Manager, Development Assessments

Lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team driving excellence in development assessment, certification, and customer experience.

Drive strategic planning initiatives to deliver compliant, community-focused outcomes.

Salary from $168,668.38 - $196,020.21 p.a. plus 12% Superannuation plus Travel Allowance.

Make a Difference Where You Work

Willoughby City Council is experiencing significant change and accelerated population growth. Guiding future growth to ensure exceptional outcomes for the City is a key challenge of this role. From harbourside bushland setting to thriving CBD, Willoughby has the exceptional characteristics which make it a unique place to live, work and visit.

The new Manager, Development Assessments is a key role within the organisation and will have responsibility for managing new development from inception through to delivery. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead a multidisciplinary team of planners, certifiers, engineers and technical experts to deliver high-quality, timely and customer-focused development assessments. You’ll play a key role in managing complex projects and providing strategic advice on high-profile matters.

If you're passionate about driving excellent customer service, fostering community trust, and making a lasting impact through planning leadership, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose and help shape the future of Willoughby.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a collaborative, values-driven team culture: Champion integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Lead with purpose in a strategic role: Shape the future of development across Willoughby by balancing community expectations with planning excellence.

Experience meaningful impact and career growth: Lead pivotal development projects within a supportive council environment that values community wellbeing and professional development.

About the Role

As the Manager, Development Assessments you will:

Manage the end-to-end assessment of development applications and certifications, ensuring quality, consistency, legislative compliance, and adherence to statutory timeframes.

Respond to a rapidly changing environment of complex and major applications, assessed and determined by NSW Government.

Lead and coach across multidisciplinary teams including planners, engineers, certifiers, and technical specialists.

Oversee planning administration processes including lodgement, tracking, and post-determination communication.

Deliver clear, confident advice on high-profile and politically sensitive development matters to senior executives and elected officials.

Drive a customer-focused culture within a regulatory framework, balancing service excellence with governance and community expectations.

Manage financial and resource management, including budgeting and cost recovery, aligned with strategic plans.

Ensure compliance with NSW planning legislation and Council policies while managing operational budgets and team performance.

What You’ll Bring:

Tertiary qualifications in Urban Planning or a related field.

Extensive experience in development assessment and planning approvals, with strong regulatory knowledge.

Proven leadership in complex environments, managing multidisciplinary teams and high-profile projects.

Expertise in NSW planning legislation, including EP&A Act, SEPPs, DCPs, and certification processes.

Experience of complex, multi-stage or high-rise development within a variety of locations included CBD based development.

Strong analytical, reporting and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence in politically sensitive contexts.

Ability to engage and collaborate with high-profile stakeholders across government and the community.

Desirable Criteria:

Postgraduate qualifications in Public Administration, Urban Development, Law or a related field.

Eligibility for membership with the Planning Institute of Australia or equivalent professional body is desirable.

How to apply

Visit https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Council/Working-with-us/Careers to apply or learn more including all about the range of benefits on offer at Willoughby.

Applications should address all the key responsibilities outlined in the Position Description.

For more information on the role, please contact Grace McEvoy at [email protected]

Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening including police and qualification checks.

Applications close: Sunday, 2 November 2025 at 11.30 pm

Please note recruitment activity may commence before the closing date.

At Willoughby City Council, inclusion, diversity and belonging are core to how we work and how we recruit. We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community – one where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to contribute fully. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, LGBTIQA+ communities, veterans, and people of all ages. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. We are committed to ensuring an accessible, inclusive and barrier-free experience for every candidate.