Senior Manager Planning Approvals

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Transport for NSW is seeking a Senior Manager Planning Approvals to drive planning outcomes for Sydney’s most complex infrastructure, leading end-to-end planning approvals, environmental assessments and post-approval management under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and the EPBC Act, with strategic leadership of a multidisciplinary team. The role demands deep NSW planning and environmental approvals expertise, a proven track record delivering approvals for major projects, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across government, industry and community while managing consultants and contracts on time-critical programs. To apply effectively, foreground concrete outcomes, demonstrate cross-functional collaboration and a clear approach to compliant, efficient approval pathways aligned to budget and policy priorities. Applications close 11:59 PM Sunday, 28 June 2026.

Drive planning outcomes for Sydney’s most complex transport infrastructure—lead statutory delivery, influence policy, and shape city-defining outcomes.

In this role, you’ll:

Lead specialist advice on the end-to-end delivery of planning approvals, environmental assessments and post-approval management across major infrastructure projects, ensuring full compliance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), EPBC Act and broader statutory frameworks.

Provide strategic and technical leadership to a high-performing team of planning specialists and consultants, guiding the preparation of robust approval documentation and embedding best-practice environmental assessment across complex, time-critical programs.

Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, providing critical insights and championing environmental, sustainability and planning outcomes.

Shape organisational environmental and sustainability processes, systems and policy by embedding consistent, compliant and efficient approval pathways that meet program, budget and stakeholder requirements.

Partner with key stakeholders—including government agencies, councils and the community—to influence outcomes, resolve complex issues and deliver innovative, integrated planning solutions aligned to NSW Government priorities.

About you:

You are tertiary qualified in planning, environmental management, engineering or a related field and/or relevant industry experience.

You have deep expertise in NSW planning and environmental approvals, including the EP&A Act and broader statutory frameworks and proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams delivering approvals for major infrastructure or complex developments. A strong track record in preparing and overseeing environmental impact assessments and approval documentation

You can collaborate with and influence senior stakeholders across government, industry and community environments. You bring project management skills, with experience managing consultants, contracts and concurrent project demands.

For more information please view the role description and information pack.

Who we are

Sydney Metro is leading Australia’s biggest public transport infrastructure program, developing and delivering a new world-class metro railway system for Sydney. 

As a NSW Government statutory authority, Sydney Metro has been tasked with developing and delivering metro railways, and managing their operations. Sydney Metro also leads the development of vibrant station precincts to meet customer and community needs, transforming the way Sydney travels and helping shape the future of Australia’s largest city.

Join us

Our workforce is as diverse as the community we serve. If you’d like further information on our inclusion and diversity initiatives, visit Transport careers.