- Lead a high-performing team delivering development assessment outcomes across Council.
- Flexible working options including WFH, RDOs, plus access to novated leasing and Fitness Passport.
- Salary from $128,405.61 to $149,228.14 per annum plus 12% Superannuation plus Travel Allowance.
Make a Difference Where You Work
Play a key leadership role within Council’s Planning Directorate by driving the delivery of high-quality, timely and customer-focused development assessment outcomes.
As the
Planning Assessments Team Leader, you will oversee complex development and subdivision applications, ensuring decisions align with legislation, Council policy and community expectations while supporting sustainable growth across the Willoughby LGA.
Why Join Us?
- Lead and Influence Planning Outcomes: Guide assessment processes that shape development across Willoughby.
- Leadership Opportunity: Manage and mentor a team of development assessment professionals to deliver high-quality outcomes.
- Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Work across multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic and forward-thinking planning directorate.
About the Role
As the
Planning Assessments Team Leader, you will:
- Lead, supervise and mentor a team of Development Assessment Officers and an Enquiry Officer.
- Allocate workloads, monitor performance and ensure timely and accurate assessment of development applications.
- Undertake peer reviews, pre-lodgement meetings and support high-quality reporting outcomes.
- Coordinate and contribute to the assessment of development and subdivision applications.
- Engage with applicants, stakeholders and the community to resolve planning matters and support customer-focused outcomes.
- Assist the Manager in delivering operational targets, preparing reports and improving workflows, and act in the Manager’s role as required.
- Represent Council in Planning Panel processes and contribute to high-priority or complex matters.
- Support continuous improvement, policy development and planning practices across the team.
What You’ll Bring
- Tertiary qualification in Town Planning or equivalent experience.
- Strong experience in development assessment within NSW Local Government.
- Sound knowledge of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, Local Government Act and relevant legislation.
- Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to supervise and develop team members.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Proven ability to manage workloads, meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes.
- Commitment to customer service excellence and continuous improvement.
- Class C Driver’s Licence.
Desirable:
- Experience in Land and Environment Court matters.
- Experience with TechnologyOne or similar systems.
- Knowledge across heritage, urban design or environmental planning.
- Experience assessing complex or high-rise development applications in a city context.
How to apply
Visit
https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Council/Working-with-us/Careers to apply or learn more including all about the range of benefits on offer at Willoughby.
For more information, contact: Tony Nunn, Manager, Development Assessment at
Tony.Nunn@Willoughby.nsw.gov.au or on
02 •••• •938.
Applications should address all the key responsibilities outlined in the Position Description. The Position Description (PD) is in the Job Attachments section of the job listing.
Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening including police and qualification checks.
Applications close: Sunday, 7 June 2026 at 11:30pm
Please note recruitment activity may commence before the closing date.
At Willoughby City Council, inclusion, diversity and belonging are core to how we work and how we recruit. We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community – one where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to contribute fully. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, LGBTIQA+ communities, veterans, and people of all ages. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. We are committed to ensuring an accessible, inclusive and barrier-free experience for every candidate.