Planning Manager - Gippsland Region (Churchill Based)

Lead regional planning, shape sustainable forestry operations, and make a lasting impact.

Are you an experienced planning professional ready to step into a high‑influence leadership role? This is an exciting opportunity to guide operational planning across a major Gippsland forestry estate, drive environmental outcomes, and work closely with communities, regulators, and contractors.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on strategic planning, enjoys time both in the field and the office, and wants to contribute to sustainable land management across the region.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Strong total package: $130-$140k base + 12% super
• Full private‑use vehicle
• 15% annual bonus
• $600 annual fitness reimbursement
• Ongoing Learning & Development opportunities
• Based in the Churchill office, supporting the wider Gippsland region
• Work that blends strategy, field activity, environmental stewardship, and community impact

What You'll Be Doing

As the Planning Manager, you will play a key leadership role overseeing all planning functions for the region, ensuring harvesting, roading, and silviculture programs operate efficiently, sustainably, and safely.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Planning

• Lead the development and delivery of 1-3 year harvesting schedules that balance contractor capability, customer commitments, environmental requirements, and seasonal constraints.
• Oversee planning for roading and silviculture operations.
• Ensure Timber Harvest Plans and Site Operations Plans are complete, accurate, and aligned with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct pre‑harvest surveys (including koala assessments) to support responsible and compliant operations.

Land & Environmental Management

• Support a wide range of land management matters, including land access, easements, acquisitions, and liaison with state land management organisations.
• Ensure planning practices follow sustainable forest management principles and achieve strong environmental outcomes.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build proactive relationships with neighbours, community groups, councils, regulators, and industry bodies.
• Anticipate and resolve potential community or operational issues early.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all planning activities meet legislative, environmental, and company policy requirements.
• Contribute to certification processes and support audits.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a planning team (up to seven staff).
• Work closely with regional managers across harvesting, roading, silviculture, and sustainability.
• Contribute to regional business planning, budget development, and long‑term resource strategy.

Fire Preparedness & Response

• Participate in fire readiness, weekend/weekday standby rotations, and operational roles during fire events (training provided).

What You Bring

• Strong experience in plantation forestry, natural resource management, or similar large‑scale land‑based operations.
• Proven experience in operational planning, scheduling, or land/forest management.
• Ability to build strong relationships across community, regulatory, and operational stakeholders.
• Knowledge of environmental and safety compliance in a forestry or natural resource context.
• Leadership experience and the ability to mentor a high‑performing team.
• Tertiary qualification in forestry, environmental management, natural resources, or a related discipline.
• Skill in GIS (ArcGIS) and Microsoft Office.
• A current Australian driver's licence and ability to navigate rugged terrain on foot.

This Role Will Suit Someone Who…

• Loves balancing fieldwork with strategic office‑based planning
• Wants to lead meaningful environmental and community‑focused work
• Thrives in a collaborative regional team environment
• Enjoys improving systems, processes, and long‑term operational planning
• Values stability, professional development, and long‑term career growth

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're passionate about regional leadership, sustainable land management, and guiding the future of forestry operations in Gippsland, we'd love to hear from you.