Lead Urban Planner and Architect

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Private healthcare

Retirement annuity

Study leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Urban Planner and Architect in Benoni, Gauteng. The role combines architectural design leadership with strategic urban planning to steer regeneration projects and create sustainable, equitable cityscapes.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, liaise with municipal authorities, and drive master planning from concept to construction documentation, ensuring compliance with SA planning laws while delivering socially and economically viable developments.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and accreditation required.
• 10+ years in urban planning and architectural design, including leadership experience.
• Experience with SA planning laws and large development projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop urban master plans and strategic development frameworks.
• Lead architectural design for large urban projects from concept to documentation.
• Conduct feasibility studies and site analyses for new initiatives.
• Engage with government officials, communities, and developers for alignment.
• Mentor urban planners, architects and designers in a collaborative culture.
• Ensure compliance with planning legislation, zoning, and environmental rules.
• Prepare and present reports, proposals and design concepts to varied audiences.
• Oversee integration of infrastructure, transportation and public spaces.
• Champion sustainable urban development and placemaking.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree in Urban Planning or Architecture

Professional SACPLAN/SACAP accreditation

Tools

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prestigious development consultancy based in Benoni, Gauteng , is actively seeking a highly accomplished Lead Urban Planner and Architect. This influential position requires an individual with a dual expertise in architectural design and strategic urban planning, capable of guiding large-scale urban regeneration and development projects. You will be instrumental in shaping the future cityscape of Benoni and surrounding areas, ensuring developments are not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially equitable, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable. This role demands a forward-thinking professional who can integrate complex planning regulations with innovative architectural solutions. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, liaise with municipal authorities, and drive master planning initiatives that redefine urban living. It's an exceptional chance to leave a lasting legacy on the built environment and influence urban policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive urban master plans and strategic development frameworks.
• Lead the architectural design aspects of large urban development projects, from conceptualization through to construction documentation.
• Conduct feasibility studies, site analysis, and impact assessments for new urban initiatives.
• Engage with local government officials, community stakeholders, and developers to ensure alignment and buy-in for planning proposals.
• Manage and mentor a team of urban planners, architects, and designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant planning legislation, zoning ordinances, and environmental regulations.
• Prepare and present compelling reports, presentations, and design proposals to various audiences.
• Oversee the integration of infrastructure, transportation, and public spaces within development plans.
• Champion sustainable urban development principles and innovative placemaking strategies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, or a closely related field.
• Professional accreditation with SACPLAN and/or SACAP.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in urban planning and architectural design, with at least 4 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of South African planning laws, policies, and development processes.
• Proven experience in managing complex urban development projects from inception to completion.
• Proficiency in urban planning software (e.g., ArcGIS, AutoCAD) and architectural design tools (e.g., Revit).
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Experience in public consultation and stakeholder engagement is essential.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating successful urban planning and architectural design projects.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary, benchmarked against industry leaders, along with an attractive performance-based bonus structure.
• The package includes comprehensive private healthcare, a significant retirement annuity contribution, and generous study leave for further professional development.
• Employees are encouraged to attend international conferences and workshops.

Join our client in Benoni, Gauteng and be at the forefront of shaping the future of urban environments.