Department for Housing and Urban Development Job reference: 835459 Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE Job status: Ongoing Eligibility: Open to Everyone Manager Commission Assessment Department for Housing and Urban Development Key leadership role in development assessment. Lead high-value projects and complex planning processes. Drive innovation and continuous improvement in planning. SEEK Short Summary – Lead major development assessments and statutory panels across South Australia. McArthur is proud to partner with the Department for Housing and Urban Development in the recruitment of this pivotal leadership role. The Department for Housing and Urban Development (DHUD) is dedicated to delivering homes and housing options for South Australians. In response to the national housing crisis, they accelerate the delivery of diverse housing solutions, ensuring safe, affordable, and well-planned communities for all. The Planning and Building Directorate is a skilled, innovative team of land and built environment professionals shaping South Australia’s planning and land use systems. With strategic planning, growth management, and development assessment responsibilities, they create vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Planning is gaining momentum - making this an exciting time to join a high-performing and supportive team led by a well-regarded Executive Director. About the role… Reporting to the Director Development, the Manager Commission Assessment leads the delivery of high-value and complex development assessments. The role combines strategic leadership, operational management, and expert advice to the State Planning Commission (SPC), Ministers, and statutory panels. You will be pragmatic, flexible, and comfortable navigating complex and dynamic government decision-making, balancing legislative requirements with practical outcomes. This role requires strong political acumen, the ability to manage up and down, and highly responsive communication with stakeholders including developers, agencies, and Ministers. You will directly manage four reports and lead a broader team of 20–25 highly skilled planning professionals, fostering high performance, collaboration, and professional development in a supportive workplace culture. What you will do… Lead and manage the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP), Land Division Assessment Panel (LDAP), and complex statutory processes. Oversee development assessments for high-value, complex, and State-significant projects. Manage ERD and Supreme Court appeals, restricted development matters, and Ministerial referrals. Provide expert, legally robust, and pragmatic advice to SPC, Ministers, and key stakeholders. Facilitate pre-lodgement and design review processes with the Office for Design and Architecture SA (ODASA) Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, government agencies, developers, and industry groups Implement legislative and procedural improvements to ensure responsive and contemporary planning outcomes. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team while ensuring safe, equitable, and supportive workplaces. Drive a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in development assessment processes. What we are looking for… Accredited Professional eligible for Level 1 planning accreditation (or already accredited). Strategic expertise in land-use planning, development assessment, or policy development. Proven leadership in managing complex teams, high-value projects, and diverse stakeholder relationships. Outstanding communication and negotiation skills, responsive and politically astute. Government knowledge including working with Ministers, agencies, and statutory bodies. Flexible problem-solving to navigate complex decision-making and deliver practical, pragmatic outcomes. Major project delivery leading $10M development assessments and guiding skilled professional teams. Collaborative leadership style focused on integrity, professionalism, and fostering high-performing teams. Why this role… Be part of a high-performing, innovative planning team within a supportive and well-regarded Directorate. Lead high-profile and impactful projects shaping South Australia’s communities. Make a tangible impact on planning outcomes and housing delivery across the state. More information… To apply, please visit mcarthur.com.au and reference Job Number J8983 . Applications should include a Resume and Cover Letter addressing the key responsibilities and capabilities outlined. Confidential enquiries can be directed to Tamara Chambers or Rebecca Hunt on (08) 8100 7. Applications close: 20/03/2026 6:00 PM Attachments: - Manager Commission Assessment - DHUD Role Statement.pdf - Pre-Employment Declaration.pdf Flexibility Statement The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
