Public Sector People are partnering with Waverley Council to appoint a Director, Planning, Sustainability and Compliance. This is a pivotal executive leadership opportunity responsible for shaping one of Sydney's most iconic coastal communities.
Reporting directly to the General Manager, this role places you at the forefront of Council's strategic agenda, leading a portfolio that balances planning, development and sustainability with the expectations of a highly engaged community and an evolving policy landscape.
The Role
As Director, Planning, Sustainability and Compliance, you'll provide strategic advice to the General Manager, Mayor and Councillors while leading a broad portfolio spanning Development Assessment, Strategic Planning, Compliance and Regulatory Services, and Sustainability and Environmental Services.
You'll drive service delivery, organisational performance, governance and community outcomes across one of Council's most influential portfolios.
Council is seeking more than an experienced executive, this role is for an accomplished planning leader with the credibility to navigate competing priorities, balance technical excellence with sound judgement, and build trusted relationships across Council, the community and government. Success in this role will be measured not only by the quality of planning and regulatory outcomes you deliver, but by the relationships you build, the culture you create and the strategic contribution you make across Council.
About You
You are an accomplished executive leader with extensive planning experience and a demonstrated track record leading complex planning and regulatory portfolios within local government.
You will bring:
- Executive leadership experience leading planning and development functions.
- Significant NSW planning expertise, including experience navigating complex development assessment and state planning frameworks.
- Strong political and organisational acumen, with the ability to build trusted relationships with elected members while providing clear, balanced and evidence-based advice.
- Demonstrated success balancing legislative requirements, community expectations and organisational priorities.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through organisational improvement, cultural change and service transformation.
- A collaborative, people-centred leadership style with the confidence to make difficult decisions and kindly lead through complexity.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in urban planning, environmental management, public administration, law, sustainability, property, engineering or a related discipline.
You'll be a credible and authentic leader who establishes trust quickly, provides authoritative planning advice, and contributes beyond your own portfolio as a valued member of Council's Executive Leadership Team.
Why Waverley Council?
Waverley Council delivers services that support one of Australia's most vibrant and distinctive communities, including Bondi, Bronte and the surrounding suburbs. With major planning initiatives on the horizon, including the future of Bondi Junction, this is a rare opportunity to influence one of Sydney's most significant destinations.
- A genuine executive leadership opportunity reporting directly to the General Manager.
- A high-impact portfolio spanning planning, sustainability and compliance.
- The opportunity to work closely with State Government on significant planning and development initiatives.
- An established executive team that values collaboration, innovation and strategic leadership.
- The opportunity to develop a high-performing directorate and drive lasting outcomes for the community.
This role will suit a strategic leader who enjoys complexity, values collaboration and is motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of one of Sydney's most distinctive communities.
For a confidential discussion, contact:
Esme Lynch, Senior Consultant - 0413 282 765 / esme@publicsectorpeople.com.au
OR
Alex Scott, NSW State Manager - 0424 150 58 / ascott@publicsectorpeople.com.au
Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 19th July 2026.
