Title:  Principal Planner, Metro North/West

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 Principal Planner provides high-level land use planning expertise to support complex state and local government planning projects and priorities. This role leads the delivery of complex planning scheme amendments and provides expert land use planning advice on strategically significant planning matters.

Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will analyse complex issues, develop innovative planning solutions, and prepare high-quality advice, reports and briefing materials for senior executives and government decision-makers. Success in this role requires strong judgement, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to navigate complex policy, legislative and planning environments as well as supporting a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace.  

What we’re looking for 

You’re someone who: 

• Has strong knowledge of departmental policies and Victorian Government parliamentary and Cabinet processes.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking and sound judgement, developing sustainable solutions that consider broader organisational, political and government priorities.
• Leads complex projects, managing risks, engaging senior stakeholders and balancing competing priorities to achieve successful outcomes.
• Builds strong stakeholder relationships, understands their needs and develops innovative solutions to address challenges.
• Is adaptable and collaborative, embracing new approaches, guiding others and building capability to deliver shared strategic outcomes.
  
  

Click here to access the Position Description. 

Qualifications and experience 

You’ll bring: 

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Planning.
• A thorough working knowledge of the planning system.
• Proven technical leadership skills and expertise, including demonstrated capacity to provide strategic advice, direction and guidance in a complex business environment.
• Exceptional conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to apply complex concepts from non-related fields to address policy issues and provide strategic direction.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering complex land use planning projects in the public or private sectors.
  
  

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 Tuesday 24 November 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 Steven Cox, Manager, Metro North/West, at steven.cox@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

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us. We're here to support you.