive, future-focused and equipped to deliver outstanding outcomes for its residents, businesses, and visitors.

Reporting to the Director Planning and Liveability, the Manager, Statutory Planning will provide strong and strategic leadership across planning and development. You will take personal responsibility for managing complex, sensitive and sometimes controversial proposals, ensuring sound outcomes that balance community needs, regulatory frameworks and strategic priorities. Central to the role will be devising and implementing customer-focused policies and strategies that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of departmental functions, while strengthening engagement with Council, the Executive and the community. You will also play a lead role in resolving disputes through mediation and community involvement, ensuring fair, transparent and sustainable planning outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will bring leadership experience within large, complex planning, development or regulatory environments. You will demonstrate a proven ability to deliver strategies that translate vision into practical, customer-focused outcomes. With exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, you will build trusted relationships with Council, government, developers and the community. Confident navigating sensitive social, political and economic issues, you will bring sound judgement, commercial acumen and a collaborative approach. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the long-term liveability of the region by shaping planning and development outcomes that reflect both growth and community values.

To view more information about the opportunities at Mornington Peninsula Council please view the microsite linked here:

To apply, please click 'apply now' and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Kate Rowe on

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