Lead Urban Designer & Master Planner

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Bonuses

Relocation assistance

Professional development

State-of-the-art design tools

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Lead Urban Designer & Master Planner to shape George's future urban landscape. You will lead master plans, feasibility studies, and detailed area plans, coordinating with government officials, developers, and communities to deliver resilient, vibrant urban spaces.

You will guide teams through inception to detailed design, ensuring compliance with planning policy and sustainability principles, while mentoring junior designers and driving stakeholder engagement

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in urban design and master planning with a proven track record.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and GIS; strong knowledge of SA planning policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of comprehensive urban master plans and detailed area plans.
• Conduct site analyses, feasibility studies, and spatial planning exercises.
• Engage with stakeholders to build consensus and gather input.
• Develop design concepts, visualizations, and presentations for proposals.
• Ensure designs align with planning legislation, policy, and sustainability principles.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (architects, engineers, enviro consultants).
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables for urban design projects.
• Mentor junior designers and planners within the team.
• Prepare planning applications and support clients through approvals.
• Research and apply best practices in urban design and placemaking.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading multidisciplinary design consultancy with a strong presence in George, Western Cape , is seeking an visionary Lead Urban Designer & Master Planner. This senior position involves shaping the future development of cities and communities through innovative and sustainable master planning. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of urban dynamics, policy frameworks, and design principles to create compelling and functional urban environments. You will lead projects from inception through to detailed design, coordinating with a wide array of stakeholders including government authorities, developers, and community groups. This is a unique chance to make a tangible impact on the urban fabric of George and its surrounding regions, working on projects that define future growth and livability. Our client is committed to fostering sustainable development practices and seeks a candidate who shares this passion for creating resilient and vibrant urban spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of comprehensive urban master plans, strategic development frameworks, and detailed area plans.
• Conduct site analysis, feasibility studies, and spatial planning exercises.
• Engage with stakeholders, including clients, government officials, and the public, to build consensus and gather input.
• Develop design concepts, visualizations, and presentations to effectively communicate urban design proposals.
• Ensure designs align with relevant planning legislation, policy, and sustainability principles.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, landscape architects, engineers, and environmental consultants.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables for urban design projects.
• Mentor and guide junior urban designers and planners within the team.
• Prepare planning applications and support clients through the approval process.
• Research and apply best practices in urban design, placemaking, and sustainable development.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in urban design and master planning, with a proven track record of successfully delivered projects.
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex urban planning projects, preferably in the Western Cape context.
• Proficiency in relevant design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and GIS.
• Strong understanding of South African planning legislation and policies.
• Exceptional analytical, conceptual, and creative design skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitation.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong leadership qualities and team management experience.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary package reflective of your expertise and experience.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional leadership.
• Involvement in landmark urban development projects shaping the future of George .
• A stimulating and collaborative work culture that encourages innovation.
• Contribution towards professional development courses and conferences.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Paid time off for professional development activities.
• Access to state-of-the-art design tools and technology.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.