Lead one of the most significant planning programs Chatswood has seen in a generation, helping shape Chatswood 2060 and the future of a major Sydney Centre.

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

Salary from $175,415.12 - $203, 860.81 per annum plus 12% Superannuation.

Make a Difference Where You Work

Willoughby City Council is seeking an experienced and future-focused Manager, Strategic Planning to lead Council’s long-term planning, policy and growth frameworks at a pivotal moment for Chatswood and the wider city.

Reporting to the Director, Planning, this role will guide strategic land use policy, major planning projects and evidence-based advice that supports livable, sustainable and economically strong places. You will play a central role in helping Council plan well for growth, infrastructure, housing, transport, open space and community needs while maintaining community trust in how our city evolves.

You could be joining Willoughby City Council at a unique time. Chatswood has a robust and committed pipeline of new residential development and is set to become one of the most vibrant and livable destinations in Sydney. We need a person with the skills to manage and complex change agenda it an engaging and proactive manner to plan for what will be a transformative 30 year growth horizon.

Why Join Us?

Shape Chatswood’s next chapter: Lead planning work connected to Chatswood 2060, a long-term vision and master plan guiding growth, livability and identity to 2060 and beyond.

Work on city-shaping challenges: Help plan for new homes, jobs, investment, infrastructure, public spaces and transport-oriented development in one of Sydney’s most dynamic centres.

Lead with influence: Provide strategic advice to senior leaders, elected representatives,



government agencies and community stakeholders on complex and sensitive planning matters.

Build capability and confidence: Lead a multidisciplinary team and strengthen Council’s strategic foresight, policy quality, governance and evidence-based decision-making.

About the Role:

As the Manager, Strategic Planning, you will:

Lead the development, review and implementation of strategic plans, land use policy, planning proposals, master plans and planning frameworks.

Guide Council’s response to growth, demographic change, climate risk, infrastructure demand, legislative reform and politically sensitive planning issues.

Provide timely, evidence-based strategic advice, reports and briefings to senior leadership, Council and external stakeholders.

Lead inclusive engagement with the community, government agencies, industry and internal teams to build shared ownership of planning outcomes.

Manage budgets, resources, work programs and team capacity to deliver high-quality planning projects and value for money.

Champion innovation through data, mapping, digital tools, scenario planning and performance reporting.

Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary strategic planning team.

Build partnerships that help deliver strong planning outcomes for Chatswood, local centres and the wider Willoughby community.

What You’ll Bring:

Tertiary qualifications in Urban Planning, Strategic Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Planning or a related discipline.





Significant experience in strategic planning, land use policy or a similar field, preferably within local government.

Strong understanding of planning legislation, environmental regulation, development controls and infrastructure planning.

Experience managing strategic planning in high-growth areas, including CBD renewal, transport-oriented development and complex multi-stage development.

Highly developed strategic thinking, analytical, forecasting and scenario-planning skills.

Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets and deliver major planning projects.

Excellent stakeholder engagement, consultation and communication skills, including confidence presenting to senior leaders and Council.

Experience managing politically, environmentally or community-sensitive matters with professionalism and sound judgement.

Capability with data analysis, GIS or mapping tools, performance frameworks and strategic planning systems.

Applications close: Sunday, 8 November 2026 at 11:30pm

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.

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📌 Manager, Strategic Planning (Sydney)
🏢 Willoughby City Council
📍 Sydney