Team Leader-Planning

• Lead a Team of High Performing Planning Professionals
• Contribute to Planning Processes for Major High-Profile Projects 
• Would Suit Current or Aspiring Leaders

From the foothills to the coast, our city’s reach boasts one of the largest in South Australia. 

Bringing together a diverse and vibrant mix of people and cultures, thriving and innovative businesses and millions of visitors every year, the City of Marion is like no other and continues to experience ongoing growth and development. 

As one of the largest councils in South Australia we provide a positive customer service experience to the ongoing establishment of our residential and industrial areas. Our Planning and Development Team is a major part of why the City of Marion is such a great place to live, work and play. 

Each year our busy and dedicated team of Planning and Development Specialists assess and approve approximately 2,000 development applications. These consist of a mixture of low to high density residential, commercial, industrial and community uses. The total value of applications that received approval in the 2022-23 financial year equated to approximately $190m. 

Due to an internal promotion, there is now a vacancy for a technically proficient planning professional with contemporary leadership capabilities to be our next Team Leader-Planning during an exciting era in our planning and development evolution.

In this rare City of Marion vacancy, you will have the opportunity to genuinely shape and develop future council operations by leading a team of nine high performing planning professions while also acting as our Principal Assessment Officer. You will also help to refine ongoing processes for notable major projects such as Seacliff Village, Oaklands Green, and the Morphettville Racecourse redevelopment.

In a position where you have high exposure to a wide range of other internal and external stakeholders, your blend of technical skill and managerial capabilities will be fully utilised.

Reporting to the Unit Manager – Development & Regulatory Services, a day in life will include the following.

• Allocating duties and setting priorities for the Planning Team based on the strengths and career development of staff members.
• Undertaking the assessment of planning applications against relevant planning legislation and exercising appropriate delegated authority for the issuing of planning decision.
• Assisting in the preparation of assessment reports to the Marion Council Assessment Panel (CAP).
• Providing support to the Unit Manager – Planning & Development and Assessment Manager as required and acting as 2IC.
• Fostering and leading a team culture focused on efficiency, meeting legislative timeframes, and ensuring positive development outcomes. 
• Promoting and delivering strong customer service to external clients and internal departments.
• Providing effective coaching, mentoring and support to develop team members.

To be considered for this position you must have obtained a degree or certificate in Urban & Regional Planning (or equivalent), and be holding, or can obtain, Planning Level 1 Accreditation pursuant to the Accredited Professional Scheme (PDI Act 2016). It is assumed that you possess a comprehensive understanding of the Planning, Development & Infrastructure Act 2016, Regulations and Planning & Design Code.

As a technically adept planning professional with excellent interpersonal skills, your prior experience could have been gained either in local government or with a consultancy. 

This position could appeal to a planning professional that has led or provided support to a team of planners, or to candidates that have leadership aspirations in this field and may have gained managerial experience in a different field before stepping into planning.

This is a great permanent position in one of South Australia’s largest and most progressive councils that is focussed on taking planning and development to a greater level where you can genuinely shape and develop future operations in a good team culture.

A base salary of $112,364.70 up to $119,403.39 plus super and exceptional benefits is on offer with an enterprise bargaining increase scheduled effective 1 July 2024 that will increase the base.)

Candidates that may have experience with other councils, or those from other industry sectors, can take advantage of a wide range of benefits not easily found with other employers. 

Exceptional Entitlements 

• 19 Day Work Month (1 RDO per month)
• Fortnightly Pay
• Annual Salary Increases
• Annual Leave Loading
• Annual Leave at Half Pay Option (To extend period of leave)
• Ability to Purchase Annual Leave
• Flexible Parental Leave Entitlements
• Payment of Appropriate Professional Membership Fees
• Highly Affordable Income Protection
• Yearly Corporate Wardrobe Allowance

City of Marion Well-Being Programs 

• 24/7 professional, independent, and confidential counselling
• Healthy Lifestyle Programs such as Health assessments, Skin cancer screening; and Body trim programs
• Employee Immunisation Program
• Quit Smoking Program
• Income Protection Program

Exceptional Health Opportunity

• Heavily Discounted Platinum Membership to SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre 
  • Unlimited access to all pools and favourable fitness times
  • Ability to sign-up and partake in 150 different fitness classes
  • Sauna and Steam Room
  • Unlimited access to an exceptional gym and modern work-out equipment
  • Guidance by an Equipment Trainer
  • Creche Access
  • Discounts for Family Members

Please Note: A Driver’s licence (car), an ability to climb ladders and work at heights (for site inspection), occasional out of hours attendance and regular attendance at Council Assessment Panel meetings (maximum 2 per month) is desired for this position. 

To view the job description, and to complete the mandatory pre-employment declaration form please see https://www.marion.sa.gov.au/about-council/employment/employment-opportunities

Telephone enquiries can be directed to Alex Wright, Unit Manager – Development & Regulatory Services at ***********@marion.sa.gov.au or on 08 8375 6***.

Applications close COB April 18th and must be submitted through this SEEK advertisement only.

The City of Marion encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities, people who are LGBTQIA+, and people who are culturally and linguistically diverse.