Team Leader Para Planning and Subdivision

• Permanent Full Time 
• $108,554 – $119,737 pa (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs

Who we are
Surf Coast Shire Council oversees the picturesque region of Surf Coast Shire in Victoria, Australia, striving to ensure the wellbeing and prosperity of its residents and businesses. This includes upholding local laws and regulations, managing essential infrastructure like roads and parks, and providing vital community services such as family and youth programs. 

Council plays a pivotal role in planning and development, guiding sustainable growth while preserving the region's natural beauty. Council actively supports economic development initiatives, fostering local businesses and promoting tourism to stimulate the local economy. 

Council acknowledges the Wadawurrung People, and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands we now call Surf Coast Shire.

We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.
 

Your new career

As Team Leader – Para Planning and Subdivision, you’ll lead a high-performing, customer-focused team that plays a critical role in the delivery of responsive planning services across our growing coastal community.

Far more than administrative support, the Para Planning Team is the first point of contact for planning enquiries—applying technical knowledge to guide customers, support statutory planners, and ensure applications are processed efficiently and accurately.

Working closely with Statutory Planning Coordinators, you’ll:

• drive service improvements, 
• strengthen processes, 
• and ensure consistent, high-quality advice is delivered to residents, developers, and stakeholders. 

This is a dynamic leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, people-oriented environment and is passionate about great planning outcomes and community impact.

What you will bring to the role
You’re a collaborative and solutions-focused leader with a passion for service excellence and strong working knowledge of statutory planning frameworks. You bring experience leading teams in regulatory or planning environments and the ability to coach others, drive improvement, and build trust with a wide range of stakeholders.

To thrive in this role, you’ll have:

• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in planning or regulatory services
• Strong understanding of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Subdivision Act 1988, and relevant planning schemes
• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to provide clear planning advice and manage complex enquiries with professionalism and empathy
• High-level organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to mentor staff, collaborate across teams, and represent Council with confidence
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and building a high-performing, customer-focused team culture

Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• Extensive experience in a statutory planning, planning administration, or similar environment, including the delivery of customer-facing services in a regulatory context. 
• Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience, including the ability to support staff development and manage workload priorities. 
• Strong knowledge of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Subdivision Act 1988, and Victorian Planning Schemes, with the ability to interpret planning controls and support permit processes. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear procedures, reports, and correspondence, and to explain technical matters to a range of stakeholders.
• Proven organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory timeframes and service standards.
• Experience in delivering continuous improvement initiatives and streamlining processes.
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). 
  A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Certificate IV or above in Planning, Local Government Planning Administration, or a related field.
• Experience leading a para-planning or planning support team within local government.
• Experience in private sector development, planning consultancy or legal administration relevant to planning.

What you’ll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Our shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDOs
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading.

For more information
More information on the role accountabilities and the key selection criteria can be found in the position description here. 

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Dee Gomes, Manager Planning and Compliance on 5261 0600.

How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria 
• copy of your resume. 

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application. 

Applications close at 11.59pm 24 August 2025 

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.