- Shape the future of one of Sydney’s most vibrant and diverse communities.
- Thrive in a forward-thinking, innovative local government environment
- Influence major planning reforms and ensure they work for our community
- Enjoy hybrid work arrangements and a rostered day off every three weeks
- Our new office at Macquarie Park opens in April 2026
Step Into the Future with City of Ryde’s Planning Team!
Are you passionate about the power of planning to transform places and improve lives? This is your opportunity to contribute to the future of the City of Ryde, one of Sydney’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving local government areas.
With our population set to double over the next 30 years, we’re working hand-in-hand with the NSW Government to tackle the housing crisis and deliver smart, sustainable growth. Our strategy is clear: strike the right balance between housing, jobs, and infrastructure.
Lead Innovation • Shape the Future • Drive Strategic Uplift
The City of Ryde is seeking an inspiring and forward-thinking Strategic Planning Manager to lead our Strategic Planning “City Places” team into the next phase of its growth, reform and innovation. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our city by balancing recent planning reforms with Council’s priorities, community expectations and our progressive culture.
As the Manager, City Places you will lead the strategic planning function and oversee the development and refinement of key planning instruments, including the Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP), structure plans, place strategies and master planning for our city. You will guide the team to deliver high quality, best practice planning outcomes grounded on sound evidence-base, supported by a culture of progressive thinking, continuous learning, inclusion, innovation and accountability.
What you will be doing?
You will lead a high performing, energetic team that values collaboration, balance and critical thinking. You’ll be responsible for ensuring the team works cohesively, leveraging each other’s strengths while delivering a unified, strategic approach to the city’s future growth and development.
This is a key leadership role with strong business acumen at its core. You’ll not only guide long term land use and policy planning, but you’ll also think creatively about alternate revenue streams, new service opportunities, business strategy, continuous improvement and how technology can be leveraged to improve efficacy and build a sustainable, future focused business unit that serves the community.
You will be a strong communicator, equally comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams as you are presenting recommendations to senior leadership, influencing decisions, and helping shape the strategic direction of the City of Ryde. You will have strong industry links and look for opportunities to proactively engage with internal and external stakeholders to improve the land use planning outcomes of our city.
In addition, you will also have:
- Tertiary qualification in Urban/Town Planning or related discipline.
- Extensive experience leading complex strategic planning projects and policy (ie/ LEP, DCP, precinct plans, masterplans) from concept to implementation in NSW state/local government or comparable contexts
- Demonstrated people focused leadership: coaching, mentoring, performance management, team capability building and leading through change
- Proven political acumen and experience working effectively with Councillors, senior executives, State agencies and diverse community stakeholders
- Strong governance and compliance literacy (EP&A Act, Local Government Act), including probity, procurement, and information access considerations
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
- Extensive communication skills and ability to communicate complex ideas into simple concepts utilising visual methods or by leveraging technology.
Your commencing annual salary will range from $191,360.80 - $222,500.02 + Superannuation + Leaseback, dependent on your experience and qualifications.
Culture & Benefits
- Free shuttle bus between the North Ryde Office and North Ryde Metro Station
- Leaseback vehicle
- Commitment to providing opportunities for work/life balance
- Hybrid work from home and office arrangements available
- Flexibility regarding start and finish times to suit your lifestyle
- Work 37.5 hours and enjoy a rostered day off approx. every 3 weeks
- Long service leave after 5 years, then accrued monthly
- 18 weeks paid parental leave (for eligible employees)
- 3 extra grant days at Christmas to ensure you have time to enjoy the holiday
- Annual performance reviews and Award increases
- Opportunity to sign up as a fitness passport member
- Various health & well-being initiatives (i.e. flu vaccinations, skin checks, etc.)
How to apply
Please ensure you give full answers to the online application questions, showcasing your abilities and experience. Your answers, in conjunction with your resume, will determine if you are invited to an interview.
Please note you do not need a “password” to use our on-line application system, however you have the option save and return to your application prior to the closing date. In addition to answering the online questions, this position requires you to attach your Resume to complete the application process. Please note, you are not required to submit a cover letter or a statement addressing selection criteria.
Closing Date: Tuesday 10th March 2026 at 11:30pm
If you would like to know more, please see the position description or contact Kandace Lindeberg, Director Development & Regulation on 0481 694 516 for a confidential discussion relating to the role. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Kelly Hawkins, Talent Acquisition Specialist on 9952 8480.
City of Ryde is committed to Equal Employment and Child Safety