Sutherland Shire Council

Senior Manager – Urban Futures

Sutherland Shire is a unique part of greater Sydney – iconic beaches, stunning coastline, vibrant town centres, and incredible national parks, all just 26 km from the CBD. We’re home to a thriving and connected community of over 230,000 people, who celebrate culture and diversity, and value our incredible open spaces and active lifestyles. 

We are looking for a big-picture thinker with a passion for strategy and innovation to join Sutherland Shire Council as Senior Manager – Urban Futures. Lead transformational planning across one of NSW’s most dynamic and desirable regions and deliver a lasting impact.

• Champion innovative, forward-thinking urban strategies that respond to growth, community needs, and State policy reforms.
• Build strong partnerships with government, stakeholders, and the community to deliver high-quality, people-first outcomes.
• Navigate complex political and policy environments with strategic clarity and confidence.

Your Future Starts Here

At Sutherland Shire Council, we are committed to building a sustainable and vibrant community. Our team is dedicated to innovative planning and environmental stewardship, ensuring we meet the needs of our residents today and in the future. We value strategic thinking, collaboration, and inclusive leadership that delivers real outcomes for our residents. 

As Senior Manager – Urban Futures, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding the Shire’s long-term development. You’ll lead transformative projects and shape strategic planning efforts to ensure our urban growth aligns with Council priorities, State reforms, and the evolving needs of our community.

Your Role in Shaping Urban Futures

This senior leadership position is vital in steering the Council’s strategic planning initiatives. You will be responsible for overseeing the development of key strategic documents and ensuring effective delivery of urban growth objectives. Your role will involve:

• Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-impact strategic and place-based planning initiatives across the Shire.
• Drive the development and implementation of key strategic documents that shape urban growth, transport planning, and environmental outcomes in line with Council and State priorities.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by critically evaluating performance, identifying roadblocks, and implementing strategic, future-focused solutions.
• Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders – from government agencies and community groups to senior executives and elected Councillors – ensuring collaboration, transparency, and shared outcomes.
• Foster a resilient, solution-focused mindset within your team, navigating complexity and change with confidence and clarity.
• Oversee budgets and operations to ensure resources align with long-term goals and deliver measurable results.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of strategic vision, leadership expertise, and a commitment to community engagement. You will thrive in a dynamic environment and have the ability to navigate complex challenges. We seek individuals who have:

• A degree in a Planning-related discipline.
• Proven experience in project management and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Deep knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Local Government Act.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with a track record of developing successful plans and strategies.

Make a lasting impact where it counts. If you’re a strategic thinker and inspiring leader with a passion for shaping communities, we want to hear from you. 

How to apply

Review our Candidate Information Pack and Position Description. Your application will need to include a:

• cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and addressing the key selection criteria (no longer than 2 pages)
• current and detailed resume.

For a confidential discussion please contact Lucille Kilshaw, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, lkilshaw@ssc.nsw.gov.au . 

Applications close 11:59pm Monday 09 June 2025

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks (including Covid-19 Vaccination), and may also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.