Lead and inspire a dynamic team to shape the future of urban planning. Drive innovative policies and strategies that foster sustainable, liveable communities. Collaborate with stakeholders to create impactful urban design and infrastructure solutions. Join a forward-thinking Council committed to excellence and community engagement. Join the Sutherland Shire Council Sutherland Shire Council is undergoing an exciting period of development and growth; join our Urban Futures business unit within this new position as Strategic Planning Manager. Lead with purpose in a role that places you at the heart of urban transformation; you’ll guide a talented team in crafting innovative policies and place-making strategies that foster sustainable, liveable communities. Collaborate with stakeholders across government, industry, and the community to deliver bold urban design and infrastructure solutions that reflect the Shire’s unique character and aspirations. Join a forward-thinking Council that values excellence, creativity, and meaningful engagement. Your Role as Strategic Planning Manager As Strategic Planning Manager, you will: Lead strategic planning and place-making functions across the Shire Drive the development of land-use strategies, infrastructure planning, and urban design initiatives Foster partnerships with government agencies, community groups, and internal stakeholders Ensure planning excellence through sound policy, legislative compliance, and high-quality project delivery Inspire and mentor a high-performing team of professionals Experience in VPA negotiation, precinct planning, social planning, heritage planning and infrastructure planning This role is pivotal in ensuring excellence in strategic planning practise, fostering partnerships with government and community stakeholders and managing key projects that enhance the urban landscape. Who We Are Looking For We’re seeking a visionary leader with: A degree in Planning, Urban Design, or a related discipline Extensive experience in strategic planning within local government Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and deliver complex projects Strong knowledge of the EP&A Act 1979, Local Government Act, and related planning instruments Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and report writing skills Experience in VPA negotiation, precinct planning, social planning, heritage planning and infrastructure planning If you’re ready to take the next step in your planning career and help shape a resilient, vibrant future for the Sutherland Shire, we’d love to hear from you. Join our Team and Grow with Us! If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community, apply now to join our team at Sutherland Shire Council! Apply by responding to our online application questions and submitting your resume outlining why we are a great fit! Get your application in by 11.59pm: Sunday 30th November 2025. Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within 2 weeks of closing Package: Competitive salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate Hours of work: Permanent Full Time Opportunity To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options. Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks (including Covid-19 Vaccination), and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks. Reach out to Jordan Widenstrom, Senior Manager Urban Futures, jwidenstrom@ssc.nsw.gov.au for any job specific enquiries. Lucille Kilshaw, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, lkilshaw@ssc.nsw.gov.au , can assist with any recruitment related enquiries. Click on the link to check out the Position Description Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events. About Us If you want to make a difference and be part of a challenging and rewarding working environment, then joining us just might be the right career move for you! Join a passionate and dedicated team covering a diversity of services, industries and occupations. At Sutherland Shire Council we do more than serve our community – we are our community. Our energy can be seen in everything we do. From having a can-do attitude, to embracing change and opportunities, being people-centred and working together as one.
