Development Assessment Team Leader

Lead projects that shape Willoughby’s future and enrich community life

Flexible working and RDO’s available

Salary from $128,405.61 - $149,228.14 per annum plus 12% Superannuation plus Travel Allowance

Make a Difference Where You Work

Join a team where your leadership and planning expertise directly shape the future of our community. As the Development Assessment Team Leader, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding development outcomes that balance growth, sustainability, and community values. Lead a dedicated team, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to strategic planning initiatives that make a lasting impact. If you're passionate about delivering high-quality service, fostering collaboration, and navigating complex planning challenges, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day.

Why Join Us?

Lead with Impact – Play a key role in shaping the built environment and guiding development that reflects community values and strategic planning goals.

Collaborative Culture – Be part of a supportive team that values innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

Career Progression – Take advantage of leadership opportunities, cross-team collaboration, and exposure to strategic planning initiatives that support your career development.

About the Role

As the Development Assessment Team Leader, you will:

Provide day-to-day leadership, mentoring, and performance management to Development Assessment Officers and the Development Enquiry Officer.

Oversee the assessment and reporting of Development and Subdivision Applications, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with planning legislation.

Facilitate pre-lodgement meetings, respond to enquiries and complaints, review planning reports and represent Council in Planning Panel meetings.

Assist in achieving Operational Management Plan targets, coordinate workloads, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Conduct review determinations under Division 8.2 of the EP&A Act, and support the development of planning procedures and practices.

Manage team and project budgets effectively to ensure efficient allocation of resources.

Lead and support staff in the use of the NSW Planning Portal for development assessment and related processes.

Collaborate with the Strategic Planning Team on policy development and provide coverage for other teams and leadership roles as required.

What You’ll Bring:

A Degree in Town Planning or a closely related field, with extensive experience in development assessment.

Current NSW Class C Driver’s License.

Proven experience in development assessment with a strong understanding of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Local Government Act 1993, and other relevant NSW planning legislation.

Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and mentor staff within a planning or development assessment context.

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including negotiation, conflict resolution, and customer service.

Proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, and effectively use Microsoft Office and planning systems such as the NSW Planning Portal.

Desirable:

Previous experience working in Local or State Government or similar regulatory environments.

Experience in heritage, urban design, and environmental assessments.

Experience with complex, multistage or high-rise development applications, particularly within a CBD location

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, contact: Caitlin McNally, Acting Manager - Development Assessment at [email protected] or +61 2 9777 7625.

Applications should address all the key responsibilities outlined in the Position Description. The Position Description (PD) is located in the Job Attachments section of the job listing.

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

Applications close: Sunday, 16 November 2025 at 11:30pm

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.