About the role

Are you ready to lead in one of Victoria’s most diverse and dynamic planning environments? Yarra Ranges Council is seeking a passionate and experienced Executive Officer to join our Planning Services Team. This is a unique opportunity to play a senior leadership role in shaping the future of a region that spans the stunning Yarra Valley, the foothills of Mount Dandenong, and everything in between. Why Yarra Ranges? Our planning scheme is as diverse as our landscape. From urban housing developments to boutique tourist accommodation, wineries, and rural enterprises, no two days are the same. You’ll be leading a team which works across a wide range of application types in a region renowned for its natural beauty, vibrant communities, and complex planning challenges.

Reporting directly to the Manager Planning and Building, the Executive Officer is a key leader within the department. You’ll lead and develop a high-performing team of professionals, cultivating a culture grounded in Council’s values and community engagement. As a key partner across departments, you’ll navigate complex political and strategic matters, drive continuous improvement, and bring curiosity and innovation to redefine service delivery in line with evolving community expectations.

The role also plays an important part in leading and delivering high level customer service to our community.

This is a full-time permanent position (38 hours per week). This is a Band 8 role with a salary range rate between $128,554 and $144,055 per annum, plus superannuation.

Benefits of working with us:

• Support work-life balance with your choice of a monthly rostered day off and hybrid working arrangements.

• 20 weeks paid primary caregiver leave (6 weeks for secondary caregivers) plus other generous leave options such as volunteer leave, family planning, study assistance and menstrual and menopause leave.

• Opportunities for professional development and to take on temporary roles in other teams to grow your skills and experience.

Experience and skills we’re looking for

• Motivational leader and a leader who will deliver a high level of customer service.

• A strategic thinker with strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills

• Passion for innovation, collaboration, and community-focused outcomes

• Strong expertise in statutory planning processes, including assessment, enforcement, and interpretation of planning schemes and legislation.

• The ability to provide overall resource management and budget control for the statutory planning activities, within the framework of the department budget.

• A customer-first mindset with the ability to lead cultural change that enhances community outcomes and service quality.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build cross-functional partnerships and influence outcomes across departments.

• Proven leadership experience in managing high-performing planning or compliance teams, with a focus on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Ability to provide leadership and guidance to the Development Compliance teams through direct management or supporting with technical planning considerations and enforcement decisions.

• Strategic thinking and planning skills to execute organisational goals and contribute to departmental business plans.

• Tertiary qualification in planning or a related field, or significant leadership experience in government statutory planning. Equivalent qualifications also considered.

• Great organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate confidently with diverse customers.

How to apply

Please ensure you submit your application via our jobs portal by clicking ‘Apply’. Include a resume and cover letter with your application. In your cover letter, tell us about your experience, skills, and why you would like to work with us here at Yarra Ranges Council.

Applications close: 11.59pm, Sunday 02 November 2025.

Contact person: Katie Douglas, Manager Planning and Building, 03 9294 6143

If you need support with your application or have accessibility needs, please call the contact person above or email us at [email protected]. Applicants who progress past the interview stage must complete pre-employment checks. These checks will include a Police Check and Psychometric Assessment.

About Yarra Ranges Council

Yarra Ranges Council committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. We encourage people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities to apply for jobs with us. We support flexible work arrangements, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options to meet your needs and suit your life. Yarra Ranges Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. We are committed to protecting children from abuse in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe