Principal Strategic Planner

Synopsis

• Shape Melbourne's future as a bold, sustainable global city
• Contract until 26 June 2026
• $118, 141 - $132, % superannuation

About The Role
The Principal Strategic Planner will shape Melbourne's future as a bold, sustainable global city. You will lead strategic infrastructure planning, identifying long-term needs, driving funding strategies, and delivering development and contribution plans that make a lasting impact.

As a subject matter expert in Development Contribution Plans (DCPs) and Infrastructure Contribution Plans (ICPs), you'll bring your expertise into a dynamic capital city context. You'll take initiative, apply innovative thinking, and collaborate to lead projects that establish contemporary funding approaches for urban renewal precincts, masterplans, and city-wide infrastructure planning.

Beyond leading key projects, you will work across the organisation to develop robust policies and procedures for DCP and ICP management, ensuring best practice and consistency within council.

• External secondment opportunities are welcomed and encouraged.

Why join Team Melbourne?
Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the
heart
of it all is the
City of Melbourne
– a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of
Team Melbourne
, you'll help deliver what's most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We're proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it's your chance to
make a real impact
, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne's future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

About You
You are a strategic leader with deep expertise in Development Contribution Plans (DCPs) and Infrastructure Contribution Plans (ICPs). You thrive in complex environments and bring a proven ability to deliver infrastructure planning at scale. Your approach combines technical knowledge with innovative thinking, and you take initiative to create contemporary funding solutions for urban renewal precincts, masterplans, and city-wide projects.

Collaboration is at the heart of how you work. You build strong relationships across teams to influence outcomes, establish robust policies, and embed best practice approaches. You see the big picture, plan for the long term, and lead projects that make a lasting impact on Melbourne's future as a bold and sustainable global city.

What Your Experience Might Look Like

• A tertiary qualification in Built Environment such as Planning, land use / development economics or relevant field, with extensive experience in preparing and implementing urban planning strategies to enable and manage future growth and urban renewal, including infrastructure plans.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in the application of the legislative and policy framework underpinning the preparation and implementation of development and infrastructure contributions plan systems in Victoria.
• Demonstrated understanding of the practical implications for local government in the implementation of development and infrastructure contributions systems and of the relationship between plan obligations, capital works programming and funding.
• High level of interpersonal skills in negotiating and working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders with divergent views to successfully gain cooperation to achieve target outcomes.
• Outstanding project management skills and experience in leading major multi-disciplinary, cross-corporate projects within a governance framework, and to implement projects on time and to budget.

Desirable

• Experience in the use and/or development of DCP management software.
• Ability to use and apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital graphics tools for analysing, devising and communicating strategy and policy in maps, plans and diagrams.

Benefits Of Working With Us

• Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working & other great corporate discounts.
• Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.
• Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.

How To Apply
We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role As part of your application, you will be required to:

• Attach your updated resume
• Include a cover letter (max one page) outlining your relevant experience and why you're a great fit for this role.

Submit your application no later than 11:45pm on Thursday 27 November 2025.
A few important things to note – don't miss out

• Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can't accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.
• Apply early This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don't wait to get your application in.
• We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Need more info?
Refer to the position description below or contact Jo Jo Chen – Manager Strategic Planning (Infrastructure and Contributions), Jo-

Inclusion matters
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you're contacted for an interview.