Head of Department - Municipal Urban Planner (80%-100%)

The City of Neuchâtel is advertising the position of

Head of Department - Municipal Urban Planner (80%-100%)

Department / Department responsible for urban planning, mobility and public spaces

Activities / In direct relation with the municipal councillor responsible for the Directorate, the post holder leads the Department of Urban Planning, Mobility and Public Spaces, as well as the offices attached to it. They ensure its management on human, organisational, financial, as well as strategic levels and will notably be entrusted with the following tasks:

• Participate in defining and implementing the development strategy for the City’s territory;
• Manage or supervise the realisation and coordination of complex, cross-cutting and/or strategically important projects related to territorial development, urban planning and related fields;
• Advise the executive authority on all matters relating to urban planning, land use, mobility, public and green spaces, as well as building permits, and propose strategies in these areas;
• Exemplify inspiring leadership to unite teams around a collaborative culture. Act as a true conductor to facilitate the resolution of complex cross-cutting dossiers, while ensuring efficient and modern resource management within the institutional framework;
• Represent the City of Neuchâtel in the context of developing public and private projects.

Desired profile / You hold a qualification in geography, urban planning (university Master’s degree or ETH) or another qualification with equivalent skills, as well as a postgraduate qualification ideally in public administration management. You have significant professional experience, ideally at least 10 years, gained in roles with substantial responsibilities. You possess in-depth knowledge of legislation, practices and procedures in urban planning, land use, mobility, public spaces and fire prevention, as well as in managing large-scale projects. You have analytical and synthetic skills while also being able to demonstrate creativity; your excellent writing skills in French are complemented by oral and written proficiency in German. You have proven experience in team leadership and know how to support and motivate your collaborators in their tasks. You are comfortable in interpersonal relations and possess communication and negotiation skills, as well as a sense of public and political relations. You are committed to the prominence and development of the City of Neuchâtel and its integration into an agglomeration vision.

The City of Neuchâtel pays particular attention to promoting diversity in life paths and gender.

Start date / 1 January 2027 or by agreement.

Application deadline / 25 October 2026.

Information / Further information can be obtained from the municipal councillor in charge of the Directorate of Territorial Development, Violaine Blétry-de Montmollin (032 717 72 00) or Mr Antoine Sauser, Secretary General (032 717 72 08).

If you wish to take on this challenge, please apply online by attaching your complete file (cover letter, CV, diplomas and work certificates).