• Full time permanent role
• Salary: $112K - $125k + Super + Monthly RDO
• Ability to transfer or take LSL (Long Service Leave) within Local Government

About Merri-bek City Council

Merri-bek City Council is a progressive council of 175,000 residents: one community, proudly diverse. Our council area sits within the banks of the Merri Creek and the Moonee Ponds Creek, and includes Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park and Pascoe Vale. Our city is vibrant and energetic, known for its active community, cultural diversity, creative industries and the arts. Our long-term vision has ambitious goals for environmental sustainability, social justice, community wellbeing, and creating great places. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food and cafés right at the doorstep.

Merri-bek Council strives to be a contemporary, innovative and collaborative organisation with a deep commitment to engaging and supporting the Merri-bek community. Our organisational vision is to be one team, brave and diverse, making a difference.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We offer flexible and hybrid work options and genuinely care about providing our staff work/life balance. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food, cafés, parks and a cinema right at the doorstep. Merri-bek is a great place to live, work and play.

About the role

Merri-bek City Council has long been recognised as an industry leader in delivering progressive, and evidence-based strategic planning projects and amendments. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of one of Melbourne’s most diverse and dynamic municipalities—renowned for its strong commitment to sustainability, social justice, and inclusive community outcomes.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Principal Strategic Planner to lead complex strategic planning projects, develop land use and built form policy, and manage significant planning scheme amendments. The role also involves representing Council at Planning Panels, Advisory Committees and other forums, and contributing to Merri-bek’s responses to State Government planning reforms.

This senior-level position includes mentoring early career staff and contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team. It would suit a strategic planner with strong project management skills, a sound understanding of planning policy, and a genuine interest in advancing Merri-bek’s strategic planning objectives.

Skills and experience require to perform the role

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders and effectively partnering to influence decision-making
• Tertiary qualifications in urban planning or a related discipline
• Extensive experience in delivering land use and development policy, including complex planning scheme amendments.
• Strong project management, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to provide strategic advice and advocate effectively in State planning processes
• A collaborative mindset, with a commitment to mentoring and team development

What the role can offer

• Monthly RDO
• Extensive opportunities for training & career development
• Salary sacrifice options
• A real sense of work-life balance & flexible work options
• Employer-supported study assistance schemes
• Wellness programs

Further support offered for our staff -

• Up to 20 weeks primary & up to 5 weeks secondary parental leave
• Purchase leave
• Ceremonial leave
• Gender affirmation leave
• Family violence leave

For further information about this position please contact

Alayna Chapman, Unit Manger Strategic Planning on 9240 2470 or [email protected]

Applications close: 11:30pm, Monday, 28 July 2025.

Before submitting an application please view the Position Description.

Please note that when applying for this role, you may be required to attach your valid Driver's Licence and WWCC, and also Tertiary qualifications in one or more urban planning or related disciplines. Please have this ready when completing your application.

How to apply

Please fill out an application using our online recruitment system. You will be required to upload your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience. You do not need to respond to the individual Key Selection Criteria. Please also upload any other relevant documents.

*Please note that some documents relating to this position may reference Moreland City Council. We are in the process of updating the councils new name of Merri-bek City Council.

Please note that applications must only be submitted online, applications will not be accepted via email.

Merri-bek City Council is proudly diverse and an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, people with disability, and people from every culture, sexuality and gender identity, age and ethnic background. Merri-bek City Council is a Child Safe organisation.

Merri-bek is focused on diverse representation of the community we serve. With this we value lived experience that could contribute to the shaping of this role and in turn will continue to provide representation and growth of safe and inclusive work culture.

We encourage everyone to apply and discuss opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience. Council is committed to removing barriers and access to employment where possible at any point in the recruitment, onboarding and during your time at Council. For further information regarding access or modifications you may require for a recruitment process please contact Danni Jovanovic, Recruitment Business Partner on [email protected]

Our Commitment

In May 2021, Merri-bek Council adopted a revised Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the municipality. The statement recognises the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of our municipality.

Merri-bek City Council is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We believe children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and that their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. You can read more about our Child Safety Commitment Statement on our website.