Senior Urban Designer

Sutherland Shire Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 112,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness passport

Employee assistance program

Annual flu shots

Health and wellbeing programme

Novated lease options

Job summary

Sutherland Shire Council in Sydney is seeking a Senior Urban Designer to provide specialist urban design and heritage advice across strategic planning and development assessment matters. Reporting to the Team Leader Strategic Planning, you will lead place plans, studies, and policy initiatives guiding future development of the Sutherland Shire.

The role requires collaboration with Council, government agencies, consultants, industry representatives and the community to achieve high-quality

Qualifications

• Must have tertiary qualifications in architecture, heritage architecture or urban design.
• Experience in local or state government urban design projects is essential.
• Expertise in assessing development proposals with heritage considerations is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide urban design and heritage advice on strategic planning and development proposals.
• Prepare and review urban design studies, master plans and place planning projects.
• Support development of Council strategies, policies and planning controls.
• Manage consultants and project delivery.
• Represent Council in stakeholder and community engagement activities.

Skills

Urban design

Heritage planning

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Strategic planning

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Tertiary qualifications in architecture, heritage architecture, or urban design

Job description

• Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to sustainable urban development.
• Contribute your expertise in urban design and heritage planning.
• Engage with the community and stakeholders to shape livable spaces.
• Be part of high-profile projects that make a tangible difference in the Sutherland Shire.

About Us

Sutherland Shire Council is committed to leading the way in urban development and planning, ensuring our community thrives in a sustainable and vibrant environment. Our Urban Futures team is at the forefront of this mission, focusing on innovative solutions for growth and resilience.

We believe in collaboration and inclusivity, working closely with various stakeholders to create spaces that reflect the unique character and needs of our community. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to impact the Sutherland Shire positively.

About The Role

The Senior Urban Designer is responsible for providing specialist urban design and heritage advice across a range of strategic planning and development assessment matters. Reporting to the Team Leader Strategic Planning, you will lead and contribute to the delivery of place plans, strategic studies, urban design projects and policy initiatives that help guide the future development of the Sutherland Shire.

The role requires collaboration across Council, government agencies, consultants, industry representatives and the community to achieve high-quality planning and urban design outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing urban design and heritage advice on strategic planning and development proposals.
• Preparing and reviewing urban design studies, master plans and place planning projects.
• Supporting the development of Council strategies, policies and planning controls.
• Managing consultants and project delivery.
• Representing Council in stakeholder and community engagement activities.

Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate for this role will possess a strong background in urban design and strategic planning, with a focus on heritage and community engagement.

• Tertiary qualifications in architecture, heritage architecture, or urban design.
• Experience in local or state government urban design projects.
• Expertise in assessing development proposals with heritage considerations.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Additionally, you will have excellent analytical and communication skills, with a proven ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.

• Get your application in by 11.59pm: Wednesday 14 October 2026
• Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within 2 weeks of the closing date
• Package: $111,776-$124,574 gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation.
• Hours of work: Permanent Full-Time.Working 35 hours per week. You will have the option of a 19 day month with Council's ADO system (Accrued Day Off).
• To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Beth Morris, Strategic Planning Manager [e-mail] for any job specific enquiries.
Alison Wady, Talent Acquisition Business Partner [e-mail] can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

Sutherland Shire Council values the skills and attributes Veterans can bring to our Council. We understand that transitioning to roles outside of Defence can feel challenging. If you're unsure where to begin or would appreciate guidance throughout the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us.