Director Planning

Wagga Wagga City Council is an exciting place to work. All Regional NSW communities demand excellence from their local government authorities and the Wagga Wagga region is a great example. When roles become available in Wagga Wagga they call out to problems solvers, innovators and passionate leaders looking to make the lives of the current community and future generations better. Sometimes we follow the beaten path, sometimes we make our own path. A role at Wagga Wagga empowers clever professionals with the opportunity to write their own magnificent career path and lifetime achievements which rightly provide enormous pride. The city boasts a Regional Referral Hospital, two of the largest military bases in Australia undergoing $1.2 billion of refurbishment to cement their role into the long-term future, one University, a thriving commercial sector, a Special Activation Precinct and we are on the Inland Rail route.We want more. We are looking for leaders who bring exceptional capability, excellent local government knowledge, and a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community-focused decision making. If you are passionate about public service, thrive in a dynamic environment, and are ready to help guide Council through this next chapter, we encourage you to apply. Our planning area has recently undergone a service review with recommendations being strongly supported by staff, elected members and our community. The portfolio is supported by exceptional staff with the performance to match. The functions in the portfolio have previously been located in a number of Directorates. We have adopted a new structure which consolidates the planning and regulatory functions in what might be considered to be a more traditional Directorate. The change is aimed at providing better coordination and support for staff and better outcomes for our community. The right person for this role will have very good experience in the functions which are located within the directorate.Housing which is affordable is a challenge like it is everywhere.This directorate is key player in working with other stakeholders to provide solutions on the ground rather than in words. The right applicant will also support the directorate to maintain the high standards being delivered in the day-to-day output. What we will offer you: An attractive remuneration in accordance with skills and experience. Flexible working conditions. Ongoing training and development opportunities. What you will need to succeed: Relevant qualifications and/or equivalent industry experience; Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to communicate and advocate effectively with senior stakeholders – both internally and externally. Have proven change management experience including practical experience reviewing current processes and providing recommendations based on professional expertise and best practice methodologies; Minimum five (5) years’ experience within a senior leadership role proving demonstrated experience and expertise in high-level management of key functional areas including Business planning, Regulatory City Compliance Services, City Planning & Development, Strategic Planning & Contributions, Flood management, and Subdivisions. Interpersonal skills to positively build effective working relationships, drive engagement, motivate staff and influence culture. Enquiries: For a confidential conversation in relation to the role and prior to submitting an application, please contact Peter Thompson – General Manager on . What is next? Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 18 January 2026 with interviews to be held in the week commencing Monday, 2 February 2026. Statement Addressing the Position Criteria contained within the Position Description As part of the recruitment process, pre-employment checks will be conducted in line with requirements of the position. Candidates who are progressed in the recruitment process for this position will be asked to consent to a police check. Please note that people with a criminal record are not discouraged from applying for the position. Each application will be considered on its merit. Council is an inclusive employer. We strive to reflect the community in which we work, as a result we welcome and encourage applications from skilled people from all walks of life. This includes women, men, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with a disability, veterans, sexually and gender diverse people, people with lived experience and people of all ages. #J-18808-Ljbffr