About the Role

As the Head of Urban Foresight & City Strategy , you will oversee the Urban Research and Foresight and City Strategy teams, providing insight, evidence and strategic thinking that inform Melbourne’s most significant long‑term decisions. Working closely with senior leaders across Council, you will drive long‑term planning, identify emerging opportunities and challenges, and help shape a sustainable, resilient and inclusive future for Melbourne.

Responsibilities

- Lead Melbourne’s long‑term city strategy and urban foresight agenda, shaping the future of the city through strategic planning, research, policy development and Vision 2050 priorities.
- Build and lead a high‑performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of inclusion, wellbeing, accountability, continuous improvement and professional growth aligned to City of Melbourne values.
- Provide trusted strategic advice and influence decision‑making at Executive Leadership Team, Council and external stakeholder levels on complex and high‑impact urban issues.
- Drive organisation‑wide collaboration and integration, bringing together strategy, planning, research, data and policy functions to deliver coordinated, evidence‑based outcomes for the community.
- Oversee the delivery, governance and performance of a significant portfolio of strategic initiatives, ensuring strong stewardship of people, budgets, resources, partnerships and risk management to achieve sustainable results.

Qualifications

- Relevant tertiary qualifications in urban planning, data analysis, economics, public policy, geography or related discipline (postgraduate qualifications desirable).
- Extensive experience leading city strategy, policy or strategic planning functions, with a proven ability to shape long‑term strategic direction and influence organisational outcomes.
- Proven capability to provide trusted, evidence‑based advice to executive leadership, Councils and governing bodies on complex, high‑impact issues and opportunities.




- Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex portfolios, fostering high performance, building capability and delivering strategic outcomes.
- Highly developed strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement and influence skills, with demonstrated success driving enterprise‑wide integration, leading foresight and data‑driven planning, and building partnerships across government, industry and community sectors.

Benefits

- Industry‑leading parental and family leave – generous paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers, gender‑neutral policies, surrogacy support and a range of leave options.
- Strong commitment to health, wellbeing and inclusion – access wellbeing initiatives, discounted aquatic and gym memberships, an Employee Assistance Program and a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, diversity and belonging.
- Competitive rewards and financial benefits – including 17.5% annual leave loading, a discounted annual Myki pass and access to a broad range of corporate discounts across insurance, banking, technology, health, retail, entertainment and more.
- Growth opportunities and meaningful impact – work alongside talented professionals on city‑shaping initiatives that make a lasting difference to Melbourne while building your leadership capability and professional expertise.
- Flexibility that works for you – flexible working arrangements including hybrid work, flexible hours, accrued days off, time‑in‑lieu options and part‑time or job‑share opportunities.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Head of Urban Foresight & City Strategy (Melbourne)
🏢 City Of Melbourne
📍 Melbourne