We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Principal Urban Planner to join our Melbourne team.

As a key leader within our Planning and Environment team, you will play a critical role in delivering urban planning services across a diverse portfolio of major infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the water sector and water utility clients, alongside transport, energy, and built setting projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with some of Victoria's leading water authorities and utility providers, supporting the planning and delivery of essential infrastructure that enables sustainable growth and community outcomes. You will lead complex planning approvals, provide trusted strategic advice to clients, and guide multidisciplinary teams in delivering innovative and practical solutions.

Your leadership and expertise will directly contribute to some of Melbourne's most significant and transformative infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

Your role will include, but not be limited to:

- Leading the delivery of statutory and strategic planning services across major infrastructure, water, and urban development projects.
- Providing expert planning advice throughout all project phases, from feasibility and development through to approvals and delivery.
- Managing and securing planning approvals, including planning permit applications, Heritage Act permits, and other regulatory processes.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to water utility clients, government agencies, and infrastructure providers, supporting the successful delivery of critical assets and services.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, government authorities, communities, and internal stakeholders.
- Leading multidisciplinary project teams and coordinating specialist sub-consultants to ensure high‑quality project outcomes.
- Preparing and reviewing technical reports, planning assessments, and approval documentation.




- Supporting business development activities, client engagement initiatives, and the growth of our planning and environmental services offering.
- Mentoring and developing junior planners while fostering a collaborative, high‑performing team environment.

About You

You are a highly accomplished planning professional with significant experience delivering planning outcomes for major infrastructure projects. You bring a strong understanding of Victoria's planning framework and have successfully navigated complex approval pathways for large‑scale developments.

Ideally, you have established consulting experience working within the water industry and/or partnering with water utility clients, giving you a strong appreciation of the planning challenges and opportunities associated with essential water infrastructure.

You are a natural leader who enjoys mentoring others, building strong client relationships, and driving exceptional project outcomes.

Skills & Experience

- Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years' experience in statutory and strategic planning, ideally within major infrastructure, water, utilities, or urban development projects.
- Demonstrated experience working with, or delivering projects for, water authorities, water utilities, or the broader water sector.
- Strong knowledge of Victorian planning and environmental approvals processes, particularly for major and complex infrastructure projects.
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior planning professionals.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, including experience working with government agencies, utility providers, and project partners.
- Strong business development capability and a track record of building and maintaining client relationships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Eligibility for membership of a relevant professional planning association.

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📌 Principal Urban Planner (Melbourne)
🏢 Kbr
📍 Melbourne