How to become a Policy and Planning Manager

Also called: Public Policy Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates policy advice and strategic planning within an organisation.

Main tasks

• Develops, implements and monitors strategic and business planning activities, organisational programs, policies, processes, systems and procedures to achieve goals, objectives and work standards
• Develops, implements, administers and participates in policy research and analysis
• Coordinates the implementation of policies and practices
• Communicates organisational policies and procedures
• Establishes activity measures and measurements of accountability
• Oversees and participates in the development of policy documents and reports
• Consults with, and provides expert advice to, government officials and board members on policy, program and legislative issues
• Represents the organisation in negotiations and at conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums convened to discuss policy issues
• Undertakes short-term and long-term business planning as part of the managerial process
• Plans for uncertain future events

Ways in

• University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Graduate Diploma of Portfolio Management (BSB80220); Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership (BSB80320); Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015); Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Advanced Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB60320); Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $153,140 a year
• About 39,300 people work in this job group now, and about 47,300 are projected by 2035. (+20.3%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Corporate Services Manager
• Finance Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Research and Development Manager
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Regulatory Affairs Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Policy and Planning Manager?

Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Graduate Diploma of Portfolio Management; Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership.

How much does a Policy and Planning Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $153,140 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Policy and Planning Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 39,300 to about 47,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Policy and Planning Manager?

Usually. 77% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Policy and Planning Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04