Manager, Strategic Planning

Lead strategic innovation in planning policy and land use frameworks that shape a sustainable, future ready city.

Empower a high-performing team and foster a culture of continuous improvement and strategic excellence.

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.

As Manager, Strategic Planning you will lead a forward-thinking team driving long-term land use, infrastructure, sustainability and community focused outcomes. You’ll anticipate emerging challenges, champion adaptive solutions, and influence decisions that impact generations to come. If you're passionate about innovation, collaboration and making a meaningful impact, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose.

Why Join Us?

Lead innovation in strategic planning: Drive future-focused policies that shape sustainable growth and community wellbeing.

Make a lasting impact: Guide long-term land use, infrastructure and environmental strategies in a high-growth, dynamic environment.

Be part of a values-driven organisation: Champion collaboration, continuous improvement, and authentic engagement across internal teams and external stakeholders.

About the Role

As the Manager, Strategic Planning you will:

Drive visionary and innovative planning strategies that shape land use, infrastructure, and sustainability outcomes aligned with Council’s long-term vision and community priorities.

Proactively responding to opportunities within an environment of rapid legislative.

Lead strategic innovation by harnessing data, emerging trends, and scenario planning to craft agile policies that respond to a rapidly evolving urban landscape.

Champion inclusive engagement, building trust and collaboration with internal teams, community groups, and external stakeholders.

Provide confident leadership in politically and environmentally sensitive contexts, delivering strategic advice and safeguarding Council’s reputation.

Empower a high-performing team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and evidence-based practice.

Manage budgets, prioritise resources, and deliver strategic planning projects efficiently, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.

Build strategic partnerships, leveraging innovation and collaboration with government, industry and community to enhance planning outcomes and service delivery.

What You’ll Bring:

Tertiary qualifications in either Urban Planning, Strategic Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Planning, or a related discipline.

Proven leadership experience, managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex, high-impact planning projects.

Extensive experience in strategic urban planning, with a strong foundation in land use policy, infrastructure coordination, and environmental regulation within complex growth environments.

Comprehensive understanding of NSW planning legislation, development controls, and strategic frameworks across diverse urban contexts.

Advanced analytical and scenario planning skills, with the ability to forecast trends and translate data into adaptive policy solutions.

Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including presenting to senior leaders and navigating sensitive planning issues.

Desirable Criteria:

Postgraduate qualifications in strategic leadership, urban development, or public sector management.

Eligibility for professional membership, such as the Planning Institute of Australia or equivalent.

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.

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

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

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.