Director Planning and Environment

Shape the future of one of Australia's most dynamic urban centres.

North Sydney is changing.

With the opening of Sydney Metro, unprecedented investment, significant housing growth and the transformation of key precincts, this is one of the most exciting planning leadership opportunities in local government.

North Sydney Council is seeking an exceptional Director Planning and Environment to lead a high-performing division responsible for strategic planning, development assessment, community services and environmental sustainability, heritage, urban design, compliance and regulatory services.

This is a career-defining opportunity to help shape the future of a globally recognised harbour city while preserving the qualities that make North Sydney one of Australia's most desirable places to live, work and visit.

The Opportunity

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the next chapter of North Sydney's evolution.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Mayor and Councillors, leading major strategic initiatives including master planning for key precincts in North Sydney and Crows Nest. These plans will help accommodate significant population growth while delivering the parks, public spaces, community infrastructure, transport connections and vibrant centres needed to create healthy, liveable neighbourhoods.

You will lead a talented multidisciplinary team delivering:

- Strategic land use planning and precinct master planning
- Development assessment and planning advice
- Urban design and place-making
- Community services
- Environmental sustainability and climate initiatives
- Heritage planning




- Regulatory and compliance services

You will also help shape Council's response to the opportunities presented by Metro Sydney, housing reform and changing planning policy, ensuring growth is supported by thoughtful design, high-quality public spaces and long-term infrastructure planning.

About You

You are an experienced executive leader who combines strategic thinking with sound judgement and the ability to deliver results.

You bring

- Extensive leadership experience in planning or a related discipline
- A strong track record in project managing and delivering complex strategic planning and development outcomes
- The ability to build productive relationships with elected representatives, government agencies, industry and the community
- Outstanding communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
- A team-oriented leadership style that develops people, encourages innovation and builds high-performing teams
- A genuine passion for creating places that are sustainable, liveable and resilient.

Why North Sydney? This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of one of Australia's most significant urban environments.

You'll work on projects that will shape the city for generations, lead a respected professional team and contribute to an organisation committed to excellence, innovation and delivering outstanding outcomes for its community.

If you are an inspiring leader who wants to help shape the future of North Sydney, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, contact:

Esme Lynch, Principal Consultant - [0413 282 765](tel:0413 282 765) / [email protected]

OR

Alex Scott, NSW State Manager - [0424 150 589](tel:0424 150 589) / [email protected]

Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 30th August 2026.

📌 Director Planning and Environment (Sydney)
🏢 Public Sector People
📍 Sydney