- Shape the future of Melbourne by leading the strategic urban planning agenda for one of the world's most liveable and dynamic cities.
- Executive leadership at the centre of urban planning reform and city shaping outcomes
- Executive contract | $195K - $220K TRP | negotiable based on experience
Join us in shaping Melbourne's future
The City Strategy Branch is a team of 38 people that provide the long-term insight, planning and strategic direction that shapes the City of Melbourne’s future. Through research, foresight and strategic urban planning, the branch guides sustainable growth, manages city change and helps deliver the City of Melbourne’s long-term vision.
As part of our new operating model, we are building a team of talented professionals who are passionate about city shaping, evidence-based decision making and creating positive outcomes for Melbourne's communities.
About the Role
As the Head of Strategic Urban Planning, you will bring together three strategic planning teams to proactively shape City of Melbourne. Reporting to the Director City Strategy, you will provide leadership across a broad portfolio spanning land use, housing, transport, heritage, precinct planning and planning scheme amendments, Through integrated planning and strong collaboration, Strategic Urban Planning provides a cohesive, evidence based approach that guides Melbourne’s growth while responding to evolving community needs and future land use challenges.
A Little More About the Role
- Provide strategic leadership for Melbourne’s future growth and development, leading the delivery of city-shaping planning strategies, policies and frameworks across land use, housing, transport, heritage, precinct planning and infrastructure.
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement while building capability and achieving exceptional outcomes.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Director, Executive Leadership Team and Council, providing expert, evidence-based advice on complex planning matters and influencing key policy, investment and development decisions.
- Drive collaboration and integration across the organisation and with external stakeholders, building strong partnerships across government, industry and the community to deliver coordinated and sustainable city outcomes.
- Oversee governance, performance and resource stewardship across a significant planning portfolio, ensuring strong risk management, effective use of resources, and delivery of strategic priorities aligned to Council’s long-term vision.
To view full position description, please see attached document on job application page in “Position Information”.
About You
You are an experienced strategic leader with:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications plus postgraduate study or extensive experience in strategic urban planning and development contributions and infrastructure
- Extensive experience leading strategic urban planning and city-shaping initiatives, with a proven ability to influence policy, strategy and planning outcomes.
- Strong leadership capability, with experience leading multidisciplinary teams, complex portfolios and major programs to deliver strategic outcomes.
- Proven ability to provide trusted strategic advice to executive leadership, Councils and governing bodies on complex planning and development matters.
- Broad expertise across urban planning disciplines, including land use, transport, housing, urban design, infrastructure and growth management.
- Highly developed stakeholder engagement, influencing and commercial skills, with the ability to build partnerships across government and industry and drive organisation-wide outcomes.
About City of Melbourne
Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.
At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.
We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.
This is more than just a role – it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.
What we can offer you at City of Melbourne
- Industry-leading parental and family leave – benefit from generous paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers, gender-neutral policies, surrogacy support, and a range of leave options to support you through every stage of life.
- A strong commitment to health, wellbeing and inclusion – access wellbeing initiatives, discounted aquatic and gym memberships, an Employee Assistance Program, and a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, diversity and belonging.
- Competitive rewards and financial benefits – including 17.5% annual leave loading, a discounted annual Myki pass, and access to a broad range of corporate discounts across insurance, banking, technology, health, retail, entertainment and more.
- Career growth and meaningful impact – work alongside talented professionals on city-shaping initiatives that make a lasting difference to Melbourne while building your leadership capability and professional expertise.
- Flexibility that works for you – enjoy flexible working arrangements including hybrid work, flexible hours, accrued days off, time-in-lieu options, and part-time or job-share opportunities to support a healthy work-life balance.
How to apply
We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role! As part of your application, you will be required to:
- Attach your updated resume
- Attach a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills, experience and qualifications align with the key selection criteria.
Submit your application by Monday 3 August 2026 at 11:45 PM.
A few important things to note – don’t miss out!
- Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can’t accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through the official job link provided.
- Apply early! This role may close sooner than the listed closing date if we find the right candidate — so don’t wait to get your application in.
- We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.
Need more info?
For further information about the position please refer to the position description below or contact Jo Cannington via email: Jo Cannington
Inclusion matters
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.
We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.
