Permanent, Full Time

Contribute to shaping our city’s long-term land-use planning vision in partnership with the community.

Help shape a liveable, vibrant, and sustainable future for the city as part of a supportive and high-performing strategic planning team

Career-defining leadership opportunity to mentor and guide a team of dedicated professionals

Enjoy a flexible and balanced work environment with a 9-day fortnight, hybrid work options, and flexible hours

LET’S EXPLORE THE JOB

You will lead the development and implementation of land use and transport strategies, urban design guidelines, heritage studies, and structure plans, while also preparing key planning policy documents such as local environmental plans and development control plans.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of our city in a collaborative and community-focused environment.

Your key focus areas are:

Provide professional, sound and timely strategic planning advice to internal and external stakeholders including Councillors

Manage and deliver projects in accordance with Councils Operational Plan and the Integrated Planning Department Business Plan

Contribute to the continuous improvement and effectiveness of the team

Proactively identify and respond to emerging planning issues to ensure a liveable, vibrant and sustainable future for the City

Consult with relevant stakeholders to ensure a wide range of issues and views are considered in planning projects

Actively work with staff across Council to promote an integrated approach to strategic planning

Read the position statement and learn more about this exciting opportunity.

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU

You are passionate about driving continuous improvement to better serve the community. With outstanding communication skills, you will adopt a consultative, proactive, and collaborative approach to engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including colleagues, elected officials, residents, government agencies, developers, and community groups to ensure diverse perspectives are reflected in planning outcomes. Your proven ability to lead complex strategic planning projects, combined with strong project management, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, will be key to your success in this role.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

University qualification and extensive professional work experience in Urban and Regional Planning or other related fields (e.g. Environmental Planning, Development Studies, Urban Design, Natural Resource Management, Economics, Social Planning, Environmental Engineering)

Extensive experience in the management of strategic planning projects and preparation of documents (e.g. land use strategies, LEPs and DCPs) that incorporate social, economic and environmental factors into decision making

In depth knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, regulations, and policies in addressing contemporary strategic land use planning issues

Experience in planning and delivering community engagement programs and activities (exhibitions, meetings and workshops) for strategic planning projects

Strong project management skills including contract management and engagement of consultants and the ability to complete complex projects within time, cost and quality constraints

LET’S REVEAL THE PERKS

Competitive salary from $111,032 to $129,037 a year plus industry-leading 12 per cent superannuation

Enterprise Agreement pay increase apply July 2025

Commencing salary set in line with skills and experience with annual reviews available to support movement through the salary range

35-hour week with flexible working hours and nine-day fortnight

Training and development opportunities

Free parking within walking distance of our contemporary light filled office building

We value your health and wellbeing and offer generous discounted gym memberships through our Corporate Fitness program, connect with colleagues through our social club, be inspired by regular wellbeing initiatives, annual flu vaccinations, and confidential support via our employee assistance (EAP) program

We are committed to being an employer of choice. We will do all we can to help you develop your skills, and make a difference, right from the start. We have a flexible workplace and focus on all aspects of your physical and mental health and safety. We want you to be with us for the long-term, so providing you with rich career experiences and ongoing development is our priority.

Convenient access to scenic walking and cycling paths for lunch breaks.

Along with many other perks that come from choosing Lake Mac!

CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY

We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That’s why we’re passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you join a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We’re proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disabilities. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.

LET’S START

If this job sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! Get your application in by midnight, Sunday 15 June 2025.

For enquiries related to the duties of the role, please contact Iain Moore, Coordinator Strategic Landuse Planning, +61 4921 0332 or via email [email protected].

If you need assistance or an adjustment when submitting your application, please click here or contact Georgina Green, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 02 4921 0495 or via email [email protected].

Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you'd like feedback on your application or interview, don't hesitate to get in touch — we're here for you!

To view the Capability Framework – Role Profile relevant to this role, please click here.

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement.

Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.