Title: Manager Planning Facilitation
About us
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
Planning and Land Services delivers responsive, customer-focused, high-quality planning, land administration and property services that support thriving places and connected communities.
About the team
This role sits within the State Planning Division and supports Ministerial statutory planning responsibilities, including the Development Facilitation Program. The team works closely with proponents, government agencies and decision-makers to enable timely, high-quality planning outcomes for complex and priority developments.
About the role
This is a fixed term position until 29 January 2027.
The Manager, Planning Facilitation is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the facilitation and assessment of complex development proposals, planning scheme amendments and statutory planning matters. You will lead a specialist team delivering authoritative, timely and well-considered advice to senior leaders and Ministers, while navigating complex policy, legal and political environments.
To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate significant experience in urban planning, particularly the assessment of large-scale and complex developments, combined with strong leadership capability. Success relies on the ability to think strategically, influence senior stakeholders, provide high-level advice, and manage competing priorities within a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
To access the Position Description, please click here.
Personal attributes
The team operates in a collaborative, high-performing environment, so a confident, adaptable and outcomes-focused approach is essential. You will demonstrate sound judgement, professionalism and the ability to build trust and credibility with a diverse range of stakeholders.
What you will bring to the position
You will bring proven leadership experience and strong technical expertise in statutory planning, with a track record of managing complex development proposals and planning scheme processes. You will be able to provide clear, authoritative advice in policy, legal and politically sensitive contexts, and build effective relationships across government, with proponents and key stakeholders to achieve high-quality planning outcomes.
Position accountabilities
You will lead the facilitation and delivery of high-quality advice on complex development applications, planning scheme amendments and priority projects. You will manage and develop a team producing robust planning assessments, reports and recommendations, provide authoritative advice to senior management and Ministers, and build and maintain effective relationships across government and with key stakeholders. You will also negotiate effectively through statutory planning processes to achieve improved planning and built-form outcomes.
Qualifications and experience
A relevant tertiary qualification in urban planning, or a related discipline, with significant experience assessing complex and strategically significant development proposals. Demonstrated experience in statutory planning processes, including permits, planning scheme amendments and VCAT matters, is required, along with proven people management or team leadership experience.
Culture and values
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals.
What we offer
Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.
For further details, please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions
All new appointments will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening and qualification checks where applicable. Information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
Recipients of VPS voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply. Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a six-month probation period.
How to apply
Click the Apply button to submit your application via our recruitment platform.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, 12 January 2026
Please include both your resume and a cover letter. Applications must be submitted online; email or manual submissions cannot be accepted.
For further information about the role, please contact Adam Henson, Director Planning Facilitation, via email at adam.henson@transport.vic.gov.au.
Important information
If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format, please contact us by phone or email. We are here to support you.
