Shoalhaven City Council

Lead – Development Services – North & Lead – Planning Pathways

• Two Permanent Full-Time leadership opportunities available
• $129,320 - $140,720 gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation
• 35 hour week with flexitime and flexible working arrangements
• Leaseback vehicle available for both roles
• Potential for relocation assistance (subject to eligibility) & Access to the NSW Welcome Experience Program
• Live and work on the stunning NSW South Coast
• Based at Council's Nowra Administration Building, Bridge Road, Nowra
• Applications close on Thursday, 26 November 2026 (at midnight)

About the Role
Shoalhaven City Council are seeking two experienced planning professionals to lead and mentor our high performing Development Services & Planning Pathways teams. This is an excellent opportunity to bring your technical expertise, collaborative mindset and passion for planning to guide and support our teams to deliver high-quality outcomes for our community.

You will provide leadership, mentoring and technical guidance while overseeing development assessment activities and ensuring efficient, compliant and customer-focused service delivery.

Lead – Development Services – North

Lead the Development Services Team and coordinate the assessment and determination of development applications and related planning matters, including complex and significant proposals, and facilitate streamlined assessment pathways to achieve timely, high-quality planning outcomes.

Lead – Planning Pathways

Lead the Planning Pathways Team in the assessment of fast-track development applications, coordinate Council’s input into State Significant Development applications, pre-lodgement meetings and other high-profile development proposals and lead a program of continuous improvement.

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

About You
You are an experienced planner with a strong background in development assessment who enjoys supporting and developing others.

You may already be leading a team or looking for your first formal leadership role. Either way, you bring strong technical expertise, sound judgement, excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach that inspires confidence in those around you.

To be successful in the position, you will have:

• Appropriate tertiary qualifications in Town Planning or related field equivalent to a Bachelor of Town Planning or Urban & Regional Planning.
• Extensive experience in the operation and management of the development control process Including in the assessment of development applications pursuant to Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act.
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and information exchange within and across work groups in the delivery of outcomes for the community.
• Current NSW WorkCover Construction Induction Card.
• Class C Driver’s Licence.
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa).

How to Apply
To submit an application, click Apply and complete each Step of the application. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter and respond to the below selection questions relevant to the essential criteria as outlined in the job advertisement.

1. At Shoalhaven City Council our corporate core values are: Collaboration, Adaptability, Integrity and Respect. Please choose one value and advise how you have enacted this value in a professional setting.
2. Please outline how you meet the essential criteria for this position including skills, qualifications, certifications and licenses relevant to this position.
3. Development assessment often involves balancing community expectations, legislative requirements and applicant needs. How do you approach competing stakeholder interests?
4. Briefly outline your experience leading a team, service, or organisational change initiative you have led. What was your approach, what challenges did you overcome, and what outcomes were achieved?
5. Which position are you applying for, Lead – Development Services – North or Lead – Planning Pathways or both?

Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (Low Risk,).  Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks. 

For tips and more information on how to submit a great application, please visit how to apply on Councils website. If you require assistance submitting your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on 02 4429 3253 02 4429 5451. 

Applications Close:  Thursday, 26 November 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Bruce Gibbs – Manager – Development Services – (02) 4429 3527 or David Zabell – Manager – Planning Pathways – (02) 4429 3528

Why Work with Us 
The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include:

• 4 weeks annual, 2 weeks sick leave and 1 week MyLeave
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
• NSW Welcome Experience

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and encourage applicants living with a disability to request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.