Senior Associate

Randstad; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing learning & development

Wellness programs

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Randstad is recruiting a Senior Associate - Urban Planning for its Sydney practice. You will lead complex statutory and strategic planning projects across NSW, secure high-value client relationships, and mentor junior to mid-level planners.

The role offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement, a strong leadership platform, and a clear path toward Director-level opportunities within a national design and engineering network.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated history as a strong biller with a proven ability to originate new business, convert opportunities, and meet/exceed revenue targets.
• A well-established, leverageable network of contacts across the Sydney property, development, and private/public sector landscapes.
• 10+ years of statutory and strategic planning experience within an Australian consultancy (NSW/Sydney experience essential).
• Deep knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, local environmental plans, and Sydney's statutory controls.
• Ability to manage complex multidisciplinary projects, mentor junior-to-mid level planners, and maintain high standards of quality and profitability.
• Tertiary qualification in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or related discipline (PIA accreditation highly regarded).
• Sharp negotiation skills, confident pitch capabilities, and exceptional strategic report-writing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-value, complex Development Applications (DAs), Planning Proposals, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and strategic land-use projects.
• Origin new business, drive fee income, and secure repeat engagements.
• Nurture key client relationships and identify cross-selling opportunities across the business.
• Guide junior to mid-level planners and ensure delivery aligns with commercial targets and quality standards.
• Bid competitively and lead fee proposals and pitches with Directors.

Skills

Commercial Track Record

Industry Network

Planning Expertise

NSW Framework Mastery

Leadership & Team Growth

Executive Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in Urban Planning

PIA accreditation/membership desirable

Job description

Remuneration: $160,000 - $170,000 + Superannuation

Work Arrangement: Flexible / Hybrid

Senior Associate - Urban Planning

Location: Sydney CBD, New South Wales

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Remuneration: $160,000 - $170,000 + Superannuation

Work Arrangement: Flexible / Hybrid

About Our Client

Randstad has been engaged by a leading, highly respected multidisciplinary urban consultancy in Sydney. Known for integrating town planning, transport, landscape, and urban design, this firm works on some of New South Wales' most prominent commercial, residential, infrastructure, and mixed-use projects.

They boast an open, collaborative culture where senior leaders actively mentor staff, work side-by-side with clients, and encourage fresh, strategic thinking.

The Role

We are seeking a high-performing, commercial Senior Associate - Urban Planning to join our client's growing Sydney practice.

In this senior leadership position, you will take ownership of complex statutory and strategic planning projects across NSW, nurture high-level client relationships, and guide junior to mid-level consultants. Working alongside Directors and specialist consultants, you will play a pivotal role in driving business growth and delivering clear, pragmatic planning outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development & Revenue Generation: Proactively originate new work, leverage your existing Sydney / NSW market network, and drive fee income. We are seeking a commercial operator with a proven track record of winning work, securing repeat business, and converting proposals into billable fees.

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Function as a primary client contact and trusted advisor, managing key developer and institutional relationships while identifying cross-selling opportunities across the business.

• Project Delivery & Strategy: Lead high-value, complex Development Applications (DAs), Planning Proposals, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and strategic land-use projects, ensuring high technical standards and profitable project outcomes.

• Work Pipeline & Bidding: Work closely with Directors to target high-yield development sectors across NSW, leading competitive bids, fee proposals, and pitch presentations.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provide technical guidance, peer review, and career mentorship to junior and mid-level planners, ensuring team delivery matches the firm's commercial and quality standards.

About You

• Commercial Track Record: Demonstrated history as a strong biller with a proven ability to originate new business, convert opportunities, and meet/exceed revenue targets.

• Industry Network: A well-established, leverageable network of contacts across the Sydney property, development, and private/public sector landscapes.

• Planning Expertise: 10+ years of statutory and strategic planning experience within an Australian consultancy (NSW/Sydney experience is essential).

• NSW Framework Mastery: Deep knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, local environmental plans, and Sydney's statutory controls.

• Leadership & Team Growth: Ability to manage complex multidisciplinary projects, mentor junior-to-mid level planners, and maintain high standards of quality and profitability.

• Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related discipline (PIA accreditation/membership highly regarded).

• Executive Communication: Sharp negotiation skills, confident pitch capabilities, and exceptional strategic report-writing abilities.

What's on Offer

• Remuneration: Competitive salary package of $160,000 - $170,000 + Superannuation.

• Work-Life Balance: Genuine hybrid and flexible working options tailored to individual needs.

• Career Growth: Clear progression pathway toward Associate Director and Director levels.

• Culture: A progressive, flat-structured environment supported by a national network of design and engineering experts.

• Perks: Ongoing learning & development allowance, wellness programs, and performance-based bonuses.

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.