HDB Town Planning and Design is a long-established boutique consultancy specialising in town planning, urban design, and engineering with extensive industry experience. With a strong focus in the Hunter Region, we work across multiple sectors (residential, industrial, extractive industry, educational establishments, seniors living, etc.) to help deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients.

We are a specialist development and planning consultancy located in Central Maitland, just a five-minute walk to Maitland Train Station, with services to Newcastle every 30 minutes.

The role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Planner/Senior Town Planner to join our dynamic team in Maitland, NSW. This full-time position offers the opportunity to lead significant planning and urban design projects that meaningfully impact regional development. In this strategic role, you will provide senior-level expertise and leadership to guide complex planning initiatives, mentor junior staff, and drive the delivery of high-quality planning outcomes.

You will work closely with internal teams, clients, local councils and government agencies to shape sustainable urban environments and contribute to the strategic vision of our region.

Key responsibilities

- Manage and deliver a range of state and regionally significant projects from inception through to completion

- Provide expert planning advice to clients, councils and stakeholders on complex land use and development issues

- Prepare and review comprehensive planning documents, including Site Assessments, Statements of Environmental Effects, Planning Proposals, and Environmental Impact Assessments

- Liaise with other technical professionals (engineers, ecologists, heritage consultants)

- Mentor, guide and supervise junior planning staff and team members,



fostering their professional development

- Ensure all planning work complies with relevant legislation, policies and best practice standards

- Maintain professional knowledge of planning trends, legislative changes and emerging best practices in urban design

- Manage projects to meet deadlines

- Establish and maintain client relationships

- Join the senior management team and contribute to the business's strategic direction

What we're looking for

- Strong knowledge of the NSW planning framework, including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and relevant State Environmental Planning Policies

- Substantive experience working within the New South Wales planning system

- Tertiary qualification in town planning, urban design, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience)

- Demonstrated experience leading major planning projects and complex stakeholder engagement

- Hold or be working towards membership with a recognised planning body such as the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) or equivalent

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to diverse audiences

- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with attention to detail

- Experience mentoring and developing junior staff members

- A collaborative approach to working with multidisciplinary teams
- A passion for delivering outcomes for clients

- Well-developed leadership skills





- Business development acumen

- Strong project management skills, with the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget

Other desirable skills include:

- Urban design experience.

- Experience/proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.

- Experience working in the private sector/consulting.

What we offer

At HDB Town Planning & Design, we recognise that our employees are our greatest asset.

We offer a market-competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications. We are committed to supporting your career development through ongoing professional training, mentoring opportunities and support for continued professional development relevant to your planning career. We foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture where innovation and quality thinking are valued.

We offer flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, and we encourage all team members to maintain their wellbeing. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to work on diverse, impactful projects that contribute meaningfully to community development and sustainable urban futures. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to providing a supportive recruitment process.

Apply now

If you are an experienced planning professional looking to make a significant contribution to regional development, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your application, including your curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and any supporting documentation, to join our team at HDB Town Planning & Design. Enquiries should be directed to our Director, Kerry Nichols, on 02 4933 6682 or admin(at)hdb.com.au.

The closing date for applications is 1st December 2026.

📌 Principal Planner/Senior Town Planner (Maitland)
🏢 HDB Town Planning u0026 Design
📍 Maitland