Title:  Manager, Strategic Land Use Planning

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management 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.

Strategic Planning division

Working collaboratively across state and local government, the division leads strategic land use planning to shape a thriving and connected Victoria.

The division delivers complex planning policies, guidance material, projects, studies and planning scheme amendments. Through this work, the division shapes how our places are designed and planned for well located housing, jobs and services in healthy communities and environments.

Strategic Land Use Planning branch

The branch is responsible for working collaboratively across government and with stakeholders to develop and implement place-agnostic strategic land use projects and planning scheme amendments demonstrating cutting edge thinking, to support improved land use, housing and high-quality design outcomes. 

We’re focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.

About the Role

This is a Fixed Term Position until 31 December 2026

The Manager is responsible for leading a team to develop and implement state-wide strategic planning policies from government strategies, action plans and commitments through the Victoria Planning Provisions. The position leads and manages a small team and advises Executive and Ministers through high quality reporting.

The position is required to define employee role expectations, manage performance, provide timely and constructive feedback and facilitate their development. Program budget, program delivery and risk management are also within the remit of this position.

The position will liaise and oversee stakeholder relations, including negotiation with government partners and external stakeholders, facilitate priority projects and prepare high quality reports and briefs. The position will work closely with other managers to support effective resource planning, people management, performance management, project management, and accountability for budgets, resources and the timely delivery of work across the branch.

To access the Position Description, please click here.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

• Use technical planning and policy skills and political awareness, to develop state-wide strategic land use planning policy and planning controls for implementation.
• Lead and manage a team to deliver complex land use planning and development projects, including the development of policy, planning scheme amendments and project management documentation, monitoring performance against objectives, managing risks and issues and ensuring that objectives are delivered on time.
• Demonstrate excellence in people management, development, leadership and motivation to lead a high performing team.
• Provide strategic direction, guidance, and support to the team on policy development, stakeholder consultation, and project management.
• Oversee the management of resource allocations, budget, programming, complex procurement, contract management, risks, project milestones and deliverables, project governance and reporting associated with major planning projects.

Key Selection Criteria

The DTP is seeking a strategic leader who exemplifies ethical leadership, fosters a high-performing organisational culture, and champions people engagement. This role demands expertise in policy development, stakeholder management, and project delivery, along with accomplished problem-solving skills to drive impactful and sustainable outcomes across complex environments

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

• A relevant qualification in urban planning, environment, social sciences or a related field, is required. 
• Demonstrated experience in project managing and delivering complex planning projects.
• Proven leadership skills, including demonstrated capacity to provide strategic management advice, direction and information within a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic planning, public policy making and implementation experience.
• Excellent knowledge of the the Planning and Environment Act 1987, and the Victoria Planning Provisions.

Desirable

• Statutory planning experience.
• Previous experience working in a government environment.

What we offer

• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture

Culture Value

We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.

How to Apply

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Applications close 11:59 pm on Sunday 27th April 2025.

Please include a resume and cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We’re unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

For further information about the role please contact Michael Orford, Director Strategic Land Use Planning via michael.orford@transport.vic.gov.au or 0427 004 684.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know by phone or email if you need any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to viewing difficulties or other accessibility needs, we are happy to accommodate.