Project Planning and Design Coordinator

We are East Gippsland Shire

East Gippsland is a natural playground with over 21,000 square km of land including ski fields, high country, nine national parks, two significant marine parks, Australia's largest navigable inland lake system and stunning coastlines included!

Business Unit

The Infrastructure Projects Unit is responsible for planning, designing and delivering the infrastructure that supports East Gippsland's communities. Working across a diverse portfolio of roads, bridges, buildings, drainage, open space and community assets, the team helps turn Council's long-term priorities into projects that provide lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike. The unit works closely with stakeholders across Council, government agencies, consultants and the community to develop and deliver projects that are well planned, financially sustainable and ready for successful delivery.

The Opportunity

As the Project Planning and Design Coordinator, you will lead the planning and design function for Council's capital works program, overseeing a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects from early planning through to delivery readiness. You will provide leadership to Project Leads and Project Engineers, ensuring projects are prioritised, resourced and progressed effectively to support Council's strategic objectives. Working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across the organisation, you will provide technical advice, contribute to the development of the capital works program, and help ensure projects are delivered in line with Council priorities, funding requirements and community expectations.

After the 2019/2020 bushfires, substantial support was provided to Council to rebuild, both through externally funded bushfire recovery roles and grants for major capital works. We are looking for someone who has strong change management skills, who is able to confidently lead the team through a period of significant transition. Over the next 12 months, there will be a strong focus on strengthening Council's project management function to ensure it is well positioned to support future organisational priorities. Additionally, strong political acumen is essential in this role. The successful candidate will understand the environment in which local government operates and be able to balance Council priorities, community expectations and stakeholder interests.

This is a full-time position based at Council's Bruce Road Depot in Kalimna and operates under Council's hybrid working model. An initial period of full-time office-based work will be required to support onboarding and training, with hybrid working arrangements available once the successful candidate has developed sufficient knowledge and capability in the role. While hybrid work flexibility is available, this role cannot be completed living outside of the region - an ongoing expectation of working from the office at least three days per week applies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and develop the Planning and Design team, providing direction, support and performance management.
• Coordinate Council's capital works planning and design portfolio, ensuring projects are ready to progress through key project milestones.
• Manage project priorities, resource allocation and program scheduling across a diverse range of infrastructure projects.
• Provide strategic and technical advice to senior leaders on infrastructure planning, design and project delivery matters.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to support project development, governance and stakeholder engagement activities.

What we're looking for:

• Qualifications in Civil Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Experience leading infrastructure planning and design projects, ideally within local government or a similar environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop and support high-performing teams.
• Well-developed stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship management skills.
• Sound understanding of project governance, program management and infrastructure project delivery.

Why you'll love EGSC:

Work-Life Balance:

• 60/40 Hybrid office/WFH options
• Option to purchase additional leave
• Flexible start and finish times
• Extra time off over Christmas
• Discounted memberships to our Recreation Centres

Competitive Salaries:

• Annual leave loading paid as a lump sum in December!
• Banded salaries with built in yearly increases!

A Supportive environment:

• 17 weeks paid parental leave pro rata
• Additional special leave available for chronic health conditions and other special needs
• Learning and Development team to keep your skills up to date and give you the opportunity to develop your career!
• Employee Assistance Program offering counselling support when you need it
• Staff consultative committee - management consult staff on big decisions

Does this sound like the role for you? Apply now!

To apply, please upload:

• Your resume, including 2 references
• A cover letter, explaining why you're interested in the position and the skills you will bring to the role
• A statement responding to each of the Key Selection Criteria in the Position Description

Questions? Contact Chris Stephenson, General Manager Projects and Planning on (03) •••• •500

Applications close at 11:45pm on 23 August 2026

East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. This includes people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, gender diverse people, religiously, culturally and linguistically diverse people and people of any age.

East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards and has a zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. To uphold these standards a valid working with children check is required to be held for applicable positions.