Executive Planner - City Strategy

Shape Penrith’s future through city-shaping strategy, master planning, policy and advocacy.

Application Close Date: 11:59pm on 21/10/2026

At Penrith City Council, it’s not about having to choose.

Life with us is the best of both worlds.



What we offer you

• A Generous Salary, Super, option of Leaseback Vehicle or Allowance
• Flexible Working Arrangements/Hybrid Working Location
• Access to Fitness Passport and complimentary access to Ripples Leisure Centres
• The best of both worlds – click here to learn more

Here’s what you’ll be up to…

This isn’t your average planning role. You’ll work on complex, high-profile projects that directly influence how Penrith grows, connects and evolves.

As part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team spanning planning, urban design, transport, policy and strategy, you’ll:

• Develop structure plans, master plans, place-based strategies and planning policy
• Lead and contribute to complex, city-shaping strategic planning projects
• Coordinate specialist studies and multidisciplinary consultant teams
• Collaborate with government, industry, stakeholders and the community
• Help shape and champion Council’s advocacy priorities on the infrastructure, investment and policy needed to support our growing City
• Turn evidence, ideas and big-picture thinking into practical, deliverable planning outcomes

Who we are (And why you’ll love us)

Meet our Workforce Areas - Penrith City Council

The City Strategy Department is a collaborative, multidisciplinary team helping shape the future of one of Western Sydney’s fastest growing cities.

We’re proud of what we deliver. Recent successes include the St Marys Town Centre Master Plan and the Kingswood–Werrington Structure Plan and Place Plan, and we’re now progressing the next generation of master planning across the City.

Our work is broad and varied. We’re also shaping the future of Penrith’s river corridor, developing and continually reviewing our suite of city-wide strategies under the Places of Penrith Strategic Framework – spanning housing, employment lands, rural lands, green grid and other key priorities – and building the evidence and strategic case to advocate for the infrastructure, investment and policy outcomes our City needs.

Importantly, our work doesn’t stop at setting a vision. We think about how strategy translates into planning controls, infrastructure, investment, advocacy and outcomes on the ground.

We work hard, support each other and value flexibility, balance and a positive team culture. If you’re curious, collaborative and enjoy tackling complex challenges and seeing good planning translate into real outcomes, you’ll fit right in.



What are we looking for?



We’re looking for someone who:

• Thinks strategically and sees the bigger picture, while knowing how to turn ideas into practical outcomes.
• Understands how strategy translates into implementation, with an appreciation of planning controls, infrastructure, feasibility and the practical steps needed to move from strategy to delivery.
• Is confident leading complex projects and influencing outcomes, bringing together different disciplines, perspectives and stakeholders.
• Is curious, collaborative and solutions-focused, with strong communication skills and the ability to build productive relationships across Council, government, industry and the community.

Check out our Position Description to learn more about this role.

The must-know bits

You will be required to undertake employment checks, which may include a Criminal History Check, Qualification Check, Working with Children Check, Medical Declaration and/or a Functional Test, as relevant to the position for which you have applied.

Where a Criminal History Check is required and has returned a result that indicates disclosable court outcomes, you will be required to provide a copy of the report to Penrith City Council, for review, to progress through the recruitment process.

Ready to make work feel less like… work?

If you’re nodding along and already picturing your first day, submit your application by hitting ‘Apply Now’.

In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the selection criteria as a part of their application. Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered.

We’ve got an opportunity, you’ve got talent… Let’s talk.

For more information, contact Fiona McDermott on 4372 8532.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation. For more information about this, please see our website.

At Penrith City Council, we believe the best of both worlds means embracing the unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that make our City and our organisation vibrant. We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported and welcome applicants from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities.