If you're a highly motivated, experienced town planner with strong leadership, management, and communication skills, this is your opportunity to lead in a complex, fast-paced urban environment—backed by a supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking team.

Waverley Council is seeking a permanent full-time Manager, Development Assessment to lead one of our three Development Assessment (DA) teams. This role reports to the Executive Manager, Development Assessment and plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality planning outcomes for one of Sydney’s most iconic areas.

What’s on Offer?

• Permanent full-time (35 hours/week) including potential for a 9-day fortnight
• A competitive salary in accordance with the Local Government (State) Award
• $148,778.99– $171,095.83 p.a plus 12 % superannuation
• Agile working opportunities
• Wellbeing initiatives – annual health fair, flu shots, skin checks
• Discounted gym membership via Fitness Passport
• Work on projects that directly impact the built environment of a diverse and high-profile LGA
• Collaborative, values-driven and innovative team culture

About the Role

As Manager, Development Assessment, you will lead a team of planning professionals in one of three DA areas. Your key responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership, technical oversight, and operational direction
• Managing complex development applications and ensuring best-practice planning outcomes
• Driving team performance to meet Council and statutory planning targets
• Ensuring development aligns with Council’s strategic and operational goals
• Representing Council at the Land and Environment Court, including instructing appeals and providing expert evidence
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to resolve planning issues efficiently

This is a key leadership role, shaping the future urban form of Waverley while supporting professional growth in your team.

Essential Criteria

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in town planning, urban design, or related field
• Proven leadership and management experience in a development assessment environment
• Strong knowledge of the NSW planning system and Land and Environment Court processes
• Excellent skills in negotiation, mediation, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution
• A commitment to high-quality customer service and fostering team development
• Understanding of and commitment to EEO principles

How to apply?

To be considered for this role, you will need to complete the following:

1. A cover letter outlining your motivation for the role
2. A current resume detailing your relevant experience
3. Complete the online questionnaire demonstrating how you meet each of the essential criteria
4. All applications must be submitted through the Council’s website. waverley.nsw.gov.au/council/jobs

Please note that pre-employment checks are a standard part of the recruitment process.

Please refer to the position description for detailed information on the position and required skills and experience. For more information about the position, please contact:
Angela Rossi – Executive Manager, Development Assessment
[email protected]

Waverley Council is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all candidates. We encourage applications from people from diverse groups, including, but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people; people from culturally diverse backgrounds; young people; older workers; people with disabilities; LGBTQIA+; and other minority groups. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our People and Culture team at [email protected].

We fully support the aims and objectives of the NSW Officer of Children's Guardian and Child Protection legislation. We will implement necessary practices to ensure a safe and supported Council environment for children and young people. All staff, volunteers and contractor’s welcome child safe and child friendly practices

Applications close Monday, 28 July @ 11:59 PM