Title:  Head of Spatial Planning

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria. 

We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians. Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all. We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.

About the Group

The Housing, Building and Land Delivery group in the Department of Transport and Planning drives balanced urban growth by delivering:

·         well-planned and supportively zoned land for housing, jobs and infrastructure in State-led areas

·         a pipeline of government-owned land for development

·         an improved building system with quality design for public places and buildings.

About the Role 

This is a five year fixed term SES 2 role

The Head of Spatial Planning is a critical senior leadership role that sits at the intersection of land use, built form, economic development, and transport infrastructure planning across Victoria. Responsible for shaping the spatial future of designated growth areas across the State, the role provides authoritative advice to senior executives and Ministers, while leading a highly skilled team focused on unlocking development capacity and delivering rezoning and infrastructure solutions that support thriving, sustainable communities.

As a centre of excellence for spatial planning, this role champions the integration of land use and transport infrastructure, driving policy and planning reform to streamline processes and deliver consistent, whole-of-state outcomes. The Head of Spatial Planning also holds statutory responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Planning Authority under the Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017, ensuring alignment with legislative obligations and long-term strategic planning goals.

The position requires sophisticated stakeholder engagement across all levels of government and the private sector, facilitating collaboration to tackle complex challenges and guide strategic direction. With oversight of key programs, the role is accountable for monitoring spatial planning performance, improving delivery outcomes, and ensuring the availability of zoned urban land for housing and employment. It plays a critical role in ensuring Victoria’s urban areas are well planned, well serviced, and well positioned to meet the needs of current and future communities.

To provide greater insight into the role the position description can be found here.   

Qualifications and role specific requirements 

· Extensive leadership experience at a senior executive level, preferably within a large government department or a complex organisation with a focus on planning services

·   Strong understanding of land administration, property regulations and urban planning principles

·   Proven success in stakeholder engagement, program management and driving reform initiatives, environments and deliver innovative solutions

·   Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a diverse range of stakeholders

How to Apply 
 
Non-department employees (including wider VPS) will need to create an account (not your JSE account). Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account. 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter.  Applications close 11.59pm on 9 June 2025. For further information about the role please contact Adam Stevenson, Senior Talent Lead via adam.stevenson@transport.vic.gov.au