Senior Strategic Planner - Research

About the role

Are you a strategic thinker who loves turning complex data into actionable insights?

We are seeking a talented Senior Strategic Planner - Research to drive the future of our city by leading and supporting vital planning projects.

In this dynamic role, you will be the go-to expert for unlocking critical data across utilities, transport, demographics, and the environment.

You won't just find information - you will critique its accuracy, produce bespoke research, and work collaboratively across various business units to help shape the strategic direction of our community.

This is your opportunity to see your work directly influence the physical and economic landscape of the City.

Working closely with the Coordinator Strategic Land Use Planning and Manager Strategic Planning, you will translate sophisticated research into clear, compelling narratives for diverse stakeholders.

If you thrive on variety, cross-functional collaboration, and producing high-impact work that matters, your next data nerd career chapter starts here.

This is a permanent full-time position.

The salary for this position will be from $115,393.15 - $131,077.28 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

About you

We are looking for someone who has the following: 

1. Tertiary qualification at a Bachelor Degree level, or above, in Planning, Research or a related field
2. Minimum of 5 years recent experience in Planning, Research or a related field
3. Practical experience of managing at least one project (desirable)
4. Working knowledge of how local government operates (desirable)
5. Current ‘C’ class driver’s license
6. A satisfactory National Police Certificate is required
7. A positive approach to people, work and learning
8. An ability to balance workloads and meet competing timeframes
9. An ability to understand and organise large volumes of information

For more information about the role, please refer to the position description.

About working with us

You will also enjoy benefits, including

• Flexibility to balance work and life through supported work from home and a 19-day month
• Excellent leave entitlements, e.g. purchase additional leave, Local Government public holiday
• Generous superannuation contributions up to a total combined 17 per cent
• Comprehensive employee wellness program
• Generous study assistance (terms and conditions apply)
• Free parking options available
• Travelsmart allowance to support public transport use or cycling to work.

About the City

The City of Swan covers 1,042 square kilometres, representing nearly 20 per cent of the Perth metropolitan area. It includes 42 suburbs from Bullsbrook to Bushmead, Ballajura to Gidgegannup, and it is among the fastest-growing regions in Western Australia. The City is home to the iconic Swan River and the internationally celebrated Swan Valley, founded in 1829. It is a sought-after destination to live, work, and visit, combining quality services and amenities with a beautiful natural setting.

The area also holds profound cultural importance for the Whadjuk Noongar people, reflecting more than 40,000 years of connection to the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River). Today, the City is a dynamic and diverse community, where one in three residents was born overseas, and one in five speaks a language other than English at home.

Our purpose is to improve the quality of life for our community by delivering our vision of ‘one city, diverse people, culture and places’ through shared values of respect, excellence, accountability and leadership.

At the City of Swan, we are committed to recruiting and retaining the right people and creating a great place to work. We offer our employees real careers, real impact, and real rewards.

We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds and encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals who may identify as LGBTIQ+, with disability, a culturally and linguistically diverse background, and people of all ages.

For more information about this position, please contact Chris, Coordinator Strategic Land Use Planning directly at (08) 9267 9***.

For queries regarding the application process, please contact our friendly People Services team on (08) 9267 9***.

To apply, please submit a cover letter that outlines your qualifications and experience and why you would be a good fit for this role, and a resume via the link.

Closing date: Friday, 4 September 2026 at 11pm AWST.

The City of Swan reserves the right to commence shortlisting and interviews earlier than the closing date. The City also reserves the right to close the vacancy early; therefore, if you are interested in this position, please submit an application as early as possible.

*No agencies, please.