Title:  Manager Planning Facilitation

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.

Planning and Land Services delivers responsive, customer focussed, high quality planning, land administration and property services that support thriving places and connected communities.

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 leadership role within the State Planning division which support Ministerial statutory planning responsibilities including the Development Facilitation Program (DFP).

The branch assists with efficient decision making by processing enquiries, pre-applications and conducting quality assurance on new applications. The role brings proponents and key decision-makers together early in the development process to achieve the best design, planning and development outcomes.

The successful candidate will be a technical specialist in urban planning and be able to lead projects, develop and facilitate proposals, provide well thought out advice and be able to contribute and lead a dynamic team.

To access the Position Description, please click here.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

• Lead the facilitation and delivery of high quality, technically competent and timely advice on all aspects of development applications, planning scheme amendments, priority projects and statutory planning matters having regard to planning processes and land use, development, built form and amenity issues.
• Lead and manage a team to produce high calibre planning assessment reports and briefs and advice on development approvals, priority projects, planning processes and urban planning issues to inform decision making.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior management on complex development and built form issues and solutions and prepare assessment reports, Cabinet submissions, Ministerial briefings, on time, and that demonstrate an understanding of the policy, political and legal context.
• Manage key stakeholder relationships and partnerships within the department and with other government agencies and key stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of advice and assessments.
• Negotiate strongly and effectively with applicants and key stakeholders to deliver better planning outcomes through the statutory planning process.

Key Selection Criteria

The DTP is seeking a dynamic professional experienced in collaboration, problem-solving, and delivering impactful communication. You will partner with stakeholders to co-create innovative solutions, navigate complex organisational and political contexts, and influence decision-making to achieve sustainable outcomes. With a strong focus on customer needs, you will tailor services, manage risks, and ensure high-quality results that align with organisational values and priorities.

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification and significant experience in urban planning; in particular, the assessment of large scale and complex development approvals.
• Experience in statutory planning permit, planning scheme amendment and development processes (including Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Planning and Environment List) matters).
• Experience in assessing complex and/or strategically significant development proposals within a Melbourne central city, metropolitan and regional environment contexts.
• Effectively negotiates with clients/stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
• Critically evaluates problems from multiple perspectives and delivers effective solutions.
• Experience as a manager or team leader.
• License.

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

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

If have any issues, click here for Quick Reference Guide on how to apply.

Applications close 11:59 pm on Monday 30th of June 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 Adam Henson, Director Planning Facilitation via 0436619995 or adam.henson@transport.vic.gov.au

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.