Project Leader

ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects; Sydney; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ClarkeHopkinsClarke (CHC) in Sydney seeks a hands-on Project Leader to drive meaningful architectural projects across NSW and beyond. You will lead from inception to completion, balancing delivery with planning approvals, design development and documentation, while mentoring graduates and collaborating with diverse teams.

The role requires 4–8+ years' experience, strong Revit skills, and a proven ability to manage clients and stakeholders across multiple project phases.

Qualifications

• Qualified architect with 4–8+ years of professional experience.
• Strong experience across planning approvals, design development and documentation.
• Proven ability to lead projects through multiple phases and mentor others.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects through all stages from concept design to construction completion.
• Manage programmes, budgets, quality and compliance outcomes.
• Prepare and coordinate development applications and planning submissions.
• Contribute to documentation, detailing and design resolution.
• Coordinate consultants, authorities and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain client, consultant and contractor relationships.
• Lead and mentor graduates and emerging architects.
• Manage contract administration and construction phase services.
• Support project delivery with proactive problem-solving and risk management.

Skills

Project leadership

Client/stakeholder management

Design development

Mentoring graduates

Problem solving

Education

Architecture degree

Tools

Revit

Documentation packages

Job description

At ClarkeHopkinsClarke (CHC), we're passionate about creating places that strengthen communities and improve lives. For more than 60 years we've partnered with clients across education, health, aged care, community, residential, retail and commercial sectors to deliver meaningful, people-focused architecture. Our projects shape the places where people learn, heal, connect and belong. As a proud Certified B Corporation™, we're committed to using business as a force for good, balancing purpose with performance and creating positive outcomes for our people, clients, communities and the environment.

We're looking for a Project Leader to join our growing Sydney studio and play a key role in delivering impactful projects across New South Wales and beyond.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on architectural professional who enjoys balancing project leadership with project delivery. You'll work closely with Partners, Associates and project teams, leading projects from inception through to completion while remaining actively involved in planning approvals, design development, technical resolution and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects through all stages, from concept design to construction completion.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, quality and compliance outcomes.
• Prepare and coordinate Development Applications (DA), planning submissions and approval pathways.
• Contribute to documentation, technical detailing and design resolution.
• Coordinate consultants, authorities and project stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong client, consultant and contractor relationships.
• Lead and mentor graduates and emerging architects.
• Manage contract administration and construction phase services.
• Support successful project delivery through proactive problem-solving and risk management.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional design outcomes.

This role will suit someone who enjoys taking ownership, building strong client relationships and mentoring others, while still being close to the work and contributing to project outcomes day to day.

About You

We're looking for someone who is proactive, technically capable and enjoys taking ownership of projects.

You'll bring:

• A qualification in Architecture.
• 4-8+ years' professional experience.
• Strong experience across planning approvals, design development and documentation.
• Proven experience leading projects through multiple project phases.
• Excellent Revit skills and confidence preparing coordinated documentation packages.
• Strong client, consultant and stakeholder management capability.Sound understanding of statutory planning, compliance and contract administration.
• Strong commercial awareness and project management skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively while managing multiple priorities.

What Will Set You Apart

We're particularly interested in candidates who:

• Enjoy being both a leader and a doer.
• Have experience managing DA and town planning approval processes.
• Can confidently move between client meetings, planning submissions and documentation delivery.
• Enjoy mentoring team members while remaining accountable for project outcomes.
• Are looking to contribute to a growing Sydney studio and help shape its future success.

Why Join CHC?

At CHC, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead projects that positively impact communities.
• Work across diverse sectors and project typologies.
• Collaborate with highly experienced architects and industry leaders.
• Influence project outcomes while continuing to develop your leadership capability.
• Mentor and support the next generation of architects.
• Access professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Join a Certified B Corp committed to creating positive social and environmental impact.

A Culture Where Everyone Belongs

At ClarkeHopkinsClarke, we know our strength comes from the diversity of our people.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, identities, abilities and experiences.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed above, we encourage you to apply. We recognise that great people bring different experiences, perspectives and potential.