Senior Planner - Planning & Development

About the role

Orion Group is seeking an experienced, commercially minded Senior Planner to join its expanding Planning & Development team in Sydney. This is not a traditional planning role focused only on assessment reports and applications; it suits someone who enjoys managing projects, working directly with clients and coordinating multidisciplinary teams across development, infrastructure, government and strategic planning projects in NSW. Reporting to the Planning Director, you will lead the delivery of planning and project management services across a varied portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Manage planning approvals and project delivery from inception to completion
• Prepare and review planning reports, Statements of Environmental Effects (SEE), Review of Environmental Factors (REF), planning advice, due diligence reports and strategic planning documentation
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams and external consultants
• Manage project scope, programs, budgets and client expectations
• Provide strategic planning advice to private sector, infrastructure and government clients
• Identify project risks and develop practical solutions
• Support business development and prepare fee proposals
• Mentor junior planners and contribute to continuous improvement across the Planning team

Required profile

• Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related discipline
• Eligibility for membership of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)
• Approximately 5-10+ years' planning experience
• Experience managing planning projects, programs, budgets and client relationships
• Experience across development approvals, strategic planning, infrastructure projects and multidisciplinary consultancy environments is highly regarded

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of the NSW planning system, legislation and approvals pathways
• Excellent written communication and report writing skills
• Project management capability and commercial awareness

What we offer

• Flexible workplace with a range of options
• Paid parental leave and generous leave including birthday leave, flexible public holidays and purchased leave
• Employee discounts on health insurance, energy, novated leasing and retail
• Free confidential counselling and wellbeing support (EAP)
• Individual development plans and mentoring
• Regular team events, celebrations and social activities