Salary Range Band 7 $115,229 - $128,947 plus 12% super Full time Permanent role We are a diverse & inclusive council based in St Kilda with a positive culture and flexible working arrangements possible About City of Port Phillip We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors. What does that mean? Think, childcare, libraries, parks, recreation, waste rubbish collection, road maintenance, family and youth services, property & assets, city planning & development, customer experience, digital technology, governance, people, culture and safety, and of course South Melbourne Market City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation.

What’s the role all about Reporting to the Coordinator Planning Compliance, you will be a key leader within the Planning Compliance Unit, responsible for managing complex investigations while championing best practice and continuous improvement across the service. You will provide specialist technical advice, support decision-making on sensitive compliance matters, and guide enforcement activities to ensure Council's statutory obligations are effectively met.

A significant component of the role involves mentoring and developing team members, identifying opportunities to enhance systems and processes, and contributing to strategic initiatives that improve operational performance, customer experience and service delivery. Your leadership will help foster a positive, high-performing team culture focused on innovation,



accountability and achieving quality community outcomes.

What you might do Lead and undertake complex planning compliance investigations and enforcement matters, providing guidance and support on sensitive and technically challenging cases.

Conduct site inspections, gather and assess evidence, and coordinate appropriate enforcement actions in accordance with relevant legislation and Council requirements.

Prepare briefs of evidence, issue infringement notices, and represent Council in proceedings before VCAT and other courts of competent jurisdiction.

Monitor and assess compliance with planning permits, planning scheme requirements and Section 173 Agreements, ensuring consistent and effective regulatory outcomes.

Provide expert technical advice and recommendations to internal stakeholders, customers, Councillors and the broader community.

Build productive relationships and resolve customer enquiries, complaints and disputes through effective communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement.

Mentor and support Planning Compliance Officers, contributing to capability development, knowledge sharing and a positive, high-performing team culture.

Identify and champion opportunities to improve systems, processes and service delivery, contributing to the continuous improvement of Planning Compliance operations and customer outcomes.





Work collaboratively with legal representatives, government agencies and internal and external stakeholders to achieve coordinated and effective compliance outcomes.

Contribute to the ongoing development of policies, procedures and operational practices that enhance the effectiveness, consistency and efficiency of the Planning Compliance Unit.

Who we are looking for Qualifications in Statutory Planning, Planning Law or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Demonstrated experience working in a planning, regulatory, compliance or enforcement environment, preferably within Local Government.

Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation, planning law and enforcement procedures.

Experience undertaking investigations, gathering evidence and managing enforcement matters.

Proven experience in matters that have proceeded to VCAT and/or Magistrates' Court.

Excellent analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills.

Well-developed written communication skills, including the preparation of reports, briefs and legal documentation.

Solid stakeholder engagement, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Experience mentoring or supporting staff and contributing to a positive team culture.

Our work environment We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and deliv

📌 Senior Planning Compliance Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 City of Port Phillip
📍 Melbourne