Vacancy Details

Strategy Lead, Urban Renewal

  • Salary Range Band 8 $130,108 - $145,807 plus 12% super 
  • Permanent Full-time opportunity 
  • We are a diverse & inclusive council based in St Kilda with a positive culture and flexible working arrangements possible

About City of Port Phillip 

We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors. What does that mean? Think, childcare, libraries, parks, recreation, waste rubbish collection, road maintenance, family and youth services, property & assets, city planning & development, customer experience, digital technology, governance, people, culture and safety, and of course South Melbourne Market!  City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation. 

What’s the role all about 

This exciting role will see you support the business by leading the development and coordination of a program of strategic planning projects across the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area. This covers a broad and interesting portfolio, from working in collaboration with the Victorian Government on precinct-level planning, to overseeing Council-led public realm design guidelines, thematic strategies, municipal policy integration and providing strategic input to planning scheme amendments and planning applications - All in collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders. 

Ideally this role would suit a pro-active strategic thinker with a solutions-focused mindset. You will have highly developed project management, people management and collaboration skills with the ability to develop and lead multi-disciplinary teams.

We have a passionate and driven team who all work together to deliver outcomes that positively benefit our community.  

1 x full-time permanent opportunity 

What you might do 

  • Lead the development and management of a portfolio of strategic planning projects to time and budget with a focus on Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area
  • Provide informed and evidence-based strategic planning advice in the development of strategy and policy positions to the benefit of Council and the community
  • Lead collaborative projects and multi-disciplinary teams including engagement and negotiation with internal and external stakeholders
  • Build strong relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders including State Government departments and agencies 
  • Drive our program management capability, including strong governance, reporting and risk management practices
  • Contribute to a cohesive and innovative team culture

Who we are looking for 

  • A relevant tertiary qualification in Urban Planning or a closely related profession. 
  • Demonstrated experience operating at a senior level in strategic planning roles, including the delivery of urban strategies, policies and master plans; and implementation through statutory mechanisms, preferably involving urban renewal and / or high growth planning. 
  • Demonstrated understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by major urban renewal areas, and the planning and delivery issues facing Council.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the proven ability to create and lead multi-disciplinary teams, build productive relationships, resolve conflict, and negotiate and influence outcomes with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent oral, written and presentation skills including the ability to skilfully summarise and communicate complex information and issues to a wide variety of audiences, including executive management, councillors and the community.
  • Well-developed analytical, conceptual, and strategic thinking skills and proven ability to develop creative solutions that advance Council objectives.

Our work environment  

We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.  

Proudly as one we all work together, and grow together, thinking creatively and strategically with courage, integrity, and accountability to put our community first.  

What’s in it for you 

  • We offer a hybrid working model with our core setup being 50-60% in the office depending on team requirements and welcome further conversation to meet your working style and needs 
  • Be supported and empowered to be your best by a passionate leadership team that encourages collaboration and innovation
  • Discounted fitness membership with access to over 260+ gyms, pools, group classes and facilities across Melbourne for you and your family!
  • Our work hubs are located close to our very own Child Care centres making accessing childcare a breeze!  
  • Career development opportunities within your team and/or across council plus a great study assistance allowance of up to $4000 per year per person and 6 hours per week study leave (on approved courses only)
  • Flexible working conditions, an active social club, supportive health and wellbeing program, and a well- regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Our very own Pride Network, that helps create an environment where each and every person can feel safe, welcomed, seen, and supported to bring their whole selves to work   
  • 20 weeks paid parental leave and our pioneering 24 weeks paid leave for single parents 
  • Access to novated leasing and salary sacrificed technology

Security Requirements and Professional Obligations      

Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.  

Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:

  • Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
  • Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia,                                                       
  • Sufficient proof of their identity,
  • Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).  
  • Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.

So, what’s next?  

Hit that APPLY button now! 

Whether you think you meet all the requirements or not, we strongly encourage you to apply, as we take a holistic approach to considering your skills, life experience, and alignment to our key selection criteria. You’ve got this! 

Please submit; 

  • Resume – latest and detailed version  
  • Cover letter no longer than 2 pages that captures your response to the Key Selection Criteria (KSC) found on the Positions Description (PD).  

Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered. 

For further information please contact Daniel Boden, Senior Program Manager Urban Renewal at daniel.boden@portphillip.vic.gov.au.  

Applications close 11.59pm Tuesday 9th June 2026.

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability. 

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au 

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