Principal Strategic Planner - Torquay - Surfcoast

Description

Location: Head Office - Civic Building, Torquay

Job Category: Community Services & Development,Construction,Other

• Permanent Full Time
• $111,811– $123,329 pa (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs

Who we are

There are not many places in Australia quite like Surf Coast Shire, where you can surf at world‑class locations like Bells Beach Djarrak, drive along the scenic coast on the Great Ocean Road, or explore the many waterfalls set in tranquil rainforests.

Spanning the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation, the shire delivers services from Lorne to Winchelsea to Torquay and all of the communities in‑between, helping to make the region a destination to live, work and play.

Surf Coast Shire Council is proud to help its community and environment to thrive. We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

Job Description

Your new career

Join an experienced and passionate team of Placemaking champions. The Integrated Planning Department is highly regarding for its approach to major project work, leading with a best practice and ever evolving approach to genuine community engagement.

This position is primarily focused on the delivery of planning services to customers including the development of strategic plans and planning scheme amendments.

The breadth of opportunities provides flexibility for professional growth, interest and challenges in a dynamic learning environment.

What you will bring to the role

You are a collaborative and motivated professional who values being part of a high‑performing team and takes pride in contributing to outcomes that support our community. You bring a thoughtful and organised approach to your work, who manages competing priorities with confidence.

To thrive in this role, you will have:

• A strong commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive team culture and working collaboratively
• Experience contributing to planning scheme amendments or strategic planning initiatives
• Well‑developed time management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to meet deadlines under pressure
• Experience applying project management principles to strategic planning projects to achieve clear outcomes

Key selection criteria

Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• A tertiary qualification in land use planning or related discipline (qualification check conducted).
• Demonstrated experience in strategic land use planning and policy development.
• A pragmatic problem solver and facilitator able to navigate complex strategic land use planning matters with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Well‑developed relationship management and communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with members of the public, Councillors and staff.
• Experience in applying a project management approach to strategic planning projects.
• A strong appreciation of the Surf Coast Shire Context.
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

What you'll love working with us

Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life. We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDOs
• Employee Assistance Program and award‑winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading.

For more information

You'll find further details about the role, including accountabilities and key selection criteria, in the Position Description on our website – [Position Description PDF]

How to apply

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria
• copy of your resume.

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 1 March 2026

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.