- This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of Melbourne
- Executive leadership at the centre of 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 Urban Foresight & City Strategy, you will oversee the Urban Research and Foresight and City Strategy teams, providing the insight, evidence and strategic thinking that inform Melbourne’s most significant long-term decisions. Working closely with senior leaders across Council, you will drive long-term planning, identify emerging opportunities and challenges, and help shape a sustainable, resilient and inclusive future for Melbourne. The teams lead horizon scanning, trend analysis and future scenario planning, and develop integrated citywide strategies and frameworks that support the City of Melbourne’s long-term vision.
If you are a strategic leader who thrives on turning complex issues into bold, future-focused outcomes, this is your chance to make a lasting impact on one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
A Little More About the Role
- Lead Melbourne’s long-term city strategy and urban foresight agenda, shaping the future of the city through strategic planning, research, policy development and Vision 2050 priorities.
- Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of inclusion, wellbeing, accountability, continuous improvement and professional growth aligned to City of Melbourne values.
- Provide trusted strategic advice and influence decision-making at Executive Leadership Team, Council and external stakeholder levels on complex and high-impact urban issues.
- Drive organisation-wide collaboration and integration, bringing together strategy, planning, research, data and policy functions to deliver coordinated, evidence-based outcomes for the community.
- Oversee the delivery, governance and performance of a significant portfolio of strategic initiatives, ensuring strong stewardship of people, budgets, resources, partnerships and risk management to achieve sustainable results.
To view full position description, please see attached document below.
About You
You are an experienced strategic leader with:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in urban planning, data analysis, economics, public policy, geography or related discipline (postgraduate qualifications desirable)
- Extensive experience leading city strategy, policy or strategic planning functions, with a proven ability to shape long-term strategic direction and influence organisational outcomes.
- Proven capability to provide trusted, evidence-based advice to executive leadership, Councils and governing bodies on complex, high-impact issues and opportunities.
- Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex portfolios, fostering high performance, building capability and delivering strategic outcomes.
- Highly developed strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement and influence skills, with demonstrated success driving enterprise-wide integration, leading foresight and data-driven planning, and building partnerships across government, industry and community sectors.
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 our Careers inbox: [email protected]
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.
