Manager Urban Strategy

2 weeks ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia W&Co Search Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per year

Bayside City Council is a values-led, community-focused organisation located along Melbourne's south-eastern coastline. Known for its livability, environmental stewardship and strong local identity, Bayside is home to diverse neighbourhoods, vibrant activity centres and an engaged community. With the Bayside 2050 Community Vision setting an ambitious agenda, Council is committed to building a diverse, sustainable and inclusive future.

Reporting to the Director City Planning and Amenity, the Manager Urban Strategy leads a team of 13 across strategic planning and economic development. The role has significant visibility and influence, requiring an empathetic leader who can balance technical expertise with political acumen and clear communication.

The position is responsible for guiding Bayside's strategic planning agenda and economic development program, including activity centres uplift, suburban rail loop integration, trader support, and other city-shaping initiatives. You will provide trusted, influential advice to Councillors and the Director City Planning and Amenity, ensuring Council's responses to planning reforms and local priorities are evidence-based, strategically sound, and aligned with community expectations.

Your leadership will empower a high-performing team to deliver with clarity and process discipline, while fostering collaboration across the organisation. This is a rare opportunity to bring creativity, influence and strategic leadership to one of Victoria's most respected councils.

The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in urban or strategic planning, ideally within local government, and a strong understanding of planning reforms and land use challenges. You will be confident engaging with councillors, government agencies, developers and community stakeholders, and will combine a strategic mindset with clear and direct communication. Importantly, you will be an empathetic and empowering leader, able to uplift team culture, drive collaboration and influence outcomes across the organisation.

To view the Position Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: 

For more information, please contact or call Ashley Wilkes, Director at W&Co Search, on

Applications should include a one-page cover letter and a detailed resume outlining your relevant experience.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know

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