Below is a brief description of this vacancy

This page outlines the vacancy and the key skills and responsibilities for the role.


Manager Strategic Planning, Transport and Environment

Greensborough, Australia

Reference: 6747713

  • Permanent full time position
  • Competitive Base Salary of $181,901.27 plus 11.5% Super.
  • Flexible working arrangements available - balance life and work
  • Access to health and wellbeing initiatives and learning and development opportunities
  • Enjoy discounted gym memberships
  • Generous personal and carers leave
  • Customer First Focus - our community is central to all that we do

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for shaping sustainable communities? Nillumbik Shire Council is seeking an experienced Manager Strategic Planning, Transport and Environment drive the development and delivery of key plans and policies that support our land use, transport, environmental goals. Leading a multi-disciplinary team, you will provide expert advice to Council leadership, manage key projects, and ensure the Nillumbik Planning Scheme aligns with our long-term vision. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, value community engagement, and are committed to innovation and sustainability, we want to hear from you!

What a typical day will look like;

  • Provide strategic leadership and expert advice to the Director, CEO, Councillors and Executive team, on land use planning, transport and related strategies, plans and policies ensuring alignment with the Council Plan and Community Vision.
  • Lead, manage, and empower a multidisciplinary team of approximately 25 staff to cultivate a positive and productive team culture.
  • Lead and manage high-quality programs and outcomes related to land, biodiversity, sustainability and traffic and transport services.
  • Drive strategic initiatives and projects, prepare reports and briefings that support effective dialogue, decision making and collaborative cross-organisational collaboration.
  • Ensure successful delivery of strategic, environmental and transport projects with effective stakeholder engagement and adherence to budget and timelines.
  • Maintain and improve the Nillumbik Planning Scheme, ensuring it reflects Council's land use planning policy and objectives.
  • Provide leadership on environment, climate change, and sustainability matters, positioning Nillumbik as a leader in best practice.
  • Develop and execute successful advocacy outcomes and represent Council on relevant advocacy groups.

What you will bring to the role;

  • Tertiary qualifications in in Town Planning, Urban Design, Public Policy or a related field and/ or substantial relevant leadership experience in an area relevant to project management, business development and strategic planning.
  • Extensive knowledge of land use and strategic planning, including state and regional strategies, the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Victoria Planning Provisions, and Local Planning Policy Frameworks.
  • Strong understanding of environmental, sustainability, and climate action policies, legislation, and best practices.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement strategies, policies, and plans, successfully leading strategic initiatives and projects.
  • Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement, with experience leading organisational change and fostering strong community relationships
  • An understanding of the political landscape and strong and demonstrated political acumen.

Why should you join us? Because we're at the top of our game!

We secured sixth place in the prestigious 2023 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work List in the Government, Education and Not-for-Profit category. And guess what? We were the ONLY local government organisation to receive this recognition among 700 others across Australia and New Zealand.

Our commitment to staff health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, and here's why we made the list;

  • Stronger Together. An innovative work practice created by council to provide ongoing professional development support
  • Health and Wellbeing. Focus on ways of working and principles that support all employees
  • Mental Health First Aider Workforce. Designated Mental Health First Aiders appointed across the organisation, expanding our mental health and wellbeing offering even further

Be a part of a passionate, collaborative, and driven team who truly care about what we do, how we do it, and strive to make positive impacts within the community we serve. When working with us, you will feel supported through several different initiatives that focus on health and wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional development.

Want to know more?

Download the Position Description and contact Frank Vassilacos, Director Planning, Environment and Strategy, during business hours on 0401 954 477 if you have any questions. Please use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer the Key Selection Criteria questions in your application.

Applications close 10pm (AEDT), Monday 21 April 2025

Diverse. Supportive. Inclusive. Collaborative. Encouraging. Join Nillumbik Shire Council

Applications Close: 21 Apr 2025

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  • About us

    We achieve extraordinary outcomes for our community - Find out more here!

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We hire talented and dedicated individuals for a wide range of positions who support the community, councillors, volunteers and each other.

Nillumbik Shire Council has been awarded sixth place out of over 700 organisations in the 2023 Australian Financial Review / BOSS Magazine Best Places to Work Awards in the Government, Education and Not-for-Profit category. We are always looking for new talent to join our team and are committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, diversity and inclusion.

Further information about pay rates are outlined in our Enterprise Agreement:

·         Nillumbik Shire Council Enterprise Agreement

For information regarding casual employment opportunities at Nillumbik, please see ‘Other Opportunities’ or to find out more about the services provided at Nillumbik Shire Council, click here

Please note: 

  • Vacancies listed with ‘Internal applicants only’ are only open to employees currently working at Nillumbik to apply. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing (e.g. MS Teams)
  • Applicants requiring adjustments - With one in five Australians identifying as having a disability, Council is committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone, regardless of their ability. Position descriptions can be provided in an alternative format, by request. If an applicant needs any support or reasonable adjustments at any stage during the recruitment process, they can contact Human Resources via HRmail@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or on 9433 3111. Applicants being offered an interview with Council are encouraged to advise if any adjustments are required to support them during the interview process.
  • Nillumbik Shire Council is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from people with disability, First Nations people and gender diverse people. Applicants will be considered based on merit as per relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. We are committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, diversity and inclusion.