Senior Strategic Planner

- Develop and deliver strategic planning policies and frameworks that shape the future of the Willoughby Local Government Area.

- Full-time opportunity with a 35-hour week, rostered days off and access to Fitness Passport.

- Salary from $117,697.89 - $136,784.03 per annum plus 12% Superannuation.

Make a Difference Where You Work

As the Senior Strategic Planner, you will contribute to delivering strategic planning initiatives that support sustainable growth and Council's long-term vision for the community.

Reporting to the Manager of Strategic Planning, you will develop strategic plans, policies and planning controls, provide expert planning advice, undertake research and analysis, and collaborate with a range of stakeholders to deliver best-practice planning outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional with strong strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder engagement and project delivery skills who is passionate about creating sustainable, well-designed communities.

Why Join Us?

- Shape Our City's Future: Influence strategic planning outcomes that guide growth, development and sustainability across Willoughby LGA.

- Meaningful and Diverse Work: Lead planning projects, policies and strategies that have a lasting impact on the community.

- Collaborative Environment: Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver innovative and evidence-based planning solutions.

About the Role

As the Senior Strategic Planner, you will:

- Develop, review and maintain environmental planning policies, including Local Environmental Plans (LEPs), Development Control Plans (DCPs) and Masterplans.

- Deliver and manage strategic planning projects, policies, plans and strategies.

- Collect, analyse and interpret data to evaluate the effectiveness of Council's strategic land use policies and planning frameworks.





- Undertake research and analysis to support evidence-based planning and decision-making.

- Prepare submissions and represent Council in consultation processes to advocate for community and strategic planning objectives.

- Provide expert advice to internal and external stakeholders.

- Monitor legislative and policy changes and provide advice on emerging planning issues and opportunities.

- Foster productive working relationships with government agencies, consultants, developers and the community.

- Assist in mentoring and supporting colleagues within the Strategic Planning team.

- Contribute to Council's vision through innovative and practical planning solutions.

What You’ll Bring

- Tertiary qualifications in Planning or a related discipline.

- Current NSW Class C Driver's Licence.

- Comprehensive knowledge of planning and environmental legislation, regulations and planning frameworks.

- Demonstrated experience preparing, reviewing and implementing strategic land use planning policies and strategies, including LEPs, DCPs, housing strategies and employment lands strategies.

- Proven experience managing strategic planning projects and delivering outcomes within agreed timeframes.

- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to apply evidence-based approaches to planning challenges.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex planning matters to diverse audiences.

- Robust stakeholder engagement, negotiation and relationship management skills.





- Well-developed organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

- A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively as part of a professional team.

- A customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality planning outcomes.

Desirable

- Experience working within Local Government, State Government or a similar planning environment.

How to apply: Visit ***************************************************************** to apply or learn more including all about the range of perks on offer at Willoughby.

For more information, contact: Dyalan Govender, Manager, Strategic Planning, at ************************************* on ************.

Applications should address all the key responsibilities outlined in the Position Description. The Position Description (PD) is located in the Job Attachments section of the job listing.

Successful candidates may be required to undertake pre-employment screening including police and qualification checks

Applications close: Sunday, 9 August 2026 at 11:30pm

Please note recruitment activity may commence before the closing date.

At Willoughby City Council, inclusion, diversity and belonging are core to how we work and how we recruit. We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community – one where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to contribute fully. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, LGBTIQA+ communities, veterans, and people of all ages. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. We are committed to ensuring an accessible, inclusive and barrier-free experience for every candidate.

📌 Senior Strategic Planner (Chatswood)
🏢 Willoughby City Council
📍 Chatswood