The Hills Shire Council

Principal Coordinator – Forward Planning (Multiple Positions)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled, driven and strategic individual to join our Forward Planning Team. As a Principal Coordinator, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing Council’s objectives and desired outcomes through a range of planning projects including preparation of local strategies and policies, response to Government policies, precinct planning, infrastructure contributions planning, urban design and planning proposals. The position contributes to, shapes and champions the organisation's vision and goals ensuring alignment with required state government directions and legislative requirements. The position is involved in coordination and management of projects and staff within the Forward Planning Team, including leadership, coaching and mentoring.

What you will be doing:

• Develop and prepare strategies, policies and plans to guide land use planning and future housing and employment growth in The Hills
• Implement actions of local strategies and policies to achieve Council’s objectives within the land use planning framework, including preparation and maintenance of technical documents such as Planning Proposals, LEPs, SEPPs, DCPs and Public Domain Plans
• Assess and report on planning proposals to amend the statutory planning framework against the relevant legislation, practice notes and state and local strategy and policies
• Advise Council on the impact of government reforms and policy changes with appropriate responses
• Provide analysis and forecasting on demographic and social data
• Analyse the impact of growth on local and state infrastructure, quantify the demand arising from projected growth and prepare and manage infrastructure contribution mechanisms such as Contributions Plans and Planning Agreements
• Preparation of high-quality written communications including reports to Executive and Council, memorandums and correspondence to internal and external stakeholders
• Management and coordination of staff and projects within the Forward Planning Team, including leadership, mentoring and coaching to team members

About you:

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Degree in Town Planning or related field.
• Current Class C Driver Licence.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic land use planning, policy preparation and similar roles within a local government context.
• Demonstrated experience in infrastructure analysis and the preparation of infrastructure contribution mechanisms such as contributions plans and planning agreements.
• Sound understanding of strategic town planning, urban design, land development and recreation and social planning.
• Practical skills in project management, strategic analysis and interpretation and research as well as strong written and verbal communication and documentation skills.
• Excellent problem solving skills and demonstrated ability to balance complex and competing objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor staff.

Position details:

Permanent full-time role, salary starting from $127K + Superannuation + Car Allowance of $14,181.96 + Package Allowance of $19,082.96

Benefits of working with us:

Along with a competitive rate of pay, being paid weekly, paid training to keep your skills up to date, discounted membership to Waves Fitness & Aquatics Centre, Fitness Passport, free on-site undercover parking, onsite café, modern office and an active Social Club.

Next steps:

Please review the Position Description available on Council’s Careers Page and submit your application online at www.thehills.nsw.gov.au by 5pm on Thursday 29 May 2025. As applications will be processed upon receipt, early submission is encouraged.

Please reach out to the HR Team at hr@thehills.nsw.gov.au if you require any assistance with submitting your application or require further information about the role or the organisation.

Working with us:

At The Hills Shire Council, we live our values of Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership and Safety through the work that we perform for the Community. We are committed to a positive and supportive workplace culture where our people and customers feel respected and valued.