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How to Become A Policy and Planning Manager

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What is a Policy and Planning Manager

A Policy and Planning Manager shapes the rules and plans that guide how an organisation works. They write policies, lead planning projects, and make sure decisions match the organisation’s goals. This is a career with real-world impact.

Each day brings a mix of research, talks, and writing. They work with government officials, community groups, and colleagues to build policies that are fair and useful. They share findings, lead discussions, and push for real change.

They also check whether existing policies are working. If something is not delivering, they suggest changes backed by data. This focus on results keeps the role busy and meaningful.

If you enjoy solving problems, working with people, and making a difference, this career is worth a look. It blends analysis, clear writing, and leadership into one role. You can find work across government, consulting, health, education, and many other sectors.

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Career Outlook for Policy and Planning Manager

Policy and Planning Managers are in steady demand across Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia (2025) says around 41,900 people work in this role nationally. The median weekly pay is $2,945, which is about $153,000 a year (ABS, May 2025). Women hold 60% of roles and the median age is 45.

Growth is positive. Jobs and Skills Australia (2025) reports yearly growth of 2,800 workers in this group. Most roles are full-time, with 89% of workers on full-time hours. The average week is 44 hours. The main sectors are public admin, finance and insurance, and professional services.

The outlook for this career remains strong. Organisations across all sectors need people who can build sound policy and run strategic planning. Demand is set to grow as governments and firms tackle complex social and economic problems.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Policy and Planning Manager

Step 1: Complete a bachelor degree in a relevant field

Enrol in a bachelor degree at an Australian university. Good options include a Bachelor of Public Policy and Administration or a Bachelor of Arts (Government and Public Policy). A Bachelor of Business (Management) suits those heading into private-sector roles. These degrees take three years full-time. They cover how government works, policy research, and planning methods.

Step 2: Gain entry-level experience in policy or planning

Apply for graduate roles such as Policy Analyst, Policy Officer, or Planning Officer. Target government agencies, local councils, and non-profit groups. Spend two to three years building skills in research, report writing, and talking with key groups. Volunteer work with community groups also builds useful experience.

Step 3: Pursue postgraduate study to build deeper skills

Many Policy and Planning Managers hold a Master of Public Policy (MPP) or Master of Public Administration (MPA). Full-time, these degrees take one and a half to two years. Part-time options take two to four years. You can study at universities across Australia. They cover advanced policy work, how orgs are run, program review, and public sector leadership.

Step 4: Build specialist skills and join professional networks

Join the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) if your work focuses on planning. For public policy roles, explore programs from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG). Attend industry events and take short courses in project work or data skills. These networks open doors to senior roles.

Step 5: Progress to senior adviser and management roles

With five or more years of experience, apply for Senior Policy Adviser or Team Leader roles. Build a track record of leading projects, managing staff, and shaping senior decisions. From here, you can step into a Policy and Planning Manager role. Most managers have eight to ten years of combined study and work experience.

What does a Policy and Planning Manager do?

A Policy and Planning Manager takes on a wide range of tasks every day. They research current policies, talk with key groups, and draft new plans to match the organisation’s goals. They lead meetings, write reports, and present findings to leadership teams. They also check whether existing policies are working and suggest updates when needed. It is a busy, varied role that blends research, writing, and leadership.

Tasks

A Policy and Planning Manager drives policy development and strategic planning for their organisation. Each task is focused on building better decisions and delivering real outcomes. This is a hands-on role that blends research, writing, and teamwork every day.

  • Research and Analysis – Investigating issues and gathering data to support the development of new policies and plans.
  • Policy Development – Writing and reviewing policy documents to meet organisational goals and regulatory standards.
  • Stakeholder Engagement – Consulting with community groups, government bodies, and internal teams to build consensus.
  • Project Management – Keeping policy initiatives on track by managing timelines, resources, and deliverables.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation – Assessing whether policies are achieving their goals and recommending changes based on evidence.
  • Reporting – Preparing reports and presentations to update leadership on policy outcomes and recommendations.
  • Training and Support – Helping staff understand new policies and apply them correctly in their work.
  • Strategic Planning – Contributing to long-term plans that reflect the organisation’s mission and values.

Skills for Success

To do well as a Policy and Planning Manager, you need a strong mix of skills. Research and data skills help you build policies based on facts. Clear writing and speaking let you share ideas and get key groups on board.

Project skills keep your work on track and on budget. A good grasp of laws and government processes helps in complex work settings. Add clear thinking and team leadership to the mix, and you have a strong base for this career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Research and data analysis
  • Policy development and review
  • Strategic thinking and planning
  • Stakeholder engagement and consultation
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Project management
  • Leadership and team management
  • Knowledge of regulatory and legislative frameworks
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Negotiation and consensus-building
  • Report writing and presentation
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptability and continuous learning
  • Time management and prioritisation

Average Salaries

Policy and Planning Managers in Australia earn a median of about $153,000 a year. This is based on median weekly pay of $2,945 (ABS, May 2025). Entry-level managers typically earn from about $90,000. Senior managers in large organisations can earn $200,000 or more.

min $90 K

max $200 K

av $153 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.