Title:  Manager, Strategic Planning

About Us 

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace. 

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work. 
  

About the role

This is a Fixed Term Position until 30 June 2027

The Manager leads priority planning initiatives that support government commitments, strategies, and programs, including the Better Apartments Program. Working closely with the Director, Strategic Planning, the role oversees budgets, reporting, and the delivery of complex projects while providing high-level statutory and strategic planning advice to support branch objectives.

The position leads and develops staff, manages performance, and fosters a positive and collaborative team culture. It provides expert advice to government, senior leaders, and stakeholders, applies planning legislation and policy frameworks, manages stakeholder relationships, and ensures projects align with government priorities. The role also requires respectful engagement with Traditional Owners and First Peoples.
 

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria) 

You’re someone who: 

• Leads and develops high-performing teams, fostering an inclusive, engaged, and accountable culture that supports organisational success.
• Builds strong relationships and influences stakeholders at all levels, using strategic thinking and negotiation skills to achieve positive outcomes.
• Provides expert policy, planning, and strategic advice, developing innovative solutions and business cases that support government priorities.
• Applies systems thinking to understand complex issues, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive organisation-wide outcomes.
• Demonstrates advanced expertise in project and statutory planning, leading complex initiatives, setting best-practice standards, and delivering impactful results.

Click here to access the Position Description. 

Qualifications and experience 

You’ll bring: 

• A relevant qualification in urban planning, environment, social sciences, public policy, economics, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of the Victoria Planning Provisions and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
• Experience in strategic or statutory planning, ideally in state or local government, with demonstrated leadership and the ability to provide strategic advice in complex environments. 

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions  

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required. 

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position. 

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply. 

How to apply 

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application. 

Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 8 July 2026.  

Please include both your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions. 

For further information about the role, please contact Michael Orford, Director, Strategic Planning at michael.orford@transport.vic.gov.au.

Redeployees
If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy

Important Information 

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