Senior Planning Compliance Officer in Melbourne

Salary Range Band 7 $115,229 - $128,947 plus 12% super

Full time Permanent role

We are a diverse & inclusive council based in St Kilda with a positive culture and flexible working arrangements possible.

About City of Port Phillip

We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors.

City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation.

What’s the role all about

Reporting to the Coordinator Planning Compliance, you will be a key leader within the Planning Compliance Unit, responsible for managing complex investigations while championing best practice and continuous improvement across the service. You will provide specialist technical advice, support decision-making on sensitive compliance matters, and guide enforcement activities to ensure Council's statutory obligations are effectively met. A significant component of the role involves mentoring and developing team members, identifying opportunities to enhance systems and processes, and contributing to strategic initiatives that improve operational performance, customer experience and service delivery. Your leadership will help foster a positive, high-performing team culture focused on innovation, accountability and achieving quality community outcomes.

What you might do

• Lead and undertake complex planning compliance investigations and enforcement matters, providing guidance and support on sensitive and technically challenging cases.
• Conduct site inspections, gather and assess evidence, and coordinate appropriate enforcement actions in accordance with relevant legislation and Council requirements.
• Prepare briefs of evidence, issue infringement notices, and represent Council in proceedings before VCAT and other courts of competent jurisdiction.
• Monitor and assess compliance with planning permits, planning scheme requirements and Section 173 Agreements, ensuring consistent and effective regulatory outcomes.
• Provide expert technical advice and recommendations to internal stakeholders, customers, Councillors and the broader community.
• Build productive relationships and resolve customer enquiries, complaints and disputes through effective communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement.
• Mentor and support Planning Compliance Officers, contributing to capability development, knowledge sharing and a positive, high-performing team culture.
• Identify and champion opportunities to improve systems, processes and service delivery, contributing to the continuous improvement of Planning Compliance operations and customer outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with legal representatives, government agencies and internal and external stakeholders to achieve coordinated and effective compliance outcomes.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of policies, procedures and operational practices that enhance the effectiveness, consistency and efficiency of the Planning Compliance Unit.

Who we are looking for

• Qualifications in Statutory Planning, Planning Law or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience working in a planning, regulatory, compliance or enforcement environment, preferably within Local Government.
• Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation, planning law and enforcement procedures.
• Experience undertaking investigations, gathering evidence and managing enforcement matters.
• Proven experience in matters that have proceeded to VCAT and/or Magistrates' Court.
• Excellent analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills.
• Well-developed written communication skills, including the preparation of reports, briefs and legal documentation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience mentoring or supporting staff and contributing to a positive team culture.

Our work environment

We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.

What’s in it for you

• We offer a hybrid working model with our core setup being 50-60% in the office depending on team requirements.
• Be supported and empowered to be your best by a passionate leadership team that encourages collaboration and innovation.
• Discounted fitness membership with access to over 260+ gyms, pools, group classes and facilities across Melbourne for you and your family!
• Career development opportunities within your team and/or across council plus a great study assistance allowance of up to $4000 per year per person and 6 hours per week study leave (on approved courses only).
• Flexible working conditions, an active social club, supportive health and wellbeing program, and a well-regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 20 weeks paid parental leave and our pioneering 24 weeks paid leave for single parents.

Security Requirements and Professional Obligations

Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments. Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:

• Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences.
• Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia.
• Sufficient proof of their identity.
• Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
• Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.