Senior Urban Designer

Willoughby City Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time role

RDOs

Fitness Passport

Job summary

Willoughby City Council is seeking a Senior Urban Designer to lead the development of public domain plans, urban design strategies, and masterplans for Willoughby’s spaces. You will prepare concept designs and 3D visuals to support city-shaping projects and manage design programs from concept to delivery.

You will collaborate with planners, engineers and landscape architects, mentor staff, and provide expert urban design advice on development proposals while conducting community consultations

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture or another built environment discipline.
• Current NSW Class C Driver's Licence.
• High proficiency in design software including AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and 3D modelling/visualisation tools.
• Experience delivering urban design, public domain or place-making projects.
• Strong graphic, written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations and community materials.
• Experience reviewing development applications and providing urban design advice.
• Knowledge of urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture and public domain design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of public domain plans, urban design strategies, guidelines and masterplans.
• Prepare concept designs, urban frameworks and 3D visualisations to support city-shaping projects.
• Manage urban design and public domain projects from concept through to implementation, including budgets and timelines.
• Provide expert urban design advice on development proposals and Council projects.
• Conduct community and stakeholder consultations and present outcomes clearly.
• Collaborate with planners, engineers and other specialists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and design guidance materials.

Skills

Urban design

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication

Public realm design

Concept development

Education

Urban Design or Landscape Architecture degree

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

3D modelling tools

Job description

Lead the design and delivery of high-quality public domain, urban design and place-making outcomes across the City.

Full-time opportunity, rostered days off (RDOs), and access to Fitness Passport.

Salary from $117,697.89 - $136,784.03 per annum plus 12% Super.

Make a Difference Where You Work

At Willoughby City Council, we're committed to creating a sustainable, inclusive and thriving community. We deliver essential services while embracing innovation, strategic thinking and responsible urban growth.

Reporting to the City Urban Designer, you will play a key role in shaping the future of Willoughby's public spaces, centres and neighbourhoods. Working within a dynamic team of urban designers, planners, landscape architects, transport planners and engineers, you will lead the development of urban design strategies, public domain plans and place-based projects while providing expert design advice across a range of planning and development initiatives.

Why Join Us?

Shape the Future of the City: Lead urban design projects that enhance public spaces, improve community outcomes and contribute to a vibrant and sustainable future for Willoughby.

Work Across a Diverse Portfolio: Contribute to strategic planning, public domain improvement projects, development assessments and city-shaping initiatives across a variety of urban environments.

Influence Better Design Outcomes: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, developers, consultants and the community to deliver high-quality urban design outcomes that leave a legacy.

About the Role

As the Senior Urban Designer, you will:

Lead the development of public domain plans, urban design strategies, guidelines and masterplans.

Prepare concept designs, urban frameworks, public domain plans and 3D visualisations to support city-shaping projects.

Manage urban design and public domain projects from concept through to implementation, including budgets, timelines and consultant management.

Provide expert urban design advice on development applications, planning proposals and Council projects.

Conduct community and stakeholder consultation activities and present project outcomes in a clear and engaging manner.

Research and develop urban design policies, standards and strategies that support high-quality built environment outcomes.

Collaborate with planners, engineers, landscape architects and other specialists on multidisciplinary projects.

Prepare technical reports, presentations and design guidance materials.

Liaise with Council solicitors and prepare documentation for Land and Environment Court matters, including appearing as an expert witness where required.

Mentor and support Council staff in the application of urban design principles and best practice.

What You’ll Bring

Tertiary qualifications in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture or another relevant built environment discipline.

Current NSW Class C Driver's Licence.

High proficiency in design software including AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and relevant 3D modelling and visualisation tools.

Demonstrated experience delivering urban design, public domain or place-making projects.

Strong graphic, written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations and community consultation materials.

Exceptional stakeholder engagement, consultation and negotiation skills.

Experience reviewing development applications and providing urban design advice.

Knowledge of urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture and public domain design principles.

Experience managing multiple complex projects and delivering outcomes within agreed timeframes and budgets.

Ability to prepare project plans, business cases and strategic documentation.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Knowledge of Land and Environment Court processes and experience preparing expert advice.

Experience working within Local Government, State Government or a similar environment.

For more information, contact: Wil Robertson, City Urban Designer at *************@Willoughby.nsw.gov.au or on [phone].

Applications should address all the key responsibilities outlined in the Position Description. ThePositionDescription(PD)islocatedintheJobAttachmentssectionofthejoblisting.

Successful candidates may be required to undertake pre-employment screening including police and qualification checks.

Applications close: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 11:30pm

Applications need to be submitted in PDF format.

Please note recruitment activity may commence before the closing date.

At Willoughby City Council, inclusion, diversity and belonging are core to how we work and how we recruit. We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community – one where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to contribute fully. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, LGBTIQA+ communities, veterans, and people of all ages. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. We are committed to ensuring an accessible, inclusive and barrier-free experience for every candidate.