About the Opportunity

Are you a strategic thinker who can turn organisational priorities into clear, coordinated plans and measurable outcomes? We are seeking an experienced Integrated Planning and Reporting Specialist to lead the development and ongoing improvement of Council’s IP&R; framework, ensuring it meets the Office of Local Government (OLG) and legislative requirements while keeping community priorities at the heart of Council’s planning and decision making. This is a key role in strengthening how Council plans, prioritises, delivers and reports on its commitments within available resources.

Working collaboratively across Council, you will be a trusted partner and adviser, bringing people and planning activities together to create greater alignment, ownership and visibility of Council’s strategic priorities. You will build strong relationships with business units and planning groups, support meaningful community engagement, and promote consistent and effective planning practices across the organisation. With a strong focus on the bigger picture, you will connect community feedback, the Community Strategic Plan, operational and strategic plans, resourcing and performance reporting, helping Council translate strategy into delivery and demonstrate progress and outcomes for the community.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

- A relevant degree in business, economics or a related discipline, with comprehensive experience in strategic and operational planning within local government.
- Robust stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to confidently work with Councillors, senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
- Proven project management and coordination skills, with the ability to deliver planning and reporting outcomes within agreed timeframes.
- Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.




- Experience developing corporate management systems and interpreting legislation, policies and procedures.
- Highly developed written and verbal communication, facilitation and negotiation skills, with the ability to build relationships and achieve outcomes in complex environments.
- The ability to connect strategic priorities with practical, coordinated action across an organisation.

To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description

Remuneration

$103,063 - $118,523 per annum plus superannuation

The Benefits

- Full-time, 35 hours per week
- Adaptable work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, option of nine-day fortnight or monthly RDO
- 14% superannuation
- Salary packaging option of novated leasing available for permanent staff
- Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years
- Paid Parental Leave
- Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council's Study Assistance program
- Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members
- Regular Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
- Free flu vaccination program
- Free parking on-site
- Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley!

What's Next?

We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume.

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

Pre-Employment Screening

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made,



recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

About Us

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce.

We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 15 October 2026 2026 at 11.30pm

Who to Contact: Keri Neveldsen, Corporate Governance Manager on (02) 4993 4184

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.

📌 Integrated Planning and Reporting Specialist (Cessnock)
🏢 Cessnock City Council
📍 Cessnock