Manager Strategic Urban Planning

• 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 Urban 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 Strategic Urban Planning, you will lead one of three strategic planning teams for the City of Melbourne. The strategic urban planning function shapes the planning policies, frameworks and planning outcomes that guide the city’s future growth and development. Working across complex and evolving urban challenges, you will provide expert advice to senior leaders and Councillors, drive integrated planning initiatives, and ensure the Melbourne Planning Scheme remains current, effective and responsive. This is a unique opportunity to influence long-term city outcomes through strategic leadership, collaboration and evidence-based planning.

A Little More About the Role

• Lead a strategic urban planning team, guiding integrated land use, infrastructure and planning outcomes that support the city’s long-term vision and growth.
• Shape the future development of Melbourne by leading major strategic planning programs, maintaining the Melbourne Planning Scheme, and influencing significant policy and planning decisions.
• Provide trusted advice to Councillors and senior leaders, applying strategic insight and professional judgement to address complex planning challenges and emerging city-shaping issues.
• Build strong partnerships across government, industry and the community, representing Council in key forums and driving collaboration to achieve coordinated and sustainable planning outcomes.
• Lead and develop a high-performing planning team, fostering innovation, continuous improvement and best-practice planning approaches while ensuring strong governance, resource stewardship and delivery excellence.

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 in urban planning, design or a related discipline, with extensive professional experience 
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic urban planning, policy development or city-scale initiatives 
• Strong leadership capability, with demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering /complex programs, including governance, risk management, resource allocation and successful organisational outcomes.
• Highly developed communication, stakeholder engagement and judgement skills, with a proven ability to provide strategic insights and trusted advice that inform Executive and Council-level decision-making.
• Deep understanding of strategic planning issues, including but not limited to land use, transport, housing, heritage and infrastructure issues.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capability, with the ability to translate insights into policy and planning 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 contact *******@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.