Manager City Strategy

• An exciting opportunity to help shape Melbourne’s future as part of our newly established City Strategy and Urban Planning branch. 
• Permanent Full Time Opportunity 
• $144,471 - $162,599 + 12% Super

Join us in shaping Melbourne's future

The City Strategy and Planning Branch is a team of 38 people that provide the long-term strategic direction that shapes the City of Melbourne’s future. Through research, foresight and strategic urban planning, the branch guides sustainable growth, manages city change and helps deliver the City of Melbourne’s long-term vision. 

As part of our new operating model, we are building a team of talented professionals who are passionate about city shaping, evidence-based decision making and creating positive outcomes for City of Melbourne's communities. 

About the Role

As Manager City Strategy, you will lead the City of Melbourne’s central strategy team, driving the development and coordination of organisation-wide strategies that support the Council Plan and long-term city vision. Working across a diverse range of policy and planning areas, you will provide strategic leadership, governance and expert advice to ensure Council’s strategies are evidence-based, aligned and impactful. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of Melbourne by leading major city-shaping initiatives and fostering a consistent, future-focused approach to strategy across the organisation.

A Little More About the Role

• Lead the team that will develop and coordinate city-wide strategies and frameworks, ensuring alignment with the Council Plan and Melbourne’s long-term vision and priorities.
• Drive integrated strategic thinking across the organisation, bringing together economic, social, environmental, cultural, movement and First Nations perspectives to deliver cohesive, place-based outcomes.
• Provide trusted strategic advice to Councillors and senior leaders, influencing significant policy, planning and investment decisions that shape the future of the city.
• Lead complex, high-impact initiatives and strategic programs, establishing strong governance, prioritisation and delivery approaches that support organisation-wide success.
• Build strategic capability and partnerships across Council, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to embed evidence-based, future-focused planning and decision-making.

To view full position description, please see attached document on job application page in “Position Information”.

About You

You are an experienced strategic leader with: 

• Relevant tertiary qualification with extensive experience in strategic planning, policy, social science or related disciplines 
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-organisational initiatives and shaping organisation-wide or city-scale strategies and policies that deliver significant and lasting impact.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams and complex strategic programs 
• Highly developed communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with a proven ability to provide strategic insights and trusted advice that inform Executive and Council-level decision-making across government, industry and community stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capability, with the ability to translate insights into direction 

About City of Melbourne

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

What we can offer you at City of Melbourne

• Industry-leading parental and family leave – benefit from generous paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers, gender-neutral policies, surrogacy support, and a range of leave options to support you through every stage of life.
• A strong commitment to health, wellbeing and inclusion – access wellbeing initiatives, discounted aquatic and gym memberships, an Employee Assistance Program, and a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, diversity and belonging.
• Competitive rewards and financial benefits – including 17.5% annual leave loading, a discounted annual Myki pass, and access to a broad range of corporate discounts across insurance, banking, technology, health, retail, entertainment and more.
• Career growth and meaningful impact – work alongside talented professionals on city-shaping initiatives that make a lasting difference to Melbourne while building your leadership capability and professional expertise.
• Flexibility that works for you – enjoy flexible working arrangements including hybrid work, flexible hours, accrued days off, time-in-lieu options, and part-time or job-share opportunities to support a healthy work-life balance.

How to apply

We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role! As part of your application, you will be required to:

• Attach your updated resume
• Attach a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills, experience and qualifications align with the key selection criteria.

Submit your application by Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 11:45 PM.

A few important things to note – don’t miss out!

• Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can’t accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.
• Apply early! This advertisement may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don’t wait to get your application in.
• We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Need more info? 

For further information about the position please refer to the position description below or *******@melbourne.vic.gov.au 

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.