Associate Director - Urban Design

Talent House Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth opportunities

Competitive remuneration package

Equity stake in the business

Collaborative culture

Job summary

A leading urban design consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director in Sydney to lead significant urban design projects. Responsibilities include project leadership, client management, and mentoring a talented team. Candidates should have over 10 years of relevant experience in urban design and a solid understanding of NSW planning policies. This role offers competitive remuneration and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in urban design, preferably in a consultancy environment.
• Strong understanding of NSW planning policies and development controls.
• Proven track record in delivering complex urban design projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex urban design projects.
• Build and maintain client relationships and identify new business opportunities.
• Provide expert technical advice on urban design principles.
• Mentor and develop a team of urban designers.
• Contribute to the firm's strategic growth.

Skills

Leadership

Urban design project management

Client management

Business development

Mentoring

Technical advice in urban design

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Urban Design, Architecture, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Are you an accomplished Urban Designer seeking a leadership role where you can truly shape significant urban projects and mentor a high-performing team? This is an outstanding opportunity to join a highly respected national consultancy with a strong track record in integrated planning and design, committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients across New South Wales & Australia.

Compensation

Base pay range

A$150,000.00/yr - A$180,000.00/yr

This range is provided by Talent House Recruitment. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

About the Opportunity

Our client is a well-established and growing consultancy known for its technical excellence, collaborative culture, and commitment to client success. Operating across the property and infrastructure markets, they are seeking an Associate Director to play a pivotal role in their Urban Design team in Sydney. This position offers the chance to lead complex projects, mentor talented professionals, and contribute directly to the firm's strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Lead and manage complex urban design projects, from large-scale master plans and urban renewal strategies to public realm design and place-making initiatives.
• Client Management & Business Development: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, identify new business opportunities, prepare compelling proposals, and actively contribute to the growth of the urban design portfolio.
• Technical Excellence: Provide expert technical advice on urban design principles, built form, and place-making, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and defensible design solutions.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Manage, mentor, and develop a team of urban designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. Provide technical guidance and support to junior and mid-level staff.
• Strategic Contribution: Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the urban design team and the broader business, including service offering development and market positioning.

About You

• You possess a relevant tertiary qualification in Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related discipline.
• You bring an expected 10+ years of experience in urban design, with a significant portion of this gained within a consultancy environment in New South Wales.
• Proven track record in client management, business development, and winning new work.
• You have a demonstrated track record of successfully leading and delivering complex urban design projects, from strategic planning through to detailed design.
• Strong understanding of NSW planning policies and development controls is essential.
• Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and team management skills.

What’s On Offer

• The opportunity to lead a diverse range of significant projects that shape Sydney's urban landscape.
• A clear pathway for professional growth & an opportunity to take an equity stake in the business
• Access to a wide network of industry leaders and clients.
• A competitive remuneration package commensurate with your experience and leadership capabilities.
• A collaborative culture that values innovation, integrity, and work-life balance.

Role Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Design, Project Management, and Consulting
• Industries: Community Development and Urban Planning, Design Services, and Architecture and Planning