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Approvals Unit Manager
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Name: Margaret Smith |
Why the City of Perth?
The City presented an opportunity to further my professional knowledge & expertise through dealing with development proposals of a scale and complexity unique to the CBD environment. The city is undergoing an exciting period of growth and development that offers numerous challengers to the Town Planning profession. The prospect of working in the city centre was also appealing, with direct access to shops, facilities and the river foreshore.
What does your role involve?
As Manager of the Approval Services Unit I am exposed to a wide variety of duties and responsibilities. I am responsible for managing 26 multi-disciplinary professionals who work in the areas of town planning, building surveying and technical approvals. On a daily basis I am responsible for maintaining high levels of customer service while observing and applying a raft of legislative requirements. I also prepare and manage the Unit’s operational annual budget, staff performance and work load, recruit staff to vacant positions, and respond to enquiries from a range of stakeholders.
In my role as a town planner/manager, I regularly meet with developers and architects to discuss major development proposals, negotiating the best outcome possible for the city. I am involved in Design Review Panels for some state Government projects and represent the City in court or at the State Administrative Tribunal in matters relating to town planning decisions.
Career highlights?
I started at the City as a Senior Planning Officer in the Approval Services Unit, leading a team of Planning Officers and dealing primarily with the City’s statutory planning functions. In this role I was able to develop my leadership and negotiation skills in addition to dealing with developers and promoting improved outcomes for the City.
In 2005 I was promoted to my current position of Manager Approval Services. The transition has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to meet new challenges while still maintaining close involvement with the technical areas that I specialise in.
Advice for job seekers
To work as a town planner you must have a tertiary qualification in town planning, usually offered as a four year under graduate degree by Universities. You can also gain post graduate qualifications, either a diploma or Masters, if you have a degree in another field. Working in Local Government provides a solid foundation for any planning career, as it provides you with a good appreciation of the legislation, processes and procedures, and the politics that often influence decisions. This knowledge will serve you well, whether you remain in local government or seek options with State Government or the private sector.